If you’re after something that’ll last and look good, sometimes paying a bit more up front for new stock (with the wrap still on) saves headaches.
I get where you’re coming from, but honestly, I went the “local yard” route for my garage roof last year and haven’t regretted it. The panels were a weird mix of green and brown, but they were solid—just a few scratches here and there. I did spend a little time touching up the bare spots with some leftover Rustoleum, and so far, no rust or leaks. Maybe I just got lucky with the batch, but for the price difference, it was worth rolling the dice.
I guess it depends on how much you care about looks versus budget. For me, the extra money for pristine panels didn’t make sense when it’s just a utility building. If I was doing the main house, yeah, I’d probably splurge for new. But for sheds and outbuildings, I’d say don’t rule out the patchwork approach. Sometimes those “ugly” panels have a lot of life left in them.
- Totally get the “ugly but sturdy” panel thing. My neighbor’s shed looks like a patchwork quilt, but it’s survived two hailstorms and a raccoon invasion, so who’s judging?
- I went new for my carport, mostly because I was paranoid about leaks and didn’t want to play roof roulette. But man, my wallet still cries a little when I think about it.
- For sheds and random outbuildings, I’d probably do what you did. If it keeps the rain out and doesn’t collapse, I’m happy.
- Anyone ever try those “factory seconds” places? I keep seeing ads for them, but I’m not sure if they’re just the same as the local salvage yard or if there’s some secret sauce I’m missing.
- Also, does color even matter if you’re just slapping it on a chicken coop? My chickens don’t seem picky, but maybe I’m missing some architectural chicken code...
Factory seconds are kind of a mixed bag, in my experience. I picked up a load for a goat shelter last year—some panels had dings or the paint was scratched, but nothing that actually affected how they worked. Price was way better than new, and honestly, once you screw them down and the goats start climbing on the roof, who cares about a little cosmetic stuff? I’d say they’re a step up from salvage yard finds, just because you usually know what you’re getting and there’s less rust or weird bends.
Color-wise, unless you’re trying to win “best-dressed chicken coop,” I wouldn’t stress. My uncle’s birds live under bright purple panels left over from a barn job, and they seem just as happy as the ones under boring gray. Only thing I’d watch for is if you’re in a hot area—darker colors can make it a little toastier inside, but for most outbuildings, it’s not a dealbreaker.
Leaks are my main paranoia too. If you go seconds, just double-check for holes or deep dents before you buy. Learned that one the hard way after a surprise drip right over the feed bin...
You nailed it about factory seconds—my chicken run is basically a patchwork quilt of whatever colors and dents I could find cheap. The birds don’t care, and honestly, I think the neighbors have come to appreciate the “avant-garde” look. I did get burned once by a panel with a sneaky pinhole, but a dab of roofing goop fixed it up. As long as the structural integrity’s there, I’d take a few scuffs over paying full retail any day. Just keep an eye out for sharp edges… learned that lesson the hard way, too.
Yeah, I’ve had my share of “oops” moments with the bargain bin stuff too—once got a panel so warped it looked like a potato chip. Ended up using it as a windbreak instead. I agree, though, unless you’re building the Taj Mahal, a few scratches just add character.
