How to Block Off Under Shed

Ever wondered how to block off under shed and keep those pesky critters out? You're not alone. Many shed owners face the challenge of unwanted guests like skunks, raccoons, or even rodents setting up camp under their sheds.

From our experience at Homestead Supplier, sealing off the area under your shed not only keeps animals out but also protects from bottom of shed rotting. Let's dive into the steps you can take to effectively block off under your shed.

How to Block Off Under Shed

Blocking off under your shed might seem like a daunting task, but with a little know-how and the right materials, you can do it yourself. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you get the job done:

Step 1: Choose Your Materials

The first step is to decide on the material you'll use to close off the space under your shed. From our experience, some of the best materials include:

• Bricks Or Cinder Blocks: These provide excellent durability and a solid barrier.
• Landscape Blocks: These are practical for keeping animals out and don't require a footing.
• Welded Mesh Or Hardware Cloth: These are great options for adding a durable, dig-proof barrier.

Each material has its pros and cons. For instance, bricks and cinder blocks offer strong protection but require more labor, while welded mesh is a flexible solution that can be combined with other materials like rocks or blocks.

Whenever working with the underside of your shed, we also recommend having a clear understanding of how to jack up a shed.

Step 2: Prepare The Area

Before you start the installation, ensure the area under your shed is free of any existing animals.

Pro Tip: Place newspaper or sticks in any openings and monitor them for a few days to see if they are disturbed, which indicates animal activity.

Once you're sure the coast is clear, clear the ground around your shed. If you're using bricks or blocks, you'll need to excavate a trench that's deep enough to set your materials below the frost line, which will prevent them from shifting over time.

Step 3: Install The Barrier

For Bricks Or Cinder Blocks:

1. Excavate a trench that's about 8 inches wide and deep enough to go below the frost line.
2. Pour a concrete footing for the bricks or blocks to sit on.
3. Lay the bricks or blocks in place, ensuring each layer is level. Use mortar to secure them.
4. Consider adding a flashing on top to protect the lower portions of your shed from moisture.

For Welded Mesh Or Hardware Cloth:

1. Dig a trench around the base perimeter of your shed, about 7 inches deep and at least a foot out from the shed.
2. Cut the mesh to size, making sure it's tall enough to cover the base perimeter and extend into the trench.
3. Secure the mesh to the base of your shed using screws and washers.
4. Fill the trench with large rocks to prevent animals from digging under the mesh.

For Landscape Blocks:

1. Lay the blocks directly on the ground around the base of the shed.
2. Stack them to the desired height.
3. Optionally, add a metal flashing on top to further deter animals.

Step 4: Secure The Perimeter

After installing your barrier, it's essential to secure it to prevent any digging underneath. If you've used bricks or blocks, backfill the trench with soil and tamp it down firmly.

If using mesh, ensure it is securely fastened to the shed's base. After putting it to the test, we've found that filling the trench with large rocks can add an extra layer of protection by making it harder for animals to dig through.

Conclusion

By blocking off the space under your shed, you not only prevent animals from taking up residence but also protect the structure from potential damage caused by moisture and shifting ground.

Taking the time to follow these steps ensures your shed remains sturdy, safe, and free from pests.

If you're ready to enhance your outdoor space with a high-quality shed, check out the shed kits available from Homestead Supplier.

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