Vinyl siding for shed?

[al]

I'm comparing pre-built sheds that are delivered and set-up and wonder whether vinyl siding is a good idea for a garden shed that would be storing lawn equipment and tools.

The vinyl sheds have a type of sheathing and are insulated, whereas the aluminum sheds seem stronger but have no sheathing and are not insulated.

Thanks.

[Edwin Pawlowski]

Insulation is not needed on a shed unless you plan to heat it in the winter or AC in the summer. Aluminum dings easily. I'd go with vinyl myself.

[hallerb]

insulation minimizes the moisture cycle which causes stored stuff to rust badly, vinyl is muc better

[al]

The shed company's website says the insulation is "structural grade thermo-ply" which sounds like a type of board insulation? Would this also likely be the sheathing to which the siding is attached?

Thanks.

[Edwin Pawlowski]

Sounds that way.

[Mike]

The Thermo-ply is attached to the studs/framing. Then the siding is installed over the Thermo-ply using nails that go through the Thermo-ply and into the studs/framing.

I no not believe that it has much if any R/insulation value.

[al]

The shed company website says "R-11". I don't know how significant a rating that is though.

[hallerb]

R 11 is pretty good!

Sams club sells these type of sheds! probably cant beat their price

[DT]

The faq at the Thermoply link you provided lists the R value for Thermoply at

0.2 to 3.5. That is much more reasonable for a product that is only 1/8" thick. Even the 3.5 sounds dubious, they must be rating it like a radiant barrier.

-- Dennis

[al]

Here's a link to the shed website showing their claim of R-11 under the "wall framing system" section:

In any case, I live in South Florida and this Thermoply doesn't sound like it would provide much strength in hurricane force winds. Already lost one shed to a hurricane last year and don't want to have to replace another.

Thanks.

[hallerb]

For Florida hurricanes you probably need a heavy concrete foundation with rebar tying the block walls to the slab, with rebar thru the blocks and the blocks filled with concrete, and a armored roof with storm shutter as door. even then the building may not survive:(

disney builds their attraction buildngs with steel superstructure and concrete walls

how many thousands do you want to spend on the shed?

[com]

Nothing will hold up in a direct hurricane, except possibly a solid concrete shed. However, you might consider building your own on a concrete slab with 2x6 walls securely bolted to the slab. Then cover it with barn steel sheets. Be sure all the corners have 1/2" pkywood triangles well nailed for to the inside walls for strength, and use hurricane straps on all roof pieces (available at lumber yards).