Modern farmers require several things to be successful. These include flexibility, durability and affordability. More than ever, they are choosing to build with pre-engineered steel building kits. They can be used both for barns and additional agricultural buildings and are quick to construct.
Why Choose Steel or Metal Barn Buildings Over Pole Barns?
There are several benefits to choosing to build with steel as opposed to deciding to construct a traditional pole barn.
The Structure
Traditionally, people preferred using pole barns for their farm buildings as they are easy to construct. They also can be built on different terrains and do not require a concrete foundation. However, your farm buildings are at risk once the ground moves or shifts. This can cause the barn to move, destabilizing the structure and leading to potential collapse.
Metal buildings are also easy to construct. The DIY kits are user-friendly and detailed, and all materials have been cut and drilled before they arrive. For simple projects, you can put up your farm buildings over the course of a few days. This saves you on time, labour, and ultimately, cost. Unlike traditional pole barns that are susceptible to decay, rot, and pests, steel structures are durable, reliable, and resistant to many damaging elements.
The Cost
Over the years, pole barns have gained popularity among farmers due to their reasonably affordable construction cost. However, when the cost of maintenance, including repairs, pest control, aesthetic improvements, and more, are considered, the long-term cost of a pole barn outweighs the initial cost of erecting a metal building. They also require minimal maintenance and are weather, mold, and pest resistant. Since they are also fire resistant, many insurance companies will give discounts on a policy. Consider your metal building as a one-time investment that will save you money and serve you for decades.
Available Space
Farmers require space for livestock and their equipment, which can be costly and needs to be protected. These can include tractors, trucks, trailers, pickers, combines, harvesters, graders and more. They require a lot of storage space, which can be hindered with wooden support columns and beams. These supports reduce the available interior space, while a metal barn is able to span large distances without the need for interior support columns. This makes it much easier to bring in and maneuver large pieces of equipment safely.
Assembly
Our steel barn kits are easy and quick to assemble. The instructions are simple, and all pieces are clearly labelled, making it ideal for individuals who are not professional builders. Every component is cut to length, all holes are drilled, and every piece is marked for easy assembly and identification. Pole barns, however, come as raw components that need to be cut and assembled by professionals.
Fewer Pieces, Stronger Structure
Compared to the pole barns, you require fewer pieces to erect a strong steel-framed structure. For arch structures, each assembled arch makes up the main component of the building. Straight wall buildings are made up of a series of columns and beams. Unlike pole barns which require 8-inch spacing in between poles, the steel columns can be spaced further apart.
Overall Benefits
It is evident choosing steel barns for your farm buildings is the smart choice, and the advantages far outweigh those of traditional pole barn structures. Choosing steel barns for your farm is investing in a stronger barn that will last you for generations.
Be sure to check how a steel barn and agricultural building can benefit you before you decide to build using another material. The prefabricated metal buildings available from Toro provide much more usable interior space than a traditional pole barn structure. They have clear-span interiors, allowing you to house more animals or store more equipment or harvested items without the disruption of interior columns. Wooden pole barns are also susceptible to things like pests, rot and fire where steel is not. In addition to this, steel is heavy-duty, allowing it to resist the elements better than a pole barn.
Inquire About our Steel Farm & Barn Buildings
The team at Toro knows the importance of keeping your farming equipment and livestock safe. This is why we ensure all of our structures are protected with a 40-year rust-free warranty and come with certified drawings. If you have any questions about building a steel farm building, we’re available to help you. For more information, reach out to us at 1-877-870-8676 or submit a request for a free online quote.
Also Read:
- 3 Ways Steel Barn Kits Make Farming Easier
- Why Prefabricated Steel Kits are Excellent for Farm Buildings
