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 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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Portable Storage Buildings for Farm Use

Farms are typically composed of permanent buildings. When it comes to adding on storage capacity, portable storage buildings constructed of strong steel are a great choice. Metal buildings are ideal for storing hay, seed, machinery and even animals. Sunlight and water can adversely affect the parts, tires, paint and other components of tractors and machinery. But a durable metal storage shed can protect machinery from such unfavorable conditions, with the result that such machinery would have lower repair and maintenance costs.

Some tips to follow when setting up a portable storage shed for farm use:

  • Orienting open-sided buildings from east to west minimizes sunlight exposure inside them
  • All portable storage buildings should be set up to meet local building code requirements
  • If hay is stored in the building, it needs to be kept dry. See that the building is well vented. If the peak of the roof is kept as open as possible, moisture can escape easily
  • The eave height and area of the building should be sufficient to meet storage needs

The advantages of purchasing a portable storage building far outweigh its cost. It’s important to buy the metal building from a dealer that offers customization support service.

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How to Optimize Space in Your Storage Building

t’s easy to set up a steel storage building to store everything from garden tools, furniture, sports equipment and camping gear to children’s toys and Christmas decorations. Leading portable building companies can provide you with a high quality state certified and DCA inspected durable steel building. They can also help customize and install it to meet your needs. However, to make the best use of your building, you have to optimize storage space. Some tips:

  • Put the stuff you need to use on a more constant basis where it is easily accessible.
  • Put in shelves on one side and store whatever you can on them. The more things you get off the floor, the more space you have.
  • Stack all your crates in a corner and label them to identify their contents.
  • Don’t put boxes too close against the wall or windows as this would affect ventilation.
  • Make a list of everything you store in your shed
  • Important: don’t store anything flammable in your storage shed.
  • Dismantle furniture and other items if possible as this saves a lot of space. You can assemble the stuff when you need to use it.
  • A door that opens outwards or a roll-up door is ideal as this would help you move in and take out large objects easily.

Make sure that your storage building is properly vented so that your belongings are safe from damage by seasonal temperature extremes.

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Setting Up Your Storage Building

Once you’ve made the decision to purchase a prefabricated storage building or shed, the next most important thing is installing it. You can choose to set it up yourself or rely on professional installation services. Here are some important points to consider if you are doing it yourself:

  • The prefabricated unit kit would include pre-built floor joist, wall panel and roof truss systems. You need to have the right tools such as carpentry tools, measuring tape, levels and goggles to shield your eyes while drilling
  • The land where you plan to install the outdoor storage shed should be level ground that is easily accessible. Make sure that no underground utility lines come in the way
  • If a permit is required to set up your prefab building, it’s necessary that you get it before you begin. Contact the local zoning and building inspector on how to go about this. Check whether your residents association has any rules you need to follow.
  • Build your shed in a way that you can upgrade it to accommodate your future storage needs

Do-it-yourself is ideal for people with basic technical and carpentry skills, and of course, a lot of spare time. Remember that your storage building company is your best alternative as they can set up your unit quickly and efficiently, and to meet your exact specifications.

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Facts You Should Know About Portable Buildings

Today, portable buildings come in various designs, shapes and sizes and are sometimes difficult to distinguish from conventional structures. Here are some facts you should know about these buildings:

  • When you shop for a portable building, look for quality. Portable structures should be judged with the same yardstick as other structures. Consider the suitability for purpose and context, its aesthetic appeal and economy.
  • They do not require a conventional foundation and can be set up on concrete slab, black top or plain level ground. This makes them easy to set up.
  • They serve a wide variety of purposes – to store seasonal equipment, fixtures and furniture, for tack and feed; as a workshop; as an enclosed play space for children; as an office space, and much more.
  • They can be customized and upgraded. You can add doors, windows and other options as well as choose from different designs and colors for trim and roof. They come in different sizes to suit almost every kind of need.
  • You may require a building plan review and permit to set up a residential accessory building. Additionally, any electrical, plumbing or mechanical work may require a permit. The location you choose to set up must meet zoning regulations.
  • Their efficiency and durability depends a lot on material used. High quality steel and aluminum storage buildings are resistant to termites and pests, and are suitable for all-weather use.

Purchase your portable building from a reliable dealer to ensure quality as well as design and installation to suit your specifications.

Any residential accessory building larger than 200 square feet will require a building plan review and permit. Regardless of size, any electrical, plumbing or mechanical work will require a permit and all building locations must honor zoning and subdivision set backs.

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Enhancing the Durability of Portable Storage Buildings

There is no doubt that portable storage buildings are a great way to improve your home’s storage capabilities without having to spend on costly construction. Proper set and maintenance can extend the life of your storage solution. Here are some useful tips:

  • Ensure proper ventilation. Keep your storage shed well ventilated to prevent moisture from building up, especially during rainy and cold weather conditions. This is important to safeguard the items you have stored. You can have vents or windows set up to ensure air circulation. This will prevent condensation from occurring. Some people have fans installed to keep the air dry. Large storage buildings may need more than one fan.
  • Prevent rot and rust with an economical metal storage shed. You can choose from a wide variety of steel buildings, aluminum buildings, and vinyl siding buildings. Galvanized and vinyl-coated steel are great options.
  • Have a secure base built for your shed. This will prevent water or moisture from seeping in. A concrete slab is the ideal option. You can improve its resilience and durability with pressure-treated flooring to prevent penetration by water or frost. Secure anchoring for your storage building is also an important part of improving its durability. Have screws rather than nails to attach your floor.
  • Choose proper frames and roofing for your storage shed. Options available include standard frames with hurricane clips, computer stamped trusses, pressure treated skids, and more. Snow brace kits can be attached to the underside of the roof. Brush off snow build-up – this is easier when you have a sloping roof.

Portable storage buildings are an economical choice and easy to set up. Purchase from an established dealer ensures that you get a durable, dependable and customized solution.