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What’s the Difference between Types of Steel Buildings?

Keens Buildings 18x21 Double Carport 6If you are looking to purchase a metal or steel building in the near future, it would do you a great deal of good, if you knew about the difference between types of steel buildings and metal structures. They are known by different names throughout the country, and in some cases, it can lead to confusion when you are ordering a steel building or metal structure. You may come across words like an awning, lean-to, garage, carport, car cover, barn, or combo-unit, and they can baffle you.

Fortunately for you, we are going to cover the main differences between types of steel buildings and metal structures, so that you don’t get confused when looking at storage and parking options.

Basic definitions

First of all, we will start with basic definitions for metal structures, so that you have a general idea about what each type of building means.

1.    Carport, Awning, Car Cover, Shed:

These are generic terms, which define either a fully enclosed structure with windows and doors or a simple roof. When you order a carport, you should know that it only offers a simple roof, and you can add metal on the sides. You can also get a 3-sided carport if you want. See examples of carports by visiting our carports section.

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2.    Garage:

This will be similar to a carport, with the only difference being that it will be fully enclosed, and will also have a door. There are also roll-up garage doors, and you can install this structure with insulation, windows, and house doors. Our garage section has many different designs and installations.

3.    Lean-to:

The lean-to sounds funny, but is very effective, and acts as an additional roof that is connected to a garage or a carport. It is shorter than the main structure, and can either be attached to one or both sides of the structure. You can also have lean-tos that are fully and partially enclosed with windows, and doors.

4.    A Barn:

A barn is similar to a lean-to, and can be attached to a garage or a carport. You can choose to have a fully open or fully enclosed barn, depending on your requirements, and there is also the option of adding additional rooms to it as well.

5.    Combo Unit:

The combo unit is basically a carport that has a fully enclosed utility room attached to it. These utility rooms are similar in width to the carport, and can also be installed with insulation, windows, garage doors, and house doors.

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6.    RV Cover:

The RV cover is just like a carport, with the only difference being that it has trailer legs. RV covers are generally all, and maybe from 12 feet to 14 feet high. You can also choose to add additional posts to double the strength of the RV cover.

These were some of the different names of metal structures and steel buildings that you can choose to buy from Keen’s Buildings. It is important that you know the differences between them so that you can avoid confusion and make an informed decision.

By Storage Buildings • Storage Sheds • • • • • 0 Comments

All You Need to Know about Storage Sheds

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When you have made the decision to buy a storage shed, the first thing you should do is your homework. Sure, buying a storage shed isn’t that difficult, but if you put in a little bit of research, you can purchase storage shed that fulfills all your needs. There are several factors you should consider before you buy a storage shed, which include designs, materials, pricing, and size of the storage shed. Here, at Keen’s Buildings, we provide you with a host of different storage shed options.

Storage sheds aren’t just an addition to your home, they act as great places for storing unwanted stuff and utensils. You can also convert your storage shed into any type of room in your backyard since there are infinite possibilities with a storage shed. We want everyone to have complete knowledge about storage sheds before they purchase them. So, here is everything you need to know about storage sheds:

1.   Quality vs. price

The first thing you must calculate when buying a storage shed is obviously the price of the storage shed. However, don’t let the price be the most important factor when buying a storage shed, since the most affordable option may not be the best one on the market. You must differentiate between quality and price before you come to a suitable decision.

2.   Design of the storage shed

When you are buying a storage shed, you should consider the fact that it is going to be an addition to your property, and therefore will affect the appearance of your property. Therefore, the storage shed must match the design of the house, otherwise, it will stick out like a sore thumb. At Keen’s Buildings, our gallery has many options for you to choose from.

3.   Make it a part of the landscape

One of the best things you can do when buying a storage shed is to make it a part of your landscape. This can be done by adding plants near the storage shed and even creating garden beds around it. This will make it a part of the landscape and will enhance the visual appearance of your property.

4.   Choose the materials carefully

There are several options available when you are choosing the material of your storage shed. The most common material used is natural wood, but it has some drawbacks, most notably that it tends to rot. One of the most popular materials being used in storage sheds today is metal, which is durable and doesn’t require much maintenance.

5.   How you plan on using it?

Another important factor you must consider before you purchase storage sheds is deciding on how you plan on using the storage shed. Among the most popular options for storage, sheds are turning it into your own personal sanctuary, where you can relax, read, and pass the time.

There are a lot of other factors you must consider when purchasing about storage sheds. We have covered some of the important ones, and if you want to learn more about storage sheds, check out Keen’s Buildings today.

By Sheds • Storage Buildings • Storage Sheds • • • • • 0 Comments

Plan For New Storage Shed

Are you making plans for a new storage shed? There are three easy steps to ensure your purchase goes as planned. First, determine what you are going to put in the storage shed you are buying. You want to make sure the storage shed is large enough to accommodate everything you are wanting to store in it. Second, find a good clear location in your yard avoiding any trees, power lines, carports, or other storage buildings. Make sure the delivery crew can get in and out without damaging any of your property. Last, after making your purchase of the storage shed. Schedule a delivery time and leave a three to four-hour window for the delivery crew to set up your new storage shed. Enjoy your new storage building and maybe do a little spring cleaning around your home.

Hopefully these tips will help you plan for your purchase of a new storage shed.

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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.

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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.

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The Difference Between a Shed and A Storage Building

Sheds are perfect for storage, and that’s one of their main purposes. The question then might be asked, what is the difference between a storage building and a shed? A shed to a certain degree is a storage building, after all it is a building, and it does store things. There’s a very strong difference though, and it’s important to know the difference.

The Differences

Size– Sheds are usually smaller, although there are some storage buildings that are smaller than some sheds but for the most part, you can notice that storage buildings will usually be bigger.

Design- Storage buildings look like actual buildings where someone can have an office in if they wanted.  Sheds look like they’re just designed to store things. Storage buildings will usually have more windows, and a roof that looks like a real building. The doors can be very different as well.

Purposes- Both the sheds and storage buildings do a great job storing objects.  Storage buildings have more space so they can store more.  Storage buildings can do many other things if you want to be creative.

There are other things different about how they’re built. Each storage shed and storage building can be completely different. These differences don’t apply to all. However, you should have an idea now on the difference.

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5 Reasons Why Sheds are Worth the Buy

Outdoor storage sheds may seem like they’re not important or even worth the purchase.  Sheds however can do a lot more than just store things.  There are 5 reasons on why outdoor storage sheds are important.

Here’s a breakdown of each reason:

1. Protect Assets– Yes, If the shed is built well, like our sheds at keensbuildings.com you’ll notice that anything stored in the shed will be protected from the external forces mother nature can bring. Over time you’ll pay a lot of money for tools and equipment that you’ll use around your house. This will protect equipment from rusting and all other sorts of external damage the equipment can face. With a keensbuilding shed you’ll be able to protect everything stored in it.  Our sheds are very tough, strong, and long lasting, making it an investment that overtime can carry a return by just protecting all of your equipment.

2. More added interior space– With all of the clutter we tend to purchase these days, it can be very annoying to have clutter all around the house. Sheds can clear up the clutter with the extra storage space.  This is actually very mentally clearing and it will benefit the mind emotionally. More space is always a beautiful thing!

3. Make your home or business look great- Here at keens buildings we actually try to make our sheds look great. We know looks aren’t everything but they can add value to the look of your home or business.  Sheds can then help your real estate just look great.  For example, if you have a lot of equipment in your garage and if that was all moved to the shed, it will make your garage look great and of course our sheds will make your house look great.

4.Organization- At Keens we have big outdoor storage sheds. These work miracles with organization. Our 12×24 shed is a great example… it’s huge and with all of this space, you can organize all of your stuff so well. Whether if it’s for office storage, or equipment storage, this will be the best out storage investment you’ll ever make.

5. Portability –  Besides the amazing amount of added space, storage sheds can be portable. No need to fear your next move. This shed can be your lifetime real estate with its easy ability to move.

All of these benefits are just reasons on why it might actually be worth the buy the next time you get frustrated when you know you need extra added space around.

By Storage Buildings • Storage Sheds • 0 Comments

Is It Time for a Storage Shed?

Is it time for a storage shed? Do you have a clutter of things in your garage or around the side of your house? Do you hesitate to make new tool and garden purchases because you have no place for them? If this sounds all too familiar then it may be time for a storage shed.  To start, maybe you need to think of the uses for a storage shed. You can use a shed to store just about anything. Use one to store tools, garden supplies, sporting equipment, small tractors, motorcycles, etc. In addition, you can use a storage shed for hobbies such as making art. Do the kids need a playroom? The shed can become a clubhouse for them.

Secondly, you need to survey how much space you have to establish your outdoor shed. If you want to store something large such as a tractor or lawn equipment, you’ll want to be sure that the shed offers dimensions to house such items. If you want your shed to serve multiple functions, then maybe it would be best to purchase a larger one if you have the room to spare.  Sheds are offered in different materials. Choose from metal, wood, and vinyl sheds. Depending on preference, your geographic location, and the money you are willing to spend, you may decide one type of material is better than the others. Each type offers its advantages and disadvantages.

There are a lot of additions and extras you can implement such as windows, ventilation, and ramps. Your needed extras may depend on what purposes you will address with your shed. It is better to decide on the extras before you purchase the storage shed rather than attempt to implement them after the purchase.

Some people think that it is cheaper to build their own shed. This is not advised unless you are highly skilled. Even if you are handy, it may be difficult to duplicate the craftsmanship that is associated with professionally-built sheds.