Wednesday, March 18, 2020

Why COLORBOND® is the Best Steel for Your Outdoor Structure – What to Know

When it comes to outdoor steel, there are a few hard and fast rules. The first one is that the material should be durable. Australia is known for its weather extremes. In the desert regions of the country, the summertime heat regularly climbs to 40°C, while some areas in the southeast can reach below freezing temperatures.

Highs have been known to reach above 53°C, and temperature in some inland locations are known to drop to -14.5 °C. Because of this, Australian homeowners have housekeeping cut out for them. Australian home exteriors need to be made of tough, resilient material that can withstand a wide range of temperatures. This has made COLORBOND® steel a go-to option for many local architects, engineers, and other building professionals.

What is COLORBOND®?

This is a type of steel produced by the Australian company BlueScope Steel. The process of making this steel was inspired by galvanization, which was popular in England in the 1800s. In 1966, the first COLORBOND® sheets were produced in Kembla, Wollongong. Since then, six million tonnes of this steel have been produced for various industrial purposes.

Why choose this type?

The main reason to use this metal for roofing and other outdoor purposes is that it is made with the Australian climate in mind. It has passed stringent testing in different parts of Australia, under different weather conditions, as a way of controlling for quality. Every batch of COLORBOND® rolled out for the public is tested for corrosion, stress, and various applications.

Another reason is its insulation. COLORBOND® is thermally efficient, shielding your roofs and sheds from drastic highs and lows of temperature. Because this type of steel is baked, it is less likely to crack. This means that aside from withstanding extreme summer heats and winter chills, this still can also stay for hours under the rain and it will not leak.

Finally, COLORBOND® is not limited to use for home roofs. You can also have this for garages, garden sheds, farm sheds, silos, and anything that you must put a shade over and place under the sun. Some variants include solar reflective panels that help keep your home, farm building or garage cool during the summer.

Won’t it be unaesthetic?

A constant concern among people building homes is that durable materials are often boxy, plain and uninspiring. They hesitate to use materials advertised as ‘heavy-duty’ because there are limited options in terms of design. If you are not the type who is okay with compromising aesthetics, this can give you pause.

With COLORBOND®, though, you won’t need to worry. It has more than twenty colour options and has contemporary shades like creams and greys. There are also classics such as reds and greens, for the more traditional homes. You can even combine colours so that your roof complements outdoor fixtures such as gutters and windowpanes.

Conclusion

When you’re looking for roofing solutions for your home or outdoor structure, you cannot go wrong with COLORBOND®. Made in Australia for the Australian climate, it will surely stand the test of time (and various extreme weather conditions).

If you are looking for colorbond shed designs in Australia, get in touch with us today. With more than fifty years of industry experience, we are among the best at translating your storage and outdoor structure ideas into reality. Contact us today to learn more.

Thursday, March 12, 2020

A DIY or Professionally Built Garden Shed – Which Is Better?

Your garden serves as a spot where you and your family can bond, have fun, and unwind. It’s an important space in your home, which is why keeping it well-maintained is essential.

If you want to have a neat and tidy garden, however, having a place to store all your gardening tools and other bulky equipment is vital. To do this, adding a shed into your garden might be the perfect solution.

What Is a Garden Shed?

A garden shed is an outdoor structure that is commonly used to house different supplies.

Nowadays, a garden shed is more than just a storage for your tools and gear, and can even come in different sizes, styles, and colours. You can also turn the shed into a workshop, a home office, or a place of zen and serenity.

Whether you want your garden shed to serve as a functional workplace or a space of relaxation, you must consider whether you want to build your shed by yourself or hire professionals instead to work on it. For this reason, you must assess the complexity and size of the project.

Is It a Good Idea to DIY Your Shed?

Garden sheds with simple structures can be a DIY project, such as kit sheds. Kits are built to size and can be assembled using basic tools and by following the directions given.

In addition, they can be styled or designed to suit your taste. For instance, an aluminium shed can be mixed with colours, while a timber shed can be sealed, stained, or painted. You can also install electricity and plumbing to make your shed even more functional with reliable help from professional electricians and plumbers.

Seeking Professional Help for Your Garden Shed

If your garden shed requires plumbing, electricity, insulation, and more, then it’s advisable to seek professional help and not do it by yourself.

With their skills and experience, professional builders know what to do and are capable of building a shed that is designed according to your specifications and requirements. Although it costs more, you are assured that the job is done right the first time.

Below are several uses of gardens sheds for your home:

Home extension

Because kit sheds can be customised, they can be turned into a home extension. However, make sure that the structure you’re planning to build is not too large or too complex to assemble. Windows and insulation can also be added for your kit shed.

Larger sheds

Keep in mind that sheds come in a wide variety of sizes. To find the perfect one that suits your needs, you need first to determine the need for your shed.

If you need a large shed, keep in mind that building one is not a one-person job. You may need to hire professional builders to help you complete your shed, especially if you are building it from scratch. By hiring professional builders, building the framework will be a breeze because they know exactly where to place a space for a door and windows.

Moreover, if you are putting up a large shed on a rural property, you will need to get professional help. Although you may get tempted to do all the work by yourself to save money, the size of the project might be too complicated.

Do You Need Council Permission for Your Shed?

Be sure to consult with your local council about whether or not you need to acquire a permit for your shed. Small sheds may not require council permission, but larger and more expensive ones will probably need you to submit plans for approval. To make your council permission process hassle-free, hire a dependable drafter and builder for your shed.

Conclusion

At this point, you now have several reasons you should hire professionals to build your shed. Though you may save some money by doing it yourself, you’ll save yourself from much hassles and complications down the road by hiring professionals instead.

If you’re in need of a shed for your farm or your home, get in touch with us today to see how we can help. Browse our sheds for sale and request a quote.

Thursday, March 5, 2020

5 Reasons You Should Build a Metal Shed Over a Wooden One – What To Know

While sheds have begun rising in popularity, so is the heat between those who prefer metal sheds and others for wooden sheds. If you’re planning to build your shed, you might be caught in between the debates and arguments, at it is harder to make a decision. If, however, you’re looking to purchase the best option, we highly recommend that you go along with metal sheds.

Here are six reasons you should consider it:

They are more affordable

Perhaps the most significant advantage of a metal shed is affordability. In other words, they’re much cheaper than their wooden counterparts.

What does this mean for you? Not only can you save money if you build the same metal shed as you would have a wooden shed, but you could build it even bigger if you spent just as much on a wooden one! Although the budget is one of the most limiting factors when it comes to building anything, metal sheds offer you the most bang for your buck. Plus, they fit in just about any place—gardens, farms, you name it!

They are extremely durable

While metal sheds tend to be much lighter than wooden sheds, this by no means is telling you that metal sheds aren’t durable. In fact, they’re perhaps one of if not the most durable types of shed you can ever build. This is also the reason many people opt for metal sheds! When it comes to its lifespan, you can easily expect your metal shed to last ten years or more.

They don’t require much maintenance

You might think that you’ll need to keep on maintaining metal sheds to extend their lifetime. However, that is not really the case.

Metal sheds are generally maintenance-free. They’ll require a small budget or even nothing to keep them well maintained. Thanks to their construction, they’re incredibly weather resistant. Since most, if not all, metal sheds are made of steel, it’ll be resistant to rust as well!

They are easy to assemble

Not only are sheets of metal much lighter than wooden panels, but they’re also easily put together. All you must do is follow the instructions and use a few tools that often comes with the entire package. This also means that you don’t have to spend extra time prepping to build the metal shed, let alone pay extra for pieces of equipment to build it up.

They are fire-resistant

Metal by nature resists fire while wood does not. This means that in the event of a fire within the shed, your home is going to be safe from harm’s way. Additionally, if there is any flame outside the metal shed, the items that are stored inside are kept secure from the fire, while a wooden shed will completely burn down, taking whatever’s inside with it.

Conclusion

With all these benefits we’ve mentioned, there really isn’t any reason you should not go with a metal shed. With its affordability, durability, and ease of construction, it really is one of the best choices when it comes to building a shed, whether it be for farms or gardens.

If you are looking to purchase sheds for your property in Toowoomba City, browse through our website today and take a look at our offerings!

Thursday, February 27, 2020

5 Essential Reasons You Should Invest in a Garage Shed – What to Know

A garage shed is useful in more ways than one. You might think that it’s a superfluous expense and that your home might not need it, but having a separate shed actually lets you have an extra storage space, a workshop, a guest house, or even a home office. You can transform it in any way you like to suit your needs and space requirements to enhance your home living experience.

If you’ve always wanted a shed but can’t seem to justify the purchase, here are five reasons it’s worth investing in one:

1. It can help you get rid of clutter

Are you possibly tired of having too much stuff lying around your home, making it look untidy? A garage shed can serve as a storage space for everything that you need to keep away. Instead of paying for a separate storage unit or squeezing your belongings in tight spaces, such closets, attics, and basements, a shed can be an easy access storage area where you can transfer everything and access them whenever you need to use them. Whether you’re storing holiday decorations, sports equipment, or winter wear, a garage shed can house them all.

2. It is portable

Unlike the rest of your home, a garage shed is actually portable and transportable.  If you’re moving places, you can take your garage shed along with you so that you don’t have to pack everything up and organize them again when you transfer to your new place. Simply move it right along with you and leave behind a gravel or concrete pad as your evidence that a garage shed once stood there. 

3. It can increase your home’s value

If you’re selling your home and have no plans on taking your garage shed with you, it is a good asset and can even add value to your property. Buyers often love add-ons that come with the house, and since a garage shed has a variety of purposes, you can score a better deal and ask for a higher selling price.

4. It can offer security for your valuables

If you have valuable items that need extra protection at home, the garage shed can be their safe space all year round. You can store those belongings inside, and they will remain secure and in good working condition until you need to use them. Considering that garage sheds are also weather-tight and have security features in place, your expensive equipment will not be in contact with harsh weather, animals that may potentially ruin them, or thieves that may try to steal them. 

5. It can be a place for work and play

You can also transform your garage shed into an extension of your home. Whether you need an office space or a place for entertainment, your garage shed can be whatever you want it to be. You have the freedom to design and decorate it the way you like and convert it to a space that’s uniquely yours.

Final words

Are you interested in purchasing a garage shed here in Queensland? PSF Steel has a vast collection of garage sheds for sale. Take your pick and get in touch with us to get a custom-designed shed built for harsh Australian weather conditions. 

Why Structural Steel Should Be Your Frame Construction Of Choice

From small residential homes to skyscrapers, structural steel has been the material of choice for many architects and contractors. Steel is known for its amazing benefits and versatility. Over the years, it has been included in a lot of construction projects, from garden sheds to complete roofing systems. Considering the strength of integrity, ease of maintenance, and freedom of design, structural steel has been a smart choice over wood or concrete.

Here are some benefits that make structural steel a more reliable option for full-throttle metal building projects to hybrid construction jobs:

Faster Build Time

In every business, construction included, time is money. Most clients want their projects to be completed on schedule (or better ahead of time). However, taking shortcuts in construction projects may lead to unsafe building practices and can be potentially hazardous in the long run.

Structural steel is the best option for those who do not want to blow up their budget and exceed deadlines. When you order structural steel materials for your structure, a prefabricated design will often be ready for shipping. You can then simply erect the structure on-site, removing any risks of human error. The steel will already be following respective code dimensions and standards, so there is no need to worry about building regulations and quality.

Lower Cost

The decreased construction time from using structural steel materials will offer a lot of savings. Labour and overhead costs from construction are not the only savings you will have when you use structural steel. In the long-run, you will have more cost benefits—upfront and lifetime savings.

Structural steel is durable and requires less maintenance. Steel has superior strength and does not decay or age quickly than any other construction material, like wood. Likewise, maintenance fees, replacements, and repairs are incredibly minimal. 

With tensile strength (ability to endure stress from tension) and a higher strength-to-weight ratio, structural steel makes a lighter building that only requires a smaller and affordable foundation.

Steel is also a recyclable material. Most companies pay hefty landfill fees for non-recyclable construction materials and building components. If you use steel, your company will have one thing less to worry about. Due to the public and environmentalists’ popular demand for decreasing unnecessary construction wastes, there are now removal companies that have subsidized programs, wherein they will collect steel and other building wastes at no extra charge.

Moreover, due to structural steel’s durability and unrivalled ability to withstand heavy snow loads, seismic activities, fire, and strong high winds, plus their susceptibility against decay and pests, most insurance companies lower their premiums on policies underwritten for metal buildings.

Steel is Eco-Friendly

Since steel is a completely recycled construction material, every steel frame is recyclable, making it an environment-friendly material. Steel has been the most recycled product, with about 80 million tons being recycled every year.

Since the ‘90s, the steel industry has decreased energy intensity by 28 per cent per ton of steel manufactured and carbon dioxide emissions by 35 per cent per ton shipped. Using high-quality prefabricated structural steel parts, you can have a comfortable and air-tight steel frame that ensures a completely sealed structure. The structural steel frame is the way to go if you want an eco-friendly construction project.

There are still many benefits structural steel offers. Just like any other construction materials, structural steel will also have its drawbacks, but the benefits far outweigh these flaws.

If you’re looking for a durable barn shed or garage shed, consider PSF Steel. Our high-quality steel-framed carports, garages, farm sheds, industrial sheds, and commercial buildings are known for their exceptional quality. We’d love to turn you into another satisfied customer. Get in touch today to see what we can do!

Friday, February 21, 2020

Why Structural Steel Should Be Your Frame Construction Of Choice – What to Know

From small residential homes to skyscrapers, structural steel has been the material of choice for many architects and contractors. Steel is known for its amazing benefits and versatility. Over the years, it has been included in a lot of construction projects, from garden sheds to complete roofing systems. Considering the strength of integrity, ease of maintenance, and freedom of design, structural steel has been a smart choice over wood or concrete.

Here are some benefits that make structural steel a more reliable option for full-throttle metal building projects to hybrid construction jobs:

Faster Build Time

In every business, construction included, time is money. Most clients want their projects to be completed on schedule (or better ahead of time). However, taking shortcuts in construction projects may lead to unsafe building practices and can be potentially hazardous in the long run. 

Structural steel is the best option for those who do not want to blow up their budget and exceed deadlines. When you order structural steel materials for your structure, a prefabricated design will often be ready for shipping. You can then simply erect the structure on-site, removing any risks of human error. The steel will already be following respective code dimensions and standards, so there is no need to worry about building regulations and quality.

Lower Cost

The decreased construction time from using structural steel materials will offer a lot of savings. Labour and overhead costs from construction are not the only savings you will have when you use structural steel. In the long-run, you will have more cost benefits—upfront and lifetime savings.

Structural steel is durable and requires less maintenance. Steel has superior strength and does not decay or age quickly than any other construction material, like wood. Likewise, maintenance fees, replacements, and repairs are incredibly minimal. 

With tensile strength (ability to endure stress from tension) and a higher strength-to-weight ratio, structural steel makes a lighter building that only requires a smaller and affordable foundation.

Steel is also a recyclable material. Most companies pay hefty landfill fees for non-recyclable construction materials and building components. If you use steel, your company will have one thing less to worry about. Due to the public and environmentalists’ popular demand for decreasing unnecessary construction wastes, there are now removal companies that have subsidized programs, wherein they will collect steel and other building wastes at no extra charge.

Moreover, due to structural steel’s durability and unrivalled ability to withstand heavy snow loads, seismic activities, fire, and strong high winds, plus their susceptibility against decay and pests, most insurance companies lower their premiums on policies underwritten for metal buildings.

Steel is Eco-Friendly

Since steel is a completely recycled construction material, every steel frame is recyclable, making it an environment-friendly material. Steel has been the most recycled product, with about 80 million tons being recycled every year. 

Since the ‘90s, the steel industry has decreased energy intensity by 28 percent per ton of steel manufactured and carbon dioxide emissions by 35 percent per ton shipped. Using high-quality prefabricated structural steel parts, you can have a comfortable and air-tight steel frame that ensures a completely sealed structure. The structural steel frame is the way to go if you want an eco-friendly construction project.

There are still many benefits structural steel offers. Just like any other construction materials, structural steel will also have its drawbacks, but the benefits far outweigh these flaws.

If you’re looking for a durable barn shed or garage shed, consider PSF Steel. Our high-quality steel-framed carports, garages, farm sheds, industrial sheds, and commercial buildings are known for their exceptional quality. We’d love to turn you into another satisfied customer. Get in touch today to see what we can do!