How-To

  1. Safety Tips for Storing Chemicals

    Safety Tips for Storing Chemicals

    Whether storing gasoline to power a lawnmower, or chlorine to keep your pool clean, there are plenty of reasons to keep chemicals tucked away inside a chemical storage shed. Storing these products in an outdoor building offers convenience and additional safety so you don’t have to keep them inside your home where children or pets may have easy access. But before finding a safe spot to stow chemicals, it’s important to know the dangers involved if stored improperly. Here are garage chemical storage ideas to keep your home and environment safe.

    What Chemicals Can You Store in a Shed?

    While the list is certainly more exhaustive than this, here are some common chemicals you may have on hand for any number of DIY projects around the house.

    • Lawn and garden chemicals: There are a variety of chemicals you may use to keep your yard looking great year-round. Fertilizer, herbicide, and pesticides are all products to keep inside a chemical storage shed for your safety and for their effectiveness. In addition, you may need to store gasoline in order to power lawn care tools like a lawn mower.
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  2. 5 Reasons to Invest in Your Backyard Living Space

    5 Reasons to Invest in Your Backyard Living Space

    The last year saw an incredible rise in DIY projects focused on home and property improvement. It turns out that there were a lot of little things, or big ones, that homeowners had wanted to do for so many years but didn't have time. When furlough came about, and the COVID-19 pandemic shut down many workplaces, all of a sudden, time is all people had.

    Not everyone got to cross off every item on their list or perhaps thought about starting another project but didn't want to commit. If you thought that creating a backyard living space would be interesting but wouldn't give enough back, think again. This article looks at the benefits of creating a backyard living space and how your investment can pay off both short-term and in the long term. Here is a list of ways that backyard improvements can add value to your home and your life.

    Invest in Your Backyard Living SpaceInvest in Your Backyard Living Space

    1. Backyard Features Add Property Value

    More emotional or familial reasons make it worth it to redefine your backyard with an outdoor living space, but let's first look at the financial reason. There are hundreds of hardscapes and structures you can put in your backyard to make it more "livable."

    Backyard features that have value can include kitchens, outdoor living rooms, a fire pit with patio furniture, and so much more. It can be as big or as small as you like...

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  3. How to Insulate a Steel Building

    How to Insulate a Steel Building

    Insulating a steel building like a storage shed or garage can add valuable temperature control and prolong its life. This is a worthwhile upgrade that will increase the longevity of your investment and help protect your belongings.

    Installing insulation in a steel shed isn’t a complicated process and can be done within a weekend when you have enough help and a plan. Thankfully, it usually isn’t an expensive process, but if you desire some long-lasting solutions, pros can help you get the results you want. This quick guide will explain how to insulate a steel building so you can get the most of its value.

    Why Insulate?

    Learning how to insulate a shed or garage can help you protect your garage against common problems like condensation and rust. When moist air hits a colder surface, the moisture hits its dew point and settles, causing condensation. Moisture can cause problems with many structural materials—especially metal and wood. Metal is prone to rust when exposed to too much standing water, and wood can rot or develop mildew.

    Adding insulation helps reduce condensation build-up by creating a more stable internal temperature. This not only protects your steel structure but extends its life. Since you already have invested in a shed, why not give your steel building the extra protection it needs to last as long as possible?

    Insulation + HVAC for Personal Recreation

    Steel garages and sheds have many functions. No matter what you plan to use it for, insulation will make the structure more durable and suited for storing your belongings. However, if you plan to occupy the building, insulation is no longer optional—it’s vital for your comfort. Whether you want to get crafting or watch the big game, a properly insulated steel shelter can give you that...

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  4. How to Build a Patio

    How to Build a Patio

    If you’re looking for an easy, inexpensive way to improve your outdoor space, consider installing a DIY patio. Not only is this a beautiful addition to any yard, but it’s also the perfect way to expand your outdoor living area.

    Not quite sure how to build a patio or whether it’s the right option for you? You’re in the right place! The following guide will cover everything you need to know including what a patio is, how much it costs, and exactly how to build one on your own. Let’s get started!

    Patio vs. Deck – What’s the Difference?

    What's the difference between a patio and a deck? You’ll sometimes hear the words “patio” and “deck” interchanged, but they’re far from the same! One primary difference is that decks are typically elevated while patios are flush with the ground. In addition, decks are usually made of wood, composite, or PVC while patios are made of concrete, brick, stone, or pavers.

    Building a patio is easier and less expensive when compared to a deck because it usually does not require you to obtain a permit or have an inspection. In addition, a DIY patio will have a longer lifespan and require less maintenance than a wood deck.

    How Much Does a DIY Patio Cost?

    When deciding whether a DIY patio fits into your budget, you’ll need to consider a variety of factors including the size of the patio you want to build and the materials you’ll use. Having a patio professionally installed generally ranges between $10 and $17 a square...

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  5. How to Prevent Car Rust

    How to Prevent Car Rust
    If you’re trying to keep your car in perfect working condition, you probably make sure to get the oil changed regularly and rotate your tires. But often times, you may not think about how important it is to prevent rust. Not only is it unsightly, it can also badly damage your vehicle. Here are some tips and tricks to use to learn how to prevent car rust.

    What Exactly is Rust, Anyway?

    By definition, rust is a reddish or yellowish-brown flaky coating of iron oxide formed on iron or steel by oxidation. Rust occurs when iron reacts with oxygen and water. It’s something you certainly don’t want to see on the beautiful shiny paint job on your car. And it’s not only a cosmetic problem: left untreated, it can actually damage the integrity of the structure, according to Metal Supermarket. That’s why it’s so important to learn how to prevent car rust.

    How to Prevent Car Rust Before It Starts

    By now, you know oxidation can wreak havoc on your vehicle. What's the easiest way to prevent rust? You should keep your car out of the elements. Parking your car in a storage garage is the most important step to take first. No matter what vehicle you own, the ShelterTube Garage is the ultimate fabric cover shelter that will keep your car safe in a harsh environment. If you’re wondering how to prevent car rust, this is your answer. The best part about this storage solution is the customization. The 12 ft. wide shelter can be ordered up to 100 ft. long! That means if you want to store something even larger than a vehicle, or want to add some more storage space, you have that option. In addition, you...
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