Metal Garages

Traditional garages are built into, or onto a home. They rarely serve the purpose for which they were originally intended. Most garages are being used for storage, or extra rooms of some kind, and in many ways, this is for the best. Think about it: How smart is it to park a fossil fuel powered, internal combustion engine vehicle inside your home?

Unconnected metal garages

Today a lot of people are opting for an unconnected garage a short distance from the family home, and that is often a metal garage. Metal garages can be created in a lot of shapes and sizes, and the simplest of them can be very affordable, while the more complex metal garages are, at worst, a great value.

Steel garages the metal of choice

The metal of choice for a garage, a carport, or a shop is steel. Galvanized steel frames, and galvanized, painted sheet metal will last for many years, and provide attractive, durable service.

Metal garage uses

The uses for such steel garages or shops are nearly endless. Workshops, offices, storage, and even housing is not out of the question. Garage type metal buildings are being built as homes, and as the basis for stores of every type throughout the country.

Indeed, many home owners are replacing composition shingle roofs with steel roofing when it is time for a change. It is only a matter of time before builders and homeowners alike extend the steel siding to the rest of the home.

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The type of material used for a storage building or any type of portable utility building will largely determine the long term durability of that building. It has been our experience that steel storage buildings provide the best longevity, and any extra cost above the other building materials is offset by that longevity. Steel storage buildings will actually cost less in the long run!

Comparing steel storage buildings with other materials

Have you ever taken a close look at storage buildings that have been around for a few years in an irrigated, or otherwise damp and humid back yard? I am willing to bet that their condition is dependent on one particular aspect of their construction, the materials they were built with! Sure, there may be other factors, like the craftsmanship that went into the building, and the design of the structure, but all other things being equal, the material is the key to longevity.

Composite shingles

Let’s start at the top. A building built with composite shingles will almost always have a few missing after a year or so. They get lifted by the wind, moisture and debris settles between them, and eventually, they will age and break off with the next big gust. If this condition persists, anything inside will suffer, including the floors.

Wood siding

The material used for the walls of the building is another critical factor. Wood, or wood composite materials may look great initially, but will alternately absorb moisture, and dry out continually. This loosens the grip of the fasteners and the seals. It eventually causes problems with the paint. It also causes problems with the material itself, and will eventually lead to rot and decay. If you have one of these, the best way to maintain the building is to clean, reseal, and paint it about once a year, or every 18 months. The average cost for such a project is about $500.00 per year!

Doors

Doors are also important. Wood or composite doors have the same problems as wood or composite siding, plus, they are heavy, and with all the moisture problems, they eventually sag. This type of material will inevitably allow moisture to get to the floor of the entry, rotting away several inches of flooring at this critical point.

Plastics and vinyl

Plastics and vinyls suffer from ultraviolet light, even the ones that are uv coated. They also have other problems, like sensitivity to heat and cold. These materials will warp and undulate with changing temperatures, and will eventually develop a coat of unattractive powder on their surfaces. After a while, they will become brittle and crack with the first sharp blow they receive.

Floors and framing

The inside flooring and the frame of the structure are important as well. It should be of the best material available, and as long as it is structurally sound, it will be fine, that is, if moisture is kept from invading it. That is the function of the shell of the building, the roof, and walls, and openings. If these are made of the right materials, no moisture can get inside to cause damage.

What is the best building material?

So, what is the best material for covering a utility building? That’s easy, metal siding and roofing! The best metal for the job is galvanized and painted steel. The best door covering materials? Light weight metals like aluminum!

What to look for in a storage building

Look for quality utility buildings manufactured with the finest wood framing materials, protected by galvanized, enamel coated steel panels, from manufactures who offer long term warranties on the material and workmanship. We suggest metal clad, double sealed doors, which will prevent the door area rot so common on other types of buildings. If you choose a roll up, or garage type door, ask about the warranty for this as well.

Steel storage buildings and maintenance

Maintenance? That is the beautiful part about steel storage buildings. They are virtually maintenance free, and that gives you a longer lasting building, that looks better, keeps your possessions safe, and won’t cost you hundreds of dollars a year for cleaning, painting, and sealing! The building should be kept clean, free of debris, and checked periodically for things like loose screws, and door and window operation. This will add to the buildings life expectancy.

Other options

For sheer practicality, steel coverings are the best materials for the money, but there are situations where other types of materials are warranted. If you want a Japanese style tea room, or some type of rustic look, wood will be your best option. Permanent additions to the home landscape might call for a brick or stone building. Matching the siding of your vinyl covered home might make vinyl a good choice. Modern steel storage buildings come in a wide variety of colors, which will match almost anything on your property, so you should have no problem with color continuity.

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