Are you planning to build a barn but unsure of the best material to use for your structure? Well, if so, you’re not alone. Many homeowners often get overwhelmed when trying to choose between metal barns and wood buildings. Naturally, metal and wood are distinctively different materials, and they have their unique benefits and downfalls, which you must consider. Before you decide, there are other critical factors to consider, such as your budget, durability, strength, and maintenance cost.
Although wooden structures are attractive, they may not provide you with long-term benefits as steel buildings. Here are more advantages to choosing metal structures over traditional wood buildings that will help you make an informed decision.
Value
Regardless of the type of investment, you should always aim at getting the best value for your money. For that matter, metal buildings are incredibly valuable and can give you the highest return on investment. Moreover, compared to traditional wood structures, metal sheds are cheaper, energy-efficient, better for the environment, more durable, and easier to add to your existing property. They will also endure natural elements much better. Most importantly, they can add tremendous value to your home. Lastly, steel barns are easy to install and customize as they come in different sizes and shapes.
Maintenance
When it comes to construction, it is imperative to consider your long-term goals and on-going costs. Typically, wooden barns are not weather-friendly and can be susceptible to many things, including rotting, cracking, pests (termite) damage, mold, warping, and other problems that require a significant amount of maintenance. Worse, the wooden poles covered in the ground will shift or begin to decay with time, which can be harmful or costly to replace. On the other hand, metal buildings are relatively steady, can withstand natural disasters, and do not require painting, reducing your overall maintenance cost. Plus, their fabrication nature allows for easier expansion, which makes your work easier.
Weather Resistant
From hurricanes, tornadoes to earthquakes, you can count on metal to protect your property, depending on the design. Despite it being lightweight, metal is much stronger and secure than wood. Furthermore, weather elements cannot stretch steel, create dampness, soak it, or cause any form of weather damage. On the contrary, you will have to depend on your pocket to help wood structures survive extreme weather conditions. And this can be expensive in terms of labor and finances. So, if you’re not well-prepared, especially during rainy seasons, wood will eventually frustrate you.
Durability
One of the best features of metal is that it’s inherently durable, even on its own. And although both materials are built to last, wood is likely to suffer the most from temperature changes. Too much rain or sun can make the wood shrink or expand, leading to loss of strength or cracks. This can also cause more detrimental effects such as rotting, leaking, and dents, especially if it’s hailstorms. On the other hand, metal barns are made of galvanized steel, which allows them to endure extreme weather elements without sacrificing the barn’s structure and integrity.
Flexibility
Another great advantage of steel is that it’s flexible and provides tons of options for using it. You can use your barn to store personal items such as clothes, pictures, equipment like vehicles and tractors. Alternatively, it can provide a great storage solution and help you declutter your house, attic, or garage. You can also use your metal barn on the farm to keep animals like your horse and other livestock. Furthermore, metal is considered the most durable, customizable, and flexible material, so you can use it for just any function in your home without having to worry about its repair or maintenance.
Cleanliness
Like your house, keeping the barn clean and tidy is critical as it makes it look good and improves the overall curb appeal of your property. Moreover, if you use the barn to keep animals, making it clean can help keep your family and animals safe. With that in mind, a steel building is super easy to clean and often dry up quickly than wood. For better results, you can use a pressure washer along with the mild solution and give it a few hours to dry before you put your animals or items back to the barn. Unlike metal buildings, wooden barns are relatively complicated when cleaning. While the same cleaning technique can be applied, you may need to cover the interior areas with a sealer and waterproofing stain to prevent deterioration.
Customization
This is probably the most outstanding benefit of metal barns. Barns usually come in different shapes and sizes, easily customized to suit and compliment any home size or type. You can choose your preferred roof color, texture, and style, and incorporate any unique features to create something you’ll love now and in the days to come. You can also tailor every element to suit your specific requirements and style.