Metal Buildings Vs Pole Barns: What is the Better Choice?
The pole barn has been a symbol of family history for most legacy farmers. As the older generations of farmers fade and new one’s spring up with innovative farming equipment, it has brought about a change for better building structures. Nowadays, farmers prefer metal buildings instead of wooden pole barns due to a host of reasons, which we are going to share below.
While wooden pole barns have its advantages, the benefits offered by metal farm and storage buildings make them the perfect choice for storing feed and livestock. At Keen’s Buildings, we are renowned for our superior quality metal barns and steel storage buildings in Florida and have listed some of the reasons why you should consider metal barns instead of pole barns.
1. The Pros and Cons
The biggest advantage of a metal barn over a wooden one is the availability and cost of materials. The biggest concern here is the durability of these materials, since wooden poles are buried into the ground, they will decay and rot with time. This compromises the stability of the structure. Wood also has a tendency to crack, bend, and warp with time.
There is also the durability factor of metal buildings and storage shelters, since these structures are immune to rot, cracking, and warping over time. Metal buildings and structures don’t change position over time, since they are built on a solid concrete foundation. The steel is also resistant to fire, pests, decay, rot, mildew, and mold, while metal buildings can withstand all weather conditions.
2. Construction Materials
Metal barns and pole barns are similar in construction and design, with the only difference being that wooden pole barns uses wooden support structures. The poles are buried in the ground and support the roof and walls. On the other hand, a metal barn has steel columns to support the structure, which will be anchored to a concrete foundation that supports the entire building.
3. Cost, Over time
Most people prefer wooden pole barns, since they are less expensive than metal barns upfront. However, choosing wooden barns becomes an expensive proposition with time. If you want long-term cost benefits, then you should consider a metal barn over a wooden one. It will not only last longer, but require less maintenance as well. There is also the expansion possibility that you get with a metal barn, which costs significantly less than expanding a wooden pole barn.
Winner: Metal Pole Barns
Metal pole barns and steel storage buildings are gaining popularity all over Florida, as they provide a great way to house livestock, store equipment, and use as a workshop or warehouse. The advantages and long-term cost benefits of metal barns make them a compelling choice. If you are planning on constructing a barn or storage shelter on your property, you should only choose metal and steel buildings.