Five Benefits of Using Steel Buildings for Agricultural Structures

Ever since the Army surplus Quonset buildings started popping up all over the Midwest, steel buildings have been among the most popular options for use as agricultural structures. They make great storage sheds, granaries, barns, garages for equipment and animal shelters. As many farmers replace older wood structures, steel buildings are growing in popularity because of the many benefits they offer

Strong and Durable

Steel is the strongest commonly used construction material. It has a high tensile strength and can support larger loads than wood or concrete without the need for additional reinforcement. That means you need less material – and place less weight on the ground – when you choose a steel building for your barns or storage buildings.

Weather Resistant

The shape and construction methods used to erect steel buildings make them more flexible and durable than other types of construction. Not only are metal buildings stronger than wood or concrete buildings, their rounded dome construction means that they’ll withstand wind, storms and even floods better than other types of buildings. The arch construction used for most agricultural steel buildings is also ideal for high-snow areas because the roofs are designed to shed snow rather than letting it pile up and collapse the building. And since each steel building is engineered to meet local building codes and standards, you’re always assured of a structure that will stand up to the worst your region has to offer.

Easy Building

Engineered steel buildings are designed to be easy to erect – concept that’s certainly not foreign to farmers with a tradition of old-fashioned barn raisings. Every pre-engineered steel building arrives with everything you need to put it up, including fasteners and bolts. All you need to supply is a foundation, some labor and a few power tools. With a handful of helping hands and some experience in construction, you’ll be able to put up your own barns, garages or storage buildings in the space of a couple of afternoons.

Pest-Resistant

Anyone who has dealt with wooden barns knows that you can spend far more time than you have ridding the building of termites and other insect pests and repairing rotted joists and beams. Those are two problems you won’t have with steel buildings. Pests and vermin aren’t attracted to steel and can’t make a meal of it. Nor is wood attractive to mold and mildew.

Low Maintenance

Powder coated steel buildings retain their color and good looks for years longer than wood, vinyl or even metal siding. You won’t need to repaint it for decades, and it won’t crack in the sun or rust as long as you give it a good hosing a couple of times a year to remove any debris or dirt.

The biggest benefit of all, though, is the cost. Overall, steel buildings are the most cost-effective and affordable choice for utility structures. To learn more about the benefits of steel buildings, contact a broker or manufacturer with your questions.