By Metal Buildings • Steel Buildings • Storage Barn 0 Comments

Reasons you should Choose a Steel Barn Versus a Pole Barn

The decision to build a barn is not one to be taken lightly. One of the decisions you’ll have to face early on is the type of barn you want to build. Generally, when building a barn, you’ll find yourself with one of two choices, the traditional pole barn or the steel barn.

If you find yourself unsure of which is better allow us to present five reasons you should select a steel barn over a pole barn.

Long term cost effectiveness

While a wooden pole barn may seem like the cheaper of the two options when paired with a steel building the upkeep suggests a different truth altogether. Wood is susceptible to many damaging factors that could easily rake up costly repairs. Steel is immune to many of the negative attributes that plague wooded structures. Termites, rot, warping, water damage, and fire are all things that can damage your wooden structure, compromising it entirely, steel, on the other hand, has no such weakness.

a steel barn will pay for itself in the costs of maintenance you would have to pay if you opted for a wooden pole barn.

Safety

Due to the fragile nature of wood safety is easily compromised. When being used to house your valuable investments or livestock steel is a much safer option as it is impervious to rain and does not damage as easily as wooden structures do. Steel buildings have relatively easy upkeep and don’t require the same time and attention as wooden structures. Pool barns also tend to sink into the ground over time (particularly when built on soft soil or areas with heavy rainfall).

Easily customizable

If you require more space or need to make any alterations, a steel building is far more flexible to change than a wooden one. Here at Keen’s Buildings, we have a multitude of specialized and custom steel structures for you to choose from. We also allow you to customize your building. You can add as many windows and doors as your heart desires.

Having trouble covering the cost of your steel building? We have payment plans so you can get your steel barn and not worry about having to pay it all at once. For more information about the services we provide or our payment options call us today!

By Metal Buildings • Metal Storage Buildings • Steel Buildings • Storage Barn • Storage Buildings 0 Comments

Keen’s Buildings: Metal Buildings for Farming and Agriculture

Metal Buildings are often preferred to wooden ones for agricultural and farming for many reasons. Steel buildings are very durable and will help protect your farming equipment, livestock, and produce. Selecting the type of structure, you want is just part of the equation, there are still a variety of factors to consider when you are planning to have a metal building built on your property. The first question you’ll need to answer is the purpose of your building. The purpose of the building will help determine other factors, such as the amount of space you need.

 

 A metal building for equipment storage

Your equipment will last much longer when protected from the elements. Rain, snow, and heat can all damage machinery and other equipment. Furthermore, because you’ll have a single location to keep all of your equipment it will help you stay organized. Space and location are two significant factors for your metal building. You’ll want the building to be far enough away so that your household is not disturbed by the sound of the machinery, but close enough for you to be able to react to theft or tampering attempts. Selecting durable tamper-resistant locks for all entrances into the building has been shown to discourage thievery. You’ll also need to consider the amount of actual storage space you need. A good rule of thumb is to measure out the flooring and build around that. Keep in mind the area you’ll need for maneuvering as well.

 

A Metal Building for Livestock

When raising livestock, it’s essential to provide a safe and sturdy shelter for them to sleep and seek refuge from the elements. Unlike machinery and equipment living creatures require a bit more planning. Ventilation, space, and temperature control are all crucial to keeping animals safe and healthy. Ample space will reduce the spread of disease and prevent aggressive behavior. Ventilation ducts should be placed on the roof of the building to prevent ice build up on the roof. The size of the structure you have built will depend heavily on the type of livestock you keep.

 

A Metal Building for Fodder Storage

Keeping fodder for your animals is essential for most farms how the feed is stored can impact the amount of dry matter loss. Hay is a favorite food source for certain livestock. Unfortunately, it can get damp and rot, making the feed unusable in the process. Losing some hay will happen naturally; however, an optimized storage system can significantly reduce the amount of hay you’ll lose. You’ll want to select the materials you choose for your barn carefully. For example, avoid using gravel entirely for your flooring as it traps moisture and can destroy your hay. If possible, try to have a flooring with a slight slope so water that collects can drain. Additionally, a layer of cloth between the floor and hay can absorb some of the moisture that collects.

By Metal Buildings • Storage Barn 0 Comments

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.

 

By Metal Buildings • Metal Garages • Storage Barn • Storage Buildings 0 Comments

How to Get Rid of Mold in Your Horse Barn

Horse owners are familiar with the dangers of mold and how feeding moldy feed or hay to the horse can have serious repercussions on the health of the horse. However, did you know that wooden barns create ideal conditions for mold and mildew growth? If you want to ensure that your horse doesn’t come in contact with mold, then a metal barn is the best option for you.

Keen’s Buildings are the leading manufacturers of steel and metal storage buildings and structures in Florida. We have been serving horse owners and other clients with superior quality metal barns that are perfect for housing horses and storing their feed and hay.

What is mold?

Mold is a fungus that thrives on organic material and moisture, which allow it to breed and spread. Once a building has been infiltrated with mold, you will notice its presence due to an earthy, and musty odor, which smells like rotting leaves.

Health Impact of mold on horses

Molds and mildews can cause horses to develop detrimental health conditions and diseases. One of such conditions is known as Stachybotrys and is also called toxic black mold. It can adversely affect humans as well, which is why it is imperative that you get a metal barn structure that is free from mold.

How moldy barns can lead to moldy food?

Toxic mold thrives in damp barn walls and can infect horse feed and hay that is stored inside, and since mold spreads it can grow rapidly. Even a small amount of mold in a barn can become a serious problem, since molds and mildews tend to grow quickly.

Preventing mold in your barn and shed

Mold is attracted to the moisture and oils of leather, which is why tack rooms are one of the first places where mold will grow. It is essential to keep the tack room completely dry and clean, and you should wipe and brush any surface that shows signs of mold growth with white vinegar to kill its growth.

Using bleach on barn ceilings, walls, and floors is another method, but the simplest solution of all is to purchase a steel and metal barn from Keen’s Buildings. So, why steel and metal barns? It is because steel is inorganic and metal buildings don’t support the ideal environment that is required for fungus, mold, or mildew growth.

You must also ensure that your barn has proper ventilation, so that any dampness in the barn doesn’t remain inside. Keen’s Buildings have a selection of metal and steel horse barns in Florida, which are great for horse owners and ranchers looking for the ideal housing structure for their horses and their feed.

By Metal Buildings • Steel Buildings • Storage Barn 0 Comments

Why Metal and Steel Farm Buildings Are Perfect for Livestock and Storage

There are several reasons why metal and steel farm buildings are a great choice for storing supplies and housing livestock. Farmers and ranchers are always looking for better facilities that drive down their costs and improve their business practices. Metal and steel farm buildings are popular in Florida, as they are easier to maintain, more durable, and more affordable than other options.

Metal and steel buildings are becoming the standard in the agricultural industry because they offer protection from the environment, can be constructed quickly, and are affordable. Agricultural and livestock farmers in the United States are choosing metal and steel farm buildings because they get protection from vandals, pests, fire, storm damage and high winds. Metal storage sheds also require minimal maintenance and offer better returns on investment.

Farm buildings have been around for years, and they will continue to be around for several years. The only difference is that farm structures are more durable and long-lasting than before, and metal farm buildings in Florida have become even more affordable with Keen’s Buildings. Here are some of the reasons why they should be your choice as well:

1.      Can be customized to specific needs

All farmers and ranchers have unique and different needs for their farm building or barn. It doesn’t matter if you are a chicken farmer who wants to have temperature control in the building or a pig farmer who wants proper ventilation in the structure. A metal farm building can be customized to meet any type of farming needs.

You can get all types of customization with these metal buildings; trim and flashing, lean-to-frames, clear-span frames, insulation, roof accessories, wall accessories.

2.      Long lasting investment

In the past, barns and farm buildings were all built from wood, but even though they lasted a long time, Florida’s weather damaged them. This meant getting frequent repairs over the years, which can make wooden farm buildings an expensive investment. Metal farm buildings last longer than wooden ones, since metal is weather-resistant and can withstand severe weather conditions. It is also stronger and more resilient than wood, making it a good long-term investment.

3.      Space to store feed & product

Metal storage sheds and farm buildings will keep your animal feed safe from wild animals, water damage and the elements. You don’t need to worry about storing hay and straw warm and safe with a metal shed, since it will be well-covered with no threat of water leakage inside the building.

4.      Sheltered livestock

Farm animals can be safely sheltered indoors without worrying about frost bite during the winter months, ensuring that your livestock is in good health. Metal sheds also keep out predators that can easily get inside and hunt your livestock. You also decrease the chances of your livestock falling ill when they are stored in a metal shed. It can be easily insulated to keep your animals at a comfortable temperature, while you save money on heating and cooling costs.

If you are looking for more reasons for why metal and steel farm buildings are perfect for livestock and storage, get in touch with Keen’s Buildings, the leaders in metal and steel storage sheds throughout Florida.

By Metal Buildings • Storage Barn 0 Comments

The Reasons Farmers and Ranchers Prefer Metal Barns for Horses

Horse owners are responsible for providing their horses with the best possible conditions and living environment. For this purpose, farmers and ranchers invest in stables and barns for horses, but there are several other options available as well. The most popular choice among farmers and ranchers are metal barns for housing horses, mainly because they have it constructed to meet their needs and build a structure that will serve as your horse’s home for several years.

Most people will be thinking about wooden barns and stables for horses. However, there are infinite advantages of having metal barns and stables for horses. Here are some of them:

1.      Incredible durability

Horse owners, ranchers, and farmers are in it for the long haul, and want to have a proper structure built for horses that will keep them safe and comfortable for years. That is where metal barns and stables hold a clear advantage over wooden ones, since they have incredible durability. A metal barn doesn’t crack or warp with time, and the overall look of the structure will retain its integrity for years.

Investing in horses isn’t cheap, and preserving their health is of paramount importance. This is why you need to create a good living environment for them.

2.      Equine safety

A distinct advantage of metal barns for horses is that they offer a safe environment and can be built to be incredibly spacious and roomy, which isn’t possible with wooden structures. There are also no problems associated with weakening and leakage, as metal barns don’t get structural damage like wooden barns and stables. Furthermore, metal horse barns don’t get mold, which can be detrimental to the health of the horse.

3.      Fire safety

One of the main reasons why metal barns and stables are preferred over wooden ones is because of the fire safety afforded by metal storage buildings. Fire is always a concern with wooden structures, and if you’re storing horses, then metal structures are better in all aspects. It is also easier to get insurance for metal horse barns and stables compared to wooden ones.

4.      Minimal maintenance

Metal barns and stables don’t deteriorate over time, and age extremely well, while wooden barns and stables have a host of problems. There are no concerns about cracking and warping with metal barns or the need to replace wooden pieces or repainting the barn. Metal barns and stables need minimal maintenance. The great thing is that they won’t get damaged by inclement weather conditions.

5.      Cost factors

People who don’t have knowledge about metal barns and stables for horses will assume that wooden barns will be cheaper. However, it is the opposite, as the build cost for metal barns is lower than the cost of constructing a wooden barn. Metal barns also retain their look and aesthetics for a longer period, which means less cost for maintaining the building in the long-term.

These were some of the main reasons why farmers, horse owners, and ranchers in Florida prefer metal barns for horses instead of wooden ones. If you want to get a metal barn or metal stable for your horses, get in touch with Keen’s Buildings today.

By Metal Buildings • Outdoor Sheds • Storage Barn • Storage Buildings 0 Comments

Reasons to Invest in Metal Barns and Steel Structures for Livestock

When you’re investing in a structure or barn for your livestock, the smart choice is choosing a metal barn or steel structure. They make for a better choice when compared to traditional wood-framed pole barns, since pre-engineered steel barns require less maintenance have a better resale value. They are more durable, and last longer than traditional pole barns.

The metal barns and steel structures available from Keen’s Buildings can be used for an extensive range of purposes. They provide more benefits than any other construction material. Why choose steel structures for livestock? There are numerous advantages to this. Some of these include:

➢ Efficiency

One of the main reasons why you should invest in metal barns and steel structures for livestock is because of the quick assembly. Prefabricated metal buildings don’t take long to complete and are easier and faster to erect on your property as well. The welding, cutting, and drilling all takes place at the manufacturing site. Different components are sent to the construction site, where they get assembled. The quick assembly and construction times for metal barns and steel structures also makes these buildings cheaper than standard structures for livestock.

➢ Long-term cost savings

Another great advantage of prefabricated metal barns and steel structures is that they are more cost effective than normal buildings. These buildings are constructed with minimal delays, which are more common in standard construction. The assembly needs of these buildings are less than those of normal buildings, which is why they offer long-term cost savings. The labor costs are reduced, and these structures last for a long-time, ensuring you don’t need to spend much on their maintenance.

➢ Durability

Prefabricated metal buildings are extremely durable and are strong enough to withstand natural disasters and extreme weather events, like strong earthquakes, hurricanes, and heavy snowfall. The metal paneling of the structure is coated with aluminum compounds, which increase the life of the panels, and prevent rusting. These pre-engineered metal structures are non-combustible, which makes damage by fire unlikely. All these factors make metal barns and steel structures perfect for livestock, due to the outstanding durability offered by them.

➢ Insulation

One of the primary reasons why you should invest in prefabricated metal barns and steel structures for livestock is because of the insulation. The paneling is made to overlap, which ensures that everything is fitted together and doesn’t leave any openings. Hence, the building is easily insulated against any type of weather conditions outside. Therefore, your livestock will remain warm in the harsh cold of winter and be cooler in the summer. This helps cut down on your energy costs as well.

So, there you have it, all the reasons why you should invest in metal barns and steel structures for your livestock in Florida. Keen’s Buildings offers custom pre-fabricated metal barns and steel structures for livestock throughout Florida, so make the best choice today!