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Which Should You Choose?

Pole Barns vs Pre-Engineered Steel Buildings

Pole Barns

Life Span

Pole barns are constructed from embedded wooden poles or posts. While typically used for smaller agricultural storage (equipment, hay, and livestock), they are also used for residential or commercial purposes.

The lifespan of a Pole Barn varies greatly on the quality of construction and location climate. Well-built pole barns can last several decades but are often more susceptible to costly repairs, maintenance, and upgrades over the years.

Pros & Cons of Pole Barns​

Pole barns work well for agricultural and other large vehicle storage. They provide plenty of space making them ideal for workshops and garages.

Pros:

Cost Effective: Pole Barns less than 40’ wide are typically less expensive because they utilize lumber, lighter gauge sheeting, and typically require less concrete .

Versatile: Pole Barns can be used for many storage options, including agriculture needs.

Customizable: Pole Barns can be customized, modified, and expanded to meet specifications.

Energy Efficient: Insulation allows Pole Barns to reduce heating and cooling costs.

Cons:

Limited Design Options: Pole Barns offer basic and plain design options. They may not be able to provide options for those looking for a specific design aesthetic.

Maintenance Issues: Pole Barns often require more frequent maintenance due to the quality of construction materials and can potentially rot because posts are embeddded directly into the ground.

Vulnerable to Weather: Wood framing and lighter, 29 gauge sheeting is more susceptible to high winds, heavy snow, hail, and flying debris damage.


Lack of Insulation: Proper insulation is harder to achieve in pole barns. Without proper insulation, they are difficult to heat and cool, and less comfortable.


Susceptible to Pests: Wooden structures are more susceptible to pest infestations from termites, carpenter bees, and other rodents. This can cause structural damage and be costly and arduous to remediate.

Pre-Engineered Steel Buildings

Pre-engineered steel buildings or Rigid Frame, I-beam buildings are factory-manufactured off-site and transported to the final location for construction and assembly. The pre-engineered steel building components are pre-cut and pre-drilled for easy assembly, allowing for faster, less expensive construction. They can be used for a diverse range of purposes including warehouses, manufacturing, storage facilities, retail spaces, office buildings, and residential homes.

Life Span

Steel buildings are well known for their ability to last. Well-built steel buildings are made to last several decades longer than wooden pole buildings while requiring less maintenance and experiencing less deterioration over that life span (saving you time and money over the years).

Pros & Cons of Steel Buildings

Pre-engineered steel buildings offer lower construction costs, faster construction time, more design options, longer life span, and energy efficiency compared to traditional construction. Of course, there can be disadvantages as well.

Pros:

Durability: Steel building frames are known for their strength and durability. They are a great choice for areas with harsh weather or earthquake-prone locations.


Low Maintenance: Steel buildings are inherently resistant to rot, decay, and insect damage – requiring minimal maintenance.
Energy-Efficient: Steel buildings are easy to insulate, reducing heating and cooling costs in all four seasons.


Customizable: With an assortment of design options (including colors, roof types, and other added amenities), steel buildings are easy to customize to fit your needs and preferences.


Fire-Resistant: Steel buildings are inherently resistant to fire and fire damage.


Cost Effective: Pre-engineered steel buildings greater than 50’ wide are typically less expensive than pole barns due to the high cost of the necessary manufactured wooden beam required for wood to span these widths.

Cons:

Higher Upfront Cost: Because they utilize higher quality materials and require a sturdy concrete foundation, steel buildings can be more expensive to construct than traditional buildings.


Difficult to Modify: Because they are engineered by a certified engineer , steel buildings can be more difficult to modify post-construction.


Permits and Zoning Restrictions: Certain locations require permits and have zoning restrictions for steel building construction. This can require additional materials like masonry to be added which can add to the construction cost..

Deciding Factors

Consider these important factors when choosing
the right building for your needs:

Climate and Weather Conditions

Climate and Weather are important factors when choosing between a pole barn and a pre-engineered steel building. While a pole barn may be a fine choice for an area with mild weather conditions, steel buildings are often the best choice for more moderate to extreme climates because of their durability and ability to withstand heavy snow, high winds, hail, and other weather events.

Intended Use

Climate and Weather are important factors when choosing between a pole barn and a pre-engineered steel building. While a pole barn may be a fine choice for an area with mild weather conditions, steel buildings are often the best choice for more moderate to extreme climates because of their durability and ability to withstand heavy snow, high winds, hail, and other weather events.

Long-Term Maintenance

As with any structure, maintenance is always a consideration. No matter how well constructed, a wooden pole barn will always require more maintenance over time, will be less energy efficient, and will not be as durable as steel.

Pole Barns vs Steel Building FAQs:

How long does a pole barn last vs a steel building?

This can vary depending upon a number of factors (including quality of materials, climate, and maintenance schedule). On average, a wooden pole barn will typically last between 20-30 years while a pre-engineered steel building can last 50 years or longer with proper maintenance.

Do steel buildings cost more than pole barns?​

The cost of each pole barn and steel building can vary widely depending on the size, materials, and options required. In general, a metal building may be more expensive on the front end due to the higher cost of steel and additional concrete foundation costs. However, the durability and energy efficiency of pre-engineered steel buildings almost always save owners money on maintenance and energy costs in the long run.

Which type of building is better for extreme weather conditions?

The cost of each pole barn and steel building can vary widely depending on the size, materials, and options required. In general, a metal building may be more expensive on the front end due to the higher cost of steel and additional concrete foundation costs. However, the durability and energy efficiency of pre-engineered steel buildings almost always save owners money on maintenance and energy costs in the long run.

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