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What To Consider When Buying A Barn

What are you looking to store in your metal barn?

Selecting the right metal barn for your needs is important. Whether you are looking for something to simply protect your equipment or livestock from the elements, or provide a secure storage solution, Carport Central can help. We offer different style metal barns and metal barn designs plans to suit your needs. We also offer customized metal barns to fit livestock of all shapes and sizes. Let our customer service representatives help you find the right barn at a good price.


How much space will you need?

A tack barn will take up less space than a barn for horses and livestock; so make sure to tell our customer service reps about your plans so they are able to recommend the right size barn for your needs. Our friendly customer service representatives will work hard to get you the one you want for the right money. Whether you need to store equipment or livestock in your new metal barn, we have you covered.


Can it be installed on your property?

First make sure you have enough space, then check to see whether a permit is required to install in your area. We partner with fantastic installation teams across the country to make sure your metal pole barn is installed right. State regulations may require that the metal barn be certified when installed. See below for more information about the requirements for installation.


Will it stand up to the weather?

We work with manufactures nationwide to bring you the best protection for your money. Look at the different options and styles available to pick the one that will stand up best to your local weather. Our customer service representatives will be glad to recommend our most popular metal barns for sale in your area.


Can I customize?

Customization is our middle name! We want to help you find the perfect metal pole barn or metal horse barn for your needs. We have metal horse barns for sale in all sizes and can customize the metal barns for Clydesdales or for miniature horses. Work with our customer service representatives to find the style and model that best fits your budget. Then you can customize the colors, the size, and even the finishing touches like adding windows and doors to the enclosed portions of your barn. The possibilities are endless and we are standing by to help you find the perfect metal barn for your needs.

 

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Roof Style

Finish your custom metal barn with something sturdy that will stand up against the elements. All roof styles can be certified for structural integrity, but finding the right roof type for your climate and need is important. We have many different metal barns for sale and many options to customize your metal barn. You want to find a strong roof type that fits with your home and other metal buildings and will stand up best to the elements. Talk to our customer service representatives to learn more about which roof type is best for you.

VERTICAL ROOF STYLE - BEST

If you live in a climate with heavy snowfall or heavy rain, Carport Central recommends the vertical roof style. The vertical roof panels allow snow and rainwater to exit off the sides. This is an A-frame designed roof with panels installed vertically, with the corrugated ridges running from the highest point on the roof down the side of the building. We also recommend that all buildings longer than 36’ use a vertical style roof.

Choosing The Right Size For Your Needs

Width Sizing Chart

How will you use the barn? Do you have a specific piece of equipment that you will need to store? This is important to consider when you talk to our customer service representatives. We can help you find the right width for your needs.

When measuring width sizing for your new metal barn, take into account the barn will have 3 widths that need to be measured. The center width is the largest area and provides a nice open space to store equipment among other things. The widest center building we can provide is 70’W. Any center width larger than 30′ can also be designed as a workshop. See our Workshop buying guide for more detail.

The left and right sides of the barn, called the left and right lean-to, can be up to 30’W on each side. Again, chat with our friendly customer service representatives to learn more about how we measure the width of our metal barns for sale.

Length

Again, how will this be used? Will you store multiple vehicles in here? Tractors or other large farm equipment may need quite a bit more space than one or two horses. All of our metal barns for sale can be customized to the length that you need. The industry standard length for metal barns is 21’, 26’, 31’, and up in 5’ increments. Take a look at some of the metal barns for sale, we can customize any style or model to fit the length you need. Speak with our customer service representatives to learn more.

Note: The roof of every structure is always longer than the base due to a 6” overhang on each end of the roof.

 

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Side Height

Our standard metal building height starts at 6’ and goes up according to customer need. We have 3 side heights to account for. The left and right lean-to heights will be the same, and will sit below the side heights for the center building. The height of the lean-to is the distance from the ground to where the outside wall meets the roof, not the highest point of the lean-to. The same is true for the center building, height is determined by the height of the legs of the barn, not the height at the top of the building. Chat with our customer service representatives to learn more about measuring for the right size metal barn.

Steel Gauge Framing

What’s the difference between 14 gauge and 12 gauge framing?

Many first time garage buyers ask about the difference in the 14 and 12 – gauge steel framing. Our most economical option is the 14 gauge steel framing, This is the industry standard, measuring 2 ½” x 2 ½” in diameter.

While they both have the same measurements when assembled, the lower the gauge, the thicker and stronger the material. Our 12-gauge framing is 2 ¼” x 2 ¼” in diameter and has a higher tensile strength that provides higher snow load and wind load ratings. Which is why we recommend the 12-gauge steel for areas with heavy snow and high winds, as well as buildings 10’ and taller.

The 14-gauge steel is the industry standard of frame thickness and is the most popular for many carports and metal structures.

Both gauge options are structurally sound and will allow you to use the carport or metal building safely. Both of our gauge options can be certified, but we can only offer our extended warranty when you select the 12-gauge steel option.

Certification Considerations

Certified v. non-certified buildings

A certified building has been designed by an engineer and has ratings for wind and snow load. Some local ordinances require that you certify any building that you construct. The objective of the building codes is to insure safety and to protect the public. Some states, don’t require buildings to be certified because they may not have to worry about heavy snowfalls and high winds. Certain states require that any new structure constructed be certified. Some require all structures to be inspected, while others only require that occupied structures be inspected prior to people living or working inside. We are able to prepare and install custom metal storage building and custom metal barns to meet the criteria for certification. When preparing your base for your metal pole barn or steel storage shed installation, please be sure that the ground is level and the concrete slab or asphalt slab poured is wide enough to support the barn and anchors. Please note there is no additional warranty on certified buildings. A certified building simply means the building is built to specifications and certified by a professional engineer to meet local building requirements.

If you do need to certify your building, you will likely need a copy of the blueprints for the inspector to review. Please speak with our customer service representatives to learn how to get a copy of the blue prints.

Popular Metal Barn Styles

  1. Raised Center Barn – These are also known as Carolina Barns or Step Down Barns or Carolina Barns. A Raised Center Barn features a main center section that’s flanked by shorter lean-to sections on either side. These barns feature the look of a traditional barn, while also delivering the advantages that come with a sturdy steel structure.
  2. Continuous Roof Barn – These are also known as Seneca Barns or Straight Roof Barns. Continuous Roof Barns offer all the functional interior space of a Raised Center Barn, while being covered by a continuous roof with a taller central peak. This barn design is great for handling both wind loads and snow loads.
  3. Horse Barn – A Horse Barn isn’t limited to a specific metal barn design. In fact, any of our popular barn designs can be customized for use as horse barns or livestock barns. Just get in touch, and we’ll be glad to help you design your perfect horse barn!
  4. Combination Barn Building – Need your barn to be more than just a barn? We provide barn garages, barn carports, and any type of combination barn building you can think of. All of our metal buildings are completely customizable, and we even provide barndominium and metal building home designs!

Additional Option

Customize your metal barn with some of the options below. The possibilities are endless and the barn will last for a lifetime of memories.

Additional options can be added to customize Barn for a particular situation- customizations include:

 

WINDOWS – Let natural light in to your metal barn. Carport Central offers 30” x 30” as a standard window size, which can be installed on any portion of your enclosed custom metal barn or metal storage shed. Other window sizes are available, but vary by location, so call our customer service representatives to see what options are available close to home.

 

WALK-IN DOORS –We offer multiple options for walk-in doors. Walk-in doors are a great addition and can always be added later when you enclose a custom metal barn and transform it into an enclosed barn. Many customers prefer to have doorways into one portion of the barn to make it easier to get to vehicles and items stored in metal barn. We have doors available with windows or without. Please specify if you do not want the window when you place your order. We offer all walk-in doors in a white finish.

 

GARAGE DOORS – We offer a variety of garage door options. Some things to consider when installing garage doors on custom metal barns are: 1) will you have electricity, 2) will your structure be tall enough to install a garage door, and 3) can I add a garage door later if I don’t want to add one now? The answer to these questions will help us find the perfect garage door solution for you. Not only can we provide the garage door for the front or end of the barn, we can also install the garage door on the side of the barn for easy access to your stored vehicles or livestock. Contact our customer service representatives and ask about the garage door options available in your area. Take a look at our blog post if you want to learn even more about garage doors.

 

PANELS – If you like the look of the open side barn available with the A-frame style barn (carolina), but want to enclose the sides later, panels are perfect for you. Panels can be added to any of the barn sides to enclose and customize the barn to fit your needs.

 

GABLE ENDS – Gable ends increase the appearance by hiding the frame and braces on open lean-to sides. It provides additional strength and added framing support, and provides better protection for whatever you are storing. Gable ends provide you with a nice finished look on your metal barn and will help rein-force the structure against harsh winds and weather conditions. All of our steel barns for sale can be customized with gable ends. The gable is the triangle of material that helps to enclose the very top portion of the metal carport. The enclosed roof helps to better protect your car and gives the custom barn a nice finish. This additional option can be added after installation, however Carport Central recommends adding a gable to your steel barn order before installation to save on the additional installation trip and fees.

 

J-TRIM –Decorative trim applied to the edges of panels so they are not exposed for safety and it also gives the unit a nice finished look. If you plan to leave one side or a portion of your custom metal barn open rather than enclosed, make sure you have something to provide safety and protect your new metal building. Add the perfect finishing touch to the custom steel barn or steel storage area with J-trim. Not only does it create a nice finished look, but it also covers the edges of the panels for safety. We recommend this feature for homes with young children to increase the safety of the metal barn. All of our metal barns for sale can be customized with safety and style in mind.

 

EXTRA BOWS & TRUSSES – Extra bows and trusses can be added to your unit to make it stronger. Bows and Trusses are the structural supports that fit inside the roof of your structure to add strength and stability to your custom metal barn, additionally, they are available to reinforce the sides to better support and stabilize your building. If you live in an area of heavy snow or intense weather, you should consider adding bows or trusses to give additional strength to your metal building. All barns up to 24’ wide have a bow, and all units wider than 24’ have a truss. Take a look at our options to reinforce your structure.

 

ANCHORS – Very important option, and can vary depending on your installation type. Anchors are one of the most important options to consider when buying a metal barn. This is what keeps the structure grounded when faced with heavy winds. To discover what anchor works best for your needs, read our blog post here and talk with a customer service representative to find the right option for your budget.

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Colors

We offer 17 colors to customize your metal barn building.

Using your barn for vehicles or machinery? You can choose from a selection of colors for your garage door, colors vary by installation location. Contact our customer service representatives to see what colors are available in your area.

Please keep in mind that colors may vary by installation location. You can customize the color of the roof, and sides, of your structure.

Installation & Site Prep

INSTALLATION AND SITE PREP

Make sure that you have leveled the installation area. If you are installing a certified building, the site must be level to within 3” front to back and side to side. If the site is not level when the installation team comes out to install the structure they may have to reschedule the installation for a later date, which will mean an additional fee for the return trip.

Overview of delivery and installation process

Our customer service representatives will contact you to schedule a delivery date and time. Please be sure to clear all debris and level the area on which you would like your new metal barn installed. On delivery day, our installation team will arrive with all tools necessary to install the custom barn on the level prepared site. They will drill the anchors, and construct the building. If you need to have your building certified, please let us know before the date of installation so we can get everything ready and have the blueprints to you before the metal barn or horse barn is installed on your leveled lot.

Site Prep Checklist

  1. 1. Make sure the area is clear of debris
  2. 2. Make sure the site is level, this is especially important if the building will be certified, as the building cannot be more than 3” off level from front to back or side to side in any application. If the site isn’t level the installation team will attempt to level at an additional charge.
  3. 3. Make sure the installation team will be able to access the installation site, if there is more than a 50-foot difference between the installation site and the truck; you may be charged an additional service fee due to the additional time needed to complete your installation

Barn FAQ’S

Q: If I install a standard barn, can I customize the barn later?

A:

You can always customize any structure you buy through Carport Central. If you want to get a partially enclosed barn now and enclose it later, we are available to help get you the perfect product for your budget. If we do send another team out to add additional pieces to your metal barn or shed, you will be charged a fee for the site visit in addition to the price of the new item. We encourage you to think about any additional changes you may want to make in the future and let our customer service representatives know your plans. We may have some suggestions to make the additions more cost effective. Contact our customer service representatives to learn more about how to customize our buildings after they are installed.

Q: What can I customize in my metal barn?

A:

We offer many options to customize your metal barn. Not only can you pick the style, roof, and size, but you can customize with color as well. Make sure to talk to your customer service representative about the different color options that are available in your area. You can always add doors and windows to the custom metal barn for a nice finished touch.

Q: Can I include electric or water in my metal barn?

A:

Many of our customers want to include running water or electricity in the metal buildings we install. We do not install the electric or plumbing when the installation team puts up the metal barn. If you plan to pour a concrete or asphalt slab for your barn, make sure that you plan ahead and get all pipes laid and accounted for. This includes any necessary plumbing to include a bathroom in your new metal building. Call your utility company to learn more while you are in the early stages of preparing for your new metal barn.

You should also consider the amount of light that is needed in the new metal barn, and talk with an electrician if you plan to have interior or exterior lighting on your metal barn.

Q: What is the widest barn offered?

A:

The widest barn we offer has center building width of 70′, with side lean-tos up to 30’W each. This design and limit helps us to keep the structure strong and allow it to withstand high winds and heavy snow. We can customize the length and height to accommodate your needs. If you do want a larger barn, you will have to bring some equipment to the installation site to help the installers. Carport Central installation teams don’t travel with a lift, so we ask anyone with such a wide building to have a way to lift the roof into place. Contact our customer service representative to learn more about our barns and how we can help you find the perfect custom metal barn for the right price.

Q: What are my color options metal barn?

A:

Color options vary by manufacturer. Carport Central partners with local manufacturers to get you the perfect garage or carport at the price you want. As we work with multiple manufacturers, the specific colors will change by region depending on what is available. Please call your customer service representative to learn what colors are available in your area.

Q: Should I add a moisture barrier to my metal building?

A:

No matter how you intend to use your custom metal building, it’s a good idea to include a vapor barrier. We provide and install a number of moisture barrier options, including:

1. Single-bubble vapor barrier

2. Double-bubble vapor barrier

3. Prodex-equivalent vapor barrier

4. Pre-installed DripStop moisture control system

If temperature control is also a priority for your building application, you’ll also want to add some thermal insulation like spray foam, rigid board panels, or fiberglass insulation. If you have questions about which moisture control and climate control options are right for your new metal building, just connect with one of our friendly building specialists and we’ll be happy to help.

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