For many of us who live in an urban area, it is getting harder to find parking nowadays, which means often driving around for 15-30 minutes trying to find that last space near your home. With that in mind, and the safety of your vehicle as well, it is worth building a garage – provided of course you have the space and access on your property.
There are many options for building a garage, depending on your personal needs and constraints in terms of time, money, and size. For example, you might want somewhere to park, as well as additional storage.
What are Metal Garages?
Metal garages are durable structures made primarily of steel or aluminum, designed to protect vehicles like cars, trucks, and boats from weather damage and theft. They are known for their strength, longevity, and resistance to elements like rust and corrosion. Besides serving as a secure vehicle storage space, these garages are often spacious enough to double as workshops for various projects. Metal garages offer customization options in size, design, and features such as insulation and electrical fittings, making them a versatile addition to any property.
Why Are Metal Garages So Popular?
Metal garages have surged in popularity, and it’s not hard to see why. One of the biggest reasons is their incredible durability and low maintenance needs. Made from sturdy materials, metal garages stand up to harsh weather conditions like heavy rains, strong winds, and snowfall far better than traditional wooden or brick structures. This resilience means they last longer without needing frequent repairs or touch-ups, saving owners time and hassle. Plus, they’re resistant to problems like rot, pests, and fire, which can be common headaches with other garage types.
Another major draw for metal garages is their cost-effectiveness and ease of installation. In terms of budget, they are a winner. Metal garages are generally more affordable than their brick or wood counterparts, both in initial costs and long-term maintenance. The installation process is a breeze too. Most metal garages come in prefabricated kits, making them much quicker and easier to set up than building a garage from scratch. This means less disruption to your daily life and quicker access to your new storage or workspace.
The versatility and customization options of metal garages make them a favorite. Whether you need extra storage space, a workshop, or even a home gym, a metal garage can be easily adapted to fit your needs. They come in various sizes and styles, and adding features like windows, doors, or insulation is straightforward. This flexibility allows homeowners to tailor their garage to their specific requirements, making metal garages a practical and attractive choice for a variety of uses.
Cost-Effective
Building a steel garage works out at a much more reasonable cost than traditional brick buildings for three main reasons:
- Material costs
- Labour costs
- Repair Costs
A metal garage will (roughly) comprise of six metal sheets and a metal door or two, meaning that the initial cost of materials is quite low.
Then, because the sheets come pre-cut to your measurements, it can be built in a matter of hours (over two separate days to allow the concrete floor to set), so the costs from hiring a builder will reduce dramatically. Depending on your personal DIY skills, you might even be able to build it yourself over a long weekend.
Metal garages don’t require a lot of maintenance throughout their lifetimes. It would only be extreme circumstances that would lead to your garage needing any repairs at all.
Compare this to brick garages, which are made with expensive materials and are incredibly time-consuming to build because they have to be put in one tiny piece at a time. Most people don’t have the skills or the tools to build a brick garage from scratch and would have to hire a professional, which increases the cost.
On top of that, brick garages are susceptible to cracks because of moisture, freezing, and thawing, and roofs and windows are often weak spots that require maintenance and more repairs.
Can Be Built Regardless of Weather Conditions
The unpredictable and often harsh British weather can pose significant challenges to construction projects, especially when building traditional brick garages. Laying bricks in cold and rainy conditions requires expert knowledge and skill, as improper bricklaying in such weather can lead to major structural issues.
On the other hand, if you’re pressed for time and can’t afford to wait for ideal weather conditions, a metal garage presents a practical solution. Unlike brick structures, metal garages can be assembled efficiently regardless of the weather, eliminating the need to wait for sunny days. This makes metal garages a more convenient and time-saving option in climates where weather can be a deterrent to construction.
Sustainability
It was already noted that metal garages are less susceptible to the elements, which makes them a winner environmentally, but there are plenty of other reasons that they are more eco-friendly than brick ones. Let’s look at just a few:
- Most metal used today has been recycled from something else
- Steel is easy to recycle at the end of its life
- The construction requires fewer materials and therefore fewer transport miles
- Heat-deflecting and weather-resistant finishes can make it more energy efficient
Moveable
The fact that metal garages can be disassembled, relocated to a different spot on the same property, or even moved along with the owner when they move is something that a lot of people aren’t aware of. Because of their simplistic construction, these buildings can be moved with relative ease, which cannot be said for the vast majority of other types of structures.
Durable
The durability of steel garages, particularly against the typical cold and wet weather in the UK, makes them a long-lasting option. They require less maintenance and are less prone to weather-related damage compared to brick buildings. While brick structures need upkeep, especially for roofs and windows, steel garages stand out for their resilience. They combine durability, sustainability, cost-efficiency, and ease of installation, making them a practical addition to any property. This choice eliminates the hassle of searching for parking and offers a dependable, low-maintenance solution.
Energy Efficiency and Environmental Impact
Metal garages are often more energy-efficient compared to their brick counterparts. They can be equipped with insulation, which helps in maintaining a stable internal temperature, reducing the need for heating in winter and cooling in summer. This insulation not only makes the garage more comfortable but also translates to lower energy bills. Moreover, many metal garages are made from recycled materials and are themselves fully recyclable, which minimizes their environmental footprint. This aspect is particularly appealing for those looking to make eco-friendly choices in their property developments.
Improved Safety and Security
Metal garages offer enhanced safety and security features compared to brick structures. The robustness of metal makes these garages more resistant to fire, adding an extra layer of protection for your vehicles and belongings stored inside. Additionally, metal structures are tougher to break into due to their sturdy construction, providing better security against theft and vandalism. This aspect is crucial for those storing valuable items or equipment in their garage.
Facts about metal garages
- Energy Efficiency– Metal garages can be highly energy-efficient, especially when insulated. The metal panels reflect solar heat, reducing the need for cooling in summer. When properly insulated, they also retain heat in winter, which is beneficial for those who use their garage as a workspace or for storing temperature-sensitive items.
- Eco-Friendly Material– Metal garages are often made from recycled materials. Steel, one of the most common metals used, can be recycled repeatedly without losing its strength and durability. This makes metal garages a more sustainable choice compared to other materials that are less eco-friendly.
- Resale Value– Adding a metal garage to a property can potentially increase its resale value. Due to their durability, low maintenance, and versatility, metal garages are attractive to prospective homebuyers who might be looking for additional secure storage or workspaces.
- Wind Resistance– Metal garages are known for their excellent wind resistance. They are often engineered to withstand high wind speeds, making them suitable for areas prone to strong winds or hurricanes. This is due to both the strength of the materials and the way metal buildings are constructed.
- Pest Resistance– Unlike wooden structures, metal garages are impervious to damage from termites, rodents, and other pests that can compromise the structure and integrity of the building. This feature significantly reduces the risk of costly pest control treatments and repairs.
- Fire Resistance– Metal is a non-combustible material, which makes metal garages much less susceptible to fire. This can be a crucial advantage in terms of safety, as well as potentially lowering insurance premiums due to the reduced risk of fire damage.
- Aesthetic Variety– Modern metal garages are not limited to the basic, industrial look. They come in a variety of styles and can be designed to complement the existing architecture of your home or property. Options for customization include various colors, finishes, and design details to enhance aesthetic appeal.
- Soundproofing Qualities– With proper insulation, metal garages can provide good soundproofing. This is beneficial for those who use their garage for activities that generate noise, such as woodworking, band practice, or using heavy machinery.
Conclusion
Metal garages stand out as a superb choice. They offer remarkable advantages with options for customization and aesthetic appeal. Metal garages are not just practical but can also enhance the look of your property.