Why Farmers, Horse Owners, & Ranchers In USA Prefer Metal Barns

Horse owners, farmers, and ranchers in the United States are increasingly investing in barn structures to safely store their cattle, horses, and grains without burning a hole in their pockets. While there are several barn structures, many of them prefer metal barns, wondering why!

Essentially, these steel barns use beams for roofs and vertical posts. Their strength makes them highly viable for massive structures spanning over 100 feet. It can be highly beneficial for farmers, ranchers, and horse owners to utilize these metal structures as a multi-functional unit.

Why Steel Barns Stand Out for American Ranchers & Farmers

• Cold Storage: Metal barns are ideal for storing fresh fruits, vegetables, dairy, or meat products. They can be converted into cold storage with temperature controls.
• Storing Hay And Feed: Steel structures resist pests, rodents, and mold, protecting your crops and feed from damage.
• Shelter For Livestock: Metal barn buildings also provide shelter and protect animals from adverse environmental conditions and predators.
• Loafing Sheds: These open-front metal shelters are not only comfortable but also secure. Farmers, ranchers, and horse owners can use them to offer a low-maintenance and durable home for their livestock and meet demands for modern farming and animal husbandry.
• Storing Equipment: Farmers and ranchers store expensive equipment in metal barns to prevent theft and environmental damage. Steel barn buildings can protect small and big equipment, such as combines and tractors, from potential damage and prolong their lifespan.
• Steel Farmhouses: With proper insulation, electricity, plumbing, and drywall fittings, the metal farm buildings can be converted into guest quarters and farmhouses.
• Riding Arenas: A clear-span metal structure with no internal support columns is perfect for customization as a riding arena. The size can be designed to incorporate all the riding facility essentials, including seating areas and hay storage.

Why Choose Metal Barns Instead Of Traditional Ones?

High Durability & Longevity

Structural steel has more tensile strength and is 25 times stronger than wood. It is also a lightweight and dense material. These properties make it easy to ship, carry around the construction site, and bear more load than conventional materials. Being lightweight, steel barn buildings require less deep foundation, saving site preparation costs. Additionally, Steel takes less space than timber, so farmers get more area out of available square footage.

Cost Effective

Prefab metal agricultural buildings are mass-produced in factories. Hence, they are easy to assemble and require less labor. On average, it takes half the labor and time to install a prefab metal barn compared to a wooden barn even if it is customized as per your need. So, custom steel barns add value to your property, helping farmers start operations early to generate profit.

Low Maintenance Structures

Agricultural steel buildings demand less upkeep. Their dense and non-porous properties make them resistant to moisture absorption. So, farmers don’t need to spend money on frequent repairs or replacements. Metal barn buildings do not host free housing from termite colonies. That saves farmers from regular termite inspection and control. There is no need to re-paint or re-coat annually to maintain the shine of a metal barn.

Energy Efficient Design

Proper R-value insulator helps regulate indoor temperature. The vent system sends the foul and warm air out and brings in the fresh breeze of air. This lets the HAVC system work efficiently. Natural vents like ridge vents and windows bring natural light and reduce the need for artificial lights in the morning. Farmers can save on energy bills and take advantage of American tax credits.

Sustainable Farm Buildings

Structural steel is 100% recyclable. It can be reused endlessly without losing its strength and durability. The chances of steel ending up in landfills are next to zero. At the end of the steel farm barn’s life, farmers can recycle it. Nowadays, over 90% of the water used for steel production is returned to its source cleaner. Farmers and ranchers can easily apply for LEED certification with a steel agricultural barn, making it the best choice for livestock farming.

Weather Resistant

On the one hand, wood can barely tolerate speedy wind and snow loads and absorb moisture from rain. On the other hand, certified steel barn structures can withstand up to 180 miles per hour of wind speed and up to 80 pounds per sq. ft. of snow load. Structural steel barn will stand firm against harsh weather conditions, protecting crops, livestock, and farm tools.

Possible Customizations In Steel Barn Buildings

Size

This depends on what you intend to use the barn for. The standard size of barns varies from 30 to 300 feet wide, 30 to over 500 feet long, and 8 to 40 feet in height. You can even choose prefab metal barn structures with no internal columns or walls for an open floor plan. With metal, the size limit depends on land availability, your budget, and local building codes.

Roof Style

You can choose from various barn roof styles, from vertical to boxed eave to continuous. These roofs can also be customized in a different color than the barn’s. It is vital to choose the right roof, keeping the climate of the barn site in mind. For instance, a vertical metal roof is suitable for harsh weather conditions.

Color

Prefab metal barns can be customized in over 12 types of colors, meeting your aesthetic preferences. Metal barns also offer the flexibility of two-tone painting of the structure. For a moderate tropical climate, choose light colors as they reflect sun rays, keeping indoors cooler than the surrounding area and vice versa.

Doors & Windows

Metal barn structures can be installed with different types of doors, including roll-up, sliding, walk-in, and overhead sectional doors. The height of the door should also be customized as per the requirement. You can also design window placement strategically to let air and natural light in.

What To Consider Before Buying A Metal Barn Structure?

• Purpose: It is essential to know beforehand what you are buying a metal barn building for, whether for livestock, equipment storage, or hay storage. This will affect the personalization you seek in these barn structures, along with the installation of shelves and cabinets.
• Budget: It is advisable to sort out the budget beforehand to build a barn that meets your requirements, including the initial barn payments and the maintenance costs. You can save extra by checking out metal barns for sale online. Many metal building dealers update their social media handles and websites about offers and discounts.
• Codes And Permits: Check for local zoning regulations and codes to ensure compliance. Also, check for all the permits required for a hassle-free installation.
• Barn Type: You should also research the type of barn that best suits your needs—is it a side-entry metal barn or a clear-span barn? You can pick a Carolina metal barn for livestock shelter with wide raised aisle space for proper feeding & cleaning. For storing hay bales, you can choose a Seneca metal barn with a continuous roof style.
• Insulation And Ventilation: You can install insulators such as double bubble, woven R17, or fiberglass to regulate temperature. It will provide comfort to animals and farm workers. The size and barn structure can determine adequate ventilation and insulation coatings.
• Safety: The metal barns are non-combustible and can further have a fire-resistant coating to withstand fire for up to four hours. Moreover, farmers can add secure locking mechanisms and alarm systems to increase security for their farm animals.
• Location Matters: Ensure the site has proper access to roads, driveways, and other utilities. It should also have a proper drainage facility.

All Under One Roof

Metal barn buildings have multiple applications, which makes them perfect for farmers, ranchers, and horse owners in the USA. These barns can also incorporate a wide array of customizations and technological integration for their optimum utilization. For agricultural purposes, these farms can be modified for storage or livestock protection purposes.

You can, too, get metal barns for your farm by calling us at (704) 579-6966. They can also evolve to host horses and other animals in utmost comfort. Steel barn buildings should be built after considering safety, budget, and purpose. Along with being weather resistant, they are also durable and long-lasting, which makes them worth an investment for the future.