When driving our cars, using the washing machine, or enjoying a football game in a stadium, we aren’t paying much attention to the materials used to make this possible. Over 50% of the world’s steel is used in construction, with houses, skyscrapers, and schools making up that majority.
Steel is affordable, versatile, and available, making it a prime choice over wood or engineered timber for projects like agricultural buildings, which need to stand the test of time. Exposure to the elements, the need for space, and durability are all reasons why using metal in farm buildings is accelerating the agricultural building industry.
If you intend to use steel for agricultural buildings, read on about why this is the best choice and how to make it work for you.
Steel Is Durable
Steel-framed buildings have been replacing their wood-framed agricultural counterparts for decades. Wood can rot in humid temperatures, even if treated. It’s also prone to attack by termites or carpenter ants. It is also more likely to decay if it is in constant contact with the ground and vulnerable to fire.
Steel does not rot or warp, even in high humidity areas. It’s not affected by insects and is non-combustible.
Steel is also ductile, performing well during earthquakes or extreme storms, as it can dissipate energy during these natural disasters. The beams may bend, but they won’t crack or shatter.
Agricultural Buildings Need Space
Unlike pole barns, which need columns or support beams to hold up the structure, metal farm buildings use a clear span design. This means that they can encompass large distances without having to use interior columns.
Steel takes up less space than wood, allowing for a sleeker design, and more usable room on the interior.
Utilizing a clear span helps with space issues previous designs had. They can be built higher and wider, allowing storage of large agricultural equipment and supplies, as well as moving livestock.
You can customize your initial sale if you know exactly what you will use it for. If you need more space, steel buildings also have room to expand by purchasing more building kits.
Building With Steel Is Cost-Effective
Off-site production of the steel used in metal agricultural buildings reduces construction waste and on-site labor, both of which are a large part of the final cost of a building. Using a prefabricated building also shortens the construction time, which saves you money as well.
Composed of iron and carbon, steel is recyclable. This reused material is just as strong and durable and results in a lower cost for the finished product.
From start to finish, a prefabricated steel building takes less construction time, which allows you to use the building faster and begin generating revenue from it.
Steel Is the Real Deal
Now that you’ve laid to rest all your doubts about using steel in the construction of your agricultural buildings, it’s time to start assembly. Enjoy your durable structure and large spaces for years to come.
To stay up-to-date with all the latest building trends, be sure to check out more articles in our Home Improvement section.