The Eagle Ridge Blog
Straight answers, no fluff.
Everything you need to know about buying, building, financing, and using a portable building in Texas — answered plainly by our team.
Radiant barrier or spray foam: which cools a Texas shed better?
Spray foam resists heat flow, while a radiant barrier reflects the sun's heat, and the right pick depends on how you use the shed.
For most Texas sheds you plan to work in, spray foam does more, because it actually resists heat flow. A radiant barrier only reflects the radiant heat coming down from a sun-baked roof. It does its best work in hot, cooling-dominated climates like ours, and it is a simple add-on when the shed is just for storage.
Also inside: 3 real examples · 3 common mistakes
Read the full answerWill fire ants move into my shed, and how do I keep them out?
Red imported fire ants are common across Texas, and a shed's electrical boxes and sheltered corners can look like a great place to nest.
ReadDehumidifier or more vents: which keeps a shed drier in Texas humidity?
In humid Texas weather, a dehumidifier usually beats extra vents for drying a shed, though vents still help with heat and airflow.
ReadCan I use a home equity loan to pay for a shed in Texas?
Yes, you can borrow against your home for a shed, but Texas has strict rules, and putting your house on the line is rarely worth it for a building this size.
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Do I need to call 811 before installing a shed in Texas?
Probably not for a portable shed set on blocks or gravel, but any digging around it, like a pad or power trench, calls for a free 811 call.
Will hail damage a metal roof on my shed?
Hail often dents a metal shed roof, but denting is usually a looks issue rather than a leak issue.
Can I deduct a shed on my taxes if I use it for my business?
A separate shed used only and regularly for your business may qualify for a home office deduction, but the rules are strict.
How do I keep rodents and snakes out of my shed?
Close every gap bigger than about a quarter inch, keep the door bottom tight, and remove what draws critters in.
Gable vents or a ridge vent: which ventilates a shed better?
The vent type matters less than giving hot air a way out high and cool air a way in low.
Are termites a problem for wood sheds in Texas?
Termites are common across Texas, but a shed that is kept off the soil, dry and clear of wood debris is much harder for them to get into.
Pressure-treated or regular lumber for a shed floor: which is better in Texas?
For the low parts of a shed floor, pressure-treated lumber is the safer pick in Texas, but it works best paired with good drainage and clearance from the soil.
Is a livestock shelter or loafing shed tax-exempt in Texas?
Texas's agricultural sales tax exemption covers feed, livestock and certain equipment, but the Comptroller says most livestock barns and sheds are taxable.
Can I Get Ag Tax Exempt on an Animal Shelter?
We can no longer sell animal shelters tax-exempt at the point of sale, but you may be able to file for a refund yourself if you qualify for ag use.
Do I pay sales tax on a shed in Texas?
In Texas, a portable shed is taxable, and the tax generally applies to delivery and set-up charges too.
Does homeowners insurance cover a shed?
Most homeowners policies cover a detached shed under 'other structures' coverage, but limits, deductibles, business use, and floods can leave gaps.
Detached garage vs garage-style shed: which should I choose?
A detached garage is usually treated as a full building project, while a garage-style shed is often treated as a storage structure, but your city or county sets the real rules.