ᐅ Garage with smooth metal panel walls (steel sheet) or timber frame construction

Created on: 22 Jul 2016 10:40
K
krock1200
Hello everyone,

We are planning to build a garage measuring 6x8m (20x26 feet). A prefabricated concrete garage is not an option for us because
a) the driveway and courtyard are already paved,
b) we require a special height (clearance height of at least 2.12m (7 feet)), and
c) it is comparatively too expensive.

Therefore, we are considering either a prefabricated smooth wall garage (steel sheet) or a timber frame construction.
Both options would have a solid appearance, meaning they would be plastered. We have spoken with quite a few suppliers, and of course, each promotes their own product.

Visually, we find the timber garage a bit more attractive because it looks more substantial and does not clearly reveal the modular construction principle (joints, screws).
However, we wonder about the long-term durability. Many manufacturers of both types offer a 10-year warranty.

We live at about 600 meters (2,000 feet) above sea level, so it is consistently 5-6°C (9-11°F) cooler here, and winters are harsher and more humid. Should we expect cracks or the need for repairs with wood? Which garage type is better regarding condensation?

Does anyone have long-term experience with a timber or steel garage? Thank you very much for any feedback and insights.
S
Saruss
23 Jul 2016 09:26
costa schrieb:
.....

The term “wood breathes” comes from the fact that wood can absorb and release moisture.

The problem is that wood “moves,” and having too much or too little moisture is not good for it. I don’t see where this property is important for a garage since the process is very slow. Besides, breathing usually refers more to air exchange, not moisture.

sent from mobile
C
costa
23 Jul 2016 14:33
Saruss schrieb:
The problem is that wood "moves," and too much or too little moisture is not good for the wood. I don’t see where this property is important for a garage, since the process is very slow anyway. Aside from that, breathing rather refers to air exchange, not moisture.

from on the go

The point is that dead wood no longer breathes, and that simply isn’t true. No more, no less.

Wood always moves, sometimes more, sometimes less.
T
toxicmolotof
23 Jul 2016 14:45
So does metal breathe?
S
Saruss
23 Jul 2016 15:04
My plaster is breathable as well. And so is my blotting paper.
Besides that, working with wood also involves moisture.
from on the go
K
krock1200
23 Jul 2016 16:48
Those are all nice comments! But can anyone actually contribute something relevant to the topic?!?
tomtom7923 Jul 2016 17:27
I can share my reasons for being against a steel garage.

Steel conducts heat very well, transferring both warmth and cold into the interior. That's why I didn't want one and chose a masonry garage instead.