Innovative Uses Of Metal In Construction: From High-Rises To Barn Conversions

From protecting livestock to storing valuable equipment, every farmer needs a building that can take the beating. A metal is as useful on a farm as it is on a high-rise building in New York. It’s a material that’s strong, durable, and can handle most things Nature throws its way. Let’s see how a modern metal barn can be useful for farmers and ranchers. 

The Strength And Versatility Of Metal Barn

Durability – Metal farm buildings are highly resistant to harsh weather conditions like storms, heavy snowfall, and intense sunlight. A certified 12-gauge metal building can withstand up to 180 mph of wind speed and up to 80 PSF of snow load.

Longevity – Steel structure needs low maintenance as it doesn’t rot, decay, twist, warp, or decay with changing seasons. Farmers don’t have to worry about the structural reinforcement of steel farm barns with time. Thus making them long-lasting buildings for farms and ranches.

Strength – Steel structure is ideal for large spans without internal supporting columns or walls and for heavy loads. Ranchers can opt for custom steel barns that span up to 300 ft. wide to create indoor riding areas, and farmers can use them to install a food processing unit.

Fire Resistance – Structural steel comes with a good fire rating. It doesn’t start to burn readily when in contact with fire, making steel barns non-combustible buildings. Farmers can easily get low insurance premium benefits and can store valuable goods without worrying.

Tip: There are many fireproof coatings for steel, such as intumescent, vermiculite, etc., that you can use for areas prone to wildfire.

Fast Construction – Prefab metal farm barns are mass-produced in a factory, which reduces the cost, makes assembly quick, and demands less labor. A farm owner gets the building ready early for use.

Prefab Metal Barn Offers Modern Solutions For Rural Needs

Let’s see how a prefab steel building helps farm and ranch owners in day-to-day life.

1. Benefits Of Modern Metal Farm Barns

Customization: There are various custom features that you can add to a metal ranch building and tailor it to fit your needs. Here are some common features that may help:

• Opting for 12-gauge steel framing in areas prone to harsh weather or 14-gauge frame for affordability.
• Choose a horizontal roof for a traditional look or a vertical roof barn for a modern, sleek, and durable structure.
• Opting for accessories that enhance look and increase durability, like structural trim around the edges of the roof and wainscoting on side and end walls. 
• Choosing from up to 17 color options for the roof, structural trim, wainscoting, and side and end wall panels, along with matching colored screws.
• Selecting insulation, such as single, double bubble, and woven R17, to regulate the temperature inside the barn. 
• Selecting between horizontal and vertical corrugated panels for side and end walls to add a design element.

Cost-Effectiveness: Affordability is one of the reasons why steel barns are ideal for farming. Once installed correctly, they will last for decades. 

Pest And Rot Resistance: Metal is a dense material, making it difficult for pests to chew through and enter inside the barn. Mold spores can’t get deep into its frames and panels, making it easy to clean. Moreover, due to its inorganic nature, termites don’t get attracted for resting or nesting. So, farmers save money on pests and termite inspection & control.

Energy Efficient: Most metal barn construction these days includes insulation, which reduces heat and noise transfer to and from the building. Controlling temperature in livestock barns helps in reducing energy bills and getting benefits from various government tax credit programs.

Eco-Friendly Solutions: Steel is one of the most recycled materials on earth. It can be reused countless times without losing strength or durability. This reduces the need to produce new steel, reducing the carbon footprint.

2. Barn Conversion Options

You can transform your metal farm barns into a new building tailored to your specific needs. For example, a metal shed can be renovated into a workshop, storage unit, loafing shed, or simply an outdoor storage for everyday tools and supplies.

You can add insulation or upgrade the previous one to create cold storage and keep crops, grains, vegetables, fruits, herbs, and other perishable items safe from weather, moisture, and pests while maintaining their quality for good revenue in the future.

Another possibility is to add a lean-to as an extension to a metal Seneca barn and use it as a temporary shelter for livestock, additional storage for ATVs or UTVs, or to keep tractors’ attachments. 

3. Practical Applications Of Metal Barn Buildings

Most metal buildings are used for horse stable, barns for hay storage, or parking tractors. But is there any use for steel barns beyond traditional agriculture? Let’s find out.

Tips For Farm & Ranch Owners Considering Steel Barns

Choose Right Type Of Metal: Also, make sure to choose the right size for custom steel barns. A large barn will just take up space, while a smaller one might not be of much use and feel cluttered quickly. 

Budgeting And Planning: Set a realistic budget for the farm barn. You can research online about size, height, barn design, and their price. When comparing prices, take care of what is included in the quote and the quality of the material. A 12-gauge steel frame will cost more but is more durable & stable than a 14-gauge.  

Building Codes And Permits: Always look at the building codes and zoning rules to know if there are any restrictions on size, height, materials, design, and setbacks. Once you have chosen a farm barn design, request a blueprint, get a permit, and then order your building. Any changes will be easy to make on paper.

Maintenance Tips: Some of the best tips for metal barn maintenance are scheduling regular checks, inspecting the roof, removing snow (if any), timely cleaning, and annual insulation checks. These will ensure the smooth functioning & longevity of the barn.

Good Ventilation: Aim for better ventilation by carefully placing windows in the barn. You can opt for a Carolina barn with windows higher up near the roof for proper air circulation and natural lights. This will reduce the need for artificial lights during the day and make the barn comfortable for livestock and workers.

Modernize Your Farm With Durable Steel Barn

As agriculture evolves, farmers and ranchers are seeking smarter and more efficient solutions for their everyday operations that save time and money and offer long-term durability. A prefab metal barn provides versatile and low maintenance space, making it a cost-effective and excellent investment, whether it is about sheltering livestock, protecting farm gear, or for harvest storage. If you are too looking for a custom barn for your farm, call us at (704) 579-6966 today and get a free personalized quote.