For farmers and ranchers, choosing between different styles, types, and materials of livestock shelter can be a daunting task. After all, they don’t want to spend much time on the upkeep of the shelter. However, farmers get the best bang for their buck with metal livestock barns. Have a look at the ten advantages of investing in steel livestock shelters for your farm or ranch.
Most parts of a metal structure are prefabricated in the factory. At the construction site, they are quick to install and do not require intensive labor. The assembly process takes less time, and your livestock barn buildings are ready to use within a few days.
The simple design of the building takes less time and manpower.
The initial cost of a steel building may seem higher than traditional ones, but it pays for itself in the long run. Steel is 25 times stronger than wood, and hence, it has a high load-bearing capacity. You can install solar panels on top of livestock shelters or choose a larger interior space without too many obstructing columns.
Structural steel is a lightweight yet dense material. Hence, you don’t need to do intensive site preparation and lay a deeper foundation (which would be in the case of the wooded barn).
Many insurance companies know the benefits and durability of a steel livestock building. That’s why you can enjoy up to 30 to 40% less on premium.
Steel frames and side walls are non-porous and dense. They do not absorb moisture from the air or from changing seasons. Your steel livestock barn won’t rot or decay with time. Once installed correctly, a metal barn for livestock will require less cleaning and upkeep than traditional ones.
With metal livestock barns, you don’t have to worry about spending money on frequent repairs or roof or side panel replacements. Regular checks and monitoring of the roof and seams will ensure the barn lasts long. It needs annual cleaning with a power washer at the lowest setting.
We suggest opting for a professional installation team to boost the metal structure’s longevity and durability.
Quality steel livestock shelters can withstand harsh weather conditions easily. From high-pitch roofs to aid snowfall to insulated panels to beat the heat, metal barns possess excellent resistance to changing weather. And that’s not it! You can also get engineer-certified steel buildings with wind and snow ratings.
Some of the most common personalization for livestock barn buildings are:
Lean-To: These are permanent metal awnings attached to either side of a steel barn. It can be used to store farm tools and equipment or to create a loafing shed.
Color: Choose a light-colored roof to reflect intense UV rays and keep the interior cooler than the surrounding area. You can also opt for reflective paints. To keep the interior warm, opt for a dark-colored roof and side wall panels.
You can match the color of your barn building with existing buildings for a cohesive look.
Clear-Span: These designs use side columns, rafters, and connecting haunches. The interior is free from supporting columns and walls. A clear-span steel building gives you maximum space for the available square footage.
Steel Frame: Frames are the skeleton of the structure. A 14-gauge steel frame is the industry standard and is used for small to medium-sized buildings. However, for large structures and robust builds, you can opt for 12-gauge steel, which can bear more load.
Roof Style: A livestock barn can have a regular, horizontal (boxed eave) or vertical roofing style. All these are made using corrugated panels. The corrugated vertical panels require less cleaning and are most durable.
Foundation: The level ground is suitable for horses and cattle as it provides cushion. However, you need to relevel it often. Otherwise, you can opt for a gravel or concrete slab/ pier base for durability.
Livestock Barn Design: You can opt for open-style barns (roof-only), partially closed (closed front and back gable ends and partially covered side walls), or fully enclosed animals' shelters. Choose the design according to local authority regulations and climatic conditions.
Livestock metal shelters will stay put throughout the year without showing signs of distress or wear out, boosting your return on investment. A wooden barn, on the other hand, will require a lot of time, effort, and polishing to retain its shine.
Metals are impervious to termites, rodents, and insects. Like mice or rats, rodents can’t chew through the panels to enter. Hence, you can rest assured your feeds and hay stacks are safe. Also, insects and rodents can bring with them viral diseases that can deter animal’s health and decrease farm productivity.
All metal structures are non-combustible. You can add a fireproof coating (such as intumescent, vermiculite, etc.) to steel to increase fire resistance for up to four hours.
Insulating just your livestock shelter’s roof will reduce the heat loss by up to 25%. The job of insulation on a steel farm barn is to regulate temperature and reduce moisture and humidity. You can add windows for horses and cattle to get some fresh air.
Structural steel is 98% recycled and 100% recyclable material. So, the chances of ending up in the landfill are next to zero. Also, steel is a global commodity, so you can scrap and sell it for some cash by the end of your barn's life.
Some metals are resistant to fungal and bacterial growth, which helps create a healthy environment for animals.
The construction industry has recently been enhanced with new technology integration and innovative designs, such as roof style, color combination, and material quality. You can opt for 100% galvanized steel livestock shelters, which protect the steel structure from rust and corrosion. For durable, pest, and fire-resistant livestock housing, steel buildings are becoming a go-to choice for farms and ranches.
