By Aluminum Buildings • Aluminum Storage Buildings • Enclosed Garages • Enclosed Steel Garages • Metal Buildings • Metal Carports • Metal Garages • Metal Sheds • Metal Storage Buildings • Steel Carports • Steel Garage • • • 0 Comments

Condensation Problems with your Metal Building? Here are some Tips You Must Read.

 

 

Metal buildings are safe from termites and rot, but excessive moisture can still damage them. This is due to condensation, which is created by damp insulation in a steel building and promotes mildew and mold growth. This makes the interior of the building smells musty and leads to asthma and allergy problems. The problem with wet insulation is that if it is in constant contact with a metal surface, it will lead to corrosion and the fasteners and panels will start collecting rust.

What causes condensation in metal buildings?

To prevent condensation in metal buildings, it is important that you learn why and how condensation takes place in metal structures. There are two main reasons for condensation to form:

1. The air must be moist

If the humidity level in the air is extremely high, it will increase the chances of condensation, because the interior of metal buildings is designed to withstand the humidity of about 30% to 50%.

2. The difference in temperature between the air and the surface

Warmer air will hold more moisture than cold air, and metal buildings in chilly weather will have very cold walls. When the warm air gets inside the building and hits the cold surface, it gets chilled and creates condensation on the metal.

However, there are different ways you can prevent condensation from occurring in metal buildings.

These include:

  • Reducing humidity inside the building, by getting proper ventilation.
  • Ensuring the air inside the building doesn’t meet with the cold metal roof and walls.

Here, at Keen’s Buildings, we want to ensure that everyone learns about the best ways to prevent condensation in metal buildings:

1. Install vapor barriers

Vapor barriers are great at protecting metal buildings from condensation. These barriers are great for keeping moisture outside the building, and the best way to work with vapor barriers is to seal the building tightly. This keeps moisture out, and vapor barriers act as radiant heat barriers, which will address humidity and temperature differential together. All side/end laps, foundation sills, doors, and windows should be sealed with vapor barriers to keep moisture out.

2. Use continuous insulation

You must get proper insulation that regulates the temperature inside the building. This keeps the interior temperature stable, whether it is day or night, and limits the amount of dew that is on the surface of metal buildings. Continuous insulation stops moisture-laden air from reach the interior of the building and therefore stops condensation from happening.

3. Look for condensation troubles up above

Make sure that the insulation underneath the roof isn’t coming in contact with the metal because this is one place where hidden condensation can take place. Moisture seeping in and roof leaks can lead to condensation because moisture buildup promotes condensation.

4. Prevent water seeping from below

Moisture can seep up from the ground as well, but you can prevent that by using drainage materials, crushed rock, or gravel under the concrete slabs. This prevents condensation around the base of the structure. You should also ensure that roof runoff water and other sources of water drain away from the metal building to prevent condensation from below.

With 5 Locations to serve you, we invite you to contact your nearest location for any additional questions.  Find the location nearest you https://www.keensbuildings.net/choose-your-keens-location/

By Aluminum Buildings • Aluminum Storage Buildings • Do It Yourself • Enclosed Garages • Enclosed Steel Garages • Metal Carports • Metal Garages • Metal Sheds • Metal Storage Buildings • Steel Carports • Steel Garage • • • • 0 Comments

Cleaning a Keen’s Buildings Steel Building Made Easy

Now that you’ve got your Keen’s Buildings Steel Building, durable storage structure built you will want to keep it clean and organized. Taking a few hours and a little sunshine to maintain the appearance of your building is key for keeping mold, mildew, and stains your steel building. These helpful guide lines should offer some ways to tackle the task. With A Mixture of Dish soap and Water: Get a bucket with a tablespoon of mild dish soap. Keep in mind that for every file gallons of water used, you only need a few teaspoons of soap. Next take your garden hose to rinse the siding and outer structure thoroughly. Once you’ve loosened the dirt, on the outside, use a long-handled scrub brush with soft bristles or oversized sponge. You don’t want to scratch the surface of our building with a harsh cleaning utensil. Work your away all around your structure and then rinse down the building with your garden hose When Using A Power Washer: Power washers can have intensive water pressure settings which be more effective for removing dirt on the exterior of a Keens Steel Building. Power washers can be rented or purchased depending on how often you may use one. Most power washers come with attachments like long handled brushes with bristles that rotate. Often times these power washers come with cleaning solutions that help get rid of tough stains on the siding. Be sure to use a low setting on the power washer if you’ve chosen a vinyl or wooden structure. High pressure blasts directly hitting non-steel surfaces can be damaging. Remove mildew with a Special Cleaner: Stubborn spots and stains can require a bit more than elbow grease. Try using a special cleaning solution with a toothbrush to concentrate on those tough stains. Rinse clean let dry then repeat the process. Many home improvement specialty stores carry cleaning solutions made for vinyl and wooden surfaces. While a Keens Steel building structure can withstand high-pressure blasts you want to be mindful not go overboard with certain chemicals in specialty cleaners. They can cause surface discoloration. Use a Water and Vinegar Solution: A-70% water 30% vinegar combination is the right ratio for this solution. Many environment concerned clients prefer to use all-natural products. A vinegar-based cleaning solutions is a green alternative that is rather effective. You want to wash down your building with the vinegar solution, let it set for 30 minutes, rinse, repeat and dry. Try a combination of laundry detergent and water: This is as another cost-effective structure cleaning option. 1/3 cup detergent for every 6 gallons of water is the suggested proportion. If you are using a power washer you can use this mixture as your cleaning solution. Long-handled sponge mops or scrubbing brushes will work up a good lather on your steel building. Rinse off the surface with a garden hose or power cleaner, repeat, and then let dry. We suggest that you use caution when cleaning your steeling building from Keen’s Buildings. If you have questions, please feel free to contact one of our sales specialist in an office near you - https://www.keensbuildings.net/choose-your-keens-location/.

Now that you’ve got your Keen’s Buildings Steel Building, durable storage structure built you will want to keep it clean and organized.  Taking a few hours and a little sunshine to maintain the appearance of your building is key for keeping mold, mildew, and stains your steel building. These helpful guide lines should offer some ways to tackle the task.

With A Mixture of Dish soap and Water:  Get a bucket with a tablespoon of mild dish soap. Keep in mind that for every five gallons of water used, you only need a few teaspoons of soap.  Next, take your garden hose to rinse the siding and outer structure thoroughly. Once you’ve loosened the dirt, on the outside, use a long handled scrub brush with soft bristles or oversized sponge. You don’t want to scratch the surface of our building with a harsh cleaning utensil.  Work your way all around your structure and then rinse down the building with your garden hose

When Using A Power Washer: Power washers can have intensive water pressure settings which be more effective for removing dirt on the exterior of a Keens Steel Building. Power washers can be rented or purchased depending on how often you may use one. Most power washers come with attachments like long handled brushes with bristles that rotate. Often times these power washers come with cleaning solutions that help get rid of tough stains on the siding. Be sure to use a low setting on the power washer if you’ve chosen a vinyl or wooden structure.  High-pressure blasts directly hitting nonsteel surfaces can be damaging.

Remove mildew with a Special Cleaner: Stubborn spots and stains can require a bit more than elbow grease. Try using a special cleaning solution with a tooth brush to concentrate on those tough stains. Rinse clean let dry then repeat the process. Many home improvement specialty stores carry cleaning solutions made for vinyl and wooden surfaces. While a Keens Steel building structure can withstand high-pressure blasts you want to be mindful not go overboard with certain chemicals in specialty cleaners. They can cause surface discoloration.

Use a Water and Vinegar Solution: A-70% water 30% vinegar combination is the right ratio for this solution. Many environment concerned clients prefer to use all-natural products.  A vinegar based cleaning solutions is a green alternative that is rather effective. You want to wash down your building with the vinegar solution, let it sit for 30 minutes, rinse, repeat and dry.

Try a combination of laundry detergent and water:  This is another cost-effective structure cleaning option. 1/3 cup detergent for every 6 gallons of water is the suggested proportion. If you are using a power washer you can use this mixture as your cleaning solution. Long handled sponge mops or scrubbing brushes will work up a good lather on your steel building. Rinse off the surface with a garden hose or power cleaner, repeat, and then let dry.

We suggest that you use caution when cleaning your steel building from Keen’s Buildings. If you have questions, please feel free to contact one of our sales specialist in an office near you – https://www.keensbuildings.net/choose-your-keens-location//.

By Aluminum Buildings • Aluminum Storage Buildings • Carports • Enclosed Garages • Enclosed Steel Garages • Keen's Buildings • RV Carports • Sheds • Steel Carports • Storage Buildings • Storage Sheds • • • • • • • • • • • 0 Comments

Deciding What Size Metal Shelter or Shed to Get That Fits Your Needs

Purchasing a metal storage garage is a big decision that takes some time to review and discuss. While there are several things to take into account when deciding on purchasing a metal carport or shed there are two items to think over that are the most important. The first is to determine what your metal storage shed will be storing and how big of a metal garage you will need to shelter those items. To help with those decisions, we’ve created a brief list of what items are most commonly stored in metal storage sheds and how to decide which size shed/garage to purchase.

If You Are Storing A Car

If you are purchasing a storage shed to house and store a vehicle, it is very important to get a metal garage that fits your car with space to spare. You will first want to measure the length and the width of the vehicle being stored as well as how tall the vehicle is at its absolutely tallest point. That will ensure you have a carport that is the perfect fit for your car. But what many people forget is that once the car is snuggly nestled in its new home, you still need to get out of the car without dinging the doors. If you are using your metal storage shed for a car, always give yourself enough width (usually a few extra feet) to get out of the car, as well as enough height to stand up without bumping your head.

If You Are Providing a Shelter for Animals

If you intend to use your metal garage to provide a shelter for animals it is important to take into account the type of animals you intend to house. For larger animals such as horse and livestock, you will want a much larger metal garage with openings for stalls and entrances. For caged animals like guinea pigs or rabbits, measure out the width and stacking height of the cages as well as the depth. Be sure to compensate for a pathway between each side of the cages and take into account whether or not you may need more space in the future and plan accordingly.

If You Are Storing a RV or Boat

RVs and boats can be stored under metal carports or in metal storage garages and each has its benefits. To further protect your RV and Boat form the elements, it is suggested to purchase a fully enclosed garage with a garage door. You would measure this the same way as you would if you were storing a car. Measure the width, length and height of the car and then add a few extra feet to the width to account for opening doors and getting out of the garage. Also, remember that if online prices only go to a certain height, contact us and we can discuss custom carport and metal storage garage options.

If You Are Storing Every Day Outdoor and Household Items

If you are using your metal storage shed to store household items, then you will want to make sure there is plenty of space for your items, with extra space to spare for organizing and walkways. If you have items that are temperature or light sensitive, you can look into custom options that allow temperature control as well as windows, skylights and lighting systems. Other custom features available are security systems for those precious and valuable items being stored.

The Metal Shelter or Shed That Fits Your Needs

Always remember to measure what you are storing and prepare for having walkways, organizing and extra space if needed. One important thing to remember is that we have staff on hand to answer any questions you may have, so if in doubt call us, and we will gladly provide you with the information you need.

By Aluminum Storage Buildings • Carports • Enclosed Garages • Enclosed Steel Garages • Keen's Reputation • Metal Buildings • Metal Garages • Metal Sheds • Metal Storage Buildings • Sheds • Storage Buildings • Storage Sheds • • • • • • • • 0 Comments

Storage Shed Accessories and Features to Purchase with Your Metal Garage

Purchasing a storage shed is a wise choice and there are several uses and reasons to buy a metal storage garage. Whether for storage or used for a woodworking shop, the accessories to storage sheds are just as important. There several accessories to go inside of or customize your storage garage to fit your specific needs and we’ve created a short list of the most used customizable shed accessories.

Benches

Benches are perfect for the gardener who is storing gardening supplies in her storage shed or using it as greenhouse in the winter. Benches make good resting spots as well as storage places for smaller items like gloves and hand shoves. Benches are also nice if the garage has been converted to a man cave and requires extra seating.

Ramps

Ramps are a great addition to metal garages that are housing RVs, cars, four wheelers, and other motorized vehicles. They allow for smooth pulling into a metal storage garage and reduce the risks of injury when stepping into the shed.

Lofts

Lofts in a metal storage shed offer owners extended overhead space for more storage of items they may not use regularly. Christmas décor, old children’s toys, etc… all could be stored in overheard lofts and the storage shed protects them from the elements while providing extra space below for larger or more used items.

Windows

When storage sheds are used as play or hobby areas, some owners like to have a window to look out of or to peek in on the children at play. Windows can be installed in custom sheds and are also great in metal garages used to house large animals like livestock and horses.

Skylights

Skylights are also a custom option that is great for air circulation in the hot summers and for light in the winter months. Some owners like them for when they use their storage shed as a greenhouse to provide natural light for the plants.

Shelves

Adding a shelving unit to your shed is a great idea when the metal garage is being used for storage, as a hobby area or as a car shop. Shelves that are accessories to metal garages can be built in to prevent falling over and the ruining of other property so if you think you may want shelves, purchase them with your metal storage shed.

Work Benches

Work benches provide work areas for the gardener, mechanic, woodworker and toy train maker among many others. Adding a work bench to your metal storage shed is a smart choice if you plan on using your garage for activities that could benefit from a stable and flat working area.

Security & Temperature Control

For valuable items, being stored in a metal garage, it may be wise to get a custom accessory of security cameras. For items that are temperature sensitive, another accessory to consider is the option of temperature control.  Both of these options may be good considerations if you are using your storage garage as a play place for children. It keeps them safe from heat stroke or being too cold and allows you as a caring adult to keep an eye on them without needing to be in the shed with them.

Storage Shed Accessories

No matter your reason for owning a metal storage shed, be sure to check out the accessory options they come with so all your needs can be met.

By Aluminum Storage Buildings • • • 0 Comments

The Strength Behind Aluminum Storage Buildings

The word aluminum can come off rather cheap. One might think of soda cans, and they might think that a building built out of the same materials in a soda can will just just crumble. That’s absolutely false. The aluminum buildings built by Keens Buildings are very strong. They’re not built with a cheap aluminum that’s just skin deep. These materials are literally made to last.  You can count on Keens Buildings to not sell you anything cheap or weak. We really do care about the satisfaction of our customers and you can really see when you work with one of our staff members.

The other myth about aluminum storage buildings is the fact that they might rust. We understand this concern, no one wants to purchase a building that will just be rusted out over time. Our aluminum buildings are rust-free, yep, no rust whatsoever.  We’ve been in business for many years now and we know our buildings are rust free. Sadly, many other companies that sell aluminum storage buildings are so focused on profit, they tend to have cheaper metals and their buildings will rust out, but with Keens Buildings, they won’t.

With no rust, and much strength, aluminum storage buildings are worth the investment. The reason why is because they will last the test of time. Just see for yourself!