Best Metal Sheds –

Posted on April 27, 2012 by andyheath

This is an old post, but we have had a few repost requests ,   so here it is…

We at Shed Force are passionate about our sheds~!  We can’t emphasis enough just how important good quality Metal Storage is.  Why??  Well if you have several thousand pounds of sports equipment or gardening tools you need to be sure they are safe and secure.

Since we started the blog (and our sister website) we have been asked “Why bother spending all this time and money looking at sheds, it’s just a shed – isn’t it”

Well NO.

So, to prove our point we got a local guy to build an Asgard Shed and another shed from a local garden centre.  Just to see what he thinks are the strengths and weaknesses of each.

Our man was selected on the criteria of:

No real practical skills – Never built a shed before – Has no interest in sheds (at all) – He lives in a flat so he needs to lock up bikes etc. in a communal garden area – So security is an issue.

Hopefully this short blog will tell you why you should look at quality and longevity in your Metal Shed not just a cheap short term fix.  In this short article we will compare a shed at around the £220 (We will call this shed X) with a mid level shed Metal shed from Asgard at around £450.

Overall Construction- First Impressions:

Shed X is made from quite thin feeling corrugated steel. The steel is then painted with a special paint to give some weather proofing against the elements.  The entire unit is supplied flat packed for self assembly – all screws and fittings are supplied, as are detailed assembly instructions.  All components are wrapped together; the weight of the entire flat packed unit is light and nice and easy to move around.  Finished in a light grey colour - A good start.

Asgard is constructed from thicker feeling steel which is coated in a weather proof polyester paint giving a tough weather resistance.  The Asgard unit is also supplied flat packed (for home assembly) - (An assembly option is available at extra cost from Asgard).  All screws and fittings are supplied with detailed illustrated instructions.  The unit is delivered by an Asgard delivery van as the weight of the unit is considerable.  Each panel is individually wrapped in blanket during transportation to ensure there is no damage and to reduce packaging waste. The delivery guys carried the unit through to the build point.

 

Assembly:

Shed X is really easy to assemble.  The panels are light and easy to handle.  There are very few screws in the unit, so assembly is swift and easy.  It is worth

Shed X

 noting the panels on this shed don’t have the best finish, sharp corners are every where so a pair of gloves are recommended.  In general the shed feels a little cheap  (but then it is) and rather oddly there is no base?

Asgard  

Very intuitive to assemble, the instructions aren’t really needed – The panels are handed and have a sticker on them for the man who would rather go blind than read instructions (me!).  There are a lot of screws in this unit so an electric screwdriver is essential.  The weight and quality feel of the panels is immense, the roof of the Asgard weights as much as the entire weight of shed X. (I must admit putting the roof on myself was tricky as I am (ahem) a little short.  I would get a helper next time.  The finish of each panel is near perfect, no sharp edges anywhere and despite the vast number of screw holes – EVERY SINGLE ONE lines up!  – which is pretty amazing.  The Asgard unit takes a little longer to assemble (45 mins on my own + the odd rest) simply because there is a base in this unit and so many screws.  When I say base I mean a real base!!  It’s rock solid – all the side panels link into it internally, so it really is a tough little cookie.   Again I recommend gloves – Asgard has no sharp bits, but these panels are very heavy.

I am no expert in sheds, but I did notice that all the fixings on the Asgard are internal so once the unit is locked up you can’t get in.  Shed X has all the screws on the out side – which I really don’t understand!?!?  If I am a burglar all I need is a 50p screw driver to break in.  However it does make shed X really easy to put together where with the Asgard you have to be inside the unit to screw it together. 

Continued >> In Part 2

Filed under: Best sheds, Bicycle Security, Bike storage, cycle storage, Garden security, Metal sheds, Secure storage | Tagged: , , , | Leave a Comment »

Shed security, hints and tips

Posted on April 26, 2012 by thejasper2010

As a 2nd recession looms and crime increases.  The Police has issued 10 points of action which homeowners can implement to maximise garden security:

  • Put away all tools and equipment. Ensure all outside sheds and store cupboards are securely locked when not in use.
garden theft on the increase
  • Bring tools inside if you do not have a shed or garage.
  • Use suitable plants to enhance perimeter protection such as thorny shrubs.
  • Install outside security lighting, which comes on automatically at dusk.
  • If you have a burglar alarm why not extend it to cover outbuildings and sheds.
  • Photograph valuable garden plants or ornaments.
garden shed theft
  • Mark your property with your postcode and house number this makes stolen property easier to trace and it can be positively identified as yours.
  • Check that your household insurance policy covers theft from your garden and outbuildings.
safe garden storage improves your garden security
  • Regularly check fences and gates are in good repair and check for any overgrown areas where someone could hide
  • If you have a local Neighbourhood Watch scheme, why not join in? Or start a new one.

Protect your garden tools with an Asgard metal shed

Filed under: Best sheds, Bicycle Security, Garden security, Garden sheds, Metal sheds | Tagged: , , , | Leave a Comment »

Which metal shed?

Posted on April 26, 2012 by thejasper2010

Metal sheds offer the best all round security. Beware though, you do get what you pay for in this area. A cheap metal shed is actually worse than a wooden one!

When choosing metal sheds it’s a good idea to check the following:

Does it have an integral base? A metal shed with no base is no use. A thief will lift the shed (even if bolted down) and simply crawl under the side.

Above a 3 point locking system

How does it lock? Hasp and staples are next to useless. In the same way as with a wooden shed.   A thief will just knock the hasp and staple clean off the door without touching the padlock.

How is the unit fixed together? So many imported sheds are self-assembly – which helps to keep the costs down – BUT they are often screwed together from the outside. All a thief needs is a screwdriver. The thief then just unscrews the door or panel to gain entry.

British made or import? UK manufacturers generally offer better quality products as the BSI often forces manufacturers to adhere to certain standards – imports are cheap for a reason – they tend to be poorly finished, with sharp edges and screws that stick out.

Metal Shed Accessories? As well as larger items, your shed may need to accommodate helmets, shoes, jackets, sports equipment, cycles, tools etc. Does the shed offer shelves or hooks? The alternative is to keep them in the house!

What sort of metal are they made from? All metal isn’t the same. First, look for galvanised steel. This is a process the steel is put through to make it rustproof. Galvanised products normally have a warranty, (5 or 10 years) against perforation from rust. Find out about galvanised metal sheds here.

Check the weight of the unit. A heavy shed can’t be tipped over. A light weight wooden or metal shed can be kicked over.

Check the gauge of the steel? If the shed is made from corrugated metal it will offer very little resistance to forced entry. Corrugated sheds are historically made from very thin metal – (it has to be to add all those bends). As anybody who has ever climbed on an old garage roof will tell you, corrugated roofs bend under body weight.

Certified? If you can get a product with a Loss Prevention Certification Board  (LCPB) certificate you are pretty much guaranteed the shed will be very secure.  Sheds with such accreditation will have reinforced doors, hinges and floors and can often get you a reduction on your insurance. Do check the certification though. Some less than honest shed makers will provide you with a weak corrugated shed and supply you with, eg, a LCPB bike lock inside the shed. Genuine LCPB sheds will cost you £600 plus, so do you really need this much security? If your bike is only worth £250, it’s more expense than you need consider: for £8000 worth of jetski equipment, or a topend carbon bike it is more of a worthwhile purchase.

Has anybody else bought one? If you are unsure what you are getting check the internet for feedback.  Try bike radar for real life reviews of products and service.  Also check the manufacturer’s site, do they have a feedback section?  Maybe even a case studies section?

For all you metal sheds needs – Asgard Secure Steel Storage

Filed under: Best sheds, Garden security, Garden sheds, Metal sheds, Secure storage | Tagged: , , , , | Leave a Comment »

Metal garden sheds with floors – Does a garden shed need a floor?

Posted on April 26, 2012 by thejasper2010

Sheds come in all shapes and sizes so if you are in the process of buying a new garden shed, they are many options to choose from.  So why is it important to look for metal sheds with floors?

Is your garden missing a shed?

Is your garden missing a shed?

Depending on the make of the shed they can be made from a variety of materials, but most commonly either wood, plastic or metal is used and this affects the quality and weight of the shed unit.  Although plastic and wooden sheds are very common, they are usually lightweight and can easily be lifted and moved around.  This affects the security of the storage unit, which is why many people opt for a metal garden shed.  Metal garden sheds vary in design, but can be manufactured using galvanised steel panels, like the Asgard Shed range.

However, be aware that some metal garden sheds are made from very thin sheets of corrugated metal, which can be very flimsy and offer very little security.  Click here for a comparison of 2 garden sheds with and without a metal garden shed base.

So this is why it is important to ensure your garden shed not only provides shelter and protection of your property from the elements, it also provides security from theft.  You can improve on security by looking for garden sheds with floors.  Garden sheds with integrated floors means that the unit is robust and is difficult to break into as a thief wont be able to simply lift the shed and crawl underneath.

The integrated metal floor also means that the unit can be secured down into the ground by either bolting it down or using ground anchors to the concrete floor below.  Fixing the shed base to the ground offers the highest level of protection as it means the shed itself cannot be lifted or moved around or broken into easily.  We recommend choosing a metal garden shed with an integrated floor, such as theAsgard Centurion Shed for maximum security for your garden.

The Centurion Metal Garden Shed comes with an integrated metal Floor.

The Centurion Metal Garden Shed comes with an integrated metal Floor.

The Centurion is a large all-metal garden shed providing superior multi-use outdoor storage for large items of garden or play equipment.  Heavy, galvanised (weather proof) steel panels, a built-in metal floor and large double doors make theCenturion Garden Shed ideal for storing even the largest and most valuable of your garden equipment.

All metal garden sheds from Asgard come with an integrated metal floor, as well the option to increase the security of the unit with a ground anchor.  To view a range of garden sheds with floors, visit the Asgard website at http://www.asgardsss.co.uk/.

Filed under: Alan Titchmarsh, Allotment shed, allotment storage, Bulding a shed, Metal sheds | Tagged: , , , | Leave a Comment »

Getting Married Beside The Garden Shed

Posted on April 25, 2012 by andyheath

You’d always imagine the greatest hindrance to an outside wedding in Britain would be the weather – well I always did, but in fact it’s the council. When my lady and I enquired into the possibility of getting married outside her palatial mansion (back garden) recently we were told the ceremony wasn’t possible.

Beach wedding? Not in Blighty, my friend.

Get married in a metal shed.

Why?

Well this is the topsy-turvy bit – you can’t get married outside in the UK (unless it’s in a marquee) and to top things off, getting married anywhere outside of a registered building means that the building must be licensed – this costs slightly shy of 2 grand.

You must also be married inside a structure with a roof and the place has to be checked for health and safety reasons. My future wife’s house is immensely safe in my opinion, nothing like a house built by one of the three little pigs nor like walking outside the safety fence of the Grand Canyon on a blustery day. So I don’t know how unsafe can actually be deemed to be and what would contravene the council’s idea of a safe living room.

So how did we get around this Cormac, you may ask? How can I still don the tuxedo on the grassy climes of her back garden, you may ask? You probably don’t ask that at all but for me it furthers the tale. Well, after a lot of brainstorming and the help of a very nice woman in the council we came upon a resolution that’s as close to ideal as is possible.

First things first – to satisfy the inside needs of the council we’re getting married in-front of close family and friends inside at around 11am. Then to suit the needs of ourselves, on what hopefully will be a nice day in August in 2012, we’re doing it all again outside with the wedding party in the evening. Two weddings in one day….phew!

I feel a bit like Liza Minnelli with all these marriages, to be honest.

Filed under: Case studies, Garden security, Garden sheds, Outdoor metal garden shed, Secure storage, Sheds | Tagged: , , , , , | Leave a Comment »

Rusty sheds? Not Asgard Sheds

Posted on April 25, 2012 by thejasper2010

All this talk of metal sheds and bike storage but -

Doesn’t metal just rust??   - anyway, what is rust and how can I stop it?

It is true that metal does rust – mass produced “discount” sheds imported from over seas will almost certainly rust after only a short period of time.  High security sheds such as the Asgard range are specially coated to prevent rust from occurring.  With only minimum maintenance these sheds will last decades.

Rust Proof

What Is Galvanised Steel?
Asgard - all metal sheds are different from the mass produced competition.  All Asgard sheds are made from thick galvanised steel.  This is the process where the steel is made weatherproof before being made into your shed.
Click for details about the asgard galvanised sheds coating process.
Asgard coat our metal in a polyestor powder coat paint.  This makes the steel not only weatherproof but tough and durable.

Asgard use only zinc coated screws for shed assembly.
For a direct quality comparision – see our this best metal sheds page.
Rust Is Common With Metal Sheds One of the most common problem with Metal Outdoor Storageis Rust. A lot of cheap, low end storage is imported on mass from overseas. Not only is this bad for the UK economy and your carbon footprint you will find the finish quality of the metal very low. Asgard are often asked to replace rusty competitors products after only a year or so of outside use.

What is rust and how is it formed?

Now for the technical stuff:
Rust is another name for iron oxide, which occurs when oxygen comes in long-term contact with iron or an alloy that contains iron, like steel. Over time, the oxygen combines with the metal at an atomic level, forming a new compound called an oxide and weakening the bonds of the metal itself. Although some people refer to rust generally as “oxidation,” that term is much more general; although rust forms when iron undergoes oxidation, not all oxidation reactions form rust. Only iron or alloys that contain iron can rust, but other metals can also corrode in similar ways.

The main catalyst for the rusting process is dihydrogen oxide, better known as water. Iron or steel structures may appear solid, but water molecules can penetrate the microscopic pits and cracks in any exposed metal. The hydrogen atoms present in water can combine with other elements to form acids, which will eventually cause more metal to be exposed.

If sodium is present, as is the case with saltwater, corrosion will likely occur more quickly. Meanwhile, the oxygen atoms combine with metallic atoms to form the destructive oxide compound. As the atoms combine they weaken the metal, making the structure brittle and crumbly.

bad-shed
Avoid sheds that look like this

Some pieces of iron or steel are thick enough to maintain their integrity even if rust forms on the surface. The thinner the metal, the better chance rusting will occur. Water alone does not cause steel to rust, but the acidic reaction allows oxygen to attack vulnerable exposed metal. Placing a steel wool pad in water and exposing it to air will cause almost-immediate rusting; the air around the pad will actually feel several degrees warmer. Eventually the individual iron bonds will be destroyed and the entire pad will disintegrate.

Rust formation cannot be stopped easily, but metals can be treated to resist the most damaging effects. Some are protected by water-resistant paints, preventative coatings, or other chemical barriers, such as oil. It is also possible to reduce the chances of rust forming by using a dehumidifier or desiccant to help remove moisture from the air, but this is usually only effective in relatively small areas.

Steel is often galvanized to prevent rust from forming; this process usually involves a very thin layer of zinc being applied to the surface. Another process, called plating, can be used to add a layer of zinc, tin, or chrome to the metal. Cathodic protection involves using an electrical charge to suppress or prevent the chemical reaction that causes rust from occurring.

Rust “technical stuff” from wisegeek.com

Filed under: Garden security, Garden sheds, Metal sheds, Secure storage | Tagged: , , , , | Leave a Comment »

Planning permission for Asgard garden sheds in a grade 2 listed area – not needed!

Posted on April 25, 2012 by andyheath
A recent Asgard customer has found that his Asgard Shed does not require planning permission.

“Hello, i chose your product as it was one of the only secure insurance  approved small garages i could find that could fit my Triumph Rocket 3  inside with enough room to spare. 


My house is grade 2 listed and a conventional garage would have cost 20k to  have built to match my house which is a lot to just park a bike in! Took two of us with a cordless drill each 2 hours to build with no dramas. Ample fixings provided so no worries about losing the occassional screw.


Doors close and align perfectly and it keeps the rain out but due to its air  vents it breathes inside so no condensation issues. I would recomend your product where a conventional build garage is not an  option or if you want a garage you can take with you if you rent or move  house regularly”.

MotorCycle Garage
Asgard Motorcycle Storage

Filed under: Best sheds, Bicycle Security, bike locks, bike shed, Bike storage, bike theft, Bulding a shed, cycle locks, motorcycle lock, Quad bike security, security locks | Tagged: , , , , | Leave a Comment »

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