HOW TO DESIGN, BUILD AND KEEP YOUR METAL BARN SECURE

Strength. Durability. Longevity: all are attributes associated with steel barns. But these attributes are only possible if the building is well-designed from start to finish.

Similar to the idea that, "a chain is only as strong as its weakest link," a steel building is only as strong as the weakest foundation, fastener, roof design, name-your-part. Any steel building's overall design is critical to securing it season by season, year by year and decade by decade.

SECURING A STEEL BARN BEGINS WITH SOUND SITE SELECTION
The design process begins well before you ever break ground; it begins with your site selection. A large part of your building's lifetime security depends on its foundation, and a strong foundation relies on stable ground that is free from standing water or erosive water runoff.

Pay close attention to the way water diverts during times of high rain and/or snow melt and try to choose a location that is free of the main, natural water ways.

Tips to keep in mind:

Build on a slight rise to promote water runoff down and away from the foundation.
Seek shelter if possible - trees are amazing wind breaks, water breaks and water absorbers, and they will help to keep your barn cooler in the summer months.
Have site soil tested and amended if need be.
Invest in grading and site contouring if necessary, including the addition of drainage channels to eliminate excess water during the wet months.
POUR THE RIGHT FOUNDATION FOR THE BUILDING AND THE SITE
There are two things to keep in mind when building a foundation - the soil you're pouring it on and the building's design. For example, a barn built on sandy soil will typically require deeper trenches or footings than one built on a more dense, clay-like soil base.

Hire a concrete subcontractor who has experience with metal buildings. Depending on where you live, wind uplift ratings and building codes may require a slightly different foundation than a non-steel building would require.

BE SMART WITH MATERIALS SELECTION
Cost will always be one of the driving factors when choosing your metal building and/or its materials. Keep in mind, however, that the cheapest building may end up costing you in the long run. A cheap metal barn, made from thin, low-quality steel, or one that isn't engineered with respect to site location can make your barn more vulnerable to fire, water damage, theft, wind uplift and corrosion.

Don't make easily avoidable and common mistakes when selecting your metal building. Instead, do your homework and find the building that meets the "middle ground." It doesn't have to be the cheapest, and it doesn't have to be the most expensive - somewhere in the middle will usually provide exactly what you need.

Consider:

Metal panel and roof coatings that increase energy efficiency and building lifespan.
Lower gauge steel that is stronger and more durable.
Materials with warranties ranging from 30- to 50-years
Steel entry doors and anti-pry bars
Entry alarms
Motion sensitive security lighting
Building accessories that may cost more but will protect your building from water damage, like gutters and downspouts.
By investing a reasonable sum now in accessories that will protect your steel barn or enhance its overall security, you will save more in the long-term as the result of "catastrophes avoided."

DON'T NEGLECT WIND UPLIFT RATINGS OR SNOW LOAD REQUIREMENTS
One of the best things about pre-engineered and pre-fabricated metal barns is that they are quicker to erect and more affordable than traditional barns. However, they still need to be engineered in accordance with your local building codes.

Work with a qualified building manufacturer. Working with a reputable steel building manufacturer will ensure your building meets the local building requirements and has everything you need to retain low-maintenance durability in your specific location and climate.
Schedule an appointment at the building department. By meeting with your building official ahead of time, you can avoid future design pitfalls or failed inspections down the road.
Respect the connection between wind uplift and roofs. Metal buildings are lighter than wood-framed buildings and are prone to wind uplift. Roof systems need to be designed to meet the highest-projected wind speeds in your area. This prevents the roof from being lifted off the building, or the building from being lifted partially off the ground.
Don't neglect snow load requirements. Your barn should be engineered to meet your local snow load requirements as well. Building occupancy factors into this too, so even if you plan to use it as a hobby shop, engineer it as if it will hold livestock too so it remains safe should its function change down the road.
Building a secure steel barn now keeps your interests secure in the future. Start by using a reputable manufacturer and a sound design process and the rest will unfold naturally.


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