Homeowners often install sheds on their property as a storage solution. Whether you’re housing landscaping tools, raising chickens, or stashing all-terrain vehicles, a metal building or structure could be the perfect solution. Having adequate lighting in your building will allow you to utilize the space, no matter the weather or time of day. Here are some tips on how to effectively illuminate your shed.

A Guide to Shed Lighting

Natural Light

The main benefit of natural light is that it doesn’t require wiring or power. Skylights offer immediate access to outdoor light even if it’s cloudy outside. A metal manufacturing company can create holes in the roof for skylight insertion. You can choose from fixed models or options with fans to improve ventilation and temperature control.

Installing a large garage door is also effective for allowing natural light to filter in. Some options could include sliding barn doors or a garage door that raises and lowers. Keep in mind, however, that sliding doors may block or create shadows over windows or side doors, depending on your shed design.

If your shed features one side that is taller than the other, consider installing small, rectangular windows near the eves on taller south or west-facing walls. This placement allows for direct sunlight during the day, and the height adds privacy by preventing people from seeing into the building, lowering the likelihood that people will want to break in.

If you work with chemicals like paints or lubricant, use windows that open to provide ventilation. Add interior latches to secure the windows and prevent theft.

Artificial Light

Because sheds are often installed in shady areas to keep the metal frame cool, they would also benefit from artificial lighting to prevent shadows. If possible, wire the building into the existing electricity system to allow for overhead lighting.

Add fluorescent or incandescent fixtures with LED bulbs to provide a bright, blueish light that’s great for mechanic work and tasks that require attention to detail. LED bulbs use 95% of their energy for light and only give off 5% as heat. This will prevent any fixtures from heating the building.

Sheds that are not hardwired can use artificial light run by generators, batteries, or solar power. Consider installing solar panels on a metal roof with fasteners that attach to the metal seams to host a solar panel mounting system. This method prevents the need to make holes in the metal that could make the building’s interior vulnerable to water or pest issues. 

If you’re interested in building a shed, trust the team at Trinity Metal Buildings in Geneva County, AL. This metal building manufacturer has more than 18 years of experience in designing and constructing a variety of structures, including residential carports, metal barns, and commercial business space. Call the Slocomb-area company at (334) 886-9078. Visit their website for more information on their expert craftsmanship and knowledgeable contractors.