Whenever we talk about barn structure, the first picture that comes to mind is of a wooden barn building located on a farm. For decades, wood was the primary construction material for barns structures in the USA. In the last few years, metal buildings are also generating hype in people’s minds.
Suppose you plan a barn structure for your property and feel confused between wooden and steel structures. You are here at the right place. A head-to-head comparison can provide a better overview of both structure types.
Metal Barns Vs. Steel Barns
You might want to consider these common factors for your barn structure.
Sound
People consider the thrumming sound of rain and mild hailstorm a distraction; it might also irritate livestock. It can be regarded as one of the key selling points of a barn structure. Wooden structures are much quiet and more comfortable than metal barn structures. You might feel thrumming sounds unusual in the metal buildings. It can also trigger abnormal behavior in farm animals during rain.
Using efficient insulation, you can prevent the thrumming sound in metal barn structures. High-quality insulation can reduce the intensity of sound to some extent. For the sound factor, conventional buildings have a clear edge over metal barn structures.
Insulation
Insulate steel and metal building types to prevent temperature and condensation-related issues. For temperature control and condensation prevention, the role of insulation is crucial. It is a savior factor for both traditional and modern steel barns.
Timber is a poor conductor of heat, and it can offer better protection against temperature issues. In both winter and summer, wooden structures effectively maintain a comfortable temperature inside the structure.
Metal barn owners might face issues related to temperature in extreme hot and cold weather conditions. As a conductor of heat, metal buildings are poor at handling temperatures. Even high-graded insulation in the metal building can provide a limited extent of protection related to temperature handling. The ability to prevent heat transfer provides a clear edge to wooden barn buildings.
Maintenance
There is no such thing as a perfect building; all buildings have some limitations. For example, factors like UV exposure, rain, snowfall, extreme heat, and severe weather conditions can affect the exterior of the structures. Some prevention measures are used for the buildings to get better protection against natural and man-made challenges.
Both metal and wooden structures need to be protected against extreme conditions. Paint and waterproofing coats are generally used for both structure types to prevent rot and improve the lifespan of the building.
Wooden structures are prone to seasonal damage, which can’t be contained in extreme weather conditions. Wooden structures are also prone to pests, rot, animals, and insects; these issues can reduce the lifespan of these structures. Maintenance and repair cost is also higher in the case of wooden structures.
A steel barn’s structure can last more than 40 years without repainting. Environmental resistance is a crucial benefit of steel structures over wooden structures. The maintenance process is relatively easier for steel structures. You can save maintenance costs by selecting metal buildings over time. As a long-term investment, prefab barn structures are a better choice.
Durability
Steel the most durable material in the construction industry. Durability is a major advantage of steel barn buildings. Durability can be explained as the ability of the structure to survive different weather conditions without severe damage.
Steel structures can withstand extreme conditions without getting damaged for years. Still, metal is prone to denting or scratches, but it is an efficient choice compared to wood. In terms of durability, wooden structures are not even close to steel structures.
Safety
For safety considerations, metal buildings could be a better choice for you. For safety and security concerns, metal barn buildings can offer better protection. You can keep your livestock and belongings safe by applying a locking feature in steel structures. As a weather-prone material, wooden structures cannot provide better protection against theft.
Appearance
People have different preferences when selecting a wooden or a steel barn. Some like to have a wooden structure appearance, and some prefer steel buildings with a clean finish. Appearance is more likely to consider as the curb appeal of the building.
Value
Various measures can be considered while evaluating the value of a building. Of all the measures, durability, maintenance cost, and appearance are crucial for a buyer. Steel barns have a clear edge over wooden structures in all these categories. Metal barn buildings are valued for money. In the long run, wooden barren is more expensive than prefab barn structures.
Flexibility
Flexibility is a critical factor in modern structures influencing people’s buying decisions. Customizable buildings have become the primary choice of individuals. Metal barns structures can be customized completely. According to your requirements, relevant changes can be imposed on the steel structures.
