3 Ways to Save on Your Metal Barn

3 ways to save on your metal barn

Short Answer: In this blog, you will find 3 ways to save on your metal barn. We will go over a few factors that may affect the cost of your steel building. These include siding orientation, overhead vs roll-up doors, and insulation options. 

Steel barns have become a popular option when trying to save on your new construction. It can be easy to customize your steel building to meet your exact needs and offer other benefits. Keeping unneeded upgrades to a minimum will help save time and money. 3 ways to save on your metal barn to keep your project within budget include:

  • Vertical vs. Horizontal Siding 
  • Overhead Garage Doors vs. Roll-up Doors 
  • Insulation Options 

 

Vertical vs. Horizontal Siding

What is horizontal siding?

Horizontal siding is the more standard type of siding orientation that you see on steel buildings. When a metal horizontal panel is installed, you will notice the ridges going left to right. Horizontal ridges run the full length of the structure. Therefore, these panels are installed from the top of the building down to the base of the building. 

Cost 

Horizontal siding is a common choice and a great option if you’re on a budget. This siding is less pricey compared to vertical siding. One reason horizontal siding is lower in cost is due to less material required for installation. Since horizontal siding is more conventional, many installers are more comfortable with the installation process. It’s straightforward and professionals can complete the installation in shorter periods of time. 

What is vertical siding?

Vertical siding is great for creating an appealing, eye-catching steel building. When vertical sheet panels are installed, you will notice the ridges going from top to bottom. Although vertical siding is more appealing, additional steps are needed during installation. These additional steps will make the installation time is extended due to extra material being installed.

Cost

Choosing vertical siding is going to be more costly for your budget. Vertical siding has a higher cost due to the additional material used on the framework. For example, girts need to be bolted across the legs to hold the vertical siding. This is because steel sheeting comes in increments of 3′ wide. The girts prevent the panel from falling through the legs. 

Overhead vs Roll-up Doors

What are overhead doors?

An overhead door is a residential panel door that moves on a track when you raise it. Therefore, rather than rolling into a coil, the door hangs directly above on the track. 

Cost 

Pricing for garage doors vary depending on what door you decide to choose. Overhead doors are much higher than roll-up doors in cost, mostly due to the installation and labor required. Factors that affect the price of your overhead door include size, insulation, and accessories. However, it is important to do your research before deciding what garage door is best for your metal building.

What are roll-up doors? 

A roll-up door is a steel curtain that rolls into a coil over your opening when you raise it. A roll-up door cannot be insulated and nor automated. Roll-up doors are ideal for simple cold storage solutions. 

Cost 

Roll-up doors may be the best solution if you want to save. Although, do keep in mind roll-up doors are manual and typically don’t have an automatic opener option.
 
When choosing the right door for your project, a common question is which one is the right choice. We recommend reading our blog on roll-up doors vs. overhead garage doors if you’d like additional information to help you decide! 

Insulation Options

Radiant barrier 

A radiant barrier is bubble insulation that functions as an additional thermal barrier. One benefit radiant barrier offers you is cost-effectiveness. Additionally, a radiant barrier also helps prevent condensation from damaging your steel barn. Radiant barrier is installed by using a polyester tape that is extremely strong along with an all-weather double-sided tape. The tape is put directly on the interior steel, than the radiant barrier is laid. When the radiant barrier is in place, additional tape is added to the top to keep it secure. However, even though a radiant barrier insulation is the cheaper option, keep in mind how important regulating your building temperature is to you!

Spray Foam 

On the other hand, spray foam is a great option for insulation. Spray foam is a polymer foaming agent that you spray onto steel walls and ceilings. The liquid turns into solid material filling every space. Spray foam is an insulation option that can be more expensive. On the other hand, the benefits spray foam provide can keep your building protected in the long run. If keeping a stable temperature is important to you, we highly recommend investing in spray foam. Spray foam is by far the best option for stabilizing your steel building’s temperature! Want more information on spray foam and other insulation options? Visit our blog on insulation and condensation control for your metal building
 

Conclusion

In conclusion, we went over 3 ways to help you save on your metal barn. 3 ways to save includes siding orientation, overhead garage doors vs. roll-up doors, and insulation options. In each section, we go over what options are more cost-effective. The sections may help you determine what options will work best for your budget! 

MW Steel Buildings, Inc. 

(877) 368-8244

www.mwsteelbuildings.com

 

For more content, follow us on:

Facebook

Instagram

YouTube

Get Yours in 1-4 Weeks

** Exclusions Apply **

Good

Standard Roof

Standard or known as “Regular” roof style have rounded corners. The regular roof has no trim on your eaves, ridge cap, nor purlins (hat channel) making it cost effective option. Standard roofs are best used in areas that experience fair weather year round.

BETTER

A-Frame Horizontal Roof

A-Frame Horizontal roofs give your structure a residential look. The sheet panels run from side to side and does not have purlins or ridge cap. The increase in price to upgrade to A-Frame Horizontal is the additional welding needed on your trusses (bows). An excellent option to keep your residential look for residential areas for a minimum upgrade costs.

BEST

A-Frame Vertical Roof

Known as the best choice for areas that experience extreme weather conditions, the vertical roof style is hands down the best choice for Michigan weather. The roof panels run from the pitch to the eaves causing heavy snows, rain, and natural elements to slide off the roof easily. In order to tie down the panels to the structure, we must add purlins or hat channels lengthwise making the structure more rigid. The finished look with special trim all around the roof and ridge cap makes this roof style the best option.