When it comes to protecting your assets, metal garages are the gold standard. Explore their incredible durability, corrosion resistance, and low-maintenance benefits in our latest article.
Metal buildings have been popular since World War II. And it is for the simple reason that they are long-lasting and highly durable. There are more than 82 million garages in the US. People use garages for multipurpose activities.
Are you looking for a prefab metal garage? Thinking about how it will look on your property? Is it worth your money? Do they last long, or are they flimsy?
Let’s check out the answers to all those questions.
How durable are metal garages?
Cost
Metal building costs have become quite competitive in recent years. You will likely be paying $19–$25 per square foot for a steel structure vs. $20–$35 per square foot for a wood structure. If that’s not convincing enough for you, let’s move to our second point.
Strength
The strength to weight ratio of steel is 63. The tensile strength is 505 MPa with a density of 8 g/cm3. This makes it one of the most robust materials for construction. When steel is galvanized, it becomes rust resistant, further increasing its durability.
Now, you may say it looks a lot more complicated than wood. To clarify that, let’s see our next point.
Installation Time
Prefab metal garages come pre-cut and pre-drilled from the factory. So, all that needs to be done is assemble on site. Installing a steel garage is easy and quick. It requires less manpower. This reduces owner stress due to mechanical work.
You may think all of this will surely come at a price. Well, let’s see our next point to clear it out.
Maintenance
You do not need as much regular upkeep with metal beams and posts as with wooden ones, such as weatherproofing and wood straining. Metal does not absorb moisture; wood does. A steel post will not rot or decay with time. This helps maintain the structural integrity of the building.
A bonus is that with a metal structure, you get to choose the type of roof. If you use vertical roofing, debris, leaves, rainwater, snow, etc., will slide off the top due to gravity. So you do not need consistent cleaning.
This may lead you to consider how a metal car shed performs in extreme climates. Let’s see.
Weather Resistant
Steel, due to its strength, can withstand extreme environmental pressure. Be it tornadoes or hurricanes, you can rest assured that your garage structure will remain intact until there is a direct hit.
You would be delighted to know that stainless steel is a bad conductor of electricity. In case of heavy rain, snowfall, or hail, your metal structure will shield all your belongings stored indoors.
Pest Resistant
Steel does not attract termites to build colonies. A metal car shed has no affinity for mold or mildew. Proper insulation is in place, and you can say goodbye to all those nasty pest infestations.
Now, isn’t that great? You also end up saving money on those chemical sprays like insecticides and pesticides.
Eco-friendly
Steel is a 100% recyclable material. A minimum amount of residue is left after the construction of a steel garage. Some metal shavings that remain can be cleaned and sold to any nearby scrapyard. You do not need to destroy forests and cut down trees to construct a prefab metal garage.
Security
Last but not least is security. Metals are strong and will remain strong throughout their lifespan. Whether for durability or sturdiness, metal will serve you well. Not to mention, steel is hard to break in as well.
How long do steel garages last?
On average, a metal garage can last 20–30 years, and maybe even longer with good care. It is incredibly resilient to damage from pests and termites, which adds to its robustness.
Comparatively, traditional wooden garages are subjected to several pain points, such as extreme weather conditions, termites, decaying wooden beams and posts, etc.
Factors that play a crucial role in the longevity of metal garages
Managing Condensation
You see, metal is a good conductor of heat. That’s a problem, but not one with a fix. All you need to do is install an insulator along with your steel garage. That’s it! An insulator keeps condensation at bay.
So, minimum moisture will buildup in your metal roof and panels. This will not just minimize the chances of mildew & fungi but also add life to your car shed.
Managing Moisture
Moisture buildup can cause corrosion in metal. So, it would be best to use galvanized steel for frames, posts, and panels. To avoid excessive humidity in your garage, you can have windows and vents.
They will help regulate the airflow in and out. There is no need to buy power operated vents. You can go with passive vents as well.
In Closing:
You may be thinking that steel garages can’t have those rustic looks. Well, wait, there is more. Nowadays, steel garages’ exteriors can be customized as needed. So, how can you give a wooden appeal to your prefab metal garage?
All you need to do is choose a color that is similar to wood and use facades such as faux wood cladding. They have a look and feel similar to wood but need less care than natural wood.
A prefab metal garage will serve you for decades with minimal upkeep. It will save more in the long run. So you can confidently choose it. Remember to compare quotes from various dealers before buying.
