December 28, 2018 By Metal Buildings • Metal Garages • Metal Storage Buildings • Steel Garage 0 Comments

The Many Advantages Metal Garages Offer Over Wooden Garage Structures

When you’re purchasing a new garage, there are several options you must consider so that you get the best value for money. There are several choices of garages available to you. One deciding factor in the overall lifespan and durability of the garage you build rests with the material you select. A lot of people prefer metal garages over wooden ones, because of the many advantages of a metal building. If you want to learn more about what benefits metal garages, then you have come to the right place.

Keen’s Buildings has been building, delivering, and installing high-quality metal storage buildings to clients all over Florida for nearly 20 years. We are the best in the business! We have compiled a short list to highlight the advantages of metal garages over wooden ones.

Comparing Wood and Metal Garages

The most popular materials used for constructing garages are wood and metal. Both types of garages have their own positives and negatives. However, if you’re looking to get value for money then a metal garage is your best bet. The aesthetics of wooden garage structures are pleasing, but they are more expensive than metal garages. Additionally, wooden structures require good maintenance, since wood tends to rot, warp, and crack as it ages.

➢ Superior Quality

Metal garage structures will remain in pristine condition for several years. They don’t chip or rot nor do they invite insects, like termites, inside. Keen’s Buildings provide the best in refined quality metal garage structures, so you won’t have to worry about your metal building easily denting or corroding. The quality of our metal garages are unmatched by their wooden counterparts!

➢ Cost-efficiency

Everyone is looking at value for money when making investments on their property. The cost-efficiency of metal garages is one of the biggest reasons behind their popularity. Metal garages cost less to build and require minimum maintenance. You don’t need to replace metal every 2 years since it can withstand severe weather conditions and doesn’t rot.

➢ Construction and Installation Time

Metal garages don’t take nearly as long to build as their wooden counterparts. You won’t find the same timescale if you are getting a wooden garage. This is mainly because metal is lighter than wood and is easier to install and lift. You will pay less for labor costs with a metal garage than a wooden one. Metal garages are also easier to construct when it comes to safety. Additionally, metal buildings are easily customized or expanded.

If you’re going to buy a new garage structure, you should consider the many benefits of metal garage structures. For more information on metal garage structures and steel storage sheds, visit Keen’s Buildings today!

July 2, 2018 By Metal Storage Buildings foundation • insulation • sealant • Stop Condensation in Your Metal Storage Building • timber base • vents 0 Comments

The Best Ways to Stop Condensation in Your Metal Storage Building

If you are looking for space in order to store items or just want a place to turn it into a workshop, you should consider a metal storage building on your property. Carport Empire offers a wide range of different metal storage sheds and buildings, which don’t require any maintenance and are perfect for all your storage needs. However, there is one issue that you must face with metal storage buildings, which is condensation. It is a common problem, but you can take care of it to ensure that you stop condensation from occurring in your storage building.

One thing you must know about condensation is that it takes place near the foundation. Most people don’t know this but you can prevent condensation from ever occurring in your metal storage building when you’re installing your storage building. Here are the best ways to stop condensation in your metal storage building:

1. Foundation

The composition and size of the foundation determine how much condensation occurs in the metal building. If you are using cement, then ensure that you make the foundations wider on the sides of the metal building. You should allow the cement to cure properly because if you install the building early, the cement and water will enter the building.

2. Timber Base

Once the foundation and the storage building have been installed, you can create a raised timber floor, which ensures air circulation under the building. This is the best way to reduce condensation, and you can install the floor by securing it with wood screws. You should then apply mastic seal on the inside, so that water doesn’t pool under the flooring, and stops air circulation.

3. Sealant

You can then apply a silicone or mastic sealant on the exterior of the metal building. You should apply the sealant at the concrete base of the building so that it allows water runoff on the outside of the metal building. This will also ensure that water doesn’t enter the building from the base.

4. Insulation

Condensation occurs in a metal building when there is a lack of insulation, and if you want to prevent it from happening you must ensure proper insulation. You can apply rigid foam to the interior of the metal storage building and cut holes for ventilation. You can also apply a plywood wall, once you have installed the insulation since that will ensure that the roof and walls have proper insulation.

5. Vents

Air circulation is vital for removing moisture from the metal storage building. Moisture generally enters a building from the base, and you can stop condensation by installing vents at the roof of the building. This will ensure that warm air inside the building exits from the vents at the roof, and there is constant air circulation going on in the metal storage building.

The metal storage buildings at Carport Empire are made from high-quality materials and if you want to learn more about preventing condensation, then talk to one of our experts today!

June 1, 2018 By Metal Storage Buildings hail storm • metal roof • protect roof from hail damage 0 Comments

What You Should Know about Protecting Your Metal Roof from Hail Damage

What-You-Should-Know-about-Protecting-Your-Metal-Roof-from-Hail-Damage

The roof of your metal storage building is the most expensive component to replace, depending on the size of the structure. The main purpose of the metal roof is to protect your storage space, and all the components you have housed inside it from the weather elements like sun, wind, rain, and hail. The sun can’t do any damage to the roof, and the wind and rain may do a little damage if there is a heavy thunderstorm, but hail damage to your metal roof can be devastating when combined with high wind and rain.

At Keen’s Buildings, we only use the highest-quality of metal in all our metal roof buildings and storage structures. However, no metal roof can survive the heavy beating from a hail storm, which is why you must protect your metal roof from hail damage.

Why Is Hail So Damaging?

If you live in an area that is prone to hail storms, you must know that the impact hail can have on your metal roofs can be devastating. Some factors that determine how badly hail can damage the metal roof of your storage buildings are:

The size of the hail
The mass of the hail
The wind speeds with the hail
The point of origin of the hail
The condition of your roof
The angle of impact on your roof

Inspecting Your Roof after a Hail Storm

You should regularly inspect your metal roof, especially after a hail storm, because there is bound to be some sort of damage to it. You don’t want to wait around for rain and other weather elements to get inside your storage space, so perfect a quick inspection, once the weather is clear. You must look for signs of damage that can cause leaks, and let water enter your storage building.

Inspecting Your Gutters after a Hail Storm

When performing your roof inspection after a hail storm, you should also check the gutters, because you must ensure they are properly attached to the building. Loose or broken gutters can cause water to run off the roof and into areas from where they can enter the building. Therefore, you shouldn’t leave them alone and get them fixed as soon as possible to prevent water from getting inside the building.

Insurance Claims & Hail Damage

One of the best things you can do to protect against hail damage for your metal roof is to get insurance for your roof. This will ensure that you don’t have to spend your own money on costly repairs to metal roofs. If you have insurance for hail damage and want to claim it, then ensure that you gather all the evidence of the damage and include it in the report you give to the insurance company. You can catalog the damage in the form of pictures of the roof so that you can compare the wear, and tear your metal roof sustained in the hail storm.

April 15, 2018 By Aluminum Buildings • Aluminum Storage Buildings • Enclosed Garages • Enclosed Steel Garages • Metal Buildings • Metal Carports • Metal Garages • Metal Sheds • Metal Storage Buildings • Steel Carports • Steel Garage condensation metal buildings • condensation steel buildings • moisture in steel buildings • prevent moisture in steel buildings 0 Comments

Condensation Problems with your Metal Building? Here are some Tips You Must Read.

Metal buildings are safe from termites and rot, but excessive moisture can still damage them. This is due to condensation, which is created by damp insulation in a steel building and promotes mildew and mold growth. This makes the interior of the building smells musty and leads to asthma and allergy problems. The problem with wet insulation is that if it is in constant contact with a metal surface, it will lead to corrosion and the fasteners and panels will start collecting rust.

What causes condensation in metal buildings?

To prevent condensation in metal buildings, it is important that you learn why and how condensation takes place in metal structures. There are two main reasons for condensation to form:

1. The air must be moist

If the humidity level in the air is extremely high, it will increase the chances of condensation, because the interior of metal buildings is designed to withstand the humidity of about 30% to 50%.

2. The difference in temperature between the air and the surface

Warmer air will hold more moisture than cold air, and metal buildings in chilly weather will have very cold walls. When the warm air gets inside the building and hits the cold surface, it gets chilled and creates condensation on the metal.

However, there are different ways you can prevent condensation from occurring in metal buildings.

These include:

Reducing humidity inside the building, by getting proper ventilation.
Ensuring the air inside the building doesn’t meet with the cold metal roof and walls.

Here, at Keen’s Buildings, we want to ensure that everyone learns about the best ways to prevent condensation in metal buildings:

1. Install vapor barriers

Vapor barriers are great at protecting metal buildings from condensation. These barriers are great for keeping moisture outside the building, and the best way to work with vapor barriers is to seal the building tightly. This keeps moisture out, and vapor barriers act as radiant heat barriers, which will address humidity and temperature differential together. All side/end laps, foundation sills, doors, and windows should be sealed with vapor barriers to keep moisture out.

2. Use continuous insulation

You must get proper insulation that regulates the temperature inside the building. This keeps the interior temperature stable, whether it is day or night, and limits the amount of dew that is on the surface of metal buildings. Continuous insulation stops moisture-laden air from reach the interior of the building and therefore stops condensation from happening.

3. Look for condensation troubles up above

Make sure that the insulation underneath the roof isn’t coming in contact with the metal because this is one place where hidden condensation can take place. Moisture seeping in and roof leaks can lead to condensation because moisture buildup promotes condensation.

4. Prevent water seeping from below

Moisture can seep up from the ground as well, but you can prevent that by using drainage materials, crushed rock, or gravel under the concrete slabs. This prevents condensation around the base of the structure. You should also ensure that roof runoff water and other sources of water drain away from the metal building to prevent condensation from below.

With 5 Locations to serve you, we invite you to contact your nearest location for any additional questions. Find the location nearest you https://www.keensbuildings.net/choose-your-keens-location/

July 23, 2017 By Aluminum Buildings • Aluminum Storage Buildings • Do It Yourself • Enclosed Garages • Enclosed Steel Garages • Metal Carports • Metal Garages • Metal Sheds • Metal Storage Buildings • Steel Carports • Steel Garage Cleaning • Steel Buildings • Steel Carports • Steel Garages • steel storage buildings 0 Comments

Cleaning a Keen’s Buildings Steel Building Made Easy

Now that you’ve got your Keen’s Buildings Steel Building, durable storage structure built you will want to keep it clean and organized. Taking a few hours and a little sunshine to maintain the appearance of your building is key for keeping mold, mildew, and stains your steel building. These helpful guide lines should offer some ways to tackle the task.

With A Mixture of Dish soap and Water: Get a bucket with a tablespoon of mild dish soap. Keep in mind that for every five gallons of water used, you only need a few teaspoons of soap. Next, take your garden hose to rinse the siding and outer structure thoroughly. Once you’ve loosened the dirt, on the outside, use a long handled scrub brush with soft bristles or oversized sponge. You don’t want to scratch the surface of our building with a harsh cleaning utensil. Work your way all around your structure and then rinse down the building with your garden hose

When Using A Power Washer: Power washers can have intensive water pressure settings which be more effective for removing dirt on the exterior of a Keens Steel Building. Power washers can be rented or purchased depending on how often you may use one. Most power washers come with attachments like long handled brushes with bristles that rotate. Often times these power washers come with cleaning solutions that help get rid of tough stains on the siding. Be sure to use a low setting on the power washer if you’ve chosen a vinyl or wooden structure. High-pressure blasts directly hitting nonsteel surfaces can be damaging.

Remove mildew with a Special Cleaner: Stubborn spots and stains can require a bit more than elbow grease. Try using a special cleaning solution with a tooth brush to concentrate on those tough stains. Rinse clean let dry then repeat the process. Many home improvement specialty stores carry cleaning solutions made for vinyl and wooden surfaces. While a Keens Steel building structure can withstand high-pressure blasts you want to be mindful not go overboard with certain chemicals in specialty cleaners. They can cause surface discoloration.

Use a Water and Vinegar Solution: A-70% water 30% vinegar combination is the right ratio for this solution. Many environment concerned clients prefer to use all-natural products. A vinegar based cleaning solutions is a green alternative that is rather effective. You want to wash down your building with the vinegar solution, let it sit for 30 minutes, rinse, repeat and dry.

Try a combination of laundry detergent and water: This is another cost-effective structure cleaning option. 1/3 cup detergent for every 6 gallons of water is the suggested proportion. If you are using a power washer you can use this mixture as your cleaning solution. Long handled sponge mops or scrubbing brushes will work up a good lather on your steel building. Rinse off the surface with a garden hose or power cleaner, repeat, and then let dry.

We suggest that you use caution when cleaning your steel building from Keen’s Buildings. If you have questions, please feel free to contact one of our sales specialist in an office near you – https://www.keensbuildings.net/choose-your-keens-location//.

November 23, 2012 By Metal Storage Buildings Metal Buildings • Metal Storage Buildings • Storage Buildings 0 Comments

Why Keens Wins With The Metal Building Prices

Metal buildings are now a dime a dozen in todays world. There are metal building companies everywhere. I’m sure you can find metal building companies in every state.

Metal buildings can be a very big investment. They’re not easy to put up yourself. If you try to make a metal building yourself, it will probably break down a lot quicker. If you have experience in building metal buildings, that’s when it’s okay to build your own.

The one powerful thing about Keens Buildings is the fact that they last the test of time. Time is what makes Keens the best of the best. The Keens prices aren’t the cheapest prices on the market. Cheap will never define Keens, long lasting is what defines Keens Buildings. Quality is another word that defines keens. If you’re going to make the investment to buy a metal building you’ll want to go with Keens Buildings. Quality parts go into the make up of each and every building. This helps the building last the test of time. Not only that, the building will look better and the building will last through more storms and disasters. A Keens Metal Building is so worth the investment.

November 8, 2012 By Metal Sheds • Metal Storage Buildings • Sheds • Storage Sheds 0 Comments

How to Level the Ground for an Outdoor Shed

Our outdoor storage sheds were designed to be easy to construct and install, and in order to make sure everything goes as smoothly as possible you need to start with a good foundation. When you are selecting the location for your shed, you should first choose a site that is already comparatively level (to minimize the amount of digging) and avoid places that often have standing water.

There are a number of ways to level the ground for your shed, and the instructions for your building will come with specific recommendations for the most effective method. In general, though, there are a couple common ways to quickly and easily create a level and reliable place for the shed.

Method One

One method involves covering the entire space under the shed with gravel. To accomplish this, you must first mark off the area for the shed and make sure it is completely square. You may also want to extend this area a few inches longer than the dimensions of the shed to avoid mud and debris splashing up onto the nice siding during a heavy rain storm.

Once you’ve settled on the proper dimensions, you can remove about four inches of dirt and grass. Try to keep the bottom surface as level as possible and then fill the entire area with crushed rock or pea gravel. Fill the base until it is even with the ground and then compact the gravel with a metal roller. Again, make sure that it is completely level and then cover the entire surface with dry sand, working it in between the rocks with a rake. Once this is finished you can lay the paving slabs, level them out with a hammer, and then you’re ready to start building the floor.

Method Two

There’s another common method that isn’t quite so involved. Once again, you begin by marking off the area with stakes and strings – making sure that it is completely square. Once this is done you can mark spots on the string for the spacer (see your instructions for the exact layout), and then place some masonry blocks along those lines.

Place the 4×4 spacers across the stones and start leveling at the highest block. Dig down beneath each block and fill the hole with pea gravel. If the spacers are still not level, you can add or remove the gravel to even it back out. Never add gravel above the hole, though, because that could let the shed shift over time. You can add more blocks if you need to make big adjustments or use a shingle as a shiv if you just need a little more contact with the spacers.

A good foundation will help you get the most out of your sheds and other outdoor storage. Always follow the recommendations in your instructions and take the time to pay attention to all the little details. Some of them may require a full, concrete foundation, while others are fine with these methods. If you’re not sure what each structure will require, talk to one of our specialists and find out more.

November 7, 2012 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 Aluminum Storage Buildings • Enclosed Steel Carports • Extra Storage Space • Metal Buildings • Metal Storage Buildings • Outdoor Sheds • Portable Storage Buildings • Steel Buildings • Steel Garages 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.

November 1, 2012 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 Aluminum Storage Buildings • Enclosed Steel Carports • Extra Storage Space • High Quality • Metal Building • Portable Storage Buildings • Sheds • Steel Buildings • Steel Garages 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.

October 17, 2012 By Enclosed Steel Garages • Metal Storage Buildings Metal Storage Buildings • Storage Buildings 0 Comments

Metal Storage Buildings and Their Many Uses

Metal storage buildings come in multiple shapes and sizes to house and support several different uses. Perfect for cold weather as well as hot weather, metal garages are made from thin aluminum, galvanized steel or corrugated iron attached to sturdy metal frames. This makes them ideal for literally hundreds of uses in different climates and perfect for households as well as businesses.

For Households

Many households purchase metal storage buildings to create extra space in a home, a garage and within a yard. Metal sheds are often used as garages for cars and motorized vehicles and can easily turned into a place to work on and store project cars. Metal buildings from Keens Portable Buildings can be custom created to fit motorhomes, cars, trucks, boats and smaller vehicles like motorcycles, four-wheelers and off road automobiles. In fact, each space for motorized vehicles can have its own custom steel garage door, making these motorized vehicles accessible while freeing up yard, garage and driveway space.

Steel garages are also used as work and storage areas for all sorts of hobbies. Many people use smaller metal garages as garden sheds or as a place to spread out tools or hobby parts. Some metal storage building owners use their metal garages as wood working shops, model train building areas and as storage places for outdoor sporting equipment such as bicycles, skis and wakeboards.

Metal storage buildings also work wonderfully as a play area for children. Doubling as a toy play and storage area, steel garages also give children their own person clubhouse that can be customized with climate control for all season play. Boys can spread out Legos and girls setup continuous Barbie towns that are out of the way, keep mom happy and are in a safe and clean metal storage building.

For Businesses

Instead of renting a storage unit and paying a monthly fee, many business owners purchase steel garages to house items to be rented out, seasonal displays and overflow business inventory. These units are ideal for the storage of office and home furniture, pool equipment, cleaning supplies or any other business need as they can come in several different sizes to accommodate different sizing needs. These metal storage buildings also come with climate control and security options to provide business owners with the peace of mind that temperature-sensitive items are safe and expensive items are secure and being monitored through camera.

Businesses with large scale needs such as a storage and work space for company vehicles or for manufacturing also purchase industrial metal storage buildings. These steel garages are ideal because they allow business owners and workspace without the high cost of rent and utilities.

Many Uses

Metal storage buildings have several uses, each more convenient than the last. Whether used to store a boat, as a woodworking shed or as a children’s clubhouse, metal garages and storage buildings from Keen’s supply customers with the best variety and customizable metal sheds.

Choose the Location Nearest You