There’s something about metal buildings that makes people apprehensive about having them as all or part of their homes. Perhaps it’s because of metal’s capacity for conducting temperature, whether hot or cold.
It is true that, on the outside, metal buildings can feel much colder to the touch than those made of wood or other materials. However, there’s no reason metal garages need to be cold inside. In fact, it’s a good idea to insulate them to prevent that.
Read along with us as we discuss some of the benefits of having a metal garage.
What Is a Metal Garage?
A metal garage is a storage building to house one or more vehicles. Many homes already have garages, oft, or they might not have been built in the first place.
It should not be surprising that metal garages first came on the scene around the same time as introducing gasoline-powered cars to the public. This was during the late 1800s. Today, metal garages are quite popular.
Metal Garage Benefits
Metal garages have a few prevent a few challenges—metal corrosion, for example. But they resist weather, fire, and other damage. They will hold up well over the years with the proper care and maintenance.
Now, let’s look at some of the benefits of having a metal garage for home use.
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Faster and Easier to Build
Since much of the fabrication of metal buildings occurs at a factory, most come ready to assemble. There’s no need to run to and from the hardware store or lumberyard to pick up more supplies.
Also, because a metal garage usually comes as a kit with instructions, It isn’t hard to build one. Regardless of the relative ease of assembling one of these, though, you should leave the labor to someone who knows how to build a metal garage.
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Sturdier Than Wood
Most older garages are made from wood. But wood rot or termite damage has made many of them too weak to use. That’s why many older homes have no garages or never use the ones they have.
With metal, this is not a concern. Yes, most metals will rust, but it takes a long time for rust to do severe harm. If the homeowner takes good care of the garage and treats any rust as soon as it’s spotted, all should be well for many years.
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Less Subject to the Whims of Nature
Any metal used in garages is far less likely to be damaged by fire than wood, vinyl siding, or several other building materials. A metal garage can melt in a fire, but Steel has to be at around 2500°F (1370°C) to melt. For aluminum, it’s 1220°F (660°C).
Other metal garage benefits are that they hold up well in wind storms, seldom leak in rainstorms, and are less subject to structural damage overall.
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Recyclable
If a metal garage is damaged beyond repair, it can “live” another life by being repurposed at a scrap yard or recycling facility. Imagine all the demolition debris there is to clean up and dispose of from a defunct wooden garage.
- Cost-Effective
You might have heard some grumbling about the high cost of metal buildings vs. wood and other materials. This is a widely debated topic.
Even if metal garages might cost a bit more, if you shop around for the best value and do the math on depreciation, you’ll see that you’re getting a good deal. Consider it an investment that will pay off over time.
Can Be Customized
Many metal garages even come with the option to add an automatic garage door opener during installation.
Has it occurred to you yet that the ability to customize a metal garage means that it doesn’t even have to serve as a garage? It could be a small apartment, an extra room, storage space, or a home office.
There’s a Lot You Can Do With the Interior
What about your metal garage building interior? We’re sure you realize how cold and sterile the inside of a metal building can be when it’s first assembled. So, why not take some steps to make it friendlier and homelier?
Insulation
Any garage stands to benefit from insulation. It offsets the conductivity of the metal walls and saves energy. You might not want to have HVAC in your garage, but insulation can help protect your car from the cold and wind outside.
Several insulation types work well in metal buildings. We like spray foam and rigid board insulation. A metal garage is relatively easy to insulate since the insulating material fits between the walls or ceiling and the support beams.
If your garage is attached to the house, consider insulating at least the wall facing indoors. Your energy bill will show you why.
Drywall and Paint
Once you’ve placed the insulation, you can add drywall if you want your garage to have a more finished look. Then, you can paint the interior, too.
Protect the Floor
It’s smart to coat the concrete floor of your garage with a couple of layers of epoxy resin. It gives the floor a smooth, waterproof surface, and it makes floor-cleaning easy. Plus, a nice floor adds to the overall interior look.
Storage Options
You can also add shelves, cabinets, tool racks, and other storage items. For most people, the garage is where they store any objects or materials they use outdoors.
Of course, you can use your garage to add a workbench and store all your tools. Keep in mind, though, that the more tools and other sensitive belongings you plan to store in the garage, the more “indoor attributes” it should have.
Your New Garage
Metal garages are great, and we think you’ll enjoy all the metal garage benefits you have coming. For one thing, you’ll use the space as a garage, unlike your neighbors with their old, decaying wooden structures.
For another, you’ll have the security of knowing your vehicle and stored belongings won’t be harmed by the elements or easy targets for theft.
If you learned a few things about metal garages by reading this, be sure to revisit our site. You never know what we might be discussing the next time.
