Portable Storage Buildings for Farm Use

Farms are typically composed of permanent buildings. When it comes to adding on storage capacity, portable storage buildings constructed of strong steel are a great choice. Metal buildings are ideal for storing hay, seed, machinery and even animals. Sunlight and water can adversely affect the parts, tires, paint and other components of tractors and machinery. But a durable metal storage shed can protect machinery from such unfavorable conditions, with the result that such machinery would have lower repair and maintenance costs.

Some tips to follow when setting up a portable storage shed for farm use:

  • Orienting open-sided buildings from east to west minimizes sunlight exposure inside them
  • All portable storage buildings should be set up to meet local building code requirements
  • If hay is stored in the building, it needs to be kept dry. See that the building is well vented. If the peak of the roof is kept as open as possible, moisture can escape easily
  • The eave height and area of the building should be sufficient to meet storage needs

The advantages of purchasing a portable storage building far outweigh its cost. It’s important to buy the metal building from a dealer that offers customization support service.

How to Optimize Space in Your Storage Building

t’s easy to set up a steel storage building to store everything from garden tools, furniture, sports equipment and camping gear to children’s toys and Christmas decorations. Leading portable building companies can provide you with a high quality state certified and DCA inspected durable steel building. They can also help customize and install it to meet your needs. However, to make the best use of your building, you have to optimize storage space. Some tips:

  • Put the stuff you need to use on a more constant basis where it is easily accessible.
  • Put in shelves on one side and store whatever you can on them. The more things you get off the floor, the more space you have.
  • Stack all your crates in a corner and label them to identify their contents.
  • Don’t put boxes too close against the wall or windows as this would affect ventilation.
  • Make a list of everything you store in your shed
  • Important: don’t store anything flammable in your storage shed.
  • Dismantle furniture and other items if possible as this saves a lot of space. You can assemble the stuff when you need to use it.
  • A door that opens outwards or a roll-up door is ideal as this would help you move in and take out large objects easily.

Make sure that your storage building is properly vented so that your belongings are safe from damage by seasonal temperature extremes.

Rising Demand for Steel Buildings

The popularity of steel buildings continues to increase. Steel is one of the most innovative products for commercial and residential construction. It is durable, hardy, recyclable and environment-friendly, features that people look for when choosing building material. The popularity of steel has also been fuelled by the issues that affect wooden construction: mold, mildew, termites, and lack of resistance to rough weather conditions.

The market is flooded with pre-fabricated steel buildings including storage sheds, carports, horse barns, pole barns, aircraft hangars, and more. The demand for steel structures is all set to attain a new high with falling prices. The latest Producer Price Index report from the United States Department of Labor indicates that in May 2012, iron and steel prices fell 0.9 percent.

A leading industry dealer, Keen’s Portable Buildings offers an extensive range of high quality steel buildings that offer great all-weather protection. You can choose from various DCA inspected and State certified models and several colors for roof trims and exterior panels, and aluminum lap, Hardi-plank green siding, wood-based and vinyl siding, and steel panels. The company offers customization support as well as speedy installation. While all the portable steel buildings that this dealer offers are competitively priced, customers can also benefit from easy financing plans for the purchase of any type of steel structure.

Seasonal Protection for Your Motor Home

Your motor home is an expensive investment and the last thing you want is weather damage. Prolonged exposure to the sun can make your RV look old and worn out. Many motor homes have a gel coating that gives them that shiny look. Harsh sunlight can cause this finish to fade and it wouldn’t be long before your vehicle wears a dull, unkempt look. Even the interior surfaces that are exposed to sunlight are affected. Sunlight also damages the rubber components. Studies show that tires age sooner in warm climates and direct exposure to UV rays accelerates tire aging. Occasional showers would not affect your vehicle, but rain and heavy snow can cause serious harm and corrosion, most often necessitating an expensive paint job. Hail is another threat. A severe hailstorm can batter your vehicle and inflict extensive damage.

A durable metal motor home cover is the solution to these issues. While top quality prefabricated motorhome carports are available, you can also get a customized solution to meet your needs and budget. You can go in for a fully enclosed or partially enclosed cover and choose from different roofing options. With superior steel tubular framing, these easy-to-install portable buildings can offer you all the seasonal protection you want for your motor home. A certified RV cover is a good idea as it would be rated to withstand snow loads and strong winds.

Planning Your Outdoor Storage Shed

When you’ve run out of storage space in your home and garage, an outdoor storage shed is the answer. Everything from a lawn mower to Christmas decorations can be neatly stashed away in outdoor storage sheds.

Some things to remember when planning to set up the shed:

Check out local zoning and building laws. This is necessary to decide where exactly you can locate your shed, as there are restrictions on how far the building should be from your house and boundaries. There could also be restrictions on size. You would have to apply for a permit to set up the shed. Make sure you comply with the rules that your homeowners association may have regarding outdoor storage sheds.

The place you decide to set up your shed should ideally be level ground. This will save time and money that would go into digging and leveling out an uneven space.

You have to choose between a wooden and metal storage shed. A strong steel storage shed has many advantages compared to a wooden one. A quality steel shed is built withstand harsh weather conditions and would be resistant to corrosion and pests.

Finally, you can purchase a prefabricated structure. Select from a wide range of designs with side panels, roofing, trim and color to blend with your surroundings. You can also ask your dealer to help you custom build and price out your outdoor storage shed.

Setting Up Your Storage Building

Once you’ve made the decision to purchase a prefabricated storage building or shed, the next most important thing is installing it. You can choose to set it up yourself or rely on professional installation services. Here are some important points to consider if you are doing it yourself:

  • The prefabricated unit kit would include pre-built floor joist, wall panel and roof truss systems. You need to have the right tools such as carpentry tools, measuring tape, levels and goggles to shield your eyes while drilling
  • The land where you plan to install the outdoor storage shed should be level ground that is easily accessible. Make sure that no underground utility lines come in the way
  • If a permit is required to set up your prefab building, it’s necessary that you get it before you begin. Contact the local zoning and building inspector on how to go about this. Check whether your residents association has any rules you need to follow.
  • Build your shed in a way that you can upgrade it to accommodate your future storage needs

Do-it-yourself is ideal for people with basic technical and carpentry skills, and of course, a lot of spare time. Remember that your storage building company is your best alternative as they can set up your unit quickly and efficiently, and to meet your exact specifications.

Single Carports – Choose between Lean-to and Standalone Covers

When you’re looking for an affordable car cover, the most obvious choice is between a metal lean-to and stand alone single carports. If you have no space constraints, you could have a free-standing carport built to your specifications. On the other hand, if space is a limitation, a lean-to structure is the solution.

Lean-to’s are attached to the house and are constructed to blend with its architecture. You could have a flat or sloping roof, depending upon the pitch of the roof of your house. A sloping roof is ideal in a place with heavy snowfall as the snow slides off, saving you tedious clearing hassles. With the wall of your house on one side and strong metal roofing, a lean-to carport can provide your vehicle with the protection it needs.

Free-standing structures offer you a lot of flexibility. You can build your single carport as small or as large as you want to and locate it on a site of your choice – subject, of course, to your area’s building rules. There are several roofing options available for these carports. The standard single carport measures 12’X21′. Available in a pre-fabricated package, a stand alone steel car port can provide excellent cover for a car, RV, trailer, or boat.

Whether attached or free-standing, single carports have to be installed the right way. If you have simple technical skills, you could purchase a do-it-yourself package and set up your stand alone car port on your own. However, a car cover that is attached to your home has to be planned and installed carefully, and it’s best to rely on professional support. Purchase your single carport from a reliable dealer and benefit from a comprehensive coverage solution.

Commercial Carports – Strong with So Many Application Possibilities

Commercial carports can suit a variety of business needs for storage and weather-protection. They are strong structures with the ones made out of metal being a more affordable and low-maintenance option compared to those made of wood. Depending on the specific requirement, they can be installed on gravel, ground or concrete surfaces.

Multiple Applications

Some of the possible applications of these carports are:

  • Car rental agencies can use them to protect their fleet of vehicles
  • They provide adequate cover for outdoor events
  • Large ones can be used to provide shade to livestock or horses or to store big tractors
  • They can be used to protect farm equipment and machinery
  • Small ones can provide cover for vegetable/fruit stands
  • Ideal shelter for outdoor retail displays
  • Parking for staff, tenants or customers
  • Completely enclosed models can be outfitted as offices, workshops or distribution centers

Other Advantages

There are other reasons why commercial carports are a great investment. They have several customization options including a wide range of color choices. Certified models provide the guarantee of having satisfied all building code and permission rules imposed by your state, county or city. Financing options are available for the carports and you can have them professionally installed by your dealer.

The Advantages of Aluminum Buildings

Aluminum storage buildings provide solid protection for your valuable investments. These portable structures can be used to store and safeguard vehicles, sports goods, gardening tools, lawn equipment, furniture, business stock and similar items. If a fairly big building is purchased, it can be converted into a cabin, garage, workshop or even cottage as per individual requirements. Some people even transform them into pool houses or guest houses.

Advantages of These Structures

The benefits of aluminum buildings are many and are listed below.

  • Less prone to damage from rodents, termites, other insects or pests
  • May even resist damage from fire
  • Energy efficient
  • Maintenance free
  • Rust-resistant
  • Protects against damage from various weather conditions
  • Constructed to last
  • Convenient and easy to install

Customizable, and Financing Available

Aluminum outdoor storage buildings are available in different colors, sizes and models. Different customization options may be available with the dealer such as choice of c-channel steel frame or 2×4 yellow pine frame built out of top grade lumber. If you like the idea of owning one such structure but feel it doesn’t fit within your budget, cheer up. Chances are that your dealer would have an attractive financing option to offer you.

Setting up a Gazebo – Points to Consider

A charming gazebo is a great way to enjoy the outdoors. Wooden handcrafted gazebos add to the beauty of a setting and are an ideal place to relax in, enjoy a meal, or take a quick break from outdoor work. The spot where you set up the structure is important. Here are some things to consider when you set it up:

  • As the idea is to enjoy the outdoors, set it up in a spot in your garden where you have a nice view. Make sure it does not obstruct the view from your house.
  • This site should ideally be level ground.
  • To keep out direct sunlight and avoid the heat, set up your gazebo in the shade – under a shady tree, perhaps?
  • If privacy is your main concern, locate the structure in a secluded place.
  • Check out local building codes to make sure that you don’t violate them.
  • Make sure that there are no underground utility lines at the construction site.

As for its construction, choose a product crafted from the finest quality hardwood, specially treated for weather-resistant, maintenance-free service. Make sure that the gazebo comes with a sturdy floor with pressure-treated boarding.