What garage to choose – as a smooth wall (sheet steel) or wooden post and beam construction?
We are planning to build a 6x8m garage. A prefabricated concrete garage is not an option for us because
a) the driveway and yard are already paved, b) we want a special height (gate height of at least 2.12 m) and c) it is too expensive.
So the option for us is a prefabricated garage as a smooth wall (steel plate) or as a wooden mullion-beam structure.
Both options are in one piece, i.e., plastered. We talked to several suppliers, and, of course, each of them advertises a different product.
Visually, in our opinion, the wooden garage is a little more attractive because it looks a little more solid and doesn't quite show the principle of the kit (joints, screw connections). However, we wonder about durability. Many manufacturers of both options give a 10-year warranty.
We live at about 600 meters altitude, so it's always 5-6 degrees cooler here, and the winters are harsher and wetter. Do you have to reckon with the cracks, redoing the wood. Which garage is better in terms of condensation? Does anyone have any long term experience with a wood or steel garage?
Answers
An acquaintance of ours has a steel garage that is over 10 years old. So far there have been no problems at all.
At the time, they decided to forgo the extra cost of roof/fleece coating. It was reported that only on very rare days of the year and only in special weather conditions could we find drips on the cars.
Since we didn't have the 6m width for a double garage and due to the experience of friends, we also decided 2 years ago to buy a 5.40m x 9m steel garage. However, we also ordered a roof covering for the roof.
So far I can't say anything negative about it.
Metal naturally expands when heated, and so all the fun stuff moves around. Of course, metal does not absorb moisture, but it can allow it to condense beautifully. without proper interior cladding, the interior often turns into a cave for drips. That is why sheet metal canopy roofs usually have felt glued to them from below.
Of course, metal can be protected from the weather by various methods. The simplest is probably hot-dip galvanizing (galvanizing is not really enough for constant outdoor use in the rain). However, it can also be painted with powder coating. Both methods have the drawback that flaking or even just scratches on the metal sheet will inevitably attract rust (or require re-treatment).
Let's briefly tell the long story:
— Hot-dip galvanizing is cheap and durable, but it doesn't look good.
— Powder coating is a little more expensive, but you can get any color metal you want. as long as the coating is applied to all the metal, it will last a long time.
Basically, steel would probably be more durable (just from logical thinking). I'm still leaning towards a wood frame, it can be well insulated and it breathes.
I can make my case against a steel garage.
Steel is very good at conducting heat and cold inside. That's why I didn't want it and chose stone.
