By Gazebos • Metal Buildings • Metal Garages • Steel Buildings • Steel Garage • Storage Buildings 0 Comments

Steel Building Ideas for the Summer

Summer is a great season to relax and spend time with loved ones, friends, and family. It’s also a fantastic time to start on a project, and what better project than one that can last and be of use to you for decades to come? Summer is known for its hot temperatures, rains, and strong winds. If you are looking for a way to protect your property from the harsh summer elements, we have one simple solution, a metal building.

Because metal buildings are durable they are perfect for withstanding elements, making it the ideal material for protecting your property. Here are a few ideas you can use to keep your property safe all summer long.

Garages

One way to really enjoy the summer is a golf cart ride. If you have a golf cart, you’ll want to keep it safe, and the summer elements can reap havoc on your golf cart. Between the paint peeling, sun and the heavy rains that can lead to rust summer can be an awful time for vehicles.

Beat the summer heat

Many of us like to spend time outside during the summer, but the summer heat can be uncomfortable or even dangerous. But here at Keen’s Buildings have the solution for you!

Picnic shelter

You see them in parks, zoos, or other outdoor environments, Steel and wooden overhangs that offer shade and a small place to take respite from the summer heat. These shelters can be a saving grace for anyone adventuring out during the summer. Many of these shelters will also have a grill and park benches so you can meet and cook with family and friends, without exposure to the sun.

Gazebos

If you are looking for you are looking to add a little shade and a comfortable lounging area to your yard, then consider a gazebo. These beautiful structures come in a variety of styles and sizes. A gazebo makes a perfect addition to any yard. You can also add accessories, plants, and other beautify elements, so you can make your gazebo look nice and feel more like home.

By Metal Buildings • Steel Buildings 0 Comments

Keen’s Buildings: Metal Versus Wooden Arenas for your Horse

Having an arena for your horse is a wonderful thing. It can allow you to train and exercise your horse regardless of the weather. Some people choose to have a riding arena built on their property, while others may go to a nearby facility. Either way, the material of an arena of can play a massive role in the health and safety of your horse.

Wood

Wood is a great material, and with treatment, it can even become water, fire, and pest resistant. However, this may not always be a good thing if you have horses or other animals. For the safety and health of your animals, it is actually best to utilize untreated and unpainted wood. However, that can come with a few noticeable downsides, such as the risk of the wood swelling and rotting because of water exposure or pest infestations. Rotting, compromised, and unstable wooden constructions can give way and weaken over time, creating a fall hazard for your animals. There is also the risk of the wooden arena catching fire if not treated. Horses may also gnaw on the arena; this is particularly dangerous if your wood has been treated as it can make your animal sick. To eliminate these threats consider getting a metal riding arena.

Metal

Metal is naturally fire and pest resistant, so you ensure the safety of your arena and your horse at the same time. Unlike wood, metal requires very little to keep in good condition. Metal is also durable, sturdy, and long-lasting. Additionally, horses are significantly less likely to gnaw on wood than metal, so another risk is eliminated simply by opting to build with metal.

Metal is a relatively easy material to work with and it takes less time to finish constructions with than wood. If you want to provide your horse with the best and safest riding arena as well as, have an investment that can last for decades, call us today!

 

By Metal Buildings • Storage Barn 0 Comments

Keen’s Buildings Metal Barns: Keep your Barn, Fodder, and Animals Safe

Hay and other fodder are essential for keeping livestock, but having a high quantity of feed in a single area can present problems. If exposed to water hay can quickly rot, it can also present a tremendous fire hazard if exposed to even the smallest of embers. Both of these can completely render your fodder useless, however, with a steel building you can keep your fodder dry and safe until you need it.

You’ll also want to keep your livestock safe from the weather and other hazardous conditions. If not adequately sheltered your animals can get sick. Some buildings can pose health and safety risks to your livestock. Lose panels and exposed sharp edges can lead to injury and even infections in animals. If your steel slides then panels may come to lose, posing potential health and safety risks to your animals, and potentially compromise your fodder.

Here are a couple of other things to consider that will help you keep your fodder and animals safe no matter the season.

Roof panels

Be sure that your steel roof panels are securely in place so that they will be able to withstand strong winds. Strong winds can cause debris and other materials to become airborne and potentially injure your animals and life stock. With Keen’s Buildings, you can rest assured that your metal building will be of the highest quality.

The interior

With so many barn styles and options to consider, it can be difficult to select one, however, no matter what you choose, you should keep these tips in mind. One thing that should be used to govern the style of your barn you choose is what you intend to use it for. A horse barn, for example, usually has a straight aisle down the center, which can be used to drive a truck or other vehicles carrying supplies into the barn to make it easier to load and unload supplies.

The stalls will need to be in a location that is easy to access, to make the cleaning process easier. You’ll also benefit from having your tack room and washing stalls close by as well.

There is a lot to consider when having your steel barn constructed. We at Keen’s Buildings would love to help.  To learn more about our services and products call us today!

 

By Metal Sheds • Sheds • Storage Barn • Storage Buildings • Storage Sheds 0 Comments

Tips to Keep your Shed in Good Condition for the Summer

 

With summer in full swing, you’ll want to be sure that your shed stays in good condition. Here are some things to help keep your shed in running order for the summer.

Outside maintenance

Remove any debris

Between dirt, fallen leaves, and pollen chances are that the outside of your storage shed has gotten dirty. Cleaning the outside of your storage unit can help it last longer as trapped moisture can create mold, moss, and mildew, which can build up over time. Giving your building a good wash can help improve airflow (which will prevent mold from growing). Additionally, cleaning and removing any debris and accumulated leafy can deter critters from hanging around your shed.

Trim grass

Grass or plants touching your shed can make it easier for critters to access your shed. To prevent this, keep bushes, grass, and trees trimmed. Also, if you have any heavy branches over your shed that can potentially break consider cutting the branches away, so it doesn’t fall on your roof in the event of a storm.

Add a fresh coat of paint

Paint can add an extra layer of protection to your building. Wind, shrubbery, and day to day events can damage the pint, so adding another coat will not only help keep your building safe, but it will also add to its aesthetics.

Check the roof

Your roof will take the brunt of the rain and the sun. Sun can lead to moss build up. If you have moss build up, you can remove it with a gentle brush and a detergent. Be sure that the detergent you use is safe for shingles or the type of roofing you have. Check for damages or missing shingles.

Inside maintenance

Check the interior

You may be surprised just how fast outdoor buildings get dirty. Do a thorough job cleaning the inside of your storage shed. Remove all the sheds contents for the best results.

Checks for damage

After you’ve thoroughly cleaned your storage unit take the time to check for any damage. Check the doors, windows, leaks.

Pest control/prevention

If you notice any damage from pests, it’s best to have your shed treated. The risk of pests making a home out of your shed increases, particularly if they need to stay warm in the colder months. Be proactive and have your building treated. Trim and grasses that is touching your shed and remove anything pests may eat.

Inspect your accessories

Be sure also to examine any shelves or other accessories you have in your shed. Check for signs of wear and aging. The last thing you want is to have your property damaged because of a faulty shelf. Look for any compromised wiring, broken outlets or lights that may have burned out.

Organize

When you are replacing all the contents back into your storage unit, take the time to organize the contents of your shed. If anything is broken or damaged replace it. If anything is wet be sure it dries completely before putting it back in your sherd. The leading cause of mold is moisture.

 

 

By Keen's Buildings • Sheds • Storage Buildings • Storage Sheds 0 Comments

Keen’s Buildings: Things to Think About when Picking out your Shed

There are many factors to consider when building a shed. Having a good plan will save you time, money, and energy. Much of your planning for your shed will depend heavily on the purpose of the shed. Your intended purpose will help you decide which size shed is best for you as well as the style and accessories. Here are a few things to consider before you start building.

Size

The size of your shed is a crucial element. The size will depend on a few factors. What you need and the amount of space you have available to build are two such factors. The more you build, the higher the cost will be. So, you’ll also need to take your budget into account. You may think that it may be good to err on the side of more is best, however, you don’t want to have wasted space, so carefully consider what you need and aim for the best cost to space ratio for your unique situation to avoid having to pay for space that you won’t use. Here at Keen’s Buildings, we offer a wide variety of sizes, and all of our buildings are completely customizable.

Style

The style of your shed can have an impact over how long your shed will last. Sheds come in different styles, and some are more durable and will last longer. If you plan on moving or only using your shed for a relatively short period, you may not want to go with an extremely durable shed. The outward appearance of your shed isn’t the only thing you need to consider when selecting the right style. Some styles, like sheds with high walls, can offer a lot of loft storage space, while other shed types, like an A-frame shed, are more aesthetically pleasing.

Material

There are a variety of materials to choose from when building your shed. Each material has its own unique properties and can offer different advantages. Wood is heaver, but it can muffle some sounds better, and the material is thicker. However, it typically takes a long time to build. You may also want to get the wood treated for water and pests. Metal is another popular material it’s easy to work with and expand, should you decide you want to add on to your shed later.

Color

The color of your shed is an aesthetic choice. Paint can protect your shed by essentially creating a water-resistant coat over the raw material of the shed (wood, metal, etc.). You can paint your shed to blend with the surrounding environment, or to match your house.

Call Keen’s Buildings today to learn more!

By Metal Sheds • Sheds • Steel Buildings • Storage Sheds 0 Comments

The Drawbacks of Hardware Shed Kits

Shed kits are growing in popularity; they are a cheaper alternative that you can pick up at a hardware store. With just a few hours of dedicated work, you can have your very own shed! Easy right? However, these sheds may not be all they seem to be. You’ve heard the old saying “if it’s too good to be true it probably is,” and hardware shed kits are no exception.

Here are a few drawbacks to hardware shed kits you may not be aware of:

Lifespan

Often the lifespan of hardware shed form kits is extremely low. As opposed to getting a couple of decades or almost a century from the quality shed, you may get about a five or ten years at the most from a shed built from a kit. Even for a reduced cost, this a shed kit may not be the most worthwhile investment.

Installation

Hardware shed kits promote easy and fast installation, however putting up a shed is anything but simple. There is the possibility of messing up, and this can compromise the already fragile product. What was supposed to be completed in a few days can drag on for weeks.

Noncustomizable

Because these kits are basically a ready-made shed in a box, your ability to customize it is greatly reduced. Additionally, because the shed is so cheap, you likely won’t be able to add to it, even with the help of a professional, without compromising the structure even more.

Leaks

Hardware shed kits are prone to leaks. Chances are good sealants won’t be used at or around the cracks and crevices of the shed and certainly not near doors. These faults defeat the primary purpose of the shed, which is to provide protection to your storage items.

Cheap material

Hardware shed kits are not built with strong materials. Moreover, the manufacturers of these kits simply want to make a quick buck and don’t really care much beyond you buying their product.

Don’t waste money purchasing a temporary shed that won’t last and may ultimately end up being more trouble than its worth. Here at Keen’s Buildings, we offer you only the best-made sheds, at an affordable price without sacrificing quality work or materials.  Contact us today to learn more!

By Sheds • Steel Buildings • Storage Buildings • Storage Sheds 0 Comments

Rent-to-Own: Is it Right for You?

The consideration of whether you are better to rent-to-own your shed is a vital decision. Both options have their pros and cons. Your unique situation will determine which one you should select. However, there is actually a third option that is not spoken about as often, and that is rent-to-own.

Rent-to-own exists between renting and owning (eventually). Basically, you’ll make monthly payments for a set period of time after you’ve paid it off you have the option of owning the property, if you decide that you don’t want it, you don’t have to own the building.

How rent-to-own can be beneficial

With rent-to-own, you get the benefit of having the storage shed on your actual property. Unlike a typical storage facility that requires traveling, you’ll be able to easily access, your storage shed.

The rent-to-own option is also a fantastic option if you have poor credit, as there are no invasive credit checks. Making regular payments on your storage unit can actually serve to improve your credit score.

The potential uses you’ll have with a rent-to-own shed are extensive as well. If, for example, you are remodeling and need a place to store your belongings a storage shed in your property is ideal. If you decide that you would like your yard space back, you don’t have to claim the storage unit.

When rent-to-own is not beneficial

Rent-to-own is not the end all be all that it may appear to be, there are times you’ll want to consider other options. If you are able to pay for a shed, rent-to-own may not be the best option (because you can get better deals by just purchasing the shed).

If you have good credit and want to keep the building, it may be best to purchase the building if you can afford it. Financing your shed can also be a cheaper option in this situation as well.

Things to consider

If you can pay off your building early, you’ll save money in the long run. If you are opting for rent-to-own storage, shed, remember that you are responsible for the maintenance of the building. Learn more about your options or how we can help by calling us today?

 

By Sheds • Storage Buildings • Storage Sheds 0 Comments

Pick the Right Shed for your Lawnmower

When you are building a designated shed, it can be difficult to know exactly what you need. Lawn equipment, such as lawnmowers, require protection from the elements if you want to get the absolute most out of a lawnmower. In order to create the optimal shed for your investment, you’ll need to consider the size weight and dimensions of your lawnmower. A push lawnmower is very different from a heavy-duty lawnmower. A heavy duty lawn mower can weigh upwards of one thousand pounds; this weight can break or otherwise damage flimsy sheds.

You need to make sure that your shed can handle your lawnmower, here are a few things to consider when building your shed.

Style

Firstly, will your shed be just to store your lawn mower or will you store other things in it as well? Depending on your needs, you may have to consider which style is best for you. For example, if you want to have additional loft storage space, a shed with high walls may be an option. You can also take aesthetics into account when selecting your shed’s style. Be sure you understand what the styles you are considering can actually accommodate. You don’t want to have a shed built only to find out it can’t actually accommodate your lawn mower.

Just like lawnmowers can be different sizes, so can sheds, measure twice, build once. Be absolutely sure that your lawnmower can not only fit in the shed but the doorway as well. You’ll also want additional space for maneuvering and maybe some extra storage space for tools, a jerrycan, or parts.

Ramps

A heavy duty lawn mower is similar to a car. With that in mind, you’ll want to consider maneuvering when you have your shed built. You’ll also need to consider the ramp that will allow you to drive your lawnmower into the shed. You’ll want to make sure that your ramp is durable and able to handle the weight of your lawnmower. Be sure that your ramp is wide enough to drive on as well.

Reinforced flooring

As we mentioned before cheap flooring can reap havoc on flimsy shed floors. If you have a heavy duty lawn mower be sure to, opt for reinforced flooring. You don’t want to damage your shed in an effort to protect your lawnmower.

Vents

Vents are important for your shed. Because a heavy-duty lawn mower uses gasoline and produces exhaust, dangerous fumes should be able to easily escape. This is extremely important if you are emailing to do any work or maintenance in your shed.

Storage space and activities

If you plan on using your shed for more than storing your lawn mower you may want to consider additional space and accessories. You can gain a lot from adding shelves as well. Here at Keen’s Buildings, we take each client very seriously. Call us today to learn about the different types of sheds we offer!

 

By Carports • Metal Carports • Steel Carports 0 Comments

Increase the value of your property with a metal carport

Increase the value of your property with a metal carport

Having a carport is an excellent way to protect your car or vehicle from the weather, but did you know that there is another benefit? Should you ever decide to sell your home having, a carport can actually increase the value of the property. Here are a few benefits of having a quality carport.

Protect your vehicles

Vehicles are an investment, and to get the most out of your vehicle and increase its overall life span, a carport can help. The sun, wind, rain, and snow can all destroy your vehicle with enough exposure. A sturdy metal carport can offer protection.

Adds convenience

Being able to enter your car and not having to spend time scraping off snow or trying to cool it off on a particularly hot day is incredibly convenient. By merely having a carport, you can increase the overall lifespan of your vehicle by drastically reducing the amount of time it’s exposed to the weather.

Why quality matters

Having a carport built is simple, but installing a quality carport is essential. You don’t want a carport that cannot withstand weather, because that defeats the purpose. Instead, opt for quality. You may have to spend a little more. However, it adds to the value and can ultimately save you money as you won’t have to worry about costly repairs for your vehicle.

Metal is a durable material that is easy to work with. If you are looking to protect your vehicle and add value to your property look no further than Keen’s Buildings. We offer high-quality carports and metal buildings for an affordable price and will work with you every step of the way so that your carport not only functions as intended but will last for years to come!

 

 

 

By Design • Do It Yourself • Sheds • Tips and Tricks 0 Comments

Keen’s Buildings: Fantastic Ideas for a She Shed

Ideas for a She shed

Men aren’t the only ones who can benefit greatly from having a shed. She sheds are becoming more and more popular. Here are a few creative ideas for turning a regular shed into a she shed!

Yoga or exercise space

Yoga and exercising are great for the body. You can stretch and do your work out in the privacy of your she shed. For this, you’ll need whatever equipment you typically use for your workout regimen. Whether that’s a yoga mat, weights, or an exercise bike. The shed will offer protection for your equipment as well as plenty of space for you to work out in.

Reading room

Curling up with a good book can be absolutely rejuvenation, particularly after working all week. However, it can also be difficult to find a nice secluded area to read that is free of distractions or disturbances. With a reading shed, you’ll have your very own reading space or library! To pull this off you will need a bookshelf, comfortable seating, and ample light.

Crafts

Crafts are a fun hobby, but it can be frustrating not having a specific location to do them, and constantly having to shift and move the tools you need can feel like a hassle. However, with a craft shed, all of your tools will be protected and in one location. What you need to equip your craft shed with will depend on the type of crafts you do. Regardless, you’ll likely benefit greatly from having a storage area, a sturdy table, and comfortable chairs.

Office

We can all benefit from having an office. Whether it’s to work or study an office can offer you a quiet space and the privacy you need to get work done. To pull this off, you’ll need electricity and any amenities you will need for your work. That can mean a laptop, computer, pens, paper, books, and more! If you plan on using your office all year round you may want to consider getting additional insulation so you’ll be able to conserve energy and control the temperature.

Café shed

It can be delightfully fun to create meals in the comfort of your own backyard. With a café or kitchen shed, you can do that with ease. It’s perfect for inviting friends over or having a family gathering. You’ll likely benefit from a refrigerator, chairs, and other amenities to get your kitchen up and running.

There is no limit to the uses of a shed. If you what to add on to a pre-existing shed or have one built contact Keen’s Buildings today!