By Keen's Buildings • Metal Buildings • Metal Garages • Metal Sheds • Outdoor Sheds • RV Carports • Steel Buildings • Storage Buildings • Storage Sheds • Tips and Tricks 0 Comments

Don’t let the Southern Sun Damage your Vehicles

Fun in the sun is almost always synonymous with summer. Recreational vehicles, dirt bikes, and boats are just a few of the popular cars that can be used to help take your summer fun to the next level. But sun damage can have devastating impacts on your vehicle. Having a metal building to protect your car can help prevent costly repairs.

How can the sun damage your vehicle?

UV rays oxidized the paint on cars causing them to fade which makes the vehicle to look older and more worn than it is. Additionally, the sun can also cause damage to headlights, and the rubber trims on your car as well as damage your upholstery and the tint on your windows. The interior of the vehicle, like the paint, can weaken and fade when exposed to too much sun.
Exposure to the sun can impact not only how your vehicle looks, but how it runs as well. For example, the fluids in your car are responsible for making the engine run as it should. During hot days this is extremely important as the engine is significantly more prone to heating. During the summer be sure to keep an eye on your car’s fluids, particularly the coolants, so that your engine doesn’t sustain any damage.

Protect your Vehicle

Your vehicle, no matter what it is, is an investment, a property that deserves protecting. Having the right garage to keep your property safe is the first step to making it last for many years.
One of the best things about having a building designed specifically to serve as your garage is the endless customizability options. You can determine crucial elements, such as the ceiling height and size of the building. Our steel buildings can be created to hold just about any vehicle, and we will work with you to customize and design your steel building to fit both your needs and your preferences.

Metal buildings are designed to last. Here at Keen’s Buildings use quality rust-resistant materials to ensure that your construction is not only sturdy but protected. Our buildings are specially designed to withstand harsh winds and rains, while still maintaining their appearance and structural integrity.
Having trouble financing your metal building? We’ve got you covered! Keens’ buildings offer financing options so you can get the metal building you want. If you have any questions or concerns feel free to contact us, we would love to hear from you!

By Carports • Metal Carports • RV Carports • Steel Garage 0 Comments

Why you need a Carport for your Recreational Vehicle

Hundreds of thousands of people have purchased a recreational vehicle in the past year alone. Housing your RV in other lots can get expensive, easily reaching a thousand dollars per month. With such a costly investment wouldn’t you want to ensure your property is safe?

Having a personal RV carport is a cost-effective alternative to protecting your recreational vehicle without having to worry about incurring damage. Unlike a facility, you don’t have to worry about monthly fees. Because a carport will protect your RV from the elements, the carport pays for itself, as it will save you money on costly repairs to your RV that you may have otherwise had to make due to weather conditions or UV rays.

There are quite a few things to consider before you start construction on your steel carport.

First and foremost, be sure you have the room necessary to build a carport. Depending on the size of your vehicle you may need more or less room. Consider where you want your carport to be positioned and measure to see if it’s feasible to put a carport in that particular location.

Next, find out if your homeowner association are okay with you having a carport. Most homeowner associations will object to your building a carport that is visible from the front of your house. Some homeowner associations will be okay with you having a carport behind your residence. Check with your homeowner association first to see if it’s all right before you start construction.

Check with your local authorities to see what the building regulations are and to find out if you need any permits.

Having an RV shelter on your property is incredibly convenient. Not only will you save hundreds if not thousands of dollars a year. You also don’t have to worry about the hassle of having to pick up your RV. Whenever you want to travel, you can simply pack up and go, saving you precious dollars in gas money.

Because all of our steel structures are customizable  you can design a specialized to suit your unique needs and desired tastes. Contact us today for a free quote.

 

By Metal Garages • RV Carports • Steel Garage • Storage Buildings 0 Comments

Keen’s Buildings Things to Know when Designing your Recreational Vehicle Storage Unit

Recreational Vehicle Storage

RV’s are an excellent investment, but without proper protection, your RV could be easily damaged. Florida is no stranger to harsh weather conditions. A structurally sound metal building can help protect your RV from tornadoes, hailstorms, and fires. Even without the severe weather the sun and salt in the air are more than enough to cause corrosion to your RV. Unlike other materials steel can also withstand heat better than materials like wood. Because of this many insurance companies will decrease the price of your fire insurance if you have a steel storage unit to house your RV. To maximize on this, you should have about three inches of fire-resistant insulation on all the walls of your building.

Things to consider before having your metal RV storage unit built

The first consideration is where you plan on keeping your structure. Ideally, you’ll want an even flat plot of land to save on the costs it would take to level the area. Additionally, you’ll want to select a spot that is not lower than the ground around it. If the area around your garage is low then water could collect there; however, there is a solution to this, and that would be to create a drainage system or a channel to encourage water flow to go elsewhere.

The Foundation

A strong foundation is the pinnacle of any lasting structure; however, there are a few things to consider. The less expensive and faster option is to anchor your structure which entails embedding stakes into the ground. You can also add a concrete slab for your RV to sit. The flooring and size of your garage is another critical decision to be made. Using only gravel for your flooring will make it difficult and uncomfortable should you need to perform any maintenance on your RV. Gravel is also not the best thing for your tires.

The more involved and expensive option is to have a concrete base created and place the metal building on top of this base. Not only will it help protect your tires, but it will make maintenance significantly more comfortable to perform.

Determining the size of your garage

When building your metal garage, you’ll need to take space into account. Consider the size of the RV when fully extended. Also, take maneuverability and if you plan to upgrade your RV into account. You’ll want to have enough space to freely move around in so you can clean or repair your RV easily.

Customizing your building

We at Keen’s Buildings take great pride in our customization options. The freedom and choices for exactly how you want your RV garage to look and operate are entirely in your hands.

Before building be sure to consult your local and state laws regarding any building limitations that exist in your area.

By Metal Buildings • Metal Garages • RV Carports • Steel Garage • Storage Buildings • Tips and Tricks 0 Comments

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!

By Carports • Carports For Sale • Metal Carports • RV Carports • RV-Ports • Steel Carports • Uncategorized • • 0 Comments

How to Choose the Best RV Carport for Your Recreational Vehicle?

Keens-Buildings-18x41-Motorhome-Carport-10

Families that are looking for the ideal vacationing vehicle will all agree that RVs are the best option available. It doesn’t matter where you want to go, RVs provide you with a lot of room and freedom to travel all over the country. The best part is that you don’t need to book any hotels or eat at expensive restaurants since you are taking your mobile home along with yourself on your journey.

However, RVs don’t come cheap, and if you have invested in one, it is important that you protect your investment, and cut down on maintenance costs by purchasing an RV carport. This will keep it covered from the elements, and ensure that you don’t experience any problems on the road. But how do you decide which RV carport is the best one for your recreational vehicle?

There is no shortage of options available, but that only confuses people. Here, at Carport Empire, we provide high-quality RV carports in all shapes and sizes. If you are looking to choose the best RV carport for your recreational vehicle, here is how you should go about it:

What is main purpose of your RV carport?

Are you looking for additional security for your vehicle, or only want a carport that shelters your recreational vehicle from the elements? These questions will help you choose an RV carport with specific features that will provide you with exactly what you need.

Where do you plan on installing your metal RV carport?

You should consider the area you plan on installing your metal RV carport. Is it big enough for the carport cover, or do you want to install it somewhere else that has more space? Make sure you choose a size and style that fits with the space you have available.

What about local building regulations?

In some areas it is required by law to get certification for a new structure, so that it can handle snow and wind, without falling apart and damaging property. So, make sure that you check out the local building regulations for installing an RV carport on your property.

What is the weather like in your area?

The main purpose of the RV carport is to shelter your recreational vehicle from the elements. Therefore, it is important that you consider the weather conditions in your area before you buy one. Is the weather mostly wild? Or do you get a lot of thunderstorms? Choose an RV carport depending on the type of weather you will be dealing with, since there are specific types of RV carports to deal with weather.

What are your style preferences?

RV carports come in different styles, so you can choose any type that you want. Whether you want a fully enclosed carport, or one that is open from the sides, depends on your style preference. There are also a lot of color options for the carport, and you can choose to match the color of your recreational vehicle with the color of the RV carport.

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 • Metal Carports • Motorhome Carports • RV Carports • Steel Carports • • • • 0 Comments

Carports Keep You Dry

We have all different kinds of clients with all different kinds of needs at Keens Buildings including those who want to take advantage of a carport’s most basic featutre: the fact that it keeps people dry.  Yes it may seem simple, but when you think about it isn’t that the most simple use of any metal protective structure?  Some of our customers were just simply sick of getting out of their car and dealing with their elements as they walked into their house.  They chose to partner with Keens Buildings because we engineer and design carports that fit seamlessly into any driveway and provide people that protection from the elements that they are searching for.

We will work with you to design structures that will fit on your land that you have available.  Do not know where to start as far as building a carport goes?  Well you are in luck because we have years experience in the industry and are ready to educate and guide you through the process.  We provide dedicated staff to your project who will be wit you every step of the way, you never have to deal with a new team member who has to get up to speed.

Some people we know chose to get carports just so their groceries would not have the chance of getting wet.  When you think about it, that actually makes sense given the price of groceries these days and how valuable they obviously are in our day to day life.  Our carports are metal structures that are not only expertly designed, but they are easy to maintain and virtually eliminate the day-to-day maintenance that wooden carports may require.  Contact us today to get a free consultation so we can show you how we can make your worries a thing of the past.