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 Storage Sheds • • • • • 0 Comments

Is it Worth Building a Shed?

You might be shocked, but building a storage shed won’t save you that much money.  After going to a store like home depot, and buying each part, the cost is not as cheap as you think. When anyone decides to make a storage shed, the specialization is gone. A business that specializes in making sheds will know what will make a quality shed.

Now, will it save you money on making a shed? It depends, if you buy affordable or cheap wood it can. Will the shed still be nice? Maybe, it depends how good you are. If you’ve built many sheds in the past,  it might be worth it.  The amount of time to make one shed can be brutal though. Then the question will be, is making a shed worth your time? Or is it worth buying one.

The advantage of a keensbuilding shed is quality. Quality that will last the test of time. If you make your own, over time if it breaks, your investment of time and money will break with it. If it can look great and last the test of time, it might be worth it. The best part is, it’s your choice and your judgement.

Sheds are not like building little play houses. Sheds take the perfect balance, and leveling. It takes the right planning and execution. If you want a quality shed, like a keens shed, it will usually include a window, some descent insulation, and the perfect roof.

 

There’s more that goes into making a shed compared to what it looks like. Especially if you want a shed that locks really well.  Sheds are amazing when it comes to storing things and saving money. If you want to learn more about what goes into a shed, feel free to contact us! We would love to talk!

By Sheds • • • • 0 Comments

How to Spot Quality Sheds

Once you’ve made the decision to install a shed, there are a number of elements that deserve close inspection to make sure you are getting a high quality structure that will stand up to the rigors of harsh weather and years of use. You need to rely on your shed to protect your valuable possession from heat, light, rain, snow, and more. We understand a shed can be an investment, so you need to make sure you’re investing in something that will last.

So how do you spot a quality shed? How do you know the structure you’re putting up is really going to last? There are a few things you should consider to make sure you get the kind of storage shed you really need.

Materials – It all starts with the materials. It won’t matter how many braces, screws, and 2x4s you put into the shed if the materials you use are second-rate. All wood should be treated to resist moisture and warping, and the steel should be solid, reliable, and rust resistant.

Structural Integrity – What is holding the shed together? Are the components connected by nails or screws? How far apart are the studs spaced? Your shed can take a beating over the years, so you need to know that it has a sound design and will stand up to even the harshest conditions.

The Floor – If you choose a wood floor, it should be pressure treated and sealed so any moisture that gets inside won’t cause it to warp or rot.

The Walls – In a wood structure, the studs should be placed just like they are in a house. The 2x4s should be spaced at regular intervals and provide enough support to hold up the exterior plywood. In steel sheds, the structure may be designed differently, so you just need to make sure that it is solid and stable enough for the job.

The Roof – Just like the walls, there needs to be sufficient rafters to anchor the plywood roof and prevent warping and sagging over the years. The types of shingles you use are also important. You should make sure they are rated to last for 25 years or more.

The Exterior – Siding is about more than just appearance. This is a critical part of the shed that helps keep out the elements. The siding should keep out moisture and heat, and, if possible, match the look of the rest of your home. (Yes, there is definitely still an aesthetic element to this.) Vinyl siding is easier to clean and maintain than wood, but you go with wood you need to make sure it was properly treated to withstand the weather.

The Doors – Your doors should be solid, lockable, and durable. If they begin to sag or deform over the years, it will get extremely inconvenient to use them down the road.

A lot of elements have to come together to create a strong, reliable shed, so as you look through the many options, be sure you consider it from every angle. We want to help you get the one that will safely hold all your valuable items for years to come, which is why we only use the highest quality materials and construction.