Beach Hut Maintenance Guide 

Spring is the time to start preparing for the new hut season. and is probably the busiest time of the year. A winter of storms often leads to maintenance to your hut that’s sometimes unexpected. Here are some areas to look out for…

Check your roof – make sure your roof coverings are secure and waterproof.

General maintenance – Spring is an ideal time to touch up your hut. Any general maintenance is required, including painting, and replacing any weather damaged timbers.

Protect from fire risk – remove any debris from under the hut which may have accumulated over the winter.

Prevent dampness & mildew – wipe all interior walls, empty or replace any desiccant water traps. Try to ventilate your hut without compromising its security.

Prevent intruders and vandals – make sure windows and doors haven’t swollen or warped out of shape and that they fit properly in their frames. Make sure locks and padlocks haven’t corroded and are fit for purpose.

Avoid liability risks – check to make sure the hut and area around it is safe and secure, including fascia boards, steps, bases, verandas and tethered boats.

Summer is the time to enjoy your beach hut with family and friends. With so many people at the beach you need to be aware of increased dangers to your hut.

BBQs – never use accelerants such as petrol and don’t leave the barbeque unattended. Never take a portable BBQ into your hut or use it in an enclosed space and don’t dispose of it in a bin whilst hot; leave it beside the bin. 

Avoid fire risk – remove any litter, driftwood or debris that could be used as a fire source, make sure gas is turned off and keep your hut in good repair to deter firesetters. Before leaving your hut unattended, check that any sources of ignition are removed.

Keep watch – be sure to keep an eye on your hut and your neighbours’, reporting any damage early as this can prevent further damage.

Warm weather means a higher chance of vandalism & malicious damage – report intruders, secure your beach hut with good quality locks, locking all windows and doors when you leave. A cared-for hut is less likely to suffer from crime or antisocial behaviour. Don’t leave materials around the hut that could be used to damage the hut, e.g. large stones or driftwood.

Be secure – don’t leave keys or other valuables unattended or on display – keep them safely on your person or locked away. Remember to take valuables with you when you leave your hut. If using your bike at the beach, make sure you have a good bike lock and secure it to a bike rack or lamp post.

For many, this means the end of the traditional hut season and it’s a time to take care of your hut, getting ready for the winter weather.

Be prepared for rain and wind – make sure roof coverings are fixed down, secure and complete.

General maintenance – Autumn is an ideal time to touch up your hut, any general maintenance required, including painting or replacing rotting

timbers.

Secure your hut – make sure all windows and doors are locked. Make sure locks are fit for purpose and of good quality.

Preserve your padlocks – protect them from rusting by spraying them with a lubricant. Wipe with petroleum jelly, wrap with cling film and then tie a plastic bag tight around the padlock.

Avoid fire risk – remove debris such as driftwood or paper from under the hut. Make sure the gas is turned off.

Prevent damp and mildew – remove fabric items from your hut. A desiccant water trap placed in the middle of your hut will catch any moisture. Try to ventilate your hut without compromising its security.

Prevent rodents – empty your bins and remove all perishable food and put a plug in your sink.

Many people close up their huts for winter. Beach huts are particularly vulnerable during the winter months, not only to storms but to fire and vandalism too. Here are some useful ideas to protect your hut…. 

Protect your hut from the weather – Check that your roof coverings are fixed down with galvanised pins and roof battens. Remove lightweight solar panels if needed. Check on shutters and that sealant around the doors is effective. Check decking, verandas and balustrades for rot and protect where required. Remove any algae from decking areas. 

Avoid vermin damage – Check your flooring for any concealed areas that could be exposed to vermin damage. 

Avoid fire risk – remove debris such as wood and paper from underneath and around your hut. Make sure the gas is turned off and open taps on cookers, hobs and barbecues to draw through any excess gas. 

Be secure – lock your hut with heavy-duty padlocks bolts and security bars. Preserve your padlocks and protect them from rusting by spraying them with a lubricant. Wipe with petroleum jelly, wrap with cling film and then tie a plastic bag tight around the padlock. 

Prevent damp and mildew by removing fabric items from your hut. A desiccant water trap; placed in the middle of your hut; will catch any moisture. Make sure doors are shut properly to prevent warping. Try to leave some ventilation whilst maintaining the security of your hut. 

Prevent rodents - Empty any bins, remove all perishable food and put a plug in the sink to deter those rodents.