Why Should You Consider Metal Structures for Animal Containment?
Constructing enclosures for animals presents challenges in determining the best materials and methods to build the structure. You must consider animal waste and by-products that can deteriorate the enclosures—which is why many professionals choose metal. The use of metal structures for animal containment is the most long-lasting and low-maintenance method to contain animals in an open setting. Find out why metal is the right choice and what factors to consider when choosing the best metal structure for animal containment. You’ll see how thoughtful metal roof and barn design can offer exceptional design flexibility, ventilation, and weather resistance.
Benefits and Materials
Metal panels are the most efficient option for large structures compared to other traditional materials. Over time, the cost of maintaining and replacing other building materials will likely surpass the cost of using structural steel and metal. Metal building materials offer durability, resiliency, longevity, energy efficiency, and more.
Compared to other traditional materials, metal is more flexible, stable, and easy to clean, making it easier to build with, particularly for large, high, and wide structures. These structures have the ability to span larger distances between columns or framing, simplifying the installation process as well. Metal also outperforms classic materials like wood in consistency. Offering fewer variables and greater resistance to fire, the material has enhanced protection and strength. Metal roof designs created with metal panels permits efficiency and personalization for all agricultural purposes – including dairy, hay, storage, livestock, and machinery. They allow you to customize your structure in a way that works for you and your operations.
The Ultimate Choice for Building Design Flexibility
No matter what you need protected, metal provides flexibility and security, ensuring you get the most out of your investment. When choosing metal building materials for animal containment structures, it is crucial to consider factors such as weight, rain and snow shedding capabilities, natural cleaning abilities, cosmetic appeal, and resistance to hail damage. The condensation caused by heat and coupled with manure gases can be challenging for metal, but if properly protected with ceiling-level barriers and ventilation, metal structures can last a long time.
Metal barn design plays a vital role in determining the structure’s longevity. The choice of rib profile and product type is crucial for performance. That’s why Fabral recommends the Grandrib 3 Plus for building durable animal containment structures. The Grandrib 3 Plus is an economical and versatile exposed fastener panel that can be used on both wall and roof applications, making it ideal for various metal barn design requirements.
Environmental Quality and Ventilation Efficiency
Proper ventilation plays an important role in the effectiveness and longevity of your metal structure. For any animal or farming structure, it’s crucial to focus on the positioning of the insulation and airflow, as well as the maintenance of a clean interior. These elements aid in preventing long-term corrosion. Plus, the use of good insulation and vapor barrier systems can help reduce energy costs and encourage proper airflow and drying.
Weather and Climate Conditions
Metal structures offer better protection when it comes to weather and climate in comparison to more traditional materials. Fabral’s Grandrib 3 Plus has a G-90 coating for better weather performance and durability. Its thicker metal panel increases strength and appearance, allowing for excellent wind uplift and snow load ratings. Its high performance Enduracote ensures the ability to resist deterioration from weather.
Maintenance and Longevity
Regular cleaning is essential to prevent dirt, debris, and extremely corrosive animal waste from damaging the metal. Fabral’s cleaning manual explains the most effective ways to clean pre-painted roofing and siding. When properly maintained, metal makes for a longer-lasting and more resilient material that is ideal for animal containment structures.
Choose Fabral’s Metal Systems for Durability & Longevity
Fabral’s G90 Grandrib 3 Plus panel is known for its robust galvanization, making it a superior option for structures used to house animals. Unlike many competitors who use Galvalume coatings for animal containment, Fabral specializes in manufacturing heavy galvanized products, enhancing durability.
Designed for barns and other agricultural structures, the Grandrib 3 Plus panel is unique and versatile, crafted from the finest quality structural steel. This versatility and craftsmanship are exemplified in an agricultural project by Brooks Farms. As part of a significant expansion, the Brooks family doubled the size of their farm, needing an update to their facility to accommodate the additional livestock. The building was fitted with Fabral’s prefabricated metal panels, including the Grandrib 3 Plus panels, enhancing energy efficiency and long-term durability. Read the full details of the project here.
Fabral Metal and Roof Systems has been the premier supplier of metal post-frame materials in the animal and agricultural space. We have long lasting, light weight, and low maintenance solutions for your barn, animal shelter, ranch, and so much more. When you go with a metal roof system from Fabral, you get peace of mind. Our systems are:
- Lightweight.
- Weather-resistant.
- Long lasting.
- Environmentally friendly.
- Low maintenance.
- Warranty coverage.
Fabral takes pride in producing high-quality metals that can function as reliable, safe, and fully functional animal structures. Contact a Fabral representative today to find the specs to plan your next project! Explore metal roofing and wall panel options for your architectural, educational, commercial, industrial, or agricultural applications!