Every year, farmers suffer from weather damage, pest infestation, and outdated storage that leads to spoilage. Almost all 50 states have livestock production and farming activities around the clock. Hence, farmers need reliable support to store their hard work, shelter animals, and keep equipment. This has led to the rise of steel barn buildings, which offer tons of amenities, features, and higher durability to farmers & ranchers.
7 Reasons Why Farmers Rely On Steel Barn For Storage & Livestock
1. Weathering The Storms
Farmers and ranchers have to face multiple weather threats, such as high-speed winds, thunderstorms, heavy snow, rain, and hail storms. In these cases, a stick-built structure will be air-bone in a matter of time or collapse under pressure.
With steel farm buildings, you get a superior quality frame and panels that can withstand heavy snow, ice, etc., without collapsing. Some metal builders offer certified steel buildings with up to 180 mph wind speed tolerance & 80 psf. of snow load. Whether it is scorching summer or frigid winter, a steel barn can withstand both easily.
Tip: Opt for corrugated-style metal panels as they can tolerate the impact of hail better without puncturing into the panels.
2. Quick Construction
Metal barns are prefabricated in a factory under strict guidelines to create uniform material with equal density throughout the material. These are easy to ship in parts and quick to assemble on-site. Hence, farmers need to spend less time & money on labor costs when installing metal barns for livestock or storage.
A prefabricated farm barn creates less interruption in daily farm operations, the building is ready to use earlier, and it allows farmers to focus more on their agricultural activities instead of the construction process.
Tip: Opt for a metal building dealer who provides shipping & installation service included in their final quote for a smooth experience.
3. Adapting To Diverse Needs
Storage: A farmer needs secured space for storing crops, grain, hay, & other items to protect them from moisture, humidity, and pests. With insulated metal farm barns, they can easily create a sealed environment to store harvests & sell them in the future. Some farmers also store tools, equipment, and vehicles in their barn for safety & security.
Animal Shelter: Farmers can benefit from a Carolina style barn, which has wide aisle space for easy feeding & cleaning and a taller central unit that allows natural light & ventilation for fresh airflow. With correct R-value insulation, ranchers can control the temperature inside a metal barn for egg production and to maintain meat quality.
Other Uses: Whether it is a farm workshop or a need for a large obstruction-free riding arena for horses, a clearspan barn offers ample space that can span up to 300 ft. in width and accommodate various farm operations under one roof.
4. Making Smart Investments
While the initial cost of a steel farm building may be higher, in the long term, the overall cost is lower compared to that of a wooden barn. Metal panels don’t rot, decay, twist, crack, or bend with time. They also don’t absorb moisture from rain or outdoors. Thus needing less frequent repairs & replacements.
A well-designed barn can improve operational efficiency, reduce energy bills with insulation & vents, and increase the productivity of animals, leading to better profits. Since steel buildings are non-combustible and have high fire ratings, farmers can enjoy lower insurance premium rates & various tax benefits.
5. Less Upkeep, More Personal Time
Cleaning a steel farm structure is easy as it doesn’t let mold spores get deep into the panels or frames. One simply needs warm water, mild soap, and a garden hose with a nozzle for cleaning. A soft bristle brush can remove any stain or bird droppings on roof panels.
Metal is also immune to termites, so it doesn’t need monthly chemical treatments. Seal with silicone-based waterproof sealant & caulking to prevent entry of pesky rodents inside. Steel is a highly durable material that can last for decades with regular checks.
Farmers have to spend less time & money maintaining the metal farm barn and get more time to spend on themselves & on their farm operations.
6. Fully Customizable Carolina Style Barn
Metal structures have a reputation of looking like cookie-cutter with dull looks. Modern farm barns come with many custom features that can enhance their looks and functionality. For example, farmers can add a lean-to on either side or front of the building to park vehicles, create a loafing shed, or hang frequently used tools.
Other custom features that are commonly seen in steel farm barns are:
- Exterior colors
- Custom size, including width & height
- Roof style – vertical and horizontal
- Structural trim to support roof panels and define the roof’s eave
- 12 gauge thick steel frame to bear more load
- Wainscoting on sidewalls to highlight & protect the panels
- Foundation types – asphalt, gravel bed, concrete slab, etc.
- Custom doors, frameouts, and windows
- Insulation like double bubble, fiberglass, woven, etc.
And many more. The exact customization will vary with the metal building dealer. So, it is best to get free quotes, compare them, and find which one fits closest to your needs & budget.
7. Environmental Benefits
100% galvanized steel offers resistant to rusting and can be recycled endlessly into a new building without losing its strength & durability. Metal panels don’t release toxic fumes with time, creating a healthy environment for animals & workers.
Choosing The Right Metal Barn
Size & Dimension: It is important to get the correct size & design barn based on your specific needs. So, it is best to assess your needs before selecting the size & design of a farm barn.
For example, farmers can choose a Carolina-style barn for livestock with a wide aisle space and a taller roof. A Seneca barn is ideal for storing tractors & their attachments, while a clearspan barn is ideal for a horse riding arena.
Enhance With Custom Features: Once you know the size, it is time to add custom features to increase the barn’s functionality. This is the point where you can add aesthetic features to improve looks.
Choose A Reputable Dealer: It is equally crucial to select a metal building dealer with industry experience for a reliable & high-quality steel farm barn. You can do online research, read previous customers’ reviews and feedback, and request quotes from multiple dealers before ordering.
Steel Farm Barns – A Trusted Choice For Farmers’ Needs
From being sturdy, highly versatile, and durable buildings to functional, practical, and aesthetically appealing structures, a steel farm building serves as a multi-purpose unit for American farms. Now that you have seen numerous advantages of steel farm building, what are your thoughts on it? Do you find metal livestock barns and workshops potentially helpful for your farm? Share your thoughts with us.
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