Gone are the days when barns were considered to be a sacred space only for agricultural use. Today, you can efficiently install these accessory dwelling units for commercial or personal uses, too. However, investing in a structure and becoming bound to use it a certain way is not fruitful. This is one of the primary reasons why a Carolina metal barn is increasingly gaining popularity. Their highly versatile nature makes them perfect for multiple applications.
These structures efficiently combine a traditional charm with modern engineering, which makes them a highly practical choice. Carolina barns are a perfect blend of style and functionality, allowing you to tailor them to your needs!
Understanding Carolina Barns and Layout Flexibility
Carolina custom barns are also known as monitor barns, step-down barns, and raised center aisle barns. These barns are built with three units — the central part and the two side units.
The Carolina style barn features an A-frame roofline and has two lean-tos attached on both sides. The central structure is constructed higher than the two lean-tos, creating a step-like roof. The central aisle is also wider than the lean-tos.
Numerous layout options in steel Carolina barns
- Fully enclosed: These structures are fully enclosed using high-quality roofs and side panels supporting the barn. Install doors and windows for easy access and ventilation.
- Partially enclosed: It can be designed by integrating gable ends in front and back along with installing partially enclosed side panels on one or both sides for additional shelter.
- Open central aisle with enclosed lean-tos: These units have open central structures along with completely closed lean-tos. You can park vehicles in central units and house livestock or equipment in lean-tos.
- Closed central aisle with open lean-tos: In such barn designs, the central aisle is completely closed while the lean-to structures are open on either or both sides, as per requirements.
- Fully open: These are roof-only units that do not essentially require additional trusses or braces to support the structure. They can feature sturdier roof upgrades to allow snow and rainwater to slide off easily.
Versatility of a metal Carolina barn
These multi-functional structures can effectively be used for a wide range of applications, such as:
- Horse barn
- Livestock housing
- Feed and hay storage
- Parking garage
- Warehouse and storage facility
- Workshop
- Art studio
- Gym
- Retail store
- Event space
- Corporate Office
- Animal shelter
- Automobile repair shop
Unmatched Benefits: What Makes Carolina Metal Barn Stand Out?
Enhanced Protection
Galvanized steel barns are highly durable structures that can withstand most harmful elements, such as:
- Weather: Steel frames are dense and are 25 times stronger than wood. Certified Carolina barns can withstand all weather conditions. These structures can stand through windspeeds of 180 miles an hour and have a snow load-bearing capacity of up to 80 lbs per square foot.
- Decay: Custom barns are non-porous and do not absorb moisture, negating the chances of rot or decay.
- Pests: Since metal buildings are inorganic, they do not facilitate breeding or growth or insects, preventing pest, termite, and wasp infestations.
- Fire: Steel is non-combustible and has a melting point ranging from 2,500° Fahrenheit to 2,800° Fahrenheit, which is higher than most building fire temperatures. Moreover, with retardants, you can further increase the strength of steel to withstand widespread fires.
- Rust: Structural steel is coated with a protective zinc coating, making your building rust and corrosion-resistant.
Second Floor for Improved Functionality
As we know, the central units in monitor barns are higher than the rest of the structure. Moreover, you can increase the height to up to 40 feet, which is measured from the ground to the eave (not the peak).
The modern design of Carolina barns allows you to efficiently set up another floor to maximize the use of available space. In the top central unit, you can set up a loft space or flooring. This area can easily be utilized to store lighter items like tools, seasonal clothes, small equipment, and holiday decorations, among others. You can also design this as a resting space or a playing area for your kids.
Highly Cost-Effective
Whenever installing a new building, it is crucial to set up a budget and compare costs in order to know that you are getting the best deal. A Carolina style barn is highly cost-effective for multiple reasons:
- As steel is lightweight, it incurs less transportation cost to deliver complex structures to the site.
- With prefab barns, components are only assembled on-site and designed off-site, reducing labor costs.
- As steel is resistant to most elements, it lowers maintenance costs as the barns require less frequent repairs and repainting, unlike wooden structures.
- Due to their high durability and strength, these units also incur low insurance costs.
Metal barn costs are competitive with its alternatives. The price ranges from $15 to $40, depending on the complexity of the barn and the customizations integrated. However, due to reduced maintenance costs, the long-term benefits make them the best among others.
Better Airflow
Carolina barns facilitate supreme airflow because of their design, featuring a higher middle section. The warm and moist air rises up, allowing cool air to enter the barn.
For the warm air to escape, you should install ridge vents and cupolas. This will promote a steady flow of fresh air through the barn structure.
Energy Efficiency
Steel monitor barns are highly energy efficient. This is primarily because galvanized steel is 100% recyclable and is recycled 98%. However, you can enhance this energy efficiency by:
- Integrating solar panels on the roof to reduce energy consumption
- Adding rainwater conservation tanks to collect water for cleaning and washing.
- Installing high R-value insulation will maintain the temperature within the barn and reduce moisture buildup, preventing mold or mildew from forming.
Increased Daylight Penetration And Ventilation
In a metal Carolina barn, you can add clerestory windows in order to advance the penetration of natural light. Integrating these windows into the central structure will help you in making your barn look more open.
Clerestory windows will also allow for better ventilation within the structure, keeping it dry.
Elevated Property Value
Installing a certified and robust Carolina barn will increase the value and the curb appeal of your property. It is essential to make sure that the structure is aligned with your needs and meets all your requirements. A metal building is said to enhance your property’s value by 13%.
An important aspect is to ensure it is designed to adhere to your local climate conditions. In adverse regions, consider upgrading the following to maintain the integrity of the structure:
- 26-gauge panels instead of 29-gauge
- 12-gauge steel frames rather than 14-gauge
- Vertical corrugated roof panels to prevent water, snow, or dust from accumulating
- Additional anchors and fasteners to keep the structure stable
- Increase roof trusses or purlins to improve load-bearing capacity
- Large rafters for extra support
- Add cross-bracing between columns and beams
Make Life Better With Carolina Custom Barns
One of the most critical things all buyers look for when installing a new barn is flexibility in design and versatility in use. With a customizable Carolina metal barn, you can get both. Moreover, it is hassle-free to expand these structures, which makes them highly futuristic. So, why wait? Contact a metal building dealer near you and start building your dream!
