When you’re protecting your shed from pests and ember attacks, installing the right seal along your shed’s bottom edges and wall sheeting gaps is critical. Two leading material options are PVC and steel. Both will help keep out rats, mice, snakes, and other common critters. However, depending on where you live and how you use your shed, you may find one material a better fit than the other. Below, we’ll explore the key differences and benefits of PVC and steel vermin/ember seals.

1. Shared Goal: Vermin and Ember Protection

Whether you choose PVC or steel, modern vermin and ember seals are designed to:

  • Close gaps in shed cladding profiles to block the entry of rodents like rats and mice, snakes, lizards, frogs and more.
  • Minimise the risk of embers entering sheds in bushfire-prone areas.
  • Prevent wind-driven rain from entering through wall and roof sheeting profiles.

PVC and steel variants alike can be used to upgrade existing sheds (retrofitting) or be installed during new construction. Both are effective solutions for boosting shed longevity, reducing pest problems, and enhancing fire safety in many Australian climates.

2. PVC Seals: Flexible & Easy to Work With

Key Benefits:

  • Flexible Fit: PVC seals are often easier to shape to the contours of various cladding profiles—like corrugated or custom orb.
  • Straightforward Installation: For many DIY enthusiasts, PVC-based seals can be simpler to cut, bend, and secure.
  • Anti-Corrosion Barrier (ACB) Options: Many PVC products also include an ACB feature, which helps isolate metal edges from concrete slabs. This can reduce premature corrosion in damper environments.

Who Should Consider PVC Seals?

  • Shed owners looking for a lightweight, user-friendly solution to both vermin and ember intrusion.
  • Homeowners dealing with moderate weather conditions and lower bushfire risk levels.
  • Projects where quick installation and easy handling are top priorities.
retroseal domestic for corro installed in steel shed

3. Steel Seals: Built for Bushfire Zones & Harsh Conditions

Key Benefits:

  • Ember Defense: Certain steel seals, such as Steel Vermaseal, excel at meeting the stringent requirements for ember attacks in high-risk bushfire zones. The steel acts as a strong barrier against flying embers, which is crucial for sheds in areas subject to higher Bushfire Attack Level (BAL) standards.
steel vermaseal installed in steel shed for vermin and ember seal
  • Superior Durability: Steel seals—sometimes made from Zincalume—are highly resistant to damage, designed for “extreme rural conditions,” and can withstand severe weather. They’re less likely to warp and degrade under harsh conditions.
  • Corrosion Resistance: Thanks to their protective coatings, many steel-based seals are resistant to rust. Coupled with an anti-corrosion barrier (ACB), they can help extend the lifespan of your shed’s sheet cladding and structural components.

Who Should Consider Steel Seals?

  • Individuals in high bushfire risk areas who need robust ember protection to help meet specific BAL requirements.
  • Rural property owners dealing with more extreme or variable weather, where extra durability pays off in the long run.
  • Anyone wanting a long-lasting seal that can handle harsh environmental conditions while providing reliable vermin and ember prevention.

4. Retrofitting vs. New Construction

One of the biggest advantages highlighted by product lines like Retroseals and Vermaseals is their flexibility in installation:

  • Retrofit: You can install many PVC or steel vermin/ember seals on existing sheds without tearing down walls or performing extensive renovations. Look for specific “retro” product lines designed to slide between or attach to your existing cladding profiles.

New Construction: If you’re building a new steel shed, you can incorporate vermin/ember seals as you go. In some cases (for example, Vermaseal and Steel Vermaseal), you’ll install the seal during construction for a tighter, more integrated fit.

5. Choosing the Right Profile

Each seal style—PVC or steel—must match the profile of your shed’s cladding. Whether your shed uses Corrugated or Trimdek, or any other brand-specific cladding design (e.g., Stramit, Lysaght, Totalspan, Metroll), selecting the correct profile ensures the seal fits properly. We have a guide to help you match seals to your cladding. If in doubt, contact the team at the ShedBlog for recommendations as to what vermin seal is best for you.

6. Making the Decision: PVC or Steel?

Here’s a quick rundown to help you decide:

You May Prefer PVC If… You May Prefer Steel If…
  • You need a flexible, easy-to-handle barrier.
  • Your location has moderate fire risk and you want a general-purpose seal.
  • You like the convenience of a quick retrofit solution for older sheds.
  • You’re in a high-risk bushfire zone needing maximum ember protection (e.g., Steel Vermaseal).
  • You want extra durability for rural or harsh environments.
  • You prefer a more rigid, metal barrier that can withstand extreme heat and weather.

Our Final Thoughts

Both PVC and steel vermin/ember seals serve the same essential purpose: sealing gaps that allow pests in and embers to pose a threat. PVC excels in ease of installation and flexibility, making it a perfect fit for most shed owners. Steel, on the other hand, is the go-to option when higher bushfire standards or extreme conditions demand a tougher, more BAL-type material.

Regardless of your choice, pay close attention to product compatibility with your shed’s cladding profile, and follow the installation guides carefully. For additional resources—including tips, cladding guides, or product advice—check out manufacturer instructions or a dedicated shed blog for guidance tailored to Australian conditions. By selecting and installing the right vermin/ember seal, you can greatly extend the life of your steel shed while ensuring it remains pest- and ember-free all year round.