DIY Builds
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How long will a metal house last?

50 to 100 years How long do steel buildings last? Steel buildings face fewer issues with deterioration and corrosion than concrete or wood, and can out live other structures when properly built and maintained. Most steel buildings last anywhere from 50 to 100 years.

What kind of wood do you use for a shed roof?
What kind of wood do you use for a shed roof?

A shed's walls and roof are usually made of oriented strand board (OSB) because it's the least expensive siding option. That's why sheds and homes...

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How long does it take solar panels to pay for themselves?
How long does it take solar panels to pay for themselves?

six to ten years The most common estimate of the average payback period for solar panels is six to ten years. This is a pretty wide range because...

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These are the Best Shed Plans!
These are the Best Shed Plans!

Comprehensive and Intuitive to follow. Build That Shed!

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Why is steel a good building material?

It’s no secret that buildings can deteriorate over time. Without scheduled maintenance and regular care, commercial buildings break down. When left idle, facilities are negatively impacted by moisture, plant rooting that causes structural cracks, wind damage, etc. More immediate damage can come from construction errors. If structures, foundations, trenches, or masonry work is not done according to particular specification and drawings, deterioration will occur quickly. Steel is a good building material because it is known for its ability to withstand common causes of deterioration. Steel also comes with the added perk of low maintenance needs. The lifespan of your steel building can be prolonged if you wash it regularly and address small damage in a timely manner. Steel materials deliver buildings that maintain value year over year. And steel Butler Buildings from Hance Construction offer a sound build that promises longevity.

Corrosion resistant

Barrier coatings and paints are readily available to coat steel surfaces and isolate it from water, sun, and oxygen so it withstands corrosion.

Mold resistant

Mold cannot feed on steel like it does on other materials. Steel is resistant to moisture, making it repellent to mold growth.

Warp resistant

Steel does not warp, split, crack or corrode when appropriately produced and maintained. These are common problems for wood and concrete structures.

Wind resistant

A steel building is capable of withstanding winds up to 200 mph. Steel buildings are designed to bend with the wind and deflect lateral forces to the walls and down to the ground.

Fire resistant

Since steel is non-combustible, it doesn't burn and doesn’t act as a fuel during a building fire. Innovative fire-retardant coatings and insulation can further increase its fire resistance to higher temperatures.

Insect and rot resistant

You won’t have to worry about running into common problems found with wooden structures, such as insect infestations or natural deterioration. Steel’s inorganic nature makes it resistant to termites and rotting.

Easily repaired

Steel requires very little regular maintenance and is quickly and easily repaired.

Can hear neighbors through wall?
Can hear neighbors through wall?

The sound transfer occurs as a result of airborne noise (voices, music, etc). The airborne sound wave strikes the wall and the pressure variations...

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What thickness OSB for shed roof?
What thickness OSB for shed roof?

The thickness of OSB that you need varies on where it is used in a building. Typically 3/4""(18mm) for floors and 3/8"" (9mm) for walls and 1/2""...

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Can I build my own shed?
Can I build my own shed?

Yes, with the right plans you can build your dream shed.

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How do you close in a room to build a porch?

Expand porch roof framing, if needed, and add wall framing. Install 2-by-4-inch boards on 16-inch centers to enclose the room. Leave openings for windows and an exterior door or sliding door. Use deeper framing boards, such as 2-by-8-inch boards, if you want to add thicker insulation on exterior walls.

Enclosing a porch for sleeping space is much easier with a sound roof in place. With the roof framing intact, the rest of the construction is similar to any other addition project. One challenge of the room enclosure will be adding heating and cooling, however. Don't assume that your existing heat pump will accommodate the extra floor space. If the porch has a solid concrete base, this can present some additional issues in terms of vents and duct work, too. By thinking through the steps and special challenges, you can design an enclosure that will come together in an organized way.

What does a planning search reveal?
What does a planning search reveal?

What Will the Planning Search Reveal? A planning search will reveal information about the local area such as crime rates, performance of local...

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How high should the downspout be from the ground?
How high should the downspout be from the ground?

The right way to do it is to have the downspout end at least 12 inches from the ground level, leaving enough room to pitch the extension at the...

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Can I build my own shed?
Can I build my own shed?

Yes, with the right plans you can build your dream shed.

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What is the longest lasting roofing material?
What is the longest lasting roofing material?

slate tiles Roofing material that lasts the longest are concrete, clay or slate tiles. These materials significantly outperform other natural...

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Can I build my own shed?
Can I build my own shed?

Yes, with the right plans you can build your dream shed.

Learn More »
Can I put a 6ft fence in my front garden?
Can I put a 6ft fence in my front garden?

Are there any legal rules and regulations I need to consider? In the UK, the norm is that fencing in your back garden should be a maximum height of...

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