What Is a Steel Garage?
A steel garage is a containment for vehicles constructed of steel as its base metal (other options being aluminum, wood, and fibre), offering shelter to one or multiple vehicles, such as cars belonging to homeowners or an entire fleet service like Uber or cab companies. These are varied in size, where some can fit into the design and structure of a home, while others can take up as much space as a medium-sized warehouse. The materials used to build garages can depend on personal choice. However, the most sought-after are metal garages made of steel or aluminum. It offers protection and shelter from weather conditions, natural causes, or calamities like heavy hailstorms or fire, as well as any outside intrusion or theft, making it a necessity across the US.
How Long Does a Steel Garage Last?
A metal garage often lasts up to 5 decades or more, and is a one-time investment. In terms of durability, sustainability, and maintenance, it offers a sturdy and dependable option over any other that you may find.
Top Benefits of Choosing a Steel Garage
- Exceptional Durability: Of all the garage options, the steel garage's lifespan is up to 50 years or more. Steel is generally extremely durable and offers sturdiness seconded by no other garage building material. It easily resists rust and moisture, and doesn't allow for rotting over time.
- Affordability and Maintenance: Metal garages are cost-effective; steel is the best investment in terms of material used. It is great for your pocket in the short term as well as the long term. No additional maintenance costs come with wooden or fibre garages, which require sealants, repairs, or replacements after regular intervals.
- Weather-resistance: Steel structures withstand extreme temperatures, weather conditions, and fire, natural or otherwise, making it an excellent option for your garage. They do not damage any of the above, and can easily resist most such situations, almost making you proud!
- Versatility: Steel garages are anything but boring! You can define not just the colors of your garage and structure or type, but also the look & feel of it to make it look wooden, stylish, metallic, or matte – an option not available with other structures. You can customize the size, type, style, roofing, functionality, shades, and look.
- Sustainable: As mentioned above, the way forward is a garage made up of a naturally available and 100% renewable resource without damaging the environment. It is a conscious choice for yourself as well as the earth.
Steel Garage Costs: Installation & Maintenance
Installation
Steel garage installation is a one-time investment, at large. It doesn't require any cumulative maintenance costs over time, which makes it an asset for anyone. Its super durability with hardly any effort saves time, cost, and energy. It does not rot easily, is not affected by termites, does not require constant cleaning, does not accumulate debris, gets cleaned pretty easily by rain, and is generally weather-resistant and rust-resistant. Once installed, you can relax for the next half century. No other type of garage gives you this convenience.
Maintenance
The maintenance required for a steel garage may be minimal to none, and that too, once every 5 years or a few years, if you're too possessive about it. But it is generally resistant and can sustain itself well enough. The cost required for its maintenance could be as little as one-tenth of the actual investment, depending upon the service required. You may want to change the color of the garage after a few years, which may vary from someone who wants to add a few new features.
Things To Keep in Mind
Although steel garages are pretty sturdy, let's not be Titanic about it. Practically, if there's a probable breakdown, the maintenance would appear something like the following:
- Routine costs for rust treatment, repainting, resealing or finishing, and replacing minor components are relatively low.
- Structural damage: let's say there's a hurricane or some natural calamity, only for assumption purposes, sustaining structural damage is what steel can be vouched by; however, there could involve some replacement such as roof panels, fixing some weakened foundations, or replacing the framing itself- which can be a considerable cost to be prepared for beforehand.
- Check your cost-benefit analysis: In significant damages, such as in a natural disaster, the repair may cost up to 50% of the garage price. If this happens, investing in a new garage installation is best. However, this is unlikely with a newly installed garage compared to a much older one, which is incompatible with current times.
Considering the above will help you choose wisely, make sound financial investments, and maximize the longevity of your garage.
What Affects the Lifespan of a Steel Garage?
- Installation: The initial installation is the most crucial factor that decides how long your garage will last. The amount of care taken for additional protection, such as galvanizing, epoxy paints, or providing extra resistance with correctly decided features and layout, impacts the garage's lifespan.
- Base Material: Metal garages last a long time; however, different metals can be used as the base material. Steel and aluminum are generally used. Steel provides unmatchable resistance to rust, corrosion, moisture, and extreme conditions. Galvanized steel has no contender when it comes to quality. It is strong enough to avoid dents or structural damage.
- Climatic Influences: Where you are based has much to do with your garage's durability. If you're in an area prone to hail, thunderstorms, earthquakes, or any extreme weather-prone area, your garage will still last a good time, but it impacts its resistance over time.
- Maintenance & Care: Despite how resistant or self-sustaining it is, every significant life investment needs to be taken care of. If you love your garage, it will love you back! Ensure the garage and roof are cleaned regularly or periodically to remove accumulated debris. Also, ensure that there are no leaks or minor damages with the screws, doors, locks, fasteners, joints and other parts, which, if overlooked may lead to greater damages later.
- Usage & Wear: Ensuring that your vehicles or other machinery have enough room is important. Choking the space and over-storage can lead to issues with the flooring and overall compartment capacity by stressing the garage over time. Ensure that there are no heavy trees with branches on the verge of falling on the roof of your garage. Excessive storage may also lead to pest infestations, leading to structural damage in the long term. After all, we all could use some space!
How to Extend the Life of Your Steel Garage
The best way to ensure the durability of your garage is to invest in the essential components during its installation.
- Rust Protection: Galvanized steel garages are rust-resistant for a considerable period, removing half of your maintenance concerns. The other alternative is to conduct inspections after a year or every couple of years to check for rust repair.
- Leaks or Other Similar Damages: If there are minor concerns like leaks or similar damages within the garage's structure, these can be cured at the very nip of the problem at very low cost. You can inspect it every 6 months to check for any need for such repairs.
- An Additional Layer of Protection: Galvanized steel is already rust and weather resistant; however, applying epoxy paints, sealants, or coatings can ensure more extended durability and an extra level of defence against moisture or natural wear & tear.
- Ventilation & Heating: Proper ventilation through an installed exhaust fan could go a long way in avoiding moisture build-up and corrosion issues. It also doesn't make the garage suffocating and allows proper airflow, keeping the garage cool and preserving the structure.
- Debris and Cleanliness: Proper drainage without slopes may be impossible, depending on your selected roof type. This could mean that you need to ensure the roof does not accumulate debris over a particular season or retain too much moisture, and you may need to clean it accordingly.
- Reinforcing the Garage: Suppose you reside in a terraneous region or an area prone to extreme weather conditions. In that case, it is a good idea to invest in a reinforcing structure for additional protection and support. This could mean thicker steel frames or stronger fasteners to maintain the stability of the garage.
Where to Buy the Best Steel Garages Near You
Direct Metal Structures is a leading provider of steel garages in your area. We take pride in our craftsmanship and customizable garage options. Our expert professionals are here for you from the consultation stage to installation. You can easily find us in your area by locating us along with your city name or code, and we'll be at your service in seconds!
To know more, you can get in touch or call us at 888-277-7950
