Finding the best storage shed for your particular storage needs, environment, urgency, and budget has become more important. One of the growing storage sheds options is aluminum sheds.
Although aluminum sheds may be strong, the metal panels used in the construction of shed sidings are relatively thin, making them susceptible to structural indentation.
They are, however, a great choice of a shed because aluminum sheds are easy to assemble and lighter than other sheds, for example, wooden sheds:
Here’s How Long Aluminum Sheds Last:
Aluminum sheds last up to 15 years due to their metallic strength and the coat on their surface, making them more resistant to corrosion and rust. These sheds can last even longer depending on the frequency of use, environmental factors, and maintenance.
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Do Sheds Made From Aluminum Last Longer Than Other Materials?
This is one of those questions that has no direct answer to it.
Aluminum sheds last longer than steel sheds because they are less susceptible to damage by rust and corrosion, especially in areas with a wet climate. On the other hand, Iron sheds will last longer (25 years or more) than Aluminum sheds.
Aluminum sheds last longer than wooden ones because of their invulnerability to rot, insects, and rodents, weakening the structure.
They are also fire-resistant, which is a huge plus.
Plastic sheds last longer (20 years) than Aluminum sheds, with the only downsides being that plastic sheds are susceptible to damage by UV rays from the sun, and they are also a fire hazard.
Do Aluminum Sheds Require Maintenance?
Aluminum sheds have higher endurance than non-metal sheds.
They don’t burn, rot, get ravaged by rodents or insects, thus making them less costly and time-consuming to maintain. They, however, still require maintenance to keep them clean, strong and make them last longer.
Sheds of this kind are perceptible to damage from activities, elements, and weaknesses caused by long-time use, for example, mildew, surface water, leaking roofs, dents, and scratches. Therefore, it is important to maintain the shed frequently to keep it and its contents in proper condition.
Below are some of the best methods to maintain your aluminum shed:
1. Mildew removal on the sides
Mildew is a type of mold that grows on the surface of things in moist areas.
You may notice some mildew spots on the sidings of your shed. This could easily be cleaned off with some dish soap and rinsed off with water.
For those difficult spots and deep nooks, an old toothbrush may come in handy.
It’s important to be gentle not to dent or scratch the surface of the aluminum. If this happens, coat with some nail polish around the scratch and let it dry.
You can also purchase commercial sprays for mildew removal, but when using them, be sure to use gloves and protective eyewear to avoid contact with soft tissue areas like the eyes.
2. Repair the structure regularly
Aluminum sheds are not as strong as steel and iron sheds.
This means they are more likely to be dented. It will make the structure stay sturdy for longer if the dents are straightened and repaired as soon as they appear.
Dents may also expose the surface of the aluminum to oxidation, causing minor corrosion and further weakening the area.
3. Apply a fresh coat of paint to help with corrosion
Aluminum doesn’t rust. However, exposure of the uncoated surface to the elements may lead to more oxidation corrosion.
This may happen because of scratches and dents that remove the coat of aluminum oxide.
Oil-based primers are recommended for aluminum surfaces to fill porous surfaces before you paint them over with acrylic paint.
4. Keep the interior clean and dry
Even though a coat of aluminum oxide protects aluminum, you may be storing some chemicals in the shed that may weaken the aluminum structure if they came to contact with the interior siding.
It is important to keep such containers that hold these chemicals clean and properly sealed to avoid spillages.
Also, clean your tools and dry them to prevent them from rusting.
5. Ensure your shed stays waterproof
Manufacturers and suppliers usually waterproof the roof of the shed.
It is, however, important that you reinforce the waterproofing after a few months to prevent moisture from seeping into the structure.
This will prevent rusting of tools, spillage, and destruction of stored materials. It will also prevent the weakening of the shed.Â
6. Keep surface runoff water away from inside the shed
In wet climate areas, surface runoff water may rise and flow into the shed if the floor is not well elevated and the siding properly sealed off at the bottom.
This may result in damage to tools by rust or seeds and chemicals stored therein becoming contaminated.
The shed floor should be adequately elevated and sealed off to ensure runoff water does not enter the shed.
7. Replacement of worn-out or very corroded parts
To enhance the structural integrity of the shed, corroded parts and parts weakened by dents and or dings should be replaced with newer and stronger parts.
This will enable the shed to be sturdier, withstand strong winds, and prevent water from entering the shed through perforations, causing damage to the shed and its contents.
How Long Is the Warranty Period?
Different companies offer different warranty deals for their aluminum sheds products.
The warranties also cover a range of facets of the sheds they sell. Depending on the manufacturer or supplier of the shed and its quality, the average warranty period for aluminum sheds generally ranges between 15 to 20 years.
For example, Robin Inc., an American building company, offers a 30 year warranty period. Asgard offers a 10 year warranty period for their sheds.
A company or supplier may also offer complimentary warranty options for clients who purchase or use some of their long-lasting and trusted products that safeguard the shed against elements like some select paints.
Do Aluminum Sheds Rust?
No, aluminum sheds are resistant to rust compared to their metal counterparts, iron, and steel sheds.
This is because of a protective coat of aluminum oxide covering the aluminum surface, preventing further contact with the elements.
This oxide coating on the surface prevents the aluminum from further exposure to rusting agents, making it more durable and perfect for areas that experience wet climates.
Aluminum sheds are, however, susceptible to corrosion. Unlike other metals making alloys of aluminum with other metals only weakens their corrosion resistance.
Treating the surface of the sheds can further prevent the already diminished corrosion of aluminum, for example, applying a coat of lacquer or an anodized paint.Â
Do Aluminum Sheds Fade in the Sun?
Aluminum sheds coated with paint do fade over time.
Ultraviolet radiation from the sun may weaken the structure of the chemicals in the paint.
Anodized aluminum is mostly coated with a dye, usually an organic one. All dyes, unfortunately, with exposure to radiation from the sun, tend to fade.
They are, however, varied in their chemistry and, as such, have different resistance to fading caused by UV radiation. The rating ranges from 5 to 8, with a paint of a UV rating of 8 having the highest resistance to fading almost twice that of 7 and so on in descending levels of resistance.
Therefore, choosing a higher rating offers a longer exposure to UV, and therefore, your dye will last longer before fading becomes more apparent. Darker dyes with higher ratings are more easily available than other brighter color options even though they too exist, but the choices will be somewhat restricted.
The saturation level of the dye into the pores also plays a role in how long it takes to fade. More fade-resistant colors have deeper pores, are thicker, and are more intensely saturated with dye.
These offer much better resistance to fading because of UV exposure over time.
Based on the above information and comparisons between aluminum sheds and other types of sheds, it is safe to say that aluminum sheds provide the owner with a cheap, strong, secure, and longer-lasting storage option.
Their durability and resistance to elements make them perfect shed choices.
Sources:
3 REASONS YOU SHOULD GET AN ALUMINUM SHED
Wooden Sheds Vs. Aluminum Sheds
How to Protect Your Shed — Use This Yearly Maintenance Checklist
Wooden and plastic sheds vs. metal sheds – how they compare