Keen’s Buildings: Create Your Building Your Way

Metal and steel buildings are an eco-friendly option to traditional wooden structures. On top of that steel buildings are far more durable and low maintenance than their wooden counterparts. The uses of a metal building are limited only by your imagination. When customized and properly equipped metal building can serve any purpose just as well as traditional buildings, without the worry of pesky termites.

Guesthouse

If you’ve ever wanted a guest house, you can now have one, that is so durable and sturdy, you may even consider moving in! Having a guest house can solve storage problems, and any worries you may have if you want host while providing your guests’ privacy. A metal guest house is a fun and affordable option if you’re looking to utilize some extra space on your property!

Storage unit/garage

Storing your vehicles and other property is a surefire way to keep them safe from elements. You can customize your storage unite to accommodate whatever you need to store. Additionally, because metal buildings are easy to customize, you can easily add to your building should you need more space.

Workshop

Workshops are fantastic to have. It provides you with a safe place to work, and you can minimize any hazards that can arise if you are using your workshop to house heavy or dangerous equipment. You can create your workshop as a standalone building or customize it to match your house.

Office

Adding a steel building to your house is easier than ever. You can easily create a separate space to serve as your office if you require additional space to work. Because metal is durable you can also rest assured that anything you keep in your office will stay safe.

The uses of metal buildings are only limited only to your imagination. If you are in need of a metal building or want more information give us a call. We would be more than happy to help.

Keen’s Buildings: Boost Returns on Investment with Steel Buildings

Boost Returns on Investment with Steel Buildings

A building can be the difference between a high RIO and a low one. What a structure is made of will dramatically impact the building’s overall lifespan, so it’s worthwhile to invest in a quality building. Below are a few reasons why you should consider using steel for your construction needs.

Lifespan

The roofs of steel buildings last for quite some time, even when the surrounding area has eroded away, steel continues, surviving both trial and time. Pretreated to last against harsh weather and naturally, fire resistant steel is a superb building material that can provide both stability and protection. A metal roof can last for decades. If built and maintained your structure can last for generations!

Low maintenance

In the long run, regular maintenance can cost you the same if not more than the total cost of the property (this goes doubly so for materials that are susceptible to damage, like wood). Steel buildings, on the other hand, have no such weakness and require minimal maintenance to keep them in pristine condition even against decades of harsh weather, strong winds, and torrential rains.

Grow to suit you

Steel buildings are incredibly easy to modify. If you require more room, it’s simple to expand your steel building. You can even convert your existing rooms into separate rooms to suit your needs. Additionally, it’s possible to reinforce your steel building.

Insulation

Unlike other buildings, steel buildings are quite easily insulated. Having an insulated structure will save you on heating and cooling expenses all while helping protect your building from condensation. This can increase the overall lifespan of your metal building dramatically. Insulation is a great way to keep people and livestock comfortable while also preserving energy.

Insurance costs are lower

Insurance companies realize that steel is resistant to many elements that would lay a typical building to ruin. Fire resistant, pest resistant, and able to withstand extreme weather, it’s no wonder insurance companies charge less to ensure steel buildings.

If you want a quality steel building look no further than Keen’s Buildings. We have a multitude of customizability options and will gladly help you bring your steel building into fruition. We also have payment plans to help you cover the cost of your steel building. Contact us today for more information.

 

Reasons you should Choose a Steel Barn Versus a Pole Barn

The decision to build a barn is not one to be taken lightly. One of the decisions you’ll have to face early on is the type of barn you want to build. Generally, when building a barn, you’ll find yourself with one of two choices, the traditional pole barn or the steel barn.

If you find yourself unsure of which is better allow us to present five reasons you should select a steel barn over a pole barn.

Long term cost effectiveness

While a wooden pole barn may seem like the cheaper of the two options when paired with a steel building the upkeep suggests a different truth altogether. Wood is susceptible to many damaging factors that could easily rake up costly repairs. Steel is immune to many of the negative attributes that plague wooded structures. Termites, rot, warping, water damage, and fire are all things that can damage your wooden structure, compromising it entirely, steel, on the other hand, has no such weakness.

a steel barn will pay for itself in the costs of maintenance you would have to pay if you opted for a wooden pole barn.

Safety

Due to the fragile nature of wood safety is easily compromised. When being used to house your valuable investments or livestock steel is a much safer option as it is impervious to rain and does not damage as easily as wooden structures do. Steel buildings have relatively easy upkeep and don’t require the same time and attention as wooden structures. Pool barns also tend to sink into the ground over time (particularly when built on soft soil or areas with heavy rainfall).

Easily customizable

If you require more space or need to make any alterations, a steel building is far more flexible to change than a wooden one. Here at Keen’s Buildings, we have a multitude of specialized and custom steel structures for you to choose from. We also allow you to customize your building. You can add as many windows and doors as your heart desires.

Having trouble covering the cost of your steel building? We have payment plans so you can get your steel barn and not worry about having to pay it all at once. For more information about the services we provide or our payment options call us today!

Living in Florida: Preparing your Steel Building for High Wind Speeds

Preparing your Steel Building for High Wind Speeds

In Florida, high wind speeds are quite typical, between thunderstorms and hurricanes Florida is a pretty windy place. For that reason, you’ll want to protect your buildings and keep them safe from this unexpectedly hazardous environmental factor.

When combating wind, there are a few fundamental things that will help. One of the first things you’ll want to consider is the best frame for your building. The height of your building, for example, is a crucial factor to consider. For example, the higher you build, the more wind force it will encounter and the more likely it is to blow over (mainly if proper structural security measures aren’t utilized). You’ll want to consider using beams for additional support as well. With the adequate support and roof selected steel buildings can withstand incredibly strong winds.

Utilizing high wind anchors

Powerful anchors are necessary to provide structural integrity against mighty winds. Typical buildings, like wooden ones that use staples and nails, are unable to stand up to the force of incredibly strong winds in the same manner that steel buildings are. Nails and staples are often pulled out against the strength of the winds resulting in tremendous damage. Anchors, as well as strong bolts and screws, can help a building stay together even in hurricane-like conditions. Bolts and screws are stronger and will spread the uplift force more evenly across the entirety of the building so that it stays together as opposed to ripping apart.

Roofs

As mentioned before the taller a building is, the more susceptible to winds it is. The roof you select will also play a huge role in the building’s security against winds. A flat roof will take on more wind force than a pitched roof will. To understand this concept fully, think of the wings of a plane. They are flat. Wind passes over the flat wings of an aircraft creating lift. If you have a flat roof wind is more likely to rip your roof off. Additionally, a steel roof has panels meaning that there are fewer places for the wind to get inside and create lift.

Here at Keen’s Buildings, we take great pride in providing you with the best options for your steel buildings. If you have any questions, give us a call. We would be more than happy to help!

 

Keen’s Buildings: Metal Buildings for Farming and Agriculture

Metal Buildings are often preferred to wooden ones for agricultural and farming for many reasons. Steel buildings are very durable and will help protect your farming equipment, livestock, and produce. Selecting the type of structure, you want is just part of the equation, there are still a variety of factors to consider when you are planning to have a metal building built on your property. The first question you’ll need to answer is the purpose of your building. The purpose of the building will help determine other factors, such as the amount of space you need.

 

 A metal building for equipment storage

Your equipment will last much longer when protected from the elements. Rain, snow, and heat can all damage machinery and other equipment. Furthermore, because you’ll have a single location to keep all of your equipment it will help you stay organized. Space and location are two significant factors for your metal building. You’ll want the building to be far enough away so that your household is not disturbed by the sound of the machinery, but close enough for you to be able to react to theft or tampering attempts. Selecting durable tamper-resistant locks for all entrances into the building has been shown to discourage thievery. You’ll also need to consider the amount of actual storage space you need. A good rule of thumb is to measure out the flooring and build around that. Keep in mind the area you’ll need for maneuvering as well.

 

A Metal Building for Livestock

When raising livestock, it’s essential to provide a safe and sturdy shelter for them to sleep and seek refuge from the elements. Unlike machinery and equipment living creatures require a bit more planning. Ventilation, space, and temperature control are all crucial to keeping animals safe and healthy. Ample space will reduce the spread of disease and prevent aggressive behavior. Ventilation ducts should be placed on the roof of the building to prevent ice build up on the roof. The size of the structure you have built will depend heavily on the type of livestock you keep.

 

A Metal Building for Fodder Storage

Keeping fodder for your animals is essential for most farms how the feed is stored can impact the amount of dry matter loss. Hay is a favorite food source for certain livestock. Unfortunately, it can get damp and rot, making the feed unusable in the process. Losing some hay will happen naturally; however, an optimized storage system can significantly reduce the amount of hay you’ll lose. You’ll want to select the materials you choose for your barn carefully. For example, avoid using gravel entirely for your flooring as it traps moisture and can destroy your hay. If possible, try to have a flooring with a slight slope so water that collects can drain. Additionally, a layer of cloth between the floor and hay can absorb some of the moisture that collects.

Creating your Metal Workshop with Keen’s Buildings

When compared to its wooden counterparts’ steel buildings are far more durable and cost-effective. Metal structures are also resident to fires, mildew and even rust, making it the perfect material from which to construct your metal workshop!

Power and water

When constructing a metal building there is much to consider. If you are building a workshop, chances are you’ll want to have water and electricity. Call your utility company before you start building to find out any relevant information regarding the connection. Additionally, you’ll want to determine exactly where you want to place your breaker panel within your workshop. The majority of companies will often want your breaker panel as close to the meter as possible.

Lighting is also important, allowing areas for natural light to enter your workshop can help save on the lighting bill. If you plan on utilizing skylights be sure that they are placed correctly to allow for optimal lighting within your workshop.

When should I start construction on my workshop?

Late spring is often the best time to begin construction as the ground will be dry. Additionally, you’ll have ample time to complete your structure prior to winter (as well as getting any necessary paperwork and documentation in order). Metal buildings don’t take nearly as long to construct as buildings made out of other materials. If you are planning on utilizing your workshop year round, then insulation is a must. Insulation is good because it will protect your building and help keep condensation to a minimum. Although steel buildings are resistant to rues thanks to their zinc and aluminum alloy coating, excessive exposure to water can still cause damage, decreasing the lifespan of your building.

Roofing

The roof of your building will be exposed to much stress such as the sun and rain. For that reason, Keen’s Buildings ensure that the roofs we create are strong, durable, and require as little maintenance as possible.

Here at Keen’s Buildings, we put the customer first. We make sure all of our buildings are structurally sound and able to washstand incredibly harsh conditions. Contact us today to receive your free quote!

Keen’s Buildings: Building your Dream Garage

A metal garage is a fantastic way to protect your vehicles from the elements; however, there is so much more to it than that. A quality metal garage can increase your house resale value, making the investment well worth it! When it comes to building a garage, it’s never a bad idea to err on the side of more than less. Life often has unexpected turns, and you may have to upgrade to a larger vehicle. Investing in a large metal garage up front will save you the work of having to increase the size later, should you ever need to.

Benefits of a Metal Garage

Metal structures do not require support beams; this means when it comes to space you’ll get more bang for your buck! In addition to that, metal is fire resistant and not susceptible to rot, termite infestations, or warping. A metal building can also be constructed in a significantly shorter time frame than their wooden counterparts.

Metal is also eco-friendly. The vast majority of metal buildings are created from recycled materials. The best part is that if you ever don’t need your metal building anymore, it can be recycled or easily moved.

How much space Do I need?

Generally, the amount of space you’ll need is relevant to the size of the vehicle you are storing. Naturally, if you are planning on storing a larger vehicle, you’ll need a larger space. You’ll also need to take into account the necessary space you’ll need to move around in comfortably. If you are planning to use your garage as a workshop, as well then more space will be required. If you are adding a workshop add about ten extra feet to your structure layout, this will allow you to fit a workbench and a tool storage area comfortably.

Customization and other utility and styling choices

To capitalize on your investment, if you wish to resell your property, you’ll want to make the garage and your home match. Depending on the style of your house and property one important consideration is whether or not you want your garage attached or detached to your home.

Installing the same panels for your garage as the ones on your house will create a uniform look to your property. If you want utilities (such as lighting and water), you’ll need additional permits. Be sure also to follow local building codes. If building regulations are not abided by you may have to rebuild all or part of your building. You may also have difficulties selling your house.

Here at Keen’s Buildings, we take great pride in providing excellent customer service and quality products! If you have any questions or inquiries, contact us today! We would love to hear from you.

Live in Florida? Keep your RV in Top Shape for your Next Trip using This One Tip

Keeping your RV Safe for your Next Trip

An RV is the fun and easy way to travel and really enjoy the journey, not just the destinations. Plenty of people want or even have an RV, travel trailer, motor home, or camper. Traveling cross country with your friends and loved ones is a fantastic way to bond and grow closer, making an RV a great investment. Memories are priceless and being able to create those memories is truly a valuable experience.

With both a financial and experience-based investment made it’s only natural that you’ll want to keep it safe. Protecting your RV safe is crucial to ensure that it will last for years to come.  The weather, neighbors’ kids, or, if you live in Florida, the ocean air, can all damage your RV.

How Florida conditions can damage your vehicle:

There are plenty of perks when it comes to living near the ocean. The cool ocean breeze, the sun, and beautiful views are just a few of the many things that attract people to the state of Florida. Unfortunately, that nice ocean air and the intense sun can reap havoc on your vehicle’s paint job. This happens because the sun opens pores in the paint. The open pores increase the absorption if the salty moisture. This causes corrosion. Paint is not the only thing that Florida’s unique conditions will damage, brake calipers, nuts, and bolts can also corrode as well.

You may feel that during the winter with the humidity decreasing your vehicle is safer, but this is simply not the case. Because dew accumulates far more during the winter than the summer the chances of corrosion skyrockets during the cooler months. The longer a vehicle is exposed to these conditions the greater the resulting damage will be.

How to Keep your RV safe:

There is a period of about five to seven years where you won’t see much damage. However, constant exposure to the Florida elements without protection will damage your vehicle. Accumulation of rust can spell costly repairs so it’s a good idea to take preemptive measures to prevent this from happening. In addition to taking the normal care measures to keep your vehicle safe (i.e. washing and waxing) it’s also a good idea to store your RV in a safe place, such as a prefab metal building.

Unlike other vehicles, an RV is not easily stored in a typical garage, so unless you already have accommodations, you’ll have to prepare a special storage unit to keep your RV safe from the elements. Keen’s buildings will work with you to ensure that you have the proper storage for your RV. Our team of experts can also advise you on which materials will be useful, so you don’t have to take a college course on building materials, and can instead focus on other things, like where you want to go next.

Life is an adventure, and we at Keen’s Buildings want to make sure that all the elements you need to carry out that adventure is as safe as possible. Trust professionals, trust Keen’s Buildings. Contact us to learn more about what we can do for you!

Why Metal Storage Sheds Are Superior to Wooden Sheds

When it comes to storage, one of the most popular avenues is a metal storage shed. People all over America prefer to have metal storage sheds instead of the traditional wooden ones. There are a lot of ways metal storage sheds are superior to the wooden ones. A metal storage shed is more environmentally friendly, energy-efficient, durable, and long-lasting.

There are several ways you can use your metal shed. For instance, you can use it as a workshop, home office, tool shop, or for storage purposes.

Advantages of Choosing Metal Storage Garages

You may be reluctant to choose a metal storage shed over a wooden shed because of the cost, but it is actually superior in the long run. Getting a metal storage shed is an investment that will stay with you for years to come. Additionally, their maintenance is also easier.

Following are some of the advantages of metal storage sheds. After reading these amazing benefits, you will definitely see how the metal storage sheds are far better than wooden sheds.

Less Maintenance

Like we mentioned before, wooden sheds are harder to maintain as compared to metal storage sheds. Wooden sheds are more likely to suffer from structural damage than steel ones. A few things that can cause damage to the wooden sheds are fires, floods, and storms. And let’s not forget the deadliest disaster – termites. Yes, termites can eat away the wooden foundations of your shed, leaving you with a skeleton. Getting rid of termites will cost you an arm and a leg, figuratively, of course.

All these issues will go away when you have a metal storage shed. You will not have to worry about termites, damp conditions, or fire hazards when you have a metal storage shed.

Much More Secure

Have you ever heard that a burglar cut through a metal storage shed and stole things? We are sure that your answer is no. It is much easier to penetrate through a wooden shed. Metal storage sheds will ensure that your stored items remain secure from the clutches of burglars and thieves.

No Need for Foundation

Yes, you read that right. In most cases, you will not require a foundation for your metal storage shed. This will help you cut down on the installation cost significantly. All you need for the installation of your new metal storage shed is a flat surface, and you are good to go.

Modern Designs

If you are picturing your metal storage shed as a tin box, then you are wrong. It is much more modern than that. You can renovate and paint it just the way you like to add a modern touch. Additionally, your metal storage shed can be custom-designed to suit your needs.

Are you looking for reliable vendors who will solve all your storage problems? Look no further, because you just found the best one. Keen’s Building will help you get your dream metal storage shed. Contact us today and get your storage shed delivered.

What You Need to Know About Steel Building Insulation

When it comes to residential and commercial structures, most people lean toward steel buildings. Metal structures are not only durable but also long-lasting. However, there is one key thing to keep in mind keep in mind before installing a metal building and that is insulation.

Metal is a good conductor of both cold and heat. The roof and the side of the metal buildings consist of metal sheeting. The temperature in and around the steel building will impact the metal sheet because the temperature is easily transferred. Therefore, if the temperature shifts significantly inside or outside the metal building, water condensation can form on the metal sheets.

Among other things, insulation helps prevent water condensation damage. Because of its unique properties insulation works as a barrier between the heat transfer from the outside to the inside and vice-versa. Additionally, insulation helps reduce the temperature of the metal and reduces water condensation.

What Is R-Value?

Different insulation is graded by R-values. R-value measures the effectiveness of the insulation. The higher the R-value of the insulation, the greater the resistance to temperature it can provide your steel building.

Different Types of Insulation

There are several different types of insulations that you can use on your steel building. A few things to keep in mind when you are choosing insulation are your budget and your unique project needs.

Different materials used for insulation and their benefits:

Loose Fill Insulation

Loose fill insulation is perfect for buildings that have irregular space because it can fill up the places that are hard to access. While primarily used in pre-constructed metal buildings, loose fill insulation is used in new constructions.

Loose fill insulation is dispersed by being blown into small holes in the walls. It is one of the most eco-friendly insulation options and also helps you save money on utility expenses.

Blanket Insulation

This type of insulation is perfect for newly constructed buildings. Blanket insulation comes in large sheets or rolls. Because of this blanket insulation is often used to fill the pre-determined gaps in buildings. It is important that blanket insulation is installed correctly to gain the full advantage of the insulation.

Rigid Board Insulation

This insulation has a high R-value that helps improve the transfer of heat and cold. The rigid board insulation works as a barricade. This barricade prevents excess water condensation. For this reason, this method is often used to cover larger areas.

A lot of people combine rigid board insulation with other types of insulation to make it more effective.

Spray Foam Insulation

Spray foam insulation is a popular choice because it provides heat and cold barrier in irregular spaces, like around ventilation ducts and pipes. This insulation expands and provides a cushion of protection to the specialized areas.

These are some of the options that you can choose from. We’re experts in metal building insulation. Here at Keen’s Buildings, the job is always done right! Our representatives will give you excellent advice on what material to choose.