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Horses are valuable assets that require safe, durable, and climate-friendly housing. While wood has traditionally been the construction material of choice for equestrian buildings, steel offers benefits that make life easier for you and your horses.
Let’s look at the safety and durability of steel construction and see why it is ideal for horse barns.
Are steel buildings safe for horses?
Owning horses is a lot of work requiring ample space. In addition to reliable shelter, horses need room for eating, bathing, and grooming that can be kept warm in the winter, but offers sufficient air circulation during the hotter months. While wood construction can handle the job, steel is a much better option.
Steel is sturdy, lasts longer than wood, and is less susceptible to insects, high winds, and water damage. A steel building will not only protect your horses, but it will also be:
- Easier to clean
- Able to withstand storm conditions
- Customizable
- Low maintenance
- Safe for your horses
Horses don’t mind chewing on wood. This can cause maintenance issues that will lead to bigger problems if left unchecked. Steel is safe from the perils of a horse’s teeth. While exposed, damaged steel can indeed pose a hazard, routine inspection, and repair will mitigate risks.
Also, when you need more space for more horses, a steel building is much easier to expand and improve upon than a wood structure.
What makes steel buildings desirable?
Steel horse barns are a sound investment with a long lifespan, and the numerous related benefits make it a highly desirable building material.
Durability
When it comes to withstanding severe weather conditions, steel buildings offer significant advantages with their inherent strength. Steel won’t rot and crack like wood, and it holds up to high winds and heavy rain. Galvanized steel will tolerate the elements without compromising the integrity of the structure.
Easy to Maintain
A steel building is easy to keep up. Foundational support columns will not decay and shift over time, so that’s one future maintenance cost you can scratch off the list. There’s no need to paint a steel barn because the custom color is applied during steel manufacturing. This helps reduce the time and upkeep needed to maintain your barn.
Fire-Resistant
Fire is always a concern in buildings where dry materials such as hay are stored. Unlike wood, steel is non-combustible. You can rest easy knowing that your horses are safe from the danger of their shelter going up in flames.
Energy Efficient
Metal buildings are constructed with tight seams and minimal gaps. This reduces air leaks that can cause a higher energy consumption on barns that are climate-controlled. Metal roofing reflects sunlight and solar heat away from the building to reduce heat gain during the summer. Easy-to-insulate walls enhance the building’s thermal performance, reducing energy needs for cooling and heating.
Cost-Effective
When it comes to getting value for your money, a steel building has a lot to offer. The upfront cost of building out of metal is comparable to that of wood, but the materials last a lot longer. This, in addition to its energy efficiency, ease of maintenance, and durability, makes steel more economical in the long run.
Additional Benefits of Steel Construction
Steel is a great construction material for any type of building, and is an especially good choice for equestrian buildings.
Faster Build
Metal panels for a steel barn arrive at the building site pre-fabricated. Components are ready to be bolted or welded together, eliminating the need for measuring and cutting at the construction location. This reduces manpower, construction time, and related costs.
Environmentally Friendly
Because steel buildings are designed and manufactured to specific measurements, material waste is minimized. Steel is also highly recyclable, with a 98% recycling rate. Previously used material can be repurposed and used in new constructions without the need for virgin resource extraction.
Easy to Clean and Sanitize
A clean barn is critical for the health of horses. Steel is easy to keep clean using mild soap and a pressure washer. It is not damaged by water and dries quickly, so your horses can get back to their day with minimal disturbance.
Protects Animals Against Extreme Temperatures
With proper insulation, a comfortable temperature can be maintained inside a metal barn year-round for your horses. Steel holds in the warmth during winter months and resists temperature fluctuations when the days are hot.
Your Horses Deserve a Steel Building
A steel barn protects your horses and saves you money. Durable and easy to maintain, it is cost-effective, energy efficient, and easy to maintain. It can be erected in a lot less time than it takes to build a barn out of wood.
US National Steel offers affordable and reliable steel-building solutions for a variety of applications including equestrian buildings.
