Protecting Your Livestock: Why Metal Barns Are The Best Choice

Hands down, one of the best choices to protect your farm animals from elements and predators is none other than a livestock metal barn.  And here, we are going to tell you why! With sturdy construction and weather-resistant qualities, metal barns are built to tolerate elements and provide a safe haven for your animals all year around.

Choosing a livestock metal barn is a smart way to secure your farm animals from weather and predators. Metal barns are known for their strength against outdoor conditions and resistance to common pests, which make sure your animals are safe, healthy, and productive throughout the year. Let’s see why a livestock metal barn might be a better option for your farm.

6 Reasons Why Metal Livestock Barns Outshines Traditional Barns

Metal livestock barns are becoming more popular because they have several benefits over traditional wooden barns. Their ability to withstand harsh weather conditions and minimal upkeep requirements have made them a reliable choice for farmers and ranchers for sturdy housing for their farm animals. With superior strength and security, carolina metal barns are a wise investment for those seeking a reliable agricultural structure to shelter cattle or horses and store feed & hay with some tools.

1. Durability & Longevity Of A Steel Livestock Building

1.1 Higher Strength

Structural steel is 25 times stronger than wood. Moreover, it is dense and has higher tensile strength. So it can bear more load and pressure. Less material is required to create a metal barn structure. Metal livestock barn buildings are also lightweight compared to wood, so they need less deep foundations and less siding.

1.2 Corrosion Protection

100% galvanized steel is coated with molten zinc, which protects it from outside moisture, making it resistant to rust and corrosion. Steel livestock barns can be in 12 or 14-gauge frames with 24 or 26-gauge panels to provide maximum strength and longevity.

1.3 Fire Resistant

All metals are non-combustible by nature. With wildfire and drought becoming common due to changing weather patterns, fireproof coating for steel, such as intumescent, vermiculite, etc., can prolong steel to withstand fire outbreaks for four hours or more. This will give you enough time to vacate the barn and save all animals.

2. Resistance To Pests & Rotting Frames

2.1 Pest Proof

Unlike wood, metal is inorganic and does not harbor termite colonies or insects to live and breed. Dense material does not allow rodents to chew through the panels and enter. This saves hay & feed from being invaded. Your livestock are safe from pathogens that can infect them and cause health & respiratory issues.

2.2 Weather Resistant

Farmers constantly worry about storms and their impact on barns. Well, with sturdy metal livestock barns, they can rest assured that livestock are safe from scorching UV rays, heavy rainfall, hail storms, and snow during winters. Metal barns are ideal for all-weather protection of livestock and farm storage needs. Certified steel barn buildings can withstand up to 180 miles per hour of wind speed and 80 pounds per sq. ft. of snow load.

What Temperature Should You Keep Livestock In The Barn?

The answer may vary with the type of animal you want to shelter, but for most barns, the ideal temperature is 60 ℉ to 70 ℉. You can ask about engineer-certified steel structures if you live in an area prone to climate disasters.

2.3 Superior Material

Metal is non-porous, so it does not absorb moisture content from air or due to changing seasons. Farmers don’t need frequent fixing for rotting or decaying panels, unlike wooden barns. This makes metal farm barns superior to other traditional materials.

What Livestock To Keep In A Barn?

You can customize a steel barn building to shelter cattle, horses, goats, sheep, swine, broilers, etc.

3. Steel Livestock Building Is Cost Effective For Farmers

3.1 Quick Setup

Prefab metal barns are mass-produced in the factory. They are easy to assemble and take less time and labor. Farmers can start using metal hay buildings early to generate profit. Usually, a metal structure will take half the time and labor compared to a wooden farm barn.

3.2 Energy-Efficient

With multiple insulation options, farmers can regulate the temperature inside a metal barn to the comfort level of cattle or horses. Additionally, one can add vents and incorporate natural lighting features inside a livestock metal barn. This will reduce energy consumption and let the HVAC system work effectively. We offer affordable insulation such as single/ double bubble and woven R17 for metal buildings.

3.3 Long-Term Cost Savings

Most insurance companies are aware of the durability of a steel building. That’s why farmers may enjoy up to 30 to 40% less on insurance premiums. Not only that, but many government programs also let farmers earn tax credits on their metal farm structures.

4. Customization Options For Metal Barns To Suit Farm Needs

4.1 Custom To Fit Needs

You can opt for a wide aisle carolina metal barn, an A-frame continuous metal Serena barn, or a clear span commercial steel building for agribusiness with no internal columns or walls. Other features may include custom roof design, additional lean-tos, doors, windows, and color for the roof, trim, side walls, and wainscot.

4.2 Expandable Structures

Ask your metal building dealer to provide you with removable end walls if you are thinking of expanding the metal structure later. You can add more side wall panels and reinstall end walls to increase the length without going through the entire construction phase again.

4.3 Multiple Uses

Livestock metal barns may seem something very specific to farms, but they are versatile buildings that find applications in retail, industrial, and manufacturing sectors.

5. Metal Livestock Barns Are Easy To Clean & Maintain

5.1 Minimal Upkeep

Farmers save money on pests and termite inspection and control. Metal frames don’t bend, twist, rot, decay, warp, or crack due to changing seasons. Hence, metal livestock barn buildings don’t need frequent repairs either. Corrugated vertical roof metal barns demand less cleaning and are the most durable. And, metal buildings do not need annual re-painting or re-coating. All this keeps the maintenance cost low.

5.2 Easy Cleaning

To clean a metal structure, you can use warm water and mild soap. Scrape off any bird droppings or stains on wall and roof panels with the help of a soft bristle brush. With wide aisle Carolina metal barns, farm workers can easily feed and clean livestock shelters.

Avoid using harsh detergents or abrasive cleansers, which can remove the paint or protective layer from the steel. Metal barns can be cleaned once or twice a year.

6. Environmental Benefits Of Metal Over Wood For Barns

6.1 Reusable

Structural steel is 100% recyclable and 98% recycled each year. Once produced, steel can be used endless times without ending up in a landfill. Over 90% of the water used for steel production is now being returned to its source cleaner.

6.2 Eco-Friendly

Metal barns do not emit any toxic VOCs over time. They are a healthy alternative to wooden barns, where farmers can incorporate natural lighting and greenery. Metal buildings can also get LEED certification which will further help reduce taxes.

Safeguard Your Livestock With Viking Barns

Whether you are housing cattle, horses, or chickens, investing in a metal barn is a wise decision that will give you peace of mind, knowing that all livestock are secure from any harm. So, don’t settle for anything less than the best. Call (704) 579-6966 and choose your custom metal barn today!