agricultural Steel Buildings

Economically and operationally, steel buildings make more and more sense with each passing day. The convenience and savings steel buildings offer are causing more and more farmers to slowly transition from wood to concrete structures.

This article will compare the structural properties of steel buildings and pole barns and examine the further advantages that steel buildings offer.

So without further ado, let’s go!

POLE BARNS AND STEEL BUILDINGS

Considering there is no wood involved in the structure of steel buildings, ground-to-wood contact is not an issue, eliminating the problem of wood rot. In addition, steel structures use a concrete foundation, leading to a more stable and reinforced frame. Also, the materials used in a pole barn (again, wood, for example) will trap odors and smells your livestock are bound to give off. Steel is also easier to clean.

Moreover, the way steel buildings are made and depending on your local building regulations, you do not need to install any additional framing for insulation purposes. You can insert plywood or sheetrock without making any further investments in fixtures and frames, saving you a lot of money in the process.


DURABILITY

It is an established fact of science that steel is a durable material, and any structure that is calculatedly made of such a material is bound to be more durable than steel in its raw or pre-fabricated form. This durability translates to a strong, and in some cases impenetrable, resistance to several elements, including fast winds, hard rains, hailstorms, pests such as termites, mildew, rot, and, best of all, fire.
If appropriately maintained, these structures can last for more than 70 years. Environmental wear and tear are minimal, and the material properties of the system allow it to take damage to one part without compromising the overall structural integrity.

SAFER OPTION FOR LIVESTOCK AS WELL AS EQUIPMENT

Extreme weather affects livestock as much as it affects humans. Regardless of what you raise, be it cows, pigs, sheep, or turkeys, agricultural steel buildings are a better option to safely house your animals. Even if you do not want to take a compassionate viewpoint, from an economic view, it makes more sense to opt for a safer and cost-efficient (explained below) method of housing.

The same applies to storing farm equipment, which tends to cost a lot of money. If you’ve invested so much time and money into building your business, would you not want to keep your assets (equipment and livestock) safe?

SAVINGS

A steel building will have a higher initial cost than a wood or concrete structure. However, it makes more fiscal sense to go with steel agricultural buildings in the long term. The durability factor explained above also translates to low maintenance costs. Steel won’t warp because of heavy rain; the hot sun and minor modifications require less labor and material. Furthermore, the safety factor translates to reduced expenses through lower insurance costs.