In the last few decades, technology has evolved a lot and hence blessed humanity with advanced tools/gadgets that lessen their efforts and boost their productivity. Advancement has made it possible to grow production at a significant level in the farming industry.
FACT: Technological developments in agriculture resulted in decreasing of the amount of land and labor used in farming. Furthermore, total farm output nearly tripled between 1948 and 2017.
With the increase in production comes the need for big-sized farm buildings to store the grains, haystacks for livestock, and farming equipment. Educated farmers nowadays rely more on prefab agricultural buildings to protect their production, livestock, farming vehicles from weather troubles and vandalism. Still, many farmers rely on wood structures to meet their basic needs.
The biggest question that strikes every new buyer is how a custom steel barn can serve you better than conventional stick barns. Below listed are the strong reasons behind the selection of metal farm buildings.
1. Clearspan Space: As mentioned earlier, production has increased to multiple counts in the past few decades. This results in demand for bigger structures and metal buildings, the only option for such needs. Metal farm structures can be wider up to 480’-width without internal columns. Furthermore, these structures can reach up to 42’ height. In short, you get a vast yet 100% usable space for all your farm-related needs.
2. Zero Rotting: Steel buildings are free from rotting, common in timber barns. With time, rotting results in wood deterioration, causing massive damage to your structure and essentials.
3. Strong Foundation: With steel farm structures, you get the option to choose from four foundation options (gravel, sand, asphalt, and concrete). Based on the foundation, sustainable and durable anchors are used to ensure your structure sticks tightly with the ground. More often, concrete slabs are recommended for farm buildings that are installed with concrete bolts.
4. Waterproof Structure: For whatever purpose you want a steel farm building, waterproofing is the basic necessity. For such needs, metal buildings give you a great advantage with insulation. Correctly installed steel structures forbid water and moisture to enter your structure and cause any damage to your valuables. With the right sealants, eave closure strips, water leakage is prevented.
5. Low Insurance Premium: Most farmers prefer securing their agricultural structure with insurance. You get a low premium amount for a steel building compared to a wood barn. The reason is that wood is prone to fire, pests, termites, and other natural hazards. Whereas steel is completely safe from such troubles, offering a high-grade structure. These steel traits make it a low-premium option over other alternatives.
6. Protected from Lightning: Lightning strike has a major impact on the timber barns. It is the primary cause of damage to wood barns, affecting your crops and other valuables. Steel, however, is a good conductor of electricity. Hence, the current travels the ground without causing damages to your building and stored essentials.
7. Pests/Termites Resistant: Pests, wood ants, and termites are among the biggest threats to wood structures. Once pests attack your timber barn, your crop can’t stay protected.
FACT: The largest subterranean termite colonies eat about a pound of wood per day.
Hence, wood barn owners always have the threat of wood ants, pests, and termites. However, the metal agricultural building is entirely resistant to termites and pests, adding protection to your crops, valuables, and farming equipment.
8. Less Maintenance Required: Maintenance is necessary to keep your barn in good condition and retain its longevity. Wood barns require frequent maintenance & repairs as they get damaged by pests, ants, termites. On the other hand, steel structures can only have dents, paint peel off, or cracks that are easy and budget-friendly to repair.
9. Easy Expansion: The future is unpredictable, and hence most farmers start with a small metal farm building. However, they plan to expand it further in the future. Steel buildings leverage hassle-free expansion without compromising the complete structure’s strength and durability.
10. Environment Friendly: Farmers and ranchers are always environment-conscious, and that’s why they always look for an environment-friendly structure. The metal farm building is the perfect option as it encourages the use of recycled steel. Further, it discourages deforestation, taking a step forward towards environmental protection.
11. Quick Installation: You don’t have to wait for long if you plan to install a prefab steel barn on your land. Metal barns are delivered in prefabricated components that only require onsite assembly at your doorstep. Additionally, a steel barn doesn’t require onsite drilling, cutting, or welding. Hence, you save time, investment, and manpower by selecting a prefab steel barn.
At Viking Barns, we have multiple barn structures that come with utmost protection from hazardous weather and provide premium shelter to your livestock, crops, and other farming machinery. If you are confused about the right barn selection, we can help you at (704)-579-6966.