The Advantages of Metal Buildings for Agricultural Use

You must be wondering what use a metal building could be in a rustic, rough & tough area like agriculture. You would be amazed to know the abilities & perks of a metal barn, which remains shrouded from regular view.

Metal structures can be as large as you want them to be. Don’t believe us, have a look at the Boeing Factory in Everett, Washington. By volume, it is the largest metal structure on earth with three 300×1000 feet steel building sections. But why steel?

You see, traditional stick-built structures come with their limitations. A wood structure without interior support columns can’t be built on a large scale. But that’s not true for steel.

Why choose metal buildings for agricultural purposes?

Affordable

Metal structures are a blessing in disguise for farmers, ranchers & small businesses looking for expansion. They save money in the long run. Also, if you think wooden structures cost less, hold on to that thought. Let’s break down the cost

As you keep on increasing the size, the metal starts to get cheaper than wood. Steel buildings come pre-cut & pre-drilled. So, they just have to be shipped & assembled. Steel is solid, non-penetrable & resilient. This reduces the upkeep. It needs a protective layer coating to prevent rusting a few times a decade.

Resistant – Pest, Fire, Insect

First, let’s talk about pests – mainly termites. It costs $400 – $1000 per year to treat & monitor termites, according to Home Advisor. With steel, you will save the cost upfront. “Why?” you may ask – Simply because steel does not attract pests for feeding or nesting.

Up next, we have a fire. Although it can happen anywhere, a metal structure has a very high melting point. And with added insulators, the spread of fire will also be slower. Compared to that, wood is a combustible material with a low burning point.

And finally, we have – insects, molds & mildew. When a steel building is equipped with an insulator, it minimizes condensation. This, in turn, reduces moisture retention. It is the moisture that promotes the growth of fungi & mildew.

But what about insects? Hmm… trees are natural housing for many insects. So, it is natural for them to get attracted to a wood post or frame for living. That’s not the case with steel, though.

Clear Span Option 

One of the USPs of metal buildings is that they can be made column free. Yes, you read that right. No interior supporting post implies you get extra square footage. Also, you can design the interior space vis-à-vis your agribusiness or commercial plans.

Durable (easy to construct)

Farm storage typically houses perishable items such as crops, hay, and feed. A durable structure ensures these items are safe & sound. Metal sheets have a high strength-to-weight ratio. So they can withstand harsh weather treatments or intruding wild animals.

Metal does not rot or decay with time. So your building’s structural integrity won’t be compromised. However, metals get rusted if not coated every five to ten years.

With steel, you don’t have to fix nails & staplers every now and then. They remain firm in their designated places. A similar thing can’t be said about the wood.

Steel needs less frame for a robust structure. So, there is less load on the foundation when compared to the wood. Hence, your foundation will last longer.

Customizable

You can design your metal structure for expansion later. The end walls will be removed, and more metal side panels will be added to increase its length. It is easier to do renovation.

Energy-efficient

You won’t need an insulator for non-occupant steel buildings like storing hay, farm equipment, or other machinery. However, once you start using it for shelter, farm animals, or living purposes, you will need to install an insulator.

An insulator will aid temperature regulation. This will reduce the load on the HAVC system, thereby reducing your energy bills.

Eco conscious Option

Steel is 100% recyclable. And the bonus is – it does not lose its strength in that process. So, the same metal can be used over & over again. Metal structures are a sustainable option for those of you who do not want to contribute to saving the planet.

Tip: Since you stick with us till the end, here is a money saving tip. When you buy a metal building, you are buying weight. So, a design that weighs less will save you more money. It is cheaper to go for more length than width. Also, don’t delay; steel won’t get any cheaper with time. Keep a note of that next time you purchase a metal structure.

Many sides of metal buildings

We are aware that metal buildings are incredibly versatile. Following are the potential uses of a metal structure in agriculture & farming.

• It can be used as a traditional barn.
• You can use it for hay, crop, or feed storage.
• It can be used to shelter livestockor as a horse stable.
• It can be used to store farm vehicleslike heavy tractors, balers, plows, crop dusters, etc.
• It can be used for commercial purposes,g., dairy farming, retail offices, and manufacturing facilities.
• You can transform it into a living quarter– A barndominium.

To Cut a Long Story Short:

 For a structure with so much variety, you can close your eyes and choose a metal building for your property. As agriculture advances, so should you. By choosing a steel barn, you will contribute to the sustainability.

Farm machinery is expensive & quite an investment for farmers. Protecting it from environmental damage is very important. Spending less money on maintenance allows more funds to be allocated towards purchasing new livestock or machines that simplify the work. So, you can blindly go for an agricultural metal barn.