Here are 4 of the biggest questions and suggestions we frequently hear:

1. What kind of foundation do I need?

  There are so many ways to install a shed.   Most often they are installed on solid blocks and shims to level up the building and bring it up off the ground.

Other times they are installed on concrete footings, or pads.  Gravel with a easy approach on all sides makes a decent base to set a building on and allow water to drain away.   

2. What is the floor made of?

   This is a great question and I cannot imagine some of our competitors not trembling when asked this question.

We build our buildings with wood plywood and treated floor joists.  Look underneath and you will see ours are treated for rot and termites.  A plywood floor that is properly built works great long term.  It is the most economical option that still gives you the strength and longevity that you need for a shed. 

Now how about the treated floor joists? 

Here is a secret on flooring:

When you have been shopping around; you may noticed the perimeter joists are painted on some competitors.   They do this because they often are using untreated wood that has to be painted.  We all know how that turns out long term.  The joists are so close the ground that sprinklers, shrubs, shade trees, and weeds encourage moisture retention and cause rot . 

Hold on we have another one you might want to know:

The one thing that you may not notice on a building is the untreated wood beneath the plywood flooring.  We talked about the perimeter joist being painted which is a big tip off to all the floor joists being untreated.  What if the perimeter is treated?  It is common for some builders to neatly hide behind a treated perimeter floor joists untreated wood under the plywood.   If you were lucky on delivery you might notice the untreated floor joists, but realistically with today's trailers and machines designed to stay low to the ground its not very likely.  Sadly they know it is very unlikely the customer will get down there and look underneath before buying the building.  In the end their saving a little of money will likely result in your buildings frame rotting.

3. What kind of siding?

Sheds typically are made with  T1-11 Treated wood,  LP smart siding that has been painted or stained, and painted metal siding.

 
      The  T1-11 Treated siding is still common by some builders, however since it is a treated wood siding it does has some issues that you will likely contend with.

It shrinks as it dries out and expands as it naturally absorbs humidity. This siding tends to warp, crack, fade and de-laminate often resulting in a poor quality product in just a few years.

  LP Smart siding is very popular in the shed and housing market.  It is a  low maintenance 50 year Engineered wood siding.  We paint these day in and day out, and they can be stained to look like a wood cedar siding.   A major advantage of LP is that its not prone to  warping, cracking and fading like the T1-11 siding. It can also  be painted to match your house color scheme and is accepted by most city's and HOA's.

  The Painted Metal panel siding is also a great option. It is a   40 year no maintenance siding that will not warp, crack and de-laminate.   It gives you many color options to match you house color scheme. It is a great option however not readily accepted by City's and HOAs. It also tends to dent easier then wood.

4. What is the best roofing?  

  There are 3 main roofing options for sheds.

25 year 3 tab shingles, 30 year Dimensional Shingle and Painted Metal panel roofing.

The 25 year 3 tab shingle roof is your cheapest roof option there is. They tend to blow off very easy. That is why this option is not typically offered by us.

The 30 year architectural shingle roof is a great option for those that don't like the Metal look and want something to match their home while yet being able to get a good quality roof.  Often HOA's require these for matching a subdivision.

The 40 year Painted Metal we use is the best option for longevity and color options.  Here is a link to Central States Manufacturing, our provider of metal roofing.

https://www.centralstatesmfg.com/layers-of-protection/

  * Not all metal roofing's are created equal, and we use metal from the metal roofing industry leaders.  There is a reason for being picky on what metal is used.  Did you know that some builders buy a cheaper non warrantied metal to save money?   They then say they have a 25, 30, or 40 year metal warranty on their paperwork?  The truth to a warranty on metal is similar to shingles.  The warranty is backed by the manufacturer of the roofing material, and not the shed company.  If a shed builder buys a non warranty panel then the warranty is only as good as the material.   

We know the value of a dollar, and an investment.  We thank you for taking the time to read this and hope it helps you learn some important details inside the shed business.