Garage Building Materials
The materials used in garages will vary from metal to wood and everything in between. All materials for garages are distinctly different in their make -up
Metal or Steel
Let’s examine steel or metal garages first. You can purchase a metal garage at a very affordable price. It’s a very sturdy construction, and a very cost-effective way of sheltering vehicles, stored items, and other valuables. Most garage kits are pre-engineered and pre-fabricated. They go up just like giant erector sets. Metal garage packages are available in any size and are designed to optimize work and storage space at a very affordable price.
A number of manufacturer of metal garages utilize an open web truss design along with purlins and girts and either 26 or 29 gauge steel. These buildings are very resistant to the ravages of the elements.
Designing with steel has many advantages and benefits:
Steel is actually a lighter material that makes for a stronger building
There’s no excess material or weight with metal garages
A contractor is not necessarily needed to assemble the structure
Most manufacturers handle all of the design, fabrication processes, and delivery of your structure
Metal garages come with various color choices for the sheeting and substantial warranties. This allows for the ability to match the style and color of the garage with existing structures. Faux siding such as rock, brick, stone, or stucco can also be chosen for exterior enhancement. Design and finish options are available so the metal garage can easily be approved for even the most stringent of community covenants.
Metal garage buildings have many advantages:
Widths and lengths are fully customizable
They are easy to assemble
Heavy equipment is not necessary in most cases to construct
Technical support is available
The building can conform to most building codes nationally
Production time is short
Wood
Different wood materials are used throughout most wooden garages. Cedar is a very popular material used by a lot of manufacturers. It’s light in weight and cuts easily. It also will lay down flat and stay straight. The fragrance of the wood is also appealing. It is used for shingles and siding, trim and rafters, doors and windows. It’s also popular because it is a very beautiful wood.
Man made wood fiber siding is also used and comes in various colors. It’s sturdy and requires minimum maintenance. It is very resistant to the elements, but looks like real wood.
Spruce is used for a lot of wooden garage framing applications. It is light but very strong. It’s simple to saw and does not bend easily.
Pine is used for most roof boards and other applications. It is a strong wood and very effortless to work with.
Plywood is used for floors and roof sheathing. It has a high strength-to-weight ratio. It can hold nails securely. It is lightweight but very resistant to damage.
Oriented strand board or OSB is used for roof sheathing. It is made from wood strands that go through a bonding process. It is lightweight, strong, rigid and very resistant to moisture.
Asphalt is used for some shingle applications. They come in either fiberglass or organic applications. Fiberglass has an excellent fire resistance rating. Organic shingles perform well in extreme heat or cold environments.
Pressure treated wood is used in beams and floor joists. It’s very resistant to insect infestation and mold. This treated wood can last far longer than untreated wood.
Doors and windows for wood garages are available in a wide assortment of styles and colors. They can be steel or wood treatments. Stained, acrylic, or safety glass may be employed depending on the application. Thermal doors and windows provide even more protection from heat and cold, but they are more expensive.
Vinyl windows and doors are becoming more and more popular because they are easier to clean and function well in either extreme heat or cold.
Metal and fiberglass doors are another option. They are very secure and thermally insulated. They have superior strength characteristics and easy operating mechanisms.
Insulation is an important addition for use with any wood or metal building. It may require getting a building permit. A moisture barrier is strongly recommended with insulation and a good R-rated insulation such as fiberglass is suggested. Insulation which can be purchased from a local building supply store, is recommended for both sidewall and roof application.
Latches, handles and hinges are some of the hardware that can be added. It enhances the look of the garage and is not only necessary, but is generally non-corrosive.
