Kanas has pretty warm summers with moderate humidity and mild winters in four distinct seasons. Changing seasons can affect the traditional construction and materials used in farming. Agricultural steel building provides excellent features and low maintenance costs to ease farmer’s efforts.
Boosting more than 58,000 farms with an average size of above 780 acres, Kansas leads in the production of wheat, grain sorghum, and some other crops, including soybeans, sunflowers, and corn. The harvest includes grains and hay that need a cool and dry place until the farmer can find the right market price. A farm metal building is a suitable option as it does not shelter pests and is built using robust material.
This explains why the Sunflower State is switching to metal farm buildings. If you haven’t joined the trend, here are some reasons to convince you. Let’s get into the nitty-gritty.
A. Shelter Farm Equipment & Vehicles
The agricultural steel building is made with steel, which is easy to use, cast into any mold, and has 25 times more weight to strength than wood. That makes steel barns more durable than traditional stick-built structures. It does not get damaged by insects, either, promising long-lasting structural strength.
You can design clear-span metal farm buildings to house large farm vehicles like CFVs (covered farm vehicles), utility vehicles, seeders and planters, and crop dusters. All these can be accommodated under one roof. You can also keep farm machinery inside steel barns, as they have sturdy concrete floors.
B. Safe For Livestock
Kansas is home to many livestock farms, with animals including goats, sheep, bison, alpacas, llamas, and some others. These animals are mostly prey and need protection from weather and predators. With structural steel livestock shelter, you get uncompromised strength and longevity.
Metal panels are dense, so animals can’t chew them through to enter. Metal farm buildings with insulation can help regulate the indoor temperature. You can add vents at the gable ends or in the form of ridge vents or windows to keep fresh air coming in.
Steel is also antifungal. It does not support the growth of mold and mildew, which, when inhaled, can harm the animal’s health. Over time, metal does not emit toxic fumes like wood, so it is safer and healthier inside.
Clear-span metal buildings are designed to be column-free and up to 300 feet wide. They can be used to set up dairy farming, including cattle stalls, milking stations, and dairy processing, all under one roof.
C. Affordable & Low Upkeep
The cost of a prefab farm metal building starts at $10 to $25 per square foot. However, the cost per square foot decreases as the metal building size increases. Most parts are designed in a factory. Hence, the assembly time is less and quicker. It requires less labor to install a metal barn. All this saves money and time.
Depending on the size of the building and soil type, you can choose between gravel, asphalt, and concrete base. Though concrete costs more than others, it is easy to maintain and can bear a heavy load once fully cured.
Metal farm barns do not require frequent re-painting or re-coating for fire-resistivity and high maintenance. You can simply clean them with water, a garden hose (or pressure washer on low settings), and mild detergent. You can examine metal panels on the side wall and roof for any fading paint and rust development. If you notice one, scrap it off with a soft brush, apply metal primer, and coat it with paint. That’s it!
D. Energy Efficient
Energy bills have been soaring in recent years, and they do not seem to be coming down anywhere. Adding insulation, vents, and a vapor barrier to metal farm buildings can regulate indoor temperature and humidity levels. This will let the HAVC system work effectively, thereby reducing your energy bills.
Another benefit of steel barns is that their roofs are sturdy and last longer. They can hold solar panels to generate free electricity. In addition, you can save up to 30% on energy bills and apply for a tax credit.
E. Steel Barn Is Resistant To
i) Fire
An agricultural steel building can be coated with a fireproof coating like intumescent or vermiculite. Afterward, it can withstand fire for up to four hours. This gives insurance company confidence in its structural strength, so you pay 30% less on insurance premiums.
ii) Pests
Steel is an inorganic material and does not allow termites to build colonies or insects to feast on beams. Animals can’t damage steel as it is stronger.
iii) Humidity
Properly sealed and insulated steel buildings reduce the chances of water and moisture from entering. You can use waterproof sealants to cover gaps, holes, and cracks. Use eave closure strips to prevent water leakage.
iv) Bad Weather
An engineer-certified agricultural steel building can withstand Kansas’s high-speed winds, hail, violent thunderstorms, and occasional tornadoes. You can beat the high temperature by painting the metal roof with reflective paint and adequate insulation. It will help keep the indoors cool.
v) Rot & Decay
All metals are non-porous and do not warp, crack, or bend with time. This ensures farmers that they won’t need frequent repairs or replacements. Structural steel is also 100% recyclable. They are sustainable and, unlike timbers, once produced, can be recycled numerous times without losing their durability.
Applications Of Metal Farm Buildings Kansas
Farm metal buildings have multiple uses in Kansas agriculture. Some of them are listed here for your reference.
On A Final Note,
Metal buildings are a great option for those looking for a carport, garage, or barn because they are versatile and durable. With their design flexibility, you can create a metal farm building that is ideal for any need on your farm. So, why wait for the harvest season in Kansas? Get your metal farm building today!
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