A properly built structure can save money and improve living conditions while reducing resources. Agricultural construction is unique because few construction projects can provide as immediate an impact for its users.
Maximizing your farming operations means investing in your facilities. But how can you tell which type of agricultural construction is right for you?
Options Available for Farm Building Design Projects
No farmsteads are equal, and the options available to optimize farm and agricultural buildings are just as unique. There are various paths to improve a farm’s building design, from reconstruction to new building projects.
Agricultural construction using the latest technology is becoming cheaper, as state-of-the-art building materials are easier to acquire than traditional materials. Rising lumber costs paired with affordable metal materials result in many farmsteads opting to upgrade to steel structures.
Below are some common projects for farm and agricultural buildings:
Metal Buildings
From a fiscal standpoint, metal farm buildings retain heat and circulate air more efficiently with less energy use. Metal barns are environmentally sustainable, saving on energy and water while allowing livestock to grow, mature, and maintain good health.
From steel hay barns to farm storage enhancements, the customization options for steel structures are endless
Steel Hay Barns
Steel hay barns are a popular enhancement as results are almost immediate. Hay storage unprotected from the elements can degrade quickly, developing mold and bacteria from moisture absorption. Steel structures are watertight and last longer than wooden ones, as they’re not susceptible to termites, rot, and weather decay.
Farm Storage Buildings
From farm building design projects to simple renovations, maximizing crop and equipment storage is a popular request for agricultural construction builders.
Common farm storage building projects include:
- Crop storage
Proper storage is vital to ensure crops remain usable for farming operations. Many agricultural construction projects revolve around the request to weatherproof farm buildings to protect crops from the elements.
- Equipment storage
Farming equipment storage requires tall ceilings, open floor space, and large doors to fit tractors and combines. For farms looking to expand storage options or improve their current space, agricultural construction regarding equipment storage is a good investment toward farming equipment’s longevity.
- Insulated workshops
An insulated workshop is a productive workshop. Many farms include insulating workshops in their agricultural construction process, as it’s an easy way to make working conditions more comfortable.
Pole Barns
Pole barns are a frequent agricultural construction building project. Pole barns are a result of the post-frame construction method, using large metal posts to create buildings maximizing the structure’s efficiency. Compared to wooden stick frame construction, pole barns require less framing. Less framing means quicker construction and more space while maintaining durability at a lower cost.
Pole barns also appeal to many for their practicality, as they:
Encourage Energy Efficiency
Wooden frame buildings require posts every 16-24 inches to remain stable. On the other hand, pole barns require posts every 8 feet. The wider spacing allows insulation material to be thicker, minimizing the energy transfer between indoor and outdoor temperatures.
Promote a Steel Build
The majority of post-frame structures are outlined with metal building panels. Pole barns work with either wooden or metal siding. However, these panels are pre-engineered to work well with steel exteriors, making them a popular choice for agricultural construction projects.
Maximize Square Footage
Pole barns are a compelling option for those looking to get the most out of their farm and agricultural buildings. Since post-frame construction uses large posts to develop the structure, there’s no need for interior walls for additional support. This creates more interior space for farm buildings.
Existing Building Additions
Existing building additions are perfect for farmsteads that have outgrown their current facility but don’t want to commit to a new design project. New addition building projects serve as a cost-effective way to maximize space without the added expenses of an entire construction project.
Consider adding insulated workshops to your agricultural construction plans.
Your Trusted Provider For Agricultural Construction
Calahan Construction has provided agricultural construction services to the colorado area for over eight decades. We’re here to help, whether you’re looking to upgrade to metal buildings or improve your farm storage space and working conditions. Take a look at the agricultural construction services we provide—and let’s build something together.
