Steel barns are the way forward for any landowner or farmer who needs a secure building on their land. These metal structures are more advantageous than you might think, making them a wise investment. A well-designed custom steel barn gives you something perfect for you, your business, and even the local environment.
Are Steel Barns A Greener Choice?
Steel buildings are a popular choice because they are proven to be strong and effective storage solutions on any property. You can set them up with ease on a new piece of land or use them as a cost-effective way to replace an old, crumbling building. In no time, you can develop a more advantageous space that can keep whatever you need safe at all times. However, did you know that these steel barns are also a more environmentally friendly option? This may come as a shock when buying a pre-fabricated metal building like this. Perhaps you hadn’t even factored that in when choosing a new barn. However, many factors ensure that these barns really are the greenest option. Here’s what you need to know about eco-friendly steel barns.
1) They require less energy to create
When you get steel buildings, you’re getting a pre-fabricated structure that doesn’t require a lot of energy and materials to create. Wooden barns are beautiful if you want to spend time designing and building them, but you will need a lot of lumber to do so. In a world where deforestation and climate change are massive issues, the only way to do this is with assured, sustainable, and ethical timber. The alternative is to leave the trees where they are and go for a steel structure instead. With the best steel barns, you can also be sure of a well-made structure that’s ready to go. This saves even more time and effort on your end, so all you are concerned with is getting it in place and relocating all your stock and equipment.
2) There are fewer dangerous chemicals involved
Once you’ve got your structure in place, you also don’t need the same amount of dangerous materials to finish the job. Going back to those timber barns, you will need plenty of wood stain and paint to preserve the material and keep it looking nice. That can lead to a lot of chemicals entering the environment and water systems. Repeated treatments through regular maintenance only make things worse. If you do need to paint your barn or add any form of coating, you can still make sure to use a non-toxic solution. Your new steel barn is ready to go and designed to stand up to the elements. This leads to the next point.
3) Steel barns are built to last
Steel barns can last a long time. This means you don’t have to handle as many materials or waste as much energy creating new structures. This tough steel barn should stand tall in high winds, heavy rain, and other extreme conditions. It won’t decay or warp in the same way as timber and will continue to keep your animals, feed, and equipment safe and dry.
4) Steel barns are reusable and recyclable
If there comes a time when you do decide it is time for change, that’s another reason to turn to steel barns, like those from https://eaglebuildings.com/. These structures are easier to take down and relocate if needed. You can, therefore, give them a new purpose on your land or donate the pieces to someone else. Failing that, there is also the chance to send the metal off for recycling. This way, the material gets a whole new life as another structure and isn’t left to rot. Recycled metal isn’t any weaker, and it’s a great way to prove that you are doing your part.
5) Steel barns reduce energy costs
On top of this, steel buildings have the potential to save a lot of energy. This is important for any farm looking to save money and lower its carbon footprint. It doesn’t take as much effort to heat these structures in the winter, which will cut your fuel costs considerably. Also, they can stay cooler for longer in the summer. This means less time and money wasted on cooling systems to keep the barn at a safe temperature. Over time, you should see a reduction in electricity costs. These can either shift to more important processes, allowing for a more productive and efficient farm. Or, you can use the savings to boost your property and business in other ways.
6) You can still encourage wildlife onto your property
Finally, the is the issue of wildlife in your barn. One of the beautiful things about old brick barns and wooden structures is the chance to encourage wildlife to thrive and enhance local ecosystems. Barn owls can come and nest in the rafter and in gaps in the building. They then help regulate rodent populations as they feed the next generation. A steel barn may seem like a very sterile and secure place with no obvious incentive for these creatures. However, it is possible to attach nest boxes onto the property to give our feathered friends still a suitable home.
On top of these, you can use the money saved on the building and its running costs to invest in other eco-friendly solutions. You could put more time into improving your land management and sowing wild borders for pollinators. Look into the different solutions on offer and wait to see what makes their home in your new barn.
Customized Steel Barns For A More Efficient Business
One of the best ways to take advantage of steel buildings and all the benefits mentioned here is to get a barn custom-built. There are plenty of templates for enclosed structures out there, with different features and dimensions. Some have a vast amount of internal space, while others will take advantage of lean-tos for other equipment and vehicles. Customization means you can create something that is the perfect shape and capacity for your business. Don’t be afraid to get specific about what you want, and have professionals build a barn to those high standards.
Remember, this is a structure that could be a valuable asset on your property for decades to come. It can help provide protection and security through all seasons and stand strong. At the same time, it will help save you money on energy costs and provide all those great environmental benefits. So, it makes sense to really invest in the design and choose a building you can depend on.
