Steel buildings serve many different uses in the residential, agricultural and industrial sectors, but the fastest growing sector of the steel building industry is in providing steel buildings for residential uses. While many homeowners look to steel buildings as storage sheds, pool houses or garden sheds, one of the most common uses for steel buildings in the residential arena is for use as garages.

Single family homes – with or without attached garages– are the epitome of the American dream. Garages were originally meant to provide a storage space and protection for your vehicles. The first garages were probably converted carriage houses, but by the 1950s, when car ownership became the rule rather than the exception in the suburbs, most new homes were built with attached garages or carports. Today, many owners of older suburban homes find themselves in the position to add a garage or carport, or replace an existing one.

Why Choose Steel Buildings for Garages?

Steel structures are strong, durable and versatile. As one of the strongest building materials known, steel is the ideal choice for a building that will protect what is probably the second most valuable investment in your life – your car or cars.

In addition to being strong, steel is flexible. Steel construction is designed to give slightly in response to outside forces, including hurricane force winds and earthquake tremors. The techniques used to build with steel make steel buildings the best choice in hurricane and earthquake prone areas. That’s nice to know when your garage is all that stands between your expensive automobile, boat or RV and a crushing wind.

There are many different styles and types of steel garages, many of them available as pre-fabricated kits that you can build yourself with the help of a few friends over a weekend. Many makers of steel builders also provide kits that can be erected on your property by a trusted local contractor. Either way, steel garages are more affordable than most other types of construction.

Cost is one of the best reasons for choosing a steel building, and the savings don’t end when the building is standing. Because steel is resistant to corrosion, resists rust and doesn’t rot, you’ll spend less time and money repairing your garage walls and roof. The powder-coating used to color and protect the sheets of steel used for steel buildings resists fading and staining and doesn’t chip or peel, which means you don’t have to lay out the cash to repaint your steel garage every four or five years. In fact, most steel buildings are guaranteed not to need repainting for up to 20 years.

If you’re in the market to replace your garage or build one, check out the many options and advantages available to you when you choose steel buildings to protect your vehicles. You’ll be amazed at the savings potential and variety you’ll have.