Top Exterior Options For Metal Garage Buildings

Looking for a new metal garage? It can be more than just a parking space and storage. A metal building can be a stylish, strong, and useful part of your property that elevates its value with time while giving you a multi-functional space. No matter if you are a home, farm, ranch, or business owner, picking the right exterior options can make a huge difference.

But why worry about the exterior? Well, it can make steel structures blend with a home or stand out as a unique, eye-catching building. But exterior choices aren’t just for aesthetics; they also increase functionality. In this blog, we will explore some of the coolest exterior features of a steel garage. You will learn about

• Basic design features,
• Functional additions, and
• Stylish touches for great looks!

So, let’s begin…

I. Basic Exterior Options For Metal Prefab Garages

A. Standard Metal Panels: These are prefabricated by manufacturers, and you can choose one based on the location of installation of a metal 2-car garage, building size, and local rules. 

Galvanized Steel – It is rust-resistant, strong, and comes with a protective coating of molten zinc that makes it last long. This means your garage won’t get rusty and sustain damage during bad weather. 

Gauge – It implies the thickness of steel frames and metal panels. You can choose 12-gauge steel for larger buildings or for areas with harsh weather situations, or 14-gauge steel frames for an affordable steel parking garage. 

Note: A thicker material will last long, take daily wear easily, and can handle dents due to storms.

Panel Profile – You can opt for metal panels that come in different looks to help slide off rain quickly, such as:

• Corrugated (wavy looks, better resistance to bending and external forces)
• Ribbed (raised lines, sleek appearance, with moderate strength)
• Plain (smooth surface, can dent or get punctured easily)

Tip: Before choosing panels, have a look at your local wind and snowfall patterns.

B. Painted Panels: Your garage doesn’t have to be that boring gray. You can pick your favorite color or match it with an existing building color for a cohesive look. But how to choose a metal panel color

Good Paint Matters – Paint isn’t just for good looks. It creates an additional protective layer that protects the garage against rain, sun, and rusting. For example, a steel residential-style garage can have light-tone colors that reflect UV rays and keep the interior cool.

Paints That Lasts – You can opt for paints with silicone-modified polyester (SMP) or Kynar (PVDF) that keep color bright and protect it against fading. It is always best to choose high-quality paint that doesn’t need frequent touch-ups.

Tip: Once you have chosen from standard metal building sizes and basic features, you can add a color profile to make it stand out or blend with the rest of the property.

II. Functional Exterior Options For Enhancing Steel Garage Performance

A. Functional Doors: One of the key external features is the entrance that grabs everyone’s attention. Did you know that replacing a garage door has an ROI of 102.7%? [source: JLC] But what style of door is suitable for garages? Let’s see.

• Roll-Up Doors – Ideal for small spaces and quick access.
• Sectional Doors – Open in panels and have traditional appeal.
• Insulated Doors – Ideal for extreme summer and winter regions to maintain indoor temperature.
• Automatic Doors – Ideal for large doors, convenience, and added security.
• Walk-In Doors – Offer easy access to storage without opening up the entire garage.

B. Vertical Roof Panels: Although steel frame garages come with three popular roof styles – regular, horizontal, and vertical, the last one is highly durable, long-lasting, and needs less frequent cleaning, thanks to its aerodynamic design. Adding vertical panels is a factor that affects your metal garage pricing initially but reduces monthly upkeep costs in the long run. 

C. Lean-To As Porch: This is a permanent awning that can be attached to your prefab garage for extra shaded space and multi-purpose use. It offers protection from direct sun, rain, and snow.

D. Windows: These let natural light and fresh air enter, reducing the dependence on HVAC systems and thereby lowering energy bills. You can choose any style of windows, such as:

• Fixed (does not open but lets light in)
• Sliding (opens for fresh air)
• Double-Pane (saves energy)

Make sure to design window placement in a way that increases natural lighting and airflow. You can add custom features to home garages for maximum efficiency. 

E. Gutter With A Downspout: A gutter redirects water from the roof and channels it down through the downspout. This prevents water damage like leaks, rusting, and holes. You can choose any of the following materials for gutters:

• Galvanized Steel (strong, rust-resistant, needs upkeep)
• Aluminum (affordable, lightweight)
• Copper (costly, aesthetic, develops patina over time)
• Zinc (costly, aesthetic, long-lasting)
• Vinyl (less durable)

III. Aesthetic Exterior Options For Steel Prefab Garage’s Curb Appeal

A. Structural Trim And Accent Colors: A trim holds vertical metal panels in place, especially during harsh weather, and you can add contrasting colors to make it pop. You can choose between prefab vs. custom single-car garages that work best for you, and then add the color of your choice. 

B. Wainscoting: It adds a decorative lower section to the garage side and end walls, making it look more inviting. It also creates an additional protective layer to help reduce dust and dirt show and make panels last longer. At Viking Metal Garages, we offer 12+ color options for wainscoting, walls, and roofs.

C. Overhangs: This is the part of the roof’s eave that extends forwards to protect garage walls from rain and dust, prevent rainwater from entering inside through windows, and provide shade around the perimeter of the steel prefab garage. 

D. Landscaping And Green Spaces: A garage simply installed on your property may look out of place, but with proper landscaping, drought-resistant plants, and garden lights to brighten up the exterior after sunset, you can enhance its external appeal.

Tip: You can plant tall local trees on the east side to block direct sunlight and create shade.

E. Creative Color Schemes: What color speaks to you? Bold or earthy? You can choose bright colors like blue, red, or green to stand out or earthy tones like sandstone, beige, or clay to match nature from our range of color palettes. 

F. Wall Finishes (Optional): You can go a step further and add finishing to the walls, such as:

• Textured Finishes And Cladding – Want a high-end look? You can add bricks, stone, or vinyl siding to make your garage with lean-to stand out. 
• Masonry – brick or stone veneer can add a traditional, classy feel to your garage. Note that it is not a full wall but a decorative layer for aesthetics.
• Faux Stone/ Wood – It is an affordable way to get the expensive look of original brick or stone, but with less maintenance.
• Wood Siding – You can choose wood lap siding and board and batten for a rustic look or farmhouse vibe. These pair nicely with a metal one car garage.
• Stucco Panels – These are great for insulation and style. A stucco panel creates a smooth and modern finish, too.

IV. How To Choose The Right Exterior For Metal Prefab Garages

Choosing the correct exterior is not just about looks, but also plays a role in the garage’s durability and function, and makes it fit your surroundings, purpose, and needs. So, here are some factors you must consider before choosing external features:

A. 5 Crucial Factors To Consider:

Climate And Weather – For hot and sunny areas, you can choose light color paint to reflect heat and keep the garage cooler, while for regions with rain and snow, you can choose water-resistant coatings to prevent leaks and rust over vertical roof panels.

For windy areas, you can opt for reinforcements, such as extra braces, anchors, and purlins, for added strength and stability.

Budget – Depending on your budget, you can choose basic metal panels (affordable and strong), painted panels (cost extra but add style and protection), or brick, stone, or wood finishes (for amazing finished looks)

Maintenance – A metal panel needs little upkeep with occasional cleaning, while wood siding or stucco/ masonry needs regular repairs. By following proper care and maintenance tips for steel buildings, you can prolong their lifespan, reduce repair costs, and maintain a healthy shine.

Personal Style – For a modern look, you can try panels with bold colors; for classic style, opt for wood siding or brick veneer to add charm; and for rustic design, choose board and batten wood siding that gives a farmhouse feel.

B. Customization Possibilities: Choose customization that matches your home or farm building for a seamless look. You can choose colors (neutral, bold, or two-tone), trims and accents, and other functional additions (windows, doors, and gutters) to enhance the overall garage appeal.

C. Impact On Long-Term Durability: Ensure choose external features are chosen that make maintenance jobs easier and demand less frequent repairs and cleaning. For example, opt for 12-gauge galvanized steel frames with 26-gauge panels to reduce corrosion.

D. Influence On Resale Value: The first impression that your garage has on a potential new buyer matters. So, it is essential to have a stylish exterior, matching color and trim, an insulated roof, walls, and doors, and extra storage space to add value for future owners.

Tip: Choose certified steel buildings as they are weather-resistant, prevent costly repairs, and are durable in the long run.

Ready To Design Your Dream Garage? Let’s Build It!

A metal car garage doesn’t have to look like a boxy steel container. It can be stylish yet functional with customizable features for your needs. By choosing the right exterior options, you get a durable and long-lasting garage that blends seamlessly with your property.

You can explore different ways you can customize your metal garage exterior by adding lean-tos, doors, windows, a roofing style, or a bold pop of color with us. Ready to design your brand new steel ‘dream’ garage? Call (704)-741-1587 today and get started!