National Home Security Month: Outdoor Security

It’s the 4^th week of National Home Security Month. This week is focussed on outside protection and as you know, here at Asgard we know all about that!  During the winter it is especially important to keep your outdoor items safe and secure, as the cover of darkness gives burglars and thieves more opportunities to strike.

Garden sheds and garages are easy targets for thieves, as they can be quickly broken into without disturbing the household. These type of thieves can strike without you even knowing its happened, so it is important to make sure you have provided your garden shed or garage with the best possible defences.  Think of all of the expensive equipment you have stored inside your shed, power tools, lawnmowers, bikes and the children’s toys. These would be costly to replace and your insurance may not cover it.

Don’t make it easy for thieves to get in your garden shed

How to keep your garden shed or garage safe:

• Always lock your shed/garage – this is simple and easy to do, but you’d be surprised at how many people forget.
• Secure shed doors by fitting a strong hasp and staple.
• Secure shed door hinges with coach bolts or non-turnable screws.
• Replace any rotten wood – as this is easy to break.
• Fit alarm to your garage or shed – try this motion sensor alarm.
• Chain items such as bikes, ladders and lawnmowers to a strong anchor point.
• Mark all items in your shed with your postcode.
• Check that your insurance covers your shed/garage.

If your garden shed isn’t up to the task of storing your items securely and you want to increase the security of your items, then an Asgard high security garden shed is what you need. These tough metal storage units have been designed to stop thieves in their tracks and leave your garden items safe!

High security garden storage.

Asgard high security garden sheds are available in a selection of sizes and have been approved by the Loss Prevention Certification Board to Level 1, which may help to reduce insurance premiums.  To keep all of your items safe, these sheds are made from weatherproof steel and are fitted with a number of heavy duty features including a 5 point locking system and reinforced components.

Interesting Shed Facts

Since National Shed Week is about to start, we thought we would share some unusual shed facts with you.

Shed Facts

1. If you laid all the sheds in the world end to end they would wrap around the planet six and a half times.

2. The Garden Shed was voted into the Millennium Dome’s national identity display as one of the top symbols of Britishness.

3. Last year Britain spent £85 million on sheds.

4. The number of homes in Britain with a garden shed is 9.6 million and 52% of the population own one.

5. Delia Smith makes up her recipes in one, George Bernard Shaw wrote ‘Pygmalion’ in his and the inventor Trevor Bayliss build the prototype for his clockwork radio in his garden shed.

6. English Heritage has recently honoured 52 listed sheds in a photographic exhibition celebrating them as architectural treasures.

7. TV’s most famous shed belongs to the Fowler family in ‘Eastenders’, but Arthur would turn in his grave if he knew that since his death it has been used as a ‘passion pad’, a place to harbour criminals and for his young son Martin to grow cannabis.

8. If you type the work ‘SHED’ into Google it lists 5,380,000 sites, with 1,740,000 devoted to them.

9. In a recent survey more than a third of those questioned would like to install a hot tub in their garden shed.

10. In 1995 police arrested a teenager in Detroit for attempting to construct a Nuclear Breeder Reactor in his parents’ potting shed, for his Boy Scout Merit Badge.

National Shed week  2013 will be taking place from the 1^st July to the 7^th. You can celebrate the Great British shed with Asgard. For this week only you can save 5% on all metal garden storage units from Asgard.

Asgard metal garden sheds

You can also take part in the garden shed competition for a chance to win £25 of Homebase vouchers. So what are you waiting for? Get involved now!

A metal storage shed – a ‘must-have’ for Allotment Growers

Do you have an allotment?

Over a quarter of a million people in the UK currently hold an allotment plot.  Allotment gardening has always been a popular option for those of you who don’t mind getting their hands dirty in soil and spend time nurturing flowers and vegetable plants, but may not always have the space in their garden.  Apart from providing low cost food, they also provide valuable recreational opportunities involving healthy activity and social contacts.

How does your garden grow?

Taking on an allotment plot is not all hard work; it can have many advantages, providing fresh home grown vegetables, fruit and flowers for you and your family, free from artificial additives and at a fraction of that you would have expected to pay in a supermarket or greengrocer.

There is also the social side, meeting new friends with similar interests and enabling you to enjoy a healthy outdoor life with gentle exercise and a place to relax and unwind.

Did you know: The first legislative reforms date back to the Enclosures Act of 1845. Today, the Council has a statutory requirement to provide allotments for the public.

Is your allotment secure?

As many allotments are independently or council owned, they will often have different levels of security.  Many allotment sites suffer from vandalism and theft, from minor incidents such as disappearing Fruit and Veg, ranging to major incidents where sheds located on one site have been broken into and vandalism, smashing of glass in greenhouses, breaking tools, dumping rubbish and damaging frames.

Keep your tools under lock and key 

Always try and keep all your gardening tools locked up and out of sight in allotment huts and sheds.  Not only do they provide shelter from the rain for expensive tools, gardening equipment and clothing, they provide much needed security for your allotment.

Secure Storage units for your allotments

If you need a secure storage unit installed in your allotment, you can choose from a range of metal storage sheds from Asgard in various sizes according to your needs.  The Asgard Addition is a popular choice for many gardens and allotments due to its compact size and multi-purpose storage space.  Built from our tough, galvanised (weather proof) steel with an integral metal floor and convenient large double door access this unit features an excellent 3-point locking system.

Asgard Addition storage unit – Great for allotment storage!

Smart and stylish, the Asgard Addition metal shed unit is available in a choice of 3 colours – dark green, ivory and brown enabling you to match the unit to your environment, and ensure your allotment is looking neat and tidy.

Top Tip: We recommend that you check the area available to install your shed before installation, and confirm with the allotment regulations before installation.

Want to grow your own?

Whether you are budding vegetable grower or a seasoned gardener, visit the Allotment diaries website for more ideas on making the most of your allotment.  For a ‘Plot Holders’ Guide’ from the Department for Communities and Local Government (DCLG) click here.

To view our full range of outdoor storage units and unit sizes, visit our website http://www.asgardsss.co.uk for further details.  We also offer free delivery and an installation service is also available for added convenience.

Time for a Barbeque Party?

Are you planning a BBQ party?  With the Football and Wimbledon season in full swing, are you making the most of the lovely summer weather in the garden?

Everyone is rolling out their grills and dusting off the patio furniture. Summertime is meant for backyard gatherings with great food and drink with family and friends.  Whether its steak, chicken, ribs or veggies, barbecuing is a fun and easy way to make a delicious fun meal and keep your friends and family coming back for more!

Summer garden BBQ party – you’re invited!

Safety check – Before you plan your party and invite everyone round, make sure you are fully prepared.  If you are using Gas for your Barbeque, you will need to check that the gas bottles will be stored safely and secured to prevent any accidents.

The best way to store gas bottles is in a robust metal storage unit, such as the Asgas 38 gas bottle storage unit.  Built from weatherproof steel, the Asgard gas bottle storage range is available in 3 different designs to suit the three most popular gas bottle sizes.

Asgard Gas Bottle Storage – Handy for BBQ’s

All of our gas bottle storage units have been designed in conjunction with Calor gas and are the only units on the market to be selected as Calor Choice products.

Security check – Without realising it, the costs of BBQ equipment do add up; with a BBQ grill, gas bottles, patio heating, garden furniture and lighting equipment, we recommend that they are kept locked away when they are not being used.  The best way to store them would be in a secure outdoor storage unit, such as the Asgard Classic metal storage unit, which will ensure they are kept safe and dry until the next BBQ party.

Store all your expensive garden equipment and BBQ safe and secure in the Asgard Classic outdoor storage unit.

The Asgard Classic Garden Storage unit provides high security outdoor storage of expensive garden equipment and furniture.  Built with a thick, heavy galvanised steel panel construction and large double door access, the Classic metal shed is an ideal store for all your high value garden equipment.  Fitted with a strong 5-point locking system with Loss Prevention Certification Board approval (to level 1), you can be assured this storage unit offers excellent garden equipment storage security.

If your planning a BBQ party and need some recipe ideas and help with setting up the BBQ grill visit the website from Calor Gas BBQ website here.

Don’t forget to get yourself the coolest new BBQ gadgets this summer at http://bit.ly/BBQmust-haves – Your BBQ party wont be complete without it!

For a full range of secure metal storage units for your garden visit our website now http://www.asgardsss.co.uk.

NEW Asgard High Security Garden Shed

The newest addition the Asgard high security shed range is here, the Annexe metal garden shed. This new high security shed has been designed to provide your garden with the toughest secure storage.  Asgard metal sheds are designed and manufactured in the UK to the highest standards, this new high security shed is no different and is fitted from top to bottom with tough heavy duty features.

Annexe high security garden shed

Inside this metal shed there is plenty of room for expensive gardening equipment and power tools, which will all be locked away safely to give you peace of mind.  This high security shed is made from weatherproof steel panels and is fitted with a robust shed locking system, which features a pick resistant euro cylinder lock to keep thieves out!

Weatherproof steel shed

Additional features also include a full integral metal floor and reinforced doors, hinges and panels.  All of these heavy duty features have resulted in this high security shed being approved by the Loss Prevention Certification Board to level 1, which may help to reduce insurance premiums. Find out more about this metal shed on the Asgard wesbsite.

How much is your garden shed worth?

Is your garden full to the brim? You’ll be surprised at how much the items stored in your garden shed are worth.  A study conducted by Net Voucher Codes, found that in the average garden shed £2080 worth of items can be found.

Worryingly this study also revealed that 29% of people don’t put a lock on their sheds.

Valuable items in your garden shed

• The most valuable items found in a garden shed are bikes, with the average family storing £600 worth.
• On average we have £450 worth of garden tools
• The average amount of garden furniture we have adds up to £350
• Lawnmowers in our shed average at £250
• Children’s toys average at £230

Now that you know the amount of money that is sitting in your garden shed, you should become more careful when it comes to storing your items securely.  Putting a lock on your garden shed is the very least you can do to protect your garden shed from theft. As we know, garden shed theft is a very real problem and these only increase during the summer months.

A garden shed alarm is also another way to protect your stored garden items. A motion sensor shed alarm is available from Asgard, the home of secure steel storage.

Asgard metal garden shed

However, if you would like something more substantial, Asgard has a range of metal garden sheds. These are sturdier and more robust than the average wooden garden shed.  Made from tough weatherproof steel, these metal garden sheds are fitted with tough pick resistant locks to help keep thieves out. Find out more about Asgard on their website.

Metal storage for gardens

Metal garden sheds are becoming more and more popular with gardeners as they offer more for their buck, compared to wooden sheds, with more security features and little maintenance. Take a look at the key features of Asgard metal garden sheds.

Metal Garden Sheds from Asgard

1. Galvanised steel

All Asgard metal garden sheds are made from Weatherproof steel, for the toughest storage.

2. 10 year warranty

All Asgard sheds are suuplied with a 10yr warranty as standard.

3. No exposed screws

There are no dangerous exposed screws or sharp edges.

4. Accessories

Shed accessories such as hooks and shelves are available to purchase and allow you to maximise your storage space.

5. Ventilation system

Asgard sheds are fitted with a unique ventilation system to minimise condensation.

6. Integral metal floor

The integral metal floor adds more security to the metal shed.

7. Low maintenance

Metal sheds are low maintenance.

8. Easy assembly

Even though they are big, Asgard large metal garden sheds are easy to assemble and come with step by step instructions. An installation service is also available.

9. Pick resistant locking mechanism

This pick resistant locking mechanism helps keep your stored items safe.

10. Tough locking system

Tough locking systems help keep thieves away!

Spring gardening guide

With the May bank holiday just around the corner, it’s safe to say that spring has finally sprung and after many months of bad weather, people are deciding now is the time to get out in the garden. You may be overwhelmed by the state that winter has left your garden in, but here are a few simple tips to help you start the big clear up and allow you to enjoy your garden.

Clear up

To get your garden back on track, start with the big clear up.  Cut back trees and shrubs that have grown too big and cut back any dead plant material. Remove all the weeds you can find, to save you a lot of work later on. Now is a good time to pull out weeds as their roots are still shallow.

Prepare your soil

Get your flower beds ready by digging and preparing the soil. Use a fork to dig the soil, this will allow you to loosen the soil and remove any hidden weeds.  Add some good quality compost or well-rotted manure and your flower beds will be ready for planting.

Start your spring gardening now

Planting

Decide on the type of plants you want, choose plants that complement one another and grow well together. Get summer flowering bulbs which can be planted in early spring, as these will provide you with a bright summer display.

Bring your lawn back to life

Mow your lawn regularly and apply lawn feed to bring your lawn back to life.

Fix fences and trellis

You may find that the wet and windy weather has had a disastrous effect on your fences and trellis, leaving them looking worse for wear. Repair any damage and in dry weather treat the wood with a preservative.

Before you start any of your spring gardening tasks, check all of your gardening equipment and give them a clean if necessary. Make sure your garden shed is in tip top condition too. If you have a wooden garden shed, these can be prone to leaks and damage during the winter. You may find that after the harsh weather we have had, your shed will need replacing. Don’t risk getting another wooden shed, try a metal garden shed instead. This will save your pocket in the long term as they do not require the same maintenance as a wooden shed and last a lot longer. A full range of metal garden sheds are available from Asgard.

Men and their sheds

A recent survey carried out by Cuprinol has found some interesting statistics on men and their sheds. A man’s shed has always been associated with an ‘escape’ or ‘haven’, a special place that men can have all to themselves.

This survey has revealed that:

• 65% of Britons own a garden shed and out of those surveyed it was found that 21% of men flee to their shed to avoid family arguments.
• 12% of men also admitted to preferring time spent in the shed compared to time with their families.
• 49% of those surveyed said they would be lost without their sheds
• 6% said that they would like to be buried inside their garden shed

This survey shows just how much we Brits love our garden sheds.

If you are looking for a new ‘haven’ or ‘escape’, take a look at the Asgard range of metal garden sheds. With a wide range to suit all needs, you are bound to find the perfect shed retreat for you.

Information taken from The Telegraph

Unique Valentine’s day idea for Men

With less then a week to go until Valentine’s Day, many women will be wondering about the ideal gift for the man in their life.

Surprise him with a picnic in the garden!

Whilst a bunch of roses or a box of chocolates is a traditional gesture, why not go one step further this year and buy him a new Garden Shed?  If you want to do something a little different or just need some gift inspiration, we’ll help you make this Valentine’s Day extra special with an Asgard garden shed to enjoy all year round.

Every man loves his space, and he will definitely love this stylish Garden Shed from Asgard.

The Flexistore metal garden shed gives you a quality alternative to the traditional wooden shed. With attractive styling and excellent build quality our units look good anywhere, providing secure storage year after year.

As with all of our ISO accredited products this secure metal shed is made from our strong, thick, galvanized steel, which is then coated with hardwearing polyester powder coat paint.  This process makes all of our sheds not only weatherproof but also tough and durable.

This metal shed is an excellent all rounder for both the amateur and professional gardener – and you can be sure he will appreciate such a unique gift for years to come.

For more information on the Asgard range of Garden Sheds – visit the Asgard website http://www.asgardsss.co.uk.