What should you go for between pole barns and Pre Engineered Metal Building? The answer to this depends on what you want the building for, how long you expect it to serve you, and how much you have to spend. And, of course, the building codes in your locality, and if you are in Florida Reel Steel Construction Inc. has a variety of items for you.
But first, let us tell them apart.
Difference between Pole Barns and Pre-Engineered Metal barns
Pole barns are constructed with chemically treated wooden poles stuck into the ground to a depth of three to six feet. These can be spaced up to eight feet apart. The roof is made of wooden trusses atop the wooden posts. The sides consist of beams fastened to the posts horizontally and cladded with lightweight corrugated sheets.
Depending on the structure’s intended use, the flooring can be concrete or plain dirt.
On the other hand, pre-engineered metal barns are constructed from a rigid red iron steel column frame. Two steel columns attached by two steel rafter beams make a frame. Depending on the intended use and prevailing building codes, these are spaced 20’ to 25’ apart.
The metal barn is fastened on the outside with girts fixed horizontally. Purlins connect the rafter beams and together with the girts form a secondary structure. The whole is then enclosed with heavy duty ribbed steel panels.
Just like pole barns, the flooring of metal barns can either be concrete or dirt. But in either case, pre-engineered metal buildings are anchored in a concrete foundation.
Pole Barn or Pre- Engineered Metal Barn?
- Pole barns are temporary structures, by law in some jurisdictions. They are found in dirt, which tends to shift over time and make the structure weak. The composite elements are fastened with nails or bolts and screws. These will unfasten eventually as the wood rots.
- The wooden structures are also vulnerable to fires as well as weather elements. The chemical protection only lasts for so long, and the protection against the weather and pests is gone.
- Pre-engineered metal buildings last much longer. Steel does not warp, neither does it rust over time. Additionally, it keeps its shape once fastened. It is proof of insects and fires. Steel beams neither ignite nor fuel a fire.
- Metal barn structures barely change due to normal temperature and moisture content fluctuations, unlike pole barn structures.
- Pole barns are pretty cheap to construct. If your budget is small and you want something temporary, this is the way to go. But in the long run, they require extensive and costly maintenance. Even Though, you cannot expect them to exceed 30 years.
- Pre-engineered metal barns cost a bit to put up but will do with minimum maintenance. This is cost-effective in the long run. You may not need to replace parts of the barn for a very long time.
Contact us
Pre-engineered metal buildings seem a better option over pole barns in terms of strength, longevity, and looks. Metal barns are even cheaper in the long run. If you are looking for quality material in Florida, then Reel Steel Construction Inc. has you covered.