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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 Enclosed Garages • Enclosed Steel Garages • Keen's Buildings • Portable Buildings • Sheds • Storage Buildings • Storage Sheds • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • 0 Comments

Tips to Buying a Vinyl Shed

Storage sheds come in many different shapes and sizes. In fact, storage sheds come with so many options that our customers are often faced with the choice of purchasing a shed with aluminum siding, T1-11 siding, Hardi-plank siding, steel panels or vinyl siding. Each type of siding has its benefits to the customer but when a  shed is to be used for at-home-storage, many of our customers like to use vinyl siding. So to help you decide if vinyl siding is the right choice for you, we’ve created this post to discuss what does vinyl siding does for you and what are some things to look for when purchasing a vinyl shed.

Maintenance Free

The beauty of vinyl siding on a storage shed is that it is virtually maintenance free. However, to ensure that it will continue to be maintenance free for several years of storage, there are a few things to look for.  If you are storing larger and heavier items, it is important to look for pressure treated shed joists as well as make your floor a thicker concrete slab by about ¾ of an inch more. If for some reason the floor will be getting wet, (this could be because of wet items being stored immediately or just to hose off the interior of the shed occasionally) then purchasing a floor with water sealer of pressure treatment is ideal. By ensuring you have these things, you can know that you will have a beautiful shed that is maintenance free and that will protect and store your items for the years to come.

Is There Enough Room?

Sometimes we get caught up in the idea of a storage shed and forget to remember if we have enough room for one. The most common base for a vinyl storage shed or building is a base of ¾ inch stone that is 2 feet wider and longer than the shed. This creates a good base with plenty of space for the shed. If you can fit the base, you’ll be able to fit the shed. Also, it is important to consider that while getting a vinyl shed that is already put together and ready for installation is the best way to buy a shed, it can also mean trailers and large trucks needing space to deliver it to your intended spot. So be prepared to accommodate the extra space needed for delivery.

Customizable Benefits

Vinyl siding is perfect for at-home-storage because not only is it maintenance free and durable during all weather, it also has a more stylish look that adds to yards or at home storage areas. Vinyl comes in a large variety of color choices and are completely customizable (metal trim, roof shingle and shutter colors) to match your home. This makes your shed look like it was meant to go with your home and add value to your yard.

Sheds can also be created with windows, window screens and even shutters to create an even more cohesive look with your home. Sheds can also be customized with security systems and temperature control when you are storing temperature or expensive sensitive materials.

The benefits of vinyl for at-home storage is almost immeasurable but hopefully with this quick post and these tips, you can see how a vinyl sided shed may be the right choice for you and you will be able to chose a quality vinyl shed from Keens Portable Buildings.

By Carports • Carports For Sale • Enclosed Garages • Enclosed Steel Garages • Metal Carports • Motorhome Carports • RV Carports • Steel Carports 0 Comments

Is Your Carport Ready For Winter?

We have almost reached the end of November, and if winter hasn’t settled heavily on your area, it probably soon will (at least those of you in the more northern areas of the country). Your boats and RVs have probably been winterized and put away to hibernate for the season, but if you’re storing them beneath a carport, you need to know they are going to be safe from the accumulating weight of ice and snow.

If you live in an area where snowfall can pile up on the roof of your portable buildings, you better be sure that the structure can handle the extra load. At Keens Portable Buildings all of our steel carports and garages have been designed to handle sever ice, wind, and snow. As you look at your different options, though, there are some points to consider if your area sees a lot of snow every year.

The Right Shape and Materials

If snow accumulates on a flat roof that can cause more wear and tear on the structure. If you expect a lot of snow every year, you will need some kind of round or angled roof that allows the snow and ice to slide off. In many cases, a valance carport is good enough to keep the weather off, but if there’s high winds or an excessive amount of snow, you may want to go with a fully enclosed structure (especially if you’re storing your boat or RV there for months at a time).

A strong, steel frame with heavy duty trusses will help make sure your garage, shed or carport can take the strain. Galvanized steel with some form of rust-resistant coating will help it last for years, avoid corrosion, and provide the protection you need.

The materials used on the roof are also extremely important. We’ve crafted ours to withstand excessive amounts of moisture and the heavy weight of snow. If, however, you have had your carport for a while, be sure to double check the roof and make sure it hasn’t developed any leaks or cracks over the years.

Complete Protection from the Weather

A strong carport or outdoor storage shed will help you protect your important possessions from the ravages of harsh weather. You won’t have to shovel out your car every morning and your tools and other vehicles will be protected while they sit in hibernation.

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 Carports • Enclosed Garages • Enclosed Steel Garages • Metal Buildings • Metal Carports • Metal Garages • Metal Sheds • Metal Storage Buildings • Sheds • Steel Carports • Storage Buildings • Storage Sheds • • • • • • • • 0 Comments

10 Uses for a Steel Garages and Storage Sheds

The first thought of many people considering purchasing a steel garage or storage shed is that it can only be used to store cars or to house garden tools but we’ve made a list of 10 (and believe us there are many more) uses for a storage shed or steel garage to help open your eyes to all that a steel storage shed can be.

You can use your storage shed as a…

1.  Animal shelter

Several people use storage sheds and steel garages as a place to keep animals such as bunnies, guinea pigs, and other crated or cages animals. The sheds can be custom made with shelving units to house such animals and are convenient and close to home to care for these animals that may not be allowed in the house. Other people use large steel garages to offer outdoor animals such as dogs, cats, horses, goats or other farm animal’s protection from the extreme weather elements of rain, snow, cold and heat.

2. Place of Business

Renting and paying utilities on a place of business can be difficult for a small business just starting out but to keep your operating costs and over head low, you may want to consider using a storage shed as your place of business until you feel ready for a piece of business reality
3.  Hobby Shop

Many steel garage owners use their sheds as a place to do hobbies that there may not be room for in the home. Whether it is being used for quilting, sewing, or crafting, storage sheds are the perfect place to store all craft and hobby material as well as the best place to step away and enjoy your hobbies.

4. Game Room/Man Cave

Every man deserves a place to go hang out with his buddies and play poker, pool or just to watch the big game. Using a storage shed as a man cave and game rooms gives the man of the house a place to escape to and enjoy.

5. Workshop

Larger hobbies such as welding or wood working can take up a lot of space in a home and cause unnecessary dust and dirt. To combat this, many wives are suggesting their husbands do these hobbies out in the steel garage. This gives men a place to work that they won’t have to clean up every time they step away and keeps dust and dirt away from the house.

6. Place for Home Storage

Old couches, Christmas décor and old toys can all be stored out of the way in a dry and protected place when they are stored in a metal storage shed or garage. These storage buildings can house all the extra home items you don’t have room for, don’t need to be used at the moment and don’t want to get rid of.

7. Pool House

Storage sheds as a pool house offers a place to change for the outdoor pool can house a Jacuzzi or even just store the pool supplies out of the way but close to your outdoor pool.

8.  At-Home Gym

Going to a gym can be time consuming and expensive but using your storage shed as a workout area allows for easy access, no travel time, no membership fees and complete work out privacy.

9.  Mediation Area

Steel garages can easily be turned into a place of relaxation and mediation that can be accessed year round. A storage shed is the perfect place to perform morning mediation, yoga and pray and also offers a secluded place to relax and study.

10. Guest House

If you need some extra space for those guests on the way, convert the steel storage shed. With a few modifications, these metal garages can transform in to a spacious temporary living quarters for visiting family and friends.

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.

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Carports with Additional Storage Areas

There are carports that have been designed with additional storage areas built on to them so that the owner can enjoy having all of the great qualities that a custom built garage has to offer without having to pay an installation crew to build one. A carport is a structure that covers your vehicle or other large piece of equipment that must be kept outdoors such as a tractor or riding lawn mower.

Many people who own these items may not have a garage connected to their home and therefore they need to purchase a building or structure like a carport to keep their expensive lawn equipment or vehicle protected from harmful weather or other outdoor elements.

While a standard carport is able to serve the purpose well, a carport that has additional storage space added on to it offers even more benefits because it can provide you with extra space to store away smaller lawn equipment, garden tools, or large storage containers that are full of seasonal decorations.

There are also some carports that can be used as barns, and have compartments where livestock can rest and tractors or other farm equipment can be stored away. This is a very convenient option for people who have small farms with one or two horses or cows on their land. They do not have to invest in having a large barn built when they only need an area for a handful of animals to stay. These barn ‘carports’ are made out of high quality metals that are built to last and withstand everything that nature has to throw at them.

Many carport companies will also have metal buildings in stock as well that can provide you with adequate storage space for all of your lawn equipment or seasonal holiday decorations. These steel buildings can also add value to the price of your property and a metal building will hold up much longer and provide more protection than a standard wooden storage shed could.