9 Benefits of a Metal Detached Garage
Detached garages are slowly regaining their popularity among homeowners today. Even though big property owners still seem to prefer attached garages, those who need to keep their living space in check are leaning toward a detached structure in 2024.
Those who favor detached garages also tend to choose metal as a building material. Metal is a cheaper option for detached garages and is quicker to build.
Those are not the only benefits either. Keep reading to learn why metal is an excellent material for a detached garage.
1. Few Materials are As Durable As Metal
A detached garage gives you more flexibility when building on an empty lot. It is also easier to expand or add a structure to it. Adding metal as your building material will make the garage last much longer. Metal is incredibly durable, so your garage will be free from warping, rot, and termites.
If you live in a place that gets heavy snowfall or rain, your metal garage will not buckle or bend. Even high winds will not damage its structure. If you live in a town that is prone to tornadoes or hurricanes, you can have a metal garage reinforced for extra strength.
Standard metal can withstand 140 miles-per-hour winds, while reinforced steel can stand against 160 miles-per-hour winds.
2. Metal Garages are Cost-Effective
Metal is likely to cost less compared to wood, brick, and concrete. You will probably pay less for pre-fabricated metal panels. You will also not have to fork out a lot for maintenance. Pre-fabricated metal garages are constructed off-site, and you can have the unassembled pieces delivered to you.
Typically, these pieces are easy to put together, saving you money on labor costs. You will also not have to keep repainting or resealing your metal garage, saving you even more money.
3. Metal Detached Garages Help Protect Your House
Building it away from the house is a good idea if you want your metal garage to double as a workshop. Detached garages keep fumes and chemicals away from the main living area. You can also store potential fire hazards in a metal (steel) garage as steel is not combustible.
Furthermore, if your garage is not attached to the house, it eliminates the easy entry point a burglar would use.
4. You Can Customize a Metal Detached Garage
Because you have more yard space, you can customize a metal detached garage to your heart’s content. You can choose a specific size (1, 2, 3, or 4-car layout, for example). You can also choose where to install windows and doors and whether you want roll-up doors and side-entry access.
The metal itself is also highly customizable. You can choose different colors and finishes to suit your home’s architecture and add insulation to keep the interior at a comfortable temperature.
You can even add solar panels to the outside of your metal garage for energy efficiency and leave space for future expansion.
5. Metal is an Environmentally Friendly Option
The metal used for detached garages often comes from recycling. It can also be recycled again at the end of the garage’s lifespan, helping reduce waste and its environmental impact.
Most metal garage manufacturers prefer to use recycled steel to reduce the demand for new, raw products. Choosing recycled metal means supporting an environmentally conscious manufacturer and reducing your residential carbon footprint.
6. You Can Expand a Detachable Garage into a Living Space
When a metal garage is not attached to a house, you can easily expand it or convert it into a living space. All you need to do is check whether converting your garage is permissible in your area. Depending on the project’s scope, you may also need to get a building permit. Check with your local office to find out whether a permit is required or not.
A metal garage’s customization makes it easy to add features required in a living space. As mentioned, a metal living space offers unmatched protection against the elements. And, let’s not forget, it requires very little maintenance.
7. You Can Use a Detached Metal Garage as a Home Office
If you have a double metal garage, you can use one side as an office if you work from home. You can add a concrete slab to reinforce the garage before turning it into an office.
Adding dry walls or wallpaper and installing flooring will also be fairly easy. You can add sturdy plyboards or other materials over the insulation on the floors before covering it with your flooring of choice.
You can also install lighting and other fixtures to finish your home office project.
8. A Detached Metal Garage Can Mean Lower Home Insurance Premiums
If you work with hazardous items, it is best to confine them to a detached garage. This lowers the risk of unforeseen accidents. Also, because the garage is not attached to your house, a careless accident will not affect or damage it.
In some areas, this means paying less for home insurance premiums especially since a detached garage is also a deterrent for thieves.
9. Detached Metal Garages Can Make Your Property Look Better
Many homeowners do not like the idea of an attached garage in front of their house. They believe it takes away from the curb appeal. If you want your garage to be out of sight, you can construct a detached metal garage in your backyard. This will allow you to add landscaping in the front of your house and park your vehicle away from prying eyes.
Moreover, adding a detached garage will increase your home’s value. Any changes you make to your home that add storage or vehicle space will make selling easier.
Metal Detached Garages Are an Excellent Choice for U.S. Homeowners
If you want a low-cost, weather-resistant detached garage, metal is the way to go. Whether you want a place to park or a versatile space where you can also work, a metal detached garage offers many options.
Plus, investing in a metal garage means investing in a building that will last for a long time while protecting your assets.
