Storage Building Siding | What You Should Know

Storage Building Siding | What You Should Know

Storage building environments

A back yard can be a harsh environment for a structure of any type. Most suburban lawns have irrigation systems, and are to some degree shaded, fenced, or otherwise enclosed. A canopy of moisture releasing foliage above, and an enclosure full of green grass that needs water everyday creates a hostile environment for wooden structures. A wooden storage building may look great for a while, but it requires maintenance to keep it looking that way.

Storage building alternatives

It all boils down to what you want more. A wooden, or composite wood type shed will involve a lot of maintenance. It needs to be painted or treated on a regular basis, or moisture will destroy it quickly. A galvanized, and painted steel clad structure will last 20 or 30 years before needing anything more than a basic cleaning. There are a lot of choices in colors and styles these days, and some of the metal buildings are just as attractive as the wooden ones.

Variations in wood sided buildings

Not all wooden structures are created equal, and some will withstand the test of time better than others. Structures made of marine grade plywood or cedar can be quite durable, but even these will need periodic treatment if you intend for them to be around a while. To maintain these, various waterproofing stains and sealers will need to be brushed or sprayed on, which is somewhat easier, and less expensive than yearly painting. Wood composite buildings will have to be painted and sealed on regular basis to last over the long haul.

What’s the best choice?

So, what is the best choice for siding for a storage building? In the long run, galvanized and painted steel will out perform all other siding materials, including wood, wood composites, aluminum, and the various plastics on the market, including vinyl. They do not have to be unattractive, the color and style choices today are numerous, and you can find a combination that perfectly matches your outdoor decor.

Related issues:

Composite shingles

I have been in a lot of  back yards, and I have seen a lot of storage buildings, and I have never seen a storage building with composite shingles, that wasn’t going bald! This has held true throughout a 30 year career in landscape maintenance related work.

Doors

In the same vein, I have rarely seen a wooden door that was not sagging in an outbuilding.