Metal Shed Collapsed. Pics Inside. Worth Saving?

[HotRodKush]

Our shed finally gave up under the weight of all the snow we've been having. Didn't even occur to me to check the roof, the shed is sort of out of mind because it's back in the woods. So, now I'm paying for it.

Here's the pics - is it worth saving? If not, is there anything affordable out there that can replace it? I've got to get the tractor out somehow before the snow starts melting, so it looks like that'll be my weekend project.

 

[jerryW]

Get a new one come spring. Looks like more work than it's worth.


jerry

 

[54FordPanel]

I'd trash the metal one, and build your own. I've seen many plastic and metal sheds collapse where snow occurs. They just aren't made for snow loads, IMO.

*Edit: I think you could build a wood shed that size for around $1200, depending.

 

[LEVE]

I'll agree with trash it... I used two Arrow metal sheds for storage before the garage was built. One was still up during our worst snow-winter in history. It had over 3' of snow on the roof and I was shocked it didn't collapse.

If you do replace it with another metal shed, put an internal 2X4 skeleton inside that will help take the snow load. It's easily done and won't cost a whole lot.

Have you ever thought about using pallets to build a new shed? I'm planning on building a 12X16 shed this summer using free pallets. Every time I go to town I'll pick up one, or two. It's on the project list.

 

[dodge610]

Just an idea but if it is aluminum the price is up a little scrap it at a scrap yard get a wood kit and start over hate to say that but yours is beyond repair.

 

[SARG]

FYI --- Keep in mind that just the metal is probably worth a couple hundred dollars at the salvage yard ..... so when forks tell you they will dispose of it for you ... You'll know why.

 

[nehog]

Agreed... My first metal shed collapsed under snow/rain load about a month after I built it. I was lucky, the company (and Sears, where I bought it) replaced it. The company did say however that these sheds are not snow rated, and must have reinforced roofs if in snow country (Sears, who sold it in NH, failed to mention that which is why they were so nice to me...)

I put up the new one, and reinforced the roof with 2x4s (which fit nicely in the purlins) and it's been good ever since. It survived two trees in the big New England ice storm, with one bent panel, a bunch of bent roof pieces and a few holes in the roof. I straightened the bent metal (not as much as what you have, or I had the time mine went) then I then covered the roof with some 15 mil reinforced plastic. I make sure I always clear the snow after every storm, but the reinforcing I put in is very important.

I would not try to fix that at all. I think were that mine, I'd build a replacement from wood, with T-1/11 siding perhaps. Had I not gotten a new building free, I would not have put up metal, I would have gone metal.

 

[Gary S]

I'd scrap it and build a wood shed to replace it. If you don't like building, buy a solid resin one instead.

 

[sonnyboy]

I agree - not worth fixing. Check with your insurance - depending on your policy, you might be able to get another for the cost of deductible. If you are willing to build it yourself, it might be free.

 

[Bones35]

I agree - not worth fixing. Check with your insurance - depending on your policy, you might be able to get another for the cost of deductible. If you are willing to build it yourself, it might be free.

Agreed, And then sell it for scrap.

 

[tonydanzah]

wasnt there a thread on here last year with a metal shed very similar damage. Only the owner told the insurance all the contents were a total lose?

 

[Bull]

wasnt there a thread on here last year with a metal shed very similar damage. Only the owner told the insurance all the contents were a total lose?

Yeah, I remember that one. I think there were ATVs inside...?

OP: sorry about that; no fun! I agree with everyone above that it looks like way more work to fix than it's worth investing.

 

[JCQuick]

its toast imo build your own. I put one up thinking it was cheaper than building and regret it.

 

[cowboy73]

Stick 'er with a fork, she's done!

 

[HotRodKush]

Thanks guys - I started pulling it apart, it's definitely done. Every support beam (if you can even call them that) had buckled. There is NO vertical supports in that shed - the entire weight of the structure is supported by the thin walls themselves. The walls are simply screwed into the base, into the roof, and into eachother. No wonder it collapsed.

Great idea about scrapping it - the thought crossed my mind but I didn't seriously consider it until it was mentioned here. Do I just bring the material to a scrap yard and ask them what they'll give me?

Home depot has the same shed for sale for $350, though for that money I might as well just build one from wood and not have to worry about it. My insurance deductible is $1000, and even though my mower is in there I don't think the damage is close to that amount. From what I can see, it just needs a new seat and steering wheel, luckilly it didn't hit the motor or anything else substantial.

 

[mikester]

Not to sound like a hick but what is the purpose of having the shed elevated like that ? Deep snow ??

 

[srmofo]

I gave my buddy an arrow shed last year. He didnt stake it into the ground like I told him to. He said the wind hit when the doors were open, picked it about 20' straight up, then dropped it right on its top. It was in much worse shape than yours. We tried to save it, but once we got in there and started working the metal we realized that while we might make it functional again, its going to look like total ****.

He now has a brand new arrow shed,lol. This one has the anchor kit....

They do make snow load kits for the metal sheds, but one can be made cheaper and stronger with some 2x4s. I think he added some of the extra bracing from the old shed into the new on to strengthen it so. From what I hear, those things **** balls to assemble.

 

[eddyyy302]

From what I can see, it just needs a new seat and steering wheel, luckilly it didn't hit the motor or anything else substantial.

Send me a picture of the steering wheel, I should have a good used one for you if you want.

Dan

 

[mmb617]

FYI --- Keep in mind that just the metal is probably worth a couple hundred dollars at the salvage yard ..... so when forks tell you they will dispose of it for you ... You'll know why.

Don't get your hopes up about getting any money for it as scrap. Those buildings are steel, not aluminum and there's not enough weight in one of them to be worth squat.

I had one that did about the same thing as yours due to snow load. I wish somebody would have offered to take it away for free. As it was I loaded it onto my truck and took it to the scrap yard just to get rid of it. I didn't even get it weighed because I knew it wasn't worth anything. I just asked them where I could throw it off.

 

[bczygan]

I would build one out of 2x4 @ 24"o.c. walls, 8' high with 2x6 rafters @ 24"o.c. and collar ties with a couple 2x6 ceiling joists in the middle to tie the side walls together and create a place for some plywood for storage. Open the one end almost full width with a Microlam beam and put barn doors on it. Clear Plexiglas panels in the roof for light. Sheathing and siding of your choice. Roofing of your choice. 12/12 pitch for roof for snow dumping and extra storage space.
I have the same in 8x12 size. Built for less than a prefab shed and lots better built and more storage space.


Bill Arch. Designer in Detroit

 

[kmacht]

I agree with the post above. The old sheds that were made from aluminum are worth some money but the new ones like the one shown is made out of steel and isn't worth the gas it takes to get it to the scrap yard.

I'm dealing with the same issue. Snow crushed mine a few weeks ago. I ended up buying a few 2x4's to make a temporary fix. I put a 10' board down each of the three long beams and then jacked them back up into place with a car jack. The beams were bent so they had no strength left. I then screwed the wood to the metal beams and made some 2x4's the right length and propped them up under the beam. Covered the whole thing with a cheap tarp from Harbor Freight and it should get me through until the spring when I can build a proper one out of wood.

Keith

 

[bczygan]

I would build one out of 2x4 @ 24"o.c. walls, 8' high with 2x6 rafters @ 24"o.c. and collar ties with a couple 2x6 ceiling joists in the middle to tie the side walls together and create a place for some plywood for storage. Open the one end almost full width with a Microlam beam and put barn doors on it. Clear Plexiglas panels in the roof for light. Sheathing and siding of your choice. Roofing of your choice. 12/12 pitch for roof for snow dumping and extra storage space. With a 12/12 pitch you can also put access doors in the gable end to provide access for attic storage.
I have the same in 8x12 size. Built for less than a prefab shed and lots better built and more storage space. Mine has full attic floor with 4'x4' access hatch, 4 windows, French doors, asphalt shingles, OSB sheathing, vinyl siding and electrical.


Bill Arch. Designer in Detroit

 

[Case IH]

Is that lawnmower structural?

 

[6768rogues]

The last time I cashed in some scrap metal it was worth $220 a ton. I had $2800 worth. The shed will not weigh a lot, but it has value. Not enough worth a long out of the way trip to the scrap yard, but if it is convenient or on the way to somewhere else, or if you have more scrap to toss in, it is worth something. If you put it out by the road, someone collecting scrap will pick it up.

 

[HotRodKush]

Not to sound like a hick but what is the purpose of having the shed elevated like that ? Deep snow ??

Mainly because our property has alot of hills - that was the most convenient way to do it I guess. It was there when we moved in.

Is that lawnmower structural?

It is now!

Thanks again for the tips - The entire thing collapsed as I was CAREFULLY trying to disassemble it

In any case, the 4 walls are gone but the roof is still there...on the lawnmower. So tomorrow I'll try to split the roof in two pieces and slide them off.

 

[Norcal]

Taking it to a scrapyard is cheaper then paying to haul it to the dump.

 

[Kevin54]

wasnt there a thread on here last year with a metal shed very similar damage. Only the owner told the insurance all the contents were a total lose?

Yeah, I remember that one. I think there were ATVs inside...?

OP: sorry about that; no fun! I agree with everyone above that it looks like way more work to fix than it's worth investing.

I remember that too. Tried to get the insurance company t pay for the ATV's and all. If I remember correctly he stated they were all totaled

As far as the shed, I'd look into a wood one or build on yourself. If that metal collapsed this year, chances are in the next few years another metal one will do the same thing.

 

[BBQ&Love]

Don't replace it with the same type of shed. They are worse than junk because you depend on them to provide at least some level of protection but in reality it's a gamble.

Don't buy a kit from Lowe's, etc. Those kits are **** and not worth the hassle or money. Buy a set of plans and the appropriate lumber and start from scratch. You will end up with a much better building for about the same price.

Are you going to rebuild in the same spot? Is buying a pre-built one an option you are considering?

 

[4StarCstms]

I agree - Ditch the Sardine Can (ya might need a big can opener to get the mower out) and build your own. It's really not all that hard, and when you do it on a small scale like your shed, its a great introduction into framing.

 

[HotRodKush]

I'm definitely rebuilding in the same spot, just because there's already a CO for it. However, I'm considering building it myself and possibly enlarging the floorplan a bit.

Got the rest of the roof off today, I'll post pics in a few. Sardine can is right, I quit trying to unscrew everything and just started peeling the thing apart.

 

[HotRodKush]

Finished tearing the shed down today. I had to split the roof in half to get it off - it took the shape of the mower when it collapsed so I couldn't lift or drag it off easily. Once I did that, I was able to remove the roof and free the mower. Finished by removing the metal frame bolted to the foundation. Now I just need to clean up, get rid of the steel, and I'll be ready to start building the new shed!

 

[38Chevy454]

Have to say that it ***** it happened, but after you saw how it is built, no real surprise.

I agree with all the others, build it out of wood yourself. 2x4 on 24 inch centers. You can do it, just think about making the design to minimize cuts and fitting. Use 4x8 sheets as walls and therefore make the dimensions in 4 ft increments if you can. Such as 12x12, 12x16 with 8 ft high walls. I built a shed at one of my old houses and used the Hardi-panel 4x8 sheets for the outside. They are basically a cement-based sheet. Nice thing is they are rot resistant. Using the 4 ft increments, you can minimize cutting, it is not fun to cut. Price building yourself will be not much more than the cheap metal sheds that are going to fail again. Just more labor.

 

[KenB]

Another option for you to think about. I've had my tractor and other equipment stored in a "portable garage" for years in SW PA without snow or wind damage. I have had a couple of these and prefer the rounded roof design. Here is one example, but there are lots of sizes and suppliers out there: http://www.allweathershelters.com/10x20x8-round-portable-garage-kit.html.

Ken

Edit: Lots of options here: http://www.farmtek.com/

 

[southernfriedcj]

FYI --- Keep in mind that just the metal is probably worth a couple hundred dollars at the salvage yard ..... so when forks tell you they will dispose of it for you ... You'll know why.

The last time I cashed in some scrap metal it was worth $220 a ton. I had $2800 worth. The shed will not weigh a lot, but it has value. Not enough worth a long out of the way trip to the scrap yard, but if it is convenient or on the way to somewhere else, or if you have more scrap to toss in, it is worth something. If you put it out by the road, someone collecting scrap will pick it up.

It's 10 cents/lb now. That shed would be lucky to bring $50 in scrap.

Put it on CL and let a scrapper have it.

 

[Steevo]

Save the tractor, trash the shed.
These pics remind me of the shed my buddy lost to a wind/snow storm about twenty years ago. His was on a deck off the edge of his driveway, similar to yours. A large (5' diameter at the base) Sugar Pine snapped off about 2/3 of the way up, and the top section of tree came down like a gigantic spear, dead center through the shed, deck, and six+ feet into the ground. It pushed two motorcycles through the floor, and buried their crushed remains six feet under.

 

[Sterff]

It's 10 cents/lb now. That shed would be lucky to bring $50 in scrap.

Put it on CL and let a scrapper have it.

I have to agree. Thats all tin/light iron. It doesn't look like it would bring more than $100. Either way you will have enough to buy some supplies for the new shed.

 

[jackclee]

I had very similar experience with the Arrow SR1012 model.
I was able to fix it in my case.
Here is link to my webpage that document my experience. In my humble opinion, Arrow screwed up in the design of this unit.
My hub page -http://jackcleelm.hubpages.com/hub/Fixing-a-Collapsed-Storage-Shed

It's too bad they will not own up to it.

 

[Chaz]

Worth saving? Hell, it wasn't worth Buying in the first place

 

[BFBOB]

Be careful if you replace it with the "same" building. I had one of those Arrows. It worked fine and lasted 30 years, so when it rusted to bits I got another just like it. Surprise - the new one is 6" shorter! The old one had 6' tall walls, and the new one is only 5' 6". I can't walk into it without ducking.

 

[James-W]

Worth saving? Hell, it wasn't worth Buying in the first place

I wouldn't say the shed wasn't worth buying, but I do think this type of shed would be best suited for a warmer climate, somewhere where it doesn't snow very much, if it snows at all.

Why did we resurrect this thread from 2011? Was there some point to bringing it back?