Expert: Dan Griffin - 5/5/2011

Question
Hey, I need the help of an expert as im pretty much at the end of my thoughts about my leaning shed.  My shed sits on level ground but the top leans about 2 inches.  The roof and floor are level.  I tried to make a poor mans come along and tried to pull the top of the shed back into level state.  But alas my 300 lbs come alongs screws could not hold the weight.  The side leaning towards the left sits two feet from my fence.  I thought about removing the fence to try to brace it.  But I was wondering if there is another way without having to remove my nailed wooden 6 ft fence or buy expensive tools.  I plan to use metal and wood angle braces to shore it up but need to get it true level first.  Thanks in advance!

Answer
Mike, I hope you have a common manual come along.  Create an anchorage down low inside on the right? hand side.  Create an achorage up high on the side you want to pull - left?.  This anchorage can be a chain wrapped around the framing, a heavy bolt or lag, etc.  YOu might nail or lag on a pipe or 2x on several studs.  It would be best to have a 2x4 or similar to help push and hold what you gain.  You will be pushing up high on the right? hand side.  An angled down 2x can be walked along with a crow bar at the bottom or even bumpin with a sledge.  Crank a little with the comealong, set the 2x to hold what you gained - repeat.  The best solution will be to nail on some type of diagonal brace once you have it racked for plumb.  It didn't get this way instantly, perhaps best to gain a little, let it rest a week, gain some more.  If it is moving easy, go ahead and get it all.

I hope this gets you headed the right direction.