Metal garden buildings are one of the popular choices for storage, and it’s clear why. The material is credited for its high durability and rust resistance. Sustainability is a plus, especially for those concerned about climate change.
But how well do these structures stand up to the UK’s tough conditions? To answer this, we must understand how the weather works, how it affects the building’s construction, and the design features that help it survive.
The Weather Dynamics of the United Kingdom
The UK experiences extreme and unpredictable weather patterns throughout the year, including storms, heavy rains, and occasional snowfalls. Because of the geographical location of the British Isles and the weather impact from the surrounding waters, the country is susceptible to sudden shifts in atmospheric patterns.
Storms are common in coastal regions of the UK, with the nearby Atlantic Ocean and jet stream contributing to heavy winds and intense rainfall. Regions that experience heavy rains are also at greater risk of flooding and property damage.
Extreme weather is not just a concern in the winter; in the summer, hot temperatures and heatwaves are common throughout the country. Conditions like these can contribute to a higher number of grass fires and wildfires. UK temperature records were broken in the summer of 2022 when a temperature of 40.3°C was recorded in Lincolnshire.
With climate change as an ever-pressing issue, the latest set of UK climate projections shows that in the coming years, summers will be drier and winters will be wetter than they have been in the past. In a region with temperamental and changing weather, it’s always a good idea to be prepared.
Materials Used in Metal Garden Buildings
Not all metal garden rooms are created equal, whether it’s a metal shed or a metal summer house. Manufacturers favour certain types of metal in the construction to guarantee their robustness, and these are:
- Galvanised steel: Galvanised steel is a robust metal enveloped in a protective zinc coating, which allows it to be resistant to rust and corrosion, and endure extreme temperatures.
- Aluminium: Aluminium is lightweight and incredibly rust-resistant. While it may not be as tough as steel, it does come with a powder coating that makes it more resilient against harsh weather (more on this later).
- Cor-ten steel: Cor-ten, or weathering steel, gets its trademark name from its corrosion resistance and tensile strength properties. It’s a copper chromium alloy steel – strong, durable and sustainable that naturally rusts over time.
Keep in mind, though, that each of these materials performs differently in various conditions, so don’t forget to consider your local weather.
Snow load is especially important to keep in mind if you live in an area with heavy snowfall. Because snow can be heavy when piled on top of a roof, heavier materials like galvanised steel are the correct choice for this type of climate. If you live by the sea, aluminium might not be the best choice of material, as it can react negatively to saline environments and corrode at a faster pace.
Design Features of Metal Garden Buildings
The material used to construct the building is one thing; the design features are another. Insulation, for one, doubles the metal structure’s climate resilience, with condensation, in particular, being a big concern in the UK’s damp climate.
Insulation, whether in the form of foam, fibreglass, or reflective sheets, is placed between the metal walls and the interior. This layer traps air, reducing heat transfer and preventing condensation, which can otherwise lead to moisture buildup and rust problems.
Today, many pre-insulated metal garden rooms are available on the market. Take the Sunjoy Esquire Garden Studio, for example. It offers built-in climate control with 40.8mm insulated layers in the walls, floor, roof, and double-glazed windows and doors. Even better, it features a continuous air barrier to ensure excellent energy efficiency. The aluminium trim base provides a strong, resilient foundation against powerful windstorms.
Another common design feature in these metal buildings is a protective coating. As mentioned, materials like aluminium often come with powder coating options that help resist rust and provide weatherproofing. This process involves applying a dry powder to the surface, i.e., aluminium, which is then heated to bond to the metal. This, in turn, creates a tough layer that keeps rust at bay and protects the metal from rain, wind, and harsh UV rays.
In contrast, some models, such as the BillyOh Centro Pent Metal Shed, are made with hot-dipped galvanised steel panels. These are made by coating steel with a layer of molten zinc, which helps the walls resist moisture, rain, and snow. It also protects against salty air in coastal areas to prevent corrosion.
But that’s not all! The standard foundation kit provides a strong base, keeping the shed stable and secure in windy conditions. The downpipes, meanwhile, direct rainwater away from the structure, preventing it from pooling around the base. This helps reduce the risk of water damage and corrosion. Both features come with the same BillyOh Centro model, among other units.
Lifespan Considerations
A high-quality and well-maintained metal garden building can last 25 or even 30 years, which shows how it can endure the challenges of tough weather. We recommend looking at the lifespan or warranty available before making your purchase. This Telluria Luminato Steel Garden Room, for instance, comes with a 20-year manufacturer warranty and is low maintenance, making it a great choice!
Round-up
Amidst the unpredictable UK weather, metal garden buildings stand up to heavy rain, wind, heat, and snow. Made from durable materials like galvanised steel and aluminium, these structures are designed for strength and longevity. Plus, they have a sleek and modern look.
Finding an option that offers the best of both worlds can be rare, but metal garden buildings deliver on both. Browse our range of collections, such as metal workshops and metal garden storage, for great variety.
Up next on your reading list:Debunking the Top 5 Myths About Metal Garden Buildings
