All you need to know about buying a steel shed in Northern Ireland.
What Are the Advantages of Steel Sheds?
When it comes to choosing a shed, opting for a steel shed can have lots of advantages compared to those made from other materials. Here are just a few of the reasons why a steel shed is superior to competitor models.
1. Pest Proof
Pests of all kinds find it very difficult to penetrate a steel shed structure. As steel is made from carbon and iron in a man-made process, it is much harder for insects or rodents to find a gap or hole to burrow through. This gives added protection to everything stored inside.
2. Low Maintenance
Steel sheds are not affected by changing weather cycles in the same way as natural materials. This means that your shed does not need to be painted or sealed every year, but instead can endure both hot and cold weather better than wooden sheds can.
3. Improved Durability and Safety
Unlike wooden sheds, steel ones will not crack or warp as they are not made from a natural material. This makes steel sheds much more durable. Steel is also a fire retardant material, unlike wood, so it is unlikely to be damaged by any accidental garden fires too.
What Are the Disadvantages of Steel Sheds?
Steel sheds do have some disadvantages, but these are minor. Whilst steel sheds are low maintenance, they can be hard to modify when constructing.
You will also need to watch out for any areas of rust or dents as your steel shed ages as this can cause rust. A steel shed will also be noisier during heavy rainfall, but this is unlikely to be a major factor in deciding on whether or not to purchase one.
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What Are The Best Bases for Steel Sheds?
Laying the right base for your steel shed is essential in order to make sure the foundations are stable. Good options for bases include -
- Concrete
- Tarmac
- Paving slabs
All of these materials help to create a solid and stable base, with paving slabs the most practical and budget friendly choice for smaller home garden sheds. A timber floor can also be added afterwards for great stability and a more homely feel inside if you wish.
What is the Best Type of Roof for a Steel Shed - Apex or Pent?
There are a couple of different options you can decide between for your steel shed roof depending on the aesthetic and use you are after. Apex shed rooves are the more usual design, with a peaked roof that makes it look like a mini-house.
An apex steel shed roof will most commonly have two sloping sides that meet in a central peak.
Pent sheds however have a more contemporary look and come with a flat roof. Although they may appear to be completely flat, a pent roof will always have a slight gradient in order to make sure that any rain water does not pool at the top.
Whether you want to go for an apex or pent roof will depend largely on which aesthetic appeals to you most, with both types of shed rooves able to provide adequate drainage and a good amount of headroom, depending on the size of your shed.
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How do you Anchor a Metal Shed to the Ground?
Anchoring a metal shed to the ground will create a stable base for your shed's construction.
The best way is to dig the foundation and then fill them with concrete. This will need to be done at the middle and in the corners, especially if your shed is wide.
Anchor bolts can also be inserted into the wet concrete to create a better anchor point for your steel shed too.
Using a strap or a cable can then be looped through these anchor bolts in order to create a secure base that is completely anchored to the ground.
Tips for Metal Shed Assembly
When it comes to constructing your steel shed, you can always hire a contractor to assemble it for you.
However, if you're looking to install it yourself, here are some key points to remember.
1. Make sure that your base is in place first.
The base will need to be completely flat and even, otherwise your steel shed will not be stable. By having a secure base, it will also be harder for pests or rodents to get into your shed too, which is an added bonus.
2. Now that your base is complete and you have made sure that it is level, you will need to start the process of constructing your shed.
This will usually require some power tools at home, so be sure to have your screwdriver or drill ready. As the metal edges of a steel shed can be quite sharp, it is also a good idea to wear protective gloves too.
3. Follow the Instructions carefully.
Your steel shed will likely come with four sides and a number of different panels for the roof, depending on whether or not you have chosen an apex or pent option.
Once you start building your shed, it can get a little confusing as to what goes where, so be sure to lay out all the pieces to map out the structure first before you begin.
Although you can build your steel shed solo, having someone else on hand can be very helpful at this point in the process.
4. Building from the bottom to the top is the best way to create a stable structure.
First, fix the walls to the base, followed by the door and then finally the roof.
5. Now that your steel shed is fully constructed, it is a good idea to consider sealing the bolts used with silicone too.
This will help to protect the bolts from rainwater and prevent rusting for the future.
How Long Does a Metal Shed Take to Install?
The time it takes to install your metal shed can differ depending on the size, location and how many people are available to construct it. However, most small steel sheds can be built in a couple of hours. It is a good idea to build your shed on a dry day and to also not begin construction during very hot weather, as it can be hard work and labour intensive putting your shed together.
How Much Does a Metal Shed Cost?
The price point for metal sheds varies on size and whether or not you are happy to build it yourself or if you want to factor in an assembly fee as well.
One of the pros about metal sheds is that they are usually significantly cheaper than purchasing a wooden shed. This means you can often get more for your money, buying a larger metal shed for the same price as a smaller wooden one.
What Optional Extras are Available with Metal Sheds?
There are plenty of ways to add value to your metal shed. If you want to make your shed look more attractive, why not try painting, adding lights or window boxes, all of which can make your metal shed look prettier and fit in better with the decoy of your outdoor space.
If you plan to use your metal shed solely for storage, you can also choose to have added shelves and units built inside to make the most of the interior space.
You can also opt to have your metal shed act as an extra outdoor room too if you wish, such as turning it into a home office or gym workout space.
What Maintenance is Required with Metal Sheds?
Metal sheds are far lower maintenance than wooden ones, but they do still need some TLC on occasion to make sure they stay looking their best. Here are a few tips to keep your steel shed in tiptop shape.
1. Fix Dents and Scratches
If you notice a dent or scratch on your shed, you may be tempted to just ignore it. However, even minor damage can lead to a bigger problem further down the line.
By sealing up any areas of wear and tear as quickly as possible, you can help to prevent issues such as rust occurring in the future.
2. Beware of Blocked Vents
Metal sheds will usually have vents built into the wall panels. These will help air to circulate properly and to prevent any buildup of condensation.
However, it is important to not block these vents with stored items, pictures or other clutter. If air cannot move freely through the shed, mould can quickly start to occur causing damage to stored items and unpleasant odours.
3. Keep Things Locked Up
Even if you think your garden or outdoor space is completely secure, an open shed door can still invite in unwanted guests.
Pests will always be attracted to a cosy, warm space so be sure to deter any unwanted visitors by keeping your metal shed securely locked when not in use.
4. Storage Safety
Always be sure to store all items safely in your metal shed.
If you need to store any kind of fuel in your shed, always be sure to keep them out of direct sunlight, screw caps on tightly to prevent leakage and make sure your shed is not getting too hot and that air is circulating properly.
Overall, a steel shed is a great option for those looking for a low maintenance, attractive and versatile outdoor storage option. They are also the ideal way to create a fun and functional extra space in your garden too. So whatever kind of shed you need, a metal shed is the perfect choice.
Best Places to Buy Steel in Northern Ireland
1. Steel Express - see link here,
2. T-Met - see link here,
3. Lagan Valley Steel - see link here,
4. Hannon Steel,
5. Barrett Steel,
6. Walter Watson Steel,
7. Impact Steel,
8. Battery Engineering.