Lifestyle Archives - American Steel Carports Inc.

Your Guide to Selling Everything and Moving Into an RV

If you’re searching for a dramatic way to change your life, you may have considered selling everything and moving into an RV! Rather than traveling, embrace the freedom that comes with having a home on wheels. Read on to learn more about how you can plan this next new exciting chapter of your life.

Keep in mind that when living in an RV, you might want to have a covered place to park it while you aren’t out on the road. For that, American Steel Carports, Inc. is happy to help! Explore our free Build & Price tool to create a custom RV carport that will make for a comfortable, protected parking spot and homebase.

Get Started By Downsizing

If you are moving into an RV, take a close look at everything you own and decide what you will keep and what you can do without. The average American owns a lot of stuff, and there isn’t nearly enough room in an RV for all of the things that a traditional house could store. Here, you have a few options: You can sell most or all of your things, or you can find somewhere to store them, such as a storage unit.

Assuming you decide to sell off most of what you own, start by making a list of things that you will keep. This list should include basic living necessities like a collection of clothes, a computer, cell phone, and personal items that are important to you. Once you have a list of what to keep and what to set aside, you can get to work on junk removal.

You can also sell your unwanted items. There are many online apps and services you can use to sell what you don’t want, like Facebook Buy and Sell groups. You can also donate things that you won’t be able to sell. Traditional means of selling things such as hosting a garage sale or creating an online listing are other great options.

Acquiring an RV

Those who already own an RV that they plan to move into can skip this step, but for many, part of this process is going to be purchasing the RV that they will now call their home. Buying an RV is a topic in and of itself, but here are a few key points:

Remember that there are plenty of quality used models on the market that will provide everything you need at a fraction of the price.
Consider where you hope to travel in your RV as you decide what size rig to purchase.
Some areas have limitations on how big your RV can be, so you don’t want to go too big and exclude yourself from some excellent destinations.

Finding a Homebase

Being free to travel and explore the world is a big part of the appeal of living in an RV, but you’ll still want to pick a homebase for practical reasons. First, you need an address to use for things like filling out tax returns, and you need to determine what state you are going to call your own.

This is easy enough if you have a family member that allows you to use their address–just establish that as your residence and use it as a place to get mail, etc. If not, there are services available that allow you to use an address for a small monthly fee.

Careful Considerations

This is not the kind of change you want to make lightly. Be sure to think through all of the various implications of selling your things and moving into an RV before you put the plan into action. You might even want to find a way to experiment with this lifestyle on a short-term basis – for a month or even a few months to make sure it is everything you hoped it would be.

Find Your Homebase with American Steel Carports

We hope you found this guide on selling everything and moving into an RV helpful! We wish you the best of luck and hope the RV life is a perfect fit for your needs. Remember to travel safe!

Once you find your home state, remember to explore our free Build & Price tool to create a custom RV carport that will make for a comfortable, protected parking spot and homebase.

Lifestyle

How to Choose the Best RV Mattress

Getting good rest while traveling in your RV will help you to make the most out of each trip you take. Unfortunately, some RV mattresses fall short of what most people would call comfortable, and you might struggle to get the kind of sleep you would like as a result. With this post, we’d like to help you find the right RV mattress for your needs, unlocking the type of rest that you have been dreaming of getting while you explore the country.

While buying a new mattress can help you get great rest while using your RV, adding an RV carport to your property can help your rig rest comfortably while at home. A carport will keep your RV out of the elements and protect its condition for years to come. To get started on this project, turn to American Steel Carports, Inc. and experiment with our Build & Price tool. This tool allows you to customize a carport design to fit your needs. If you need direct assistance, get in touch with us right away.

Start Here

The first thing you need to know when shopping for a mattress is that you can’t trust the name of the mattress to match up with what you would find in your house. What does that mean? If your RV says that it comes with a “king” mattress, that does not mean the same thing as a “king” mattress that you might have in your regular bedroom. In other words, RV mattresses use the same name sizing conventions as regular mattresses, but the actual dimensions are different.

So, as a shopper, it’s best to forget about those names and simply shop by measurement. Go into your RV and use a tape measure to determine exactly how much space you have available for a new mattress. Write down these measurements and keep them with you while you shop, whether online or in person. This way, there will be no confusion and you’ll be sure to purchase something that is actually going to fit in your RV.

Invest in Quality

If you are replacing the mattress that came with your RV, you are likely doing so because the original mattress is not living up to your quality expectations. With that in mind, don’t bother replacing the first mattress with a cheap, low-cost model from an unknown brand. Most likely, you’ll find yourself right back in the same situation, struggling to get comfortable at night.

It’s worth spending the money on a better mattress that is truly going to upgrade your sleep. No, you don’t need to buy the most expensive model you can find but purchasing a quality mattress from a respected brand is the best way to get the results you desire.

Consider Access

Even large RVs offer relatively tight spaces inside for moving things around. When shopping for a mattress, think in advance about how you are going to get it into the RV and put it in the proper place. In general terms, you’ll probably find that foam mattresses are more flexible than innerspring mattresses, so you might want to consider foam first if you have any tight corners to navigate on the path to the bed. While it’s certainly possible to move an innerspring mattress into an RV, some models can be stiffer than others, so keep that in mind when shopping.

Find the Right Firmness

On the matter of mattress firmness, the whole story is about personal preference. Some people like a firm mattress, while others like to feel as though they are sinking into a night of sleep. There is no right or wrong here, of course, so you’ll need to think about what is most comfortable for you and your partner before you commit to a purchase.

If you do wind up with a mattress that feels a little firmer than you would like – especially at first before it is broken in – you may be able to use a mattress topper to soften the feel. Toppers slip over your mattress like an additional sheet, but they have padding on top to leave the mattress feeling softer than it would otherwise.

Upgrade Your RV with American Steel

It’s no exaggeration to say that a new RV mattress could change the way you travel. With better sleep available, you’ll look forward to resting up at the end of a long day, so you can jump right back into your adventures when morning arrives.

If you are also ready to upgrade your RV ownership experience with a new carport, explore our free Build & Price tool at American Steel Carports, Inc. today!

Lifestyle

The Best States for RV Living

Living in an RV has rapidly gained popularity in recent years. Those who go full-time in their RVs have many different reasons for making this switch including saving money, having the freedom to live in many different places, and love for the outdoor lifestyle that it promotes. If you’re dreaming about becoming a full-time RVer, read on to discover the best states for RV living!

And if you need to purchase an RV carport to protect your RV over the long run, remember to turn to American Steel Carports, Inc. With our Build & Price tool, it’s easy to create something ideal for your needs!

Step One

First, you want to strategically determine where you are going to establish a home base. Sure, you can travel around in your RV, but you still want to pick a state that is going to work nicely as the one you call home more often than not.

#1 – California

This is an easy place to start our list. With excellent weather throughout the year and an endless number of beautiful places to visit, California is an RV owner’s dream. You could spend the rest of your life exploring this state and still have plenty left to explore. One of the best things about living in an RV in California is its diversity – there is a desert in the south, high mountain terrain to the north, a stunning coastline, and so much more. If you love nature and love to track it down in your RV, California is the place to be.

#2 – Nevada

The interesting thing about traveling in an RV in Nevada is the dramatic difference between the southern tip of the state and the rest of the area. In the south, you have the bright lights of Las Vegas, one of the most visited cities in the world. Throughout the rest of Nevada, however, you’ll find plenty of open space, natural beauty, and great places to park your RV.

#3 – Washington

Tucked away in the northwest corner of the country, Washington is easily one of the most beautiful states on the map. Multiple national parks beckon to be explored, including the iconic Mount Rainier National Park. There is also the stunning Puget Sound, the Olympic Mountains, and many more sights. If you pick Washington as a home base for the RV lifestyle, it’s practically guaranteed that you’ll never be bored.

#4 – Texas

Getting back to the idea of finding open space, Texas is the second-largest state in the Union, meaning there is plenty of area for an RV owner to explore. You can head to the south if you want to visit the Gulf Coast, you can stay in Hill Country for a while, or you can park near one of the big cities like Dallas or Houston.

#5 – Colorado

If part of what you love about traveling in an RV is experiencing outdoor activities, Colorado is where you want to be. There is so much to do outside in this big state, and most of those activities come along with a great view. Skiing, mountain biking, hiking, and running are only the beginning.

#6 – Oregon

Yet another beautiful West Coast state with tons of outdoor activities to enjoy. In Oregon, RVers can spend weeks or months going up and down the rugged coast, or can head inland to the Cascade Mountains and the popular Central Oregon region. Oregon’s Wine Country is another beautiful place to explore.

#7 – Michigan

While much of the East Coast is too crowded to be considered great for the RV lifestyle, Michigan is an excellent pick for anyone wanting to stay further east while still enjoying the outdoors and open spaces. Specifically, heading into the northern regions of Michigan opens up countless RV camping opportunities near the Great Lakes.

#8 – Arizona

For those who can’t get enough of the hot weather, Arizona is the easy choice. And while there certainly is plenty of flat desert land to be found in Arizona, the northern part of the state offers dramatic scenery and elevation changes, highlighted by the famous Grand Canyon National Park.

#9 – Utah

For some reason, Utah is often overlooked by travelers who are hoping to find scenery and adventure. That’s a shame because this is an incredibly pretty state with national parks to the south and the popular Wasatch Mountains near the population center in Salt Lake City. Utah is a great place to live in an RV and it also gives you easy access to many of the other beautiful states in the western half of the country.

Find Your Homebase with American Steel

We hope this list of the best states for RV living has helped! Once you find your home state, remember to protect your new home with the help of an RV carport. American Steel has you covered! Explore our free Build & Price tool. If you have any questions along the way, our team is always here to help!

ASI, Blog, Buildings, Carports, Custom, Customer Builds, Informative, Lifestyle, Questions, Steel Structures

Important Factors to Consider Before Investing in a Building

Many companies will try to get you to buy a carport, but there are many things you should consider before doing so. We all have to put consideration to our location and weather when it comes to choosing a structure. Sometimes it will even require a little research. Here are four of the most important factors to consider before investing in a building.

1. Pricing

Plenty of people habitually price-check their purchases, especially if it’s a large purchase that will serve as an investment. An investment is something that will benefit us in the long run, not just immediately. It’s important to consider a budget or price range for these bigger purchases. It all depends on the features you need and how long it’s going to last. One way to feel less pressured when considering an investment is by looking at all the options available. Here at American Steel Carports, we have two options for purchasing buildings aside from payment in full: financing or the rent to own option.

2. Building Regulations

Some cities require a permit in order for installation. Sometimes this can cause problems, especially if you find out at the last minute. To prevent this situation, it’s important to know what are the requirements in your area prior to buying a unit. For a permit, you will need the specifics of your new building, which ASCI can supply for free. With some cities, you will need draws and calcs, and those do come with an additional charge separately from your building.

3. Stability

Stability is also another big factor to consider. When you make a purchase, quality should always be important. There is a chance that you might find some high-quality things available at cheaper prices, but for the most part, price is a good indicator of quality. It’s always better to stay on the safe side. Why buy something cheaper when the more expensive option will last twice as long? At ASCI, we provide two different types of materials and we will always suggest the best for you as our customer. All of our buildings are engineer-certified, so you can be certain that your building is made to last.

4. Meeting Your Needs

Do you know what exactly you’re looking for? It’s okay if you don’t. We understand that with all the different styles of buildings, sometimes it’s hard to decide. We have lots of options, so it all depends on what exactly you’re looking for. Protection for your car? A game room? A workshop? We have all of those!
Here are some of the features we provide that you can modify:
• Dimensions: Width x Length x Height
• Color: We provide 12 different colors at no extra charge.
• Roof type:
◦ Standard – this roof comes with the rounded corners on the ends
◦ A-frame Horizontal – sheet metal runs horizontally
◦ A-frame Vertical – panels run from the peak towards the sides. This is our sturdier roof that lets water, snow, or dirt run down the roof rather than piling up and potentially causing a collapse.

If you have any other questions about any of this information, call us at 866-730-9865 and get one of our professionals to help you.

A-Frame Vertical, ASI, Blog, Custom, Customer Builds, Informative, Lifestyle, Our Specialty, Steel Structures, Workshop

Increase Your Property Value with American Steel Carports

Your house and land will probably be the most important investment you ever make. Keeping up and adding to the value is extremely important.

Upkeep on the house and property is an obvious way to retain the value of your investment, but there’s a way to improve your property value and get some additional functionality at the same time.

American Steel Carports are high-quality structural engineered buildings that are proven to last. Even having a permit to build a building can increase your property value.

While we’re talking about protecting investments, the second most important investment could be your car, and these buildings will protect your vehicles as well as adding property value.

This beauty of a building has an array of uses. It will obviously protect your vehicles, and it also features a porch on the side that can be a great gathering place. You can even pull the cars out, lift the roll-up doors, and have a birthday party or a Friday night hoe-down.

20’W x 31’L x 10’H (main unit)
12-Gauge Galvanized Tubing
A-Frame Vertical Roof
10’W x 21’L x 8’/7’6” (Lean-to)
A-Frame Vertical Roof
(2) 10′ x 8′ Roll-up Doors (on the side)
(2) 36″ x 80″ Walk-in Door
(2) Windows

So the next time you stand out on your back porch and look over your land, just imagine the increase in property value, the protection for your cars, and last but not least the music you will play at your weekend get-togethers. American Steel Carports will work with you through the whole process to build the best building for your needs. Please don’t hesitate to give us a call.

ASI, Blog, Carports, Customer Builds, Lifestyle, Our Specialty, RV Carports, Standard, Steel Structures

Is One Not Enough? How About Two?

If you’re at the point where the width of the building you need is surpassing your budget, you might want to consider two separate buildings instead. American Steel Carports is here to provide you with buildings that will serve your needs with high-quality materials for an unbeatable price!

We always like to help our customers reduce the price of any metal building without sacrificing space. An important factor of a building’s price is the increase in length compared to width. Although our metal buildings can go as wide as 80’, extra-wide structures like these can come with a high price. However, when you decide to increase in length, instead of width, you can save yourself a lot of money. The other option is to obtain a second unit with the exact same specs. This can also save money in comparison to increasing width.

Another advantage of staying within 30’ wide is that once a unit surpasses 30’ wide, it needs to be installed on a concrete pad, due to the increased weight of material used. See how two metal buildings can save you some money? Don’t believe us? Well, let us show you this customer who decided to get two identical carports for his heavy-duty equipment, each one measuring 30’W x 21’L x 12’H:

12-Guage Galvanized Tubing
Standard Roof
Diagonal Bracing
(2) Extras Trusses

All our metal units are engineer-certified and ready to withstand anything that mother nature will throw their way! Curious about the price? Give us a call to speak with one of our experts. We can help you customize your unit and stay in budget! Ask for your local dealer when you call.

Follow us on social media to stay on top of our new building launches, SALES, and special offer details:

Facebook: /AmericanSteelCarports/

Instagram: /americansteelinc/

Twitter: /americancarport/

ASI, Blog, Informative, Lifestyle, News/Press, Questions

Summer is Coming: Get Your Pool Area Ready

Winter is finally on its way out, and we can hear Spring knocking. WThat means Summer will be here before you know it. Summer means something different to everyone, but one common denominator is the pool. It’s a meeting place and retreat from the cruel summer heat… The pool can be perfect for relaxing and stirring up laughter. It’s a great setting for a neighborhood celebration, birthdays, team parties, keeping the kids entertained, or gathering the adults for some grown-up conversation.

Now that we have the fun out of the way, let’s get down to business. There’s a lot that goes into the upkeep of a pool. There are all the tools needed for maintenance and repair, as well as chemicals, and the toy collection you have amassed.

We have the perfect idea for a pool house to keep the pool area more organized as well as the yard clean from party debris.

Our buildings work perfectly for smaller yards that still need the access and organization that a pool house brings. American Steel Carport buildings are completely customizable to fit any size needs. Since most pool houses can be wide open with a small room for changing, our open floor plan works perfectly.

Whether you need your pool house to be big enough to add a bar and host company, or you just want something to store tools, supplies, and toys, we can take care of you.

We’ve also mentioned in a previous blog that our carport cover is perfect for pool covers. They provide protection from leaves and other debris, as well as shade for those who want the heat but not the direct sunlight. They also make it easy to swim during summer rain, which is great for people who depend on the pool for daily exercise or rehabilitation.

We would love to talk to you about your new pool house or pool cover! Feel free to call us at 866-730-9865 or online at Americansteelinc.com.

A-Frame Vertical, ASI, Blog, Buildings, Garage, Lifestyle, Our Specialty, Steel Structures, Workshop

Protection No Matter the Size

Metal sheds are an important addition to your property because they’ll keep your belongings protected. Farm equipment or working tools left sitting outside can be affected by the natural elements. That’s why it’s so important to maintain your belongings, including keeping them protected. American Steel Carports can help you build a metal shed or garage that meets your unique needs and specifications. And with 20 years of experience in the carport industry, our buildings are well-made and long-lasting.

Aside from the additional options we offer, such as colored screws, insulation, and skylights (to mention just a few), there are always the simple metal buildings that never fail. If you need any of those specific features, you’re more than welcome to add them, but you can always keep your building simple. Take this 20’W x 31’L x 9’H fully vertical in our clay and slate blue colors:

(1) 9’x7′ Roll-Up Door
(1) 36″x 80″ Walk-In Door
(1) Window (on the side)

One of the main advantages of a fully vertical building is the ability to fully insulate it. Insulation can only be installed on panels running vertically. Another advantage of fully vertical buildings is easy maintenance. Because the panels run vertically, it allows debris, water, snow, leaves, etc. to slide off easily.

Interested in the price? Give us a call now! Let one of our carport experts help you customize a metal building of your needs. Whether you need a personal storage room, a regular carport or a custom warehouse, we will stand behind our product. Don’t forget to ask about our financing options!

A-Frame Vertical, ASI, Blog, Buildings, Customer Builds, Garage, Lifestyle, Steel Structures, Workshop

18’ x 25’ x 8’ Steel Shed

Have a project in mind? Not sure when your pad would be ready? Maybe you just need some time to visualize your project. Whatever scenario best describes your situation, American Steel Carports is here to take care of your needs!

When it comes to protecting your belongings, you want to make sure that you work with a company that will provide you with the best quality materials available and stands behind their product. American Steel Carports offers you a one-year workmanship warranty that will allow your steel structure to go through all four seasons. Because of this, you can definitely say that we stand behind our product (lol).

With the bad weather all over the country, you do not want to take any chances when it comes to your precious belongings. With 20 years of experience in the carport industry, we know exactly how to create long-lasting metal buildings that will withstand anything that mother nature throws at them. Take a look at this sturdy 18’W x 25’L x 8’H steel shed:

A-Frame Vertical Roof
12-Gauge Galvanized Tubing
9’x7′ Roll-Up Door
(2) 30″x30″ Windows
36″x80″ Walk-In Door

American Steel Carports can do any size according to your needs and requirements. For this particular building, our customer decided on a base of 24’L and a roof length of 25’.

Now you might be wondering, why the one-foot difference? On this 18’ x 25’ structure, the frame of the building itself will be 18’ x 24’ due to the 6” overhang on the roof. In other words, the roof is always one foot longer than the frame.

Want to know the price? Give us a call at (866) 730-9865 to speak with one of our experts. If you’d like to change the dimensions of this building, let us know! All of our units are customized per order. And don’t forget to ask about our financing options!

ASI, Blog, Buildings, Customer Builds, Informative, Lifestyle, Questions, Steel Structures

Some Things to Know About Steel Building Insulation

We know that metal is a good conductor of cold and heat, and when temperature shifts inside or outside the metal building, water tends to condense on the metal sheets.

Insulation can be used to avoid the issue of water condensation. When heat transfers from the outside to the inside of a building, the insulation works as a barrier. Additionally, by reducing the temperature of the metal, the insulation reduces condensation.

The definition of R-Value is “the capacity of an insulating material to resist heat flow. The higher the R-value, the greater the insulating power.” (Webster Dictionary)

Types of Insulation:

There are various styles of insulation. We’ll look at some below while highlighting the benefits.

Loose Fill Insulation

Loose-fill insulation consists of small particles of fiber, foam, or other materials. The most common types of materials used for loose-fill insulation include cellulose, fiberglass, and mineral (rock or slag) wool. (1)

This type of insulation is installed by blowing it into tiny holes that persist in the walls. It is one of the most environmentally-friendly, and it is a good way to save money on utility expenses.

Blanket Insulation

Blanket insulation is the most common and widely available type of insulation. It comes in the form of batts or rolls. It consists of flexible fibers, most commonly fiberglass. You also can find batts and rolls made from mineral (rock and slag) wool, plastic fibers, and natural fibers, such as cotton and sheep’s wool. (2)

This is mainly for recently installed buildings. Large rolls are used to fill pre-cut gaps in buildings. It must be installed correctly or it won’t function properly.

Rigid Board Insulation

Rigid foam can be used in walls, roofs, and foundations, for retrofits or new construction. Most varieties of foam have a higher R-value per inch than fiberglass, cotton, or cellulose. Rigid foam sheets are sold in several thicknesses; most lumberyards carry insulation ranging from 1/2 in. to 2 in. thick. Thicker sheets (up to 6 in. thick) are usually available by special order. (3)

Spray Foam Insulation

Spray foam insulation is an insulation and air barrier material that seals walls, floors and ceiling cavities against air movement. It’s often used in spaces around electrical outlets and light fixtures, and also where walls meet windows and doors. (4)

(1) www.energy.gov/energysaver/weatherize/insulation/types-insulation

(2) www.daviddarling.info/encyclopedia/B/AE_blanket_insulation.html

(3) www.greenbuildingadvisor.com/green-basics/rigid-foam-insulation

(4) https://www.retrofoamofmichigan.com/blog/spray-foam-insulation-what-its-made-of-how-it-works