How to Dismantle a Steel Shed

You may need to use a ladder while dismantling a steel shed.

There are many types of steel sheds, ranging from small tool spaces to large farm equipment storage units. The steel shed's size determines the type of equipment you will need to deconstruct the structures in a safe manner. Steel shed fasteners include screws, clips, nuts, bolts and rivets. Each require specific tools for removal.

Things You'll Need

• Ladder
• Scaffolding (optional)
• Scissor lift (optional)
• Forklift (optional)
• Crane (optional)
• Pry bar
• Screw gun
• Hammer
• Reciprocating saw

Instructions

1. Turn off any utilities, such as electricity, gas and water, to the building. If you're not sure about how to turn off a utility to the building, contact a utility company for instructions prior to continuing.

2. Clean the shed's inside and outside areas. Remove any debris, paneling or shelving. Use tools such as a hammer, ripping bar and a screw gun to remove screws and nails.

3. Remove the shed's doors and windows. Use a screw gun with a Philips bit to remove the screws that secure these fixtures into place. To remove the screw fasteners more quickly, use a reciprocating saw fitted with a blade designed to cut metal. Slide the blade between the window or door fixture frame and the wall opening and then cut the fasteners.

4. Use an A-frame ladder, scaffolding or a scissor lift to access the roof of the shed. Remove the fasteners that secure the roof panels in place and slide them off. For high roof panels, slide the panels into the basket of a scissor lift or tie a rope around the panel and lower it to the ground.

5. Remove the shed's side panels, starting at the top of the structure and working down. Use a scissor lift, A-frame ladder or scaffolding to access the panels if needed.

6. Deconstruct the shed shell starting at the roof and working down. The shell may be held together with screw fasteners or bolts and nuts, depending on the size of your shed. Use the appropriate tools, such as a ratchet with sockets or a screw gun fitted with a Philips bit, to remove the fasteners. For large steel beams, use a crane or a large forklift such as a telescoping Gradell outfitted with straps.

References

• Hgtv: Tear Down this Shed