| Sheds are a brainchild of Do-It-Yourself stores | | | | Aluminum panels look more presentable than |
| whereby the everyday Joe is presented with an | | | | corrugated iron panels which easily rust. However, |
| option to address and solve his predicament with lack | | | | they are lightweight and easily dented. A stronger |
| of space. Sheet metal sheds have become a | | | | material for the wall panels will also deter vandalism. |
| common sight in suburban and urban dwellings. They | | | | The structure's materials have to be able to support |
| withstand climatic change, moisture, pests, mold and | | | | additional weight from shelves, skylights and windows |
| a host of other elements. Easily constructed by the | | | | attached to it. |
| home owner or better left to a professional, its | | | | Depending on the level of security required, locking |
| structure is normally a metal frame with panels of | | | | methods vary from a simple latch to the more |
| variable thickness as surrounding walls. Panels tend to | | | | secured lock-sets and dead-bolts. Door sizes should |
| be sheet metals, hence the name. | | | | commensurate with the shed's size as well as its |
| To ensure value for money and durability, sheet | | | | contents. Moving some garden pots back and forth |
| metal sheds constructed of galvanized sheet metal | | | | requires less door space as compared to a trailer for |
| with a rust-resistant coating is recommended. This | | | | hauling a boat. To remove swing space for standard |
| enables the shed to stand up to corrosive conditions | | | | hinged doors, options are available for sliding doors to |
| at coastal or industrialized areas. Check whether the | | | | the side or rolled doors which open upwards like |
| manufacturer's guarantee still stands if you add coats | | | | garage doors. |
| of rust-resistant paint for aesthetics and maintenance. | | | | Finally, a good foundation is needed to ensure the |
| Its roof must allow water or snow to fall away. | | | | shed doesn't fall over at the slightest whiff of a |
| Pooling of water increases chances of rust whereas | | | | strong wind. A concrete base is best as it seals out |
| pooling of snow adds unnecessary load and strain | | | | seepage of external moisture and can be bolted to |
| onto the shed's structure and panels. | | | | the shed's structure. |