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//.

What-to-store-in-your-shed-from-keens-buildings
By Enclosed Steel Garages • Metal Buildings • Metal Garages • Metal Sheds • Portable Buildings • Steel Garage • Storage Buildings • Storage Sheds 0 Comments

How to Choose Your Storage Shed

What-to-store-in-your-shed-from-keens-buildingsDo you find yourself in need of more space within your house and garage?  Over the years, people acquire more stuff while the room to accommodate all of it lessens.  What do you do when there is no more room in the attic, garage, basement, closet, etc.?  Many people decide to implement a storage shed in their backyard.  Storage sheds are economical and versatile storage solutions.

To begin, think about the size of your storage shed.  How much space can you afford to use in your yard?  We often urge people to think about a particular size and then go a little bigger.  Going bigger is better because it provides you with more options and storage space.  If you have the room, choose a larger-sized storage shed.

Discuss placement with us.  Solid and level ground is optimal, but there are other considerations such as convenience and the avoidance of obstructing views.  We want you to be happy with your storage shed, but it is best practice to discuss your wishes with us in order for the best end result.

What are you going to keep in your storage shed?  There are many things to place in a shed, but for your convenience, think about the entryway.  For instance, if you are keeping a large mower or motor bike in your shed, double doors or an extra-wide entryway may be optimal.  If you are only storing small items, then a normal-sized door is good enough.

Would you like electricity in your storage shed?  Talk to us about your plans.  The option of electricity is always good.  At some point, you may want to use the space as a small office situated with a computer and printer.  In this case, electricity is needed.

Do you want light in your storage shed?  If you are going to use the space as a work area, then an outside view is a good decision.  We have a number of sheds with windows.  In addition, we can discuss customized plans to build a shed to your exact wishes.

We have introduced a number of questions to get you to think about and envision your storage shed.  It is best practice to discuss your wishes with us and let us help you design or choose a shed that will serve you best.

Contact us to discuss plans or available models.  We have been doing this a long time and pride ourselves on providing customer satisfaction!  Don’t continue to put up with a lack of space, start planning for a storage shed today!

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 Enclosed Steel Garages 0 Comments

The Many Uses For The Carport

Carports aren’t just for cars. Don’t be fooled by the name. They work really well with cars out of all the things that people own. However, they can be used to protect or cover many things.  For example,metal carports work really well for boats. All throughout the year, you might be using your car every single day where your boat might be sitting around roasting in the sun. This is where the carport might actually be more effective sitting under the carport.

The type of materials used to make your boat are meant to roast in the sun. The tarp covering your boat though is not, tarps fade rather quickly.  The upholstery built into your boat aren’t meant to last in the sun. If the tarp is not covering the upholstery it would be wise to have a carport covering the boat. Carports can give many more years to a boat. It’s recommended that those with a boat get a carport for their boat.

Carports can also protect many of your other assets. They work really well when covering lawnmowers and even other equipment you use around the house that you may not want to store in the garage.  If you have any nice John Deere equipment,  a Keensbuilding carport will work really well for it.  Carports work really well with riding lawn mowers.

Carports are also great for covering the little things. There are people that will even put their dog houses under a carport.  Carports make the best patios. They’re well worth the investment and if you get a Keens Carport, it will last throughout the test of time.

Carports can also be used for parties. It’s okay to move out the cars every here and there and throw some tables under the carport. It makes a great place to eat lunch with a bunch of friends or family, providing the ultimate shade.

Don’t forget carports will make a wonderful Christmas gift!