In today’s world, where things are evolving at a pace never seen before, it is crucial to adapt new methods for evolving needs. An efficient yet practical storage solution is something everyone needs. Since the late 1990s, steel buildings have emerged as a primary choice for businesses. Be it railroads, bridges, manufacturing units, warehouses, or barns, steel has slowly started to become a top choice due to its endurance, strength, and resistance to elements. Let’s see some of the advantages steel barns offer for storage.
Why Are Steel Barns Best Long-Term Solution For Storage?
Durable Structures
A well-made metal structure can withstand snowfall, heavy rain, high-speed winds, lightning, and even seismic activities. Certified steel building designs can withstand tornadoes and hurricanes as well unless a direct hit. Metal has excellent tolerance to elements.
Being an inorganic material, it does not attract pests, termites, and rodents. That means your stored goods will be safe and sound. This is especially beneficial in the case of perishable goods such as food items.
Design Flexibility
Everyone has their own requirement. The best thing about steel is you can design it as wide as 300 ft. without using any internal support column. It can be as long as you want it to be. For large commercial storage, businesses need an open floor plan to use according to their needs.
Further, once designed, a steel barn can be easily repurposed for another use. You may be surprised to know that it is relatively easy to expand your metal barn with the help of removable support end walls. So, in the future, if you want more storage, you can expand it. You can also add a mezzanine floor to maximize the use of storage space.
Low Cost & Fast Assembly
A finished metal building costs between $10 to $25 per sq. ft. For more complex steel structures, the cost may rise up to $40 per sq. ft. In comparison, a standard wooden barn will cost between $25 to $65 per sq. ft. without HAVC integration. Thus, metal barns are clear winners here.
In addition to being cost-effective, metal structures are also fast and easy to assemble. The reason is that most of the raw materials are cut, designed, and drilled in the factory before being shipped to the construction site. Therefore, on-site, just the assembly part is needed. It reduces the time of construction and labor costs, and you can start using the building as early as possible.
Low Insurance
Steel is a non-combustible material. Hence, the chances of catching fire are extremely low. This helps you in two ways.
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Any fire outbreak can destroy a lot of storage items, especially if they catch fire quickly. If you are storing any perishable goods, they will burn and become useless for consumption. An insulated metal structure works best to keep fire in control and help stop the spread. So fewer items will be damaged in the event of a fire.
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The advantage of being fire-resistant is considered by insurance companies, too. That’s why you can get up to 30 to 40% less in insurance premiums. This will further reduce monthly operational costs.
Temperature Control
Steel is a good conductor of heat. However, storing perishable goods like food items and medicines requires maintaining a specific temperature. You have to follow the FDA food code, and failure to do so can lead to the wastage of a lot of items and loss of revenue. Insulation of metal barns can reduce the heat transfer from and to the building. This helps regulate indoor temperature easily. It further reduces pressure on the HAVC system to work. Hence, you get a lower energy bill.
Moreover, insulators alsoreduce condensation and moisture buildup. Thus, the chances of mold and mildew growth are next to zero.
Energy Saving
Metals are robust and maintain their structural integrity with time. They can bear more load than wood. So you can add solar panels with ease. Not only is it an eco-friendly choice, but it also reduces your dependency on the power grid.
Further, you can add ventilation and skylights that will increase daylight inside the storage unit. It will also maintain air circulation. This will decrease energy bills. Just ensure that vents are properly sealed from the sides and covered with steel fishnet (for windows) to avoid entry for rodents.
Easy & Low Upkeep
We understand that storage units hold a lot of inventory and logistics. You can’t empty it every month for maintenance. It will interrupt the workflow. That’s why we suggest metal barns as a storage solution.
These are easy to clean and do not demand high maintenance from you. For cleaning, you can sweep the indoor floor; for outdoors, you can use a garden hose or pressure washer.
Some Ideas For Using Metal Barns As A Storage:
Residential Storage
Many living quarters these days prefer a dedicated storage area. You can get a steel shed, a metal garden shed, or an ATV/ UTV shed for personal storage. You can also get a metal garage to keep your cars and install some storage units.
Examples: shed, storage unit, large vehicle parking with storage, etc.
Agricultural Storage
Many farmers need effective storage solutions for keeping their harvest, such as crops, grains, hay bales, etc. A steel farm barn is the best option for this, as it costs less over time and isn’t a very high-maintenance building. Metal barns can also be used to store farm tools, spare parts, and even farm machinery and vehicles.
Examples: hay & feed storage, crop storage, vehicle parking, dairy farm, livestock barn, etc.
Commercial Storage
A lot of businesses, from automobile, package food processing units, and e-commerce to pharmaceuticals, need efficient storage units for their products and goods. A certified and well-insulated steel barn is a good choice for their storage needs.
Examples: cold storage, keeping inventory, warehouses, manufacturing units, data centers, etc.
In Closing
If you are thinking of building a storage unit for agricultural or industrial, consider steel barns. They will turn out to be one of the best investment decisions you have taken. For personal use, too, depending on individual needs, you can get a steel shed, garage, utility carport, and even a metal barn.
Thus, reap the benefits of the distinctive features of a steel barn that it has to offer. Always check the metal dealer’s previous work, clients’ reviews, and feedback when buying. Opt for a package that includes foundation, shipping, and installation, along with a warranty against rust, panels, and workmanship.
