Typical pole barn construction involves steel roofing and/or
siding. If yours does we
have some suggestions for you. The most common gauge steel
panels used are 29
gauge. 26 gauge is thicker (upgrade) being
typically used on
commercial structures and places with unusual requirements.
Here are some features and requirements we follow when choosing steel panels.
Our goal is to purchase from manufacturers that:
There is a difference in the metal panels out there. Cheap metal will rust, peel, and chip easily. Trying to closely match the cheap stuff (if its still available when you need it) to repair damage is virtually impossible. Perhaps more importantly ....
Diaphragm Action
One of the chief advantages achieved with steel panel roofing and siding is creating an effective diaphragm. A diaphragm design allows light weight structures to resist lateral loads (wind) much better than other types of structures.
Properly installed steel panels, of the proper tensile strength, makes for a bullet proof, strong structure. This requires using the right number of screws (on center), the right size screws, and proper tensile strength metal.
Tests conducted at Cornell University discovered that properly affixed steel sheathing reduced deflection of their test building from 6.1 inches to 0.44 inches under a given load!
Summary
We believe that foundation wood, roofing and siding, and the doors you choose for your building are the most important components in your building. All three take the most abuse during the building life cycle.
RELATED
Trim Details
Metal Siding Calculator
Metal Roofing Calculator
Here are some features and requirements we follow when choosing steel panels.
- 40 year manufacturer warranty
- Company in business 25 years or longer
- Written warranty card
- Full trim package available covering all otherwise exposed wood
Our goal is to purchase from manufacturers that:
- Stand behind a written warranty
- Will most likely be in business 40 years from purchase
- ASTM A792 Grade E 80,000 minimum tensile strength or better
- Use manufacturing processes providing consistent product
- Wrapped to prevent damage in shipment
There is a difference in the metal panels out there. Cheap metal will rust, peel, and chip easily. Trying to closely match the cheap stuff (if its still available when you need it) to repair damage is virtually impossible. Perhaps more importantly ....
Diaphragm Action
One of the chief advantages achieved with steel panel roofing and siding is creating an effective diaphragm. A diaphragm design allows light weight structures to resist lateral loads (wind) much better than other types of structures.
Properly installed steel panels, of the proper tensile strength, makes for a bullet proof, strong structure. This requires using the right number of screws (on center), the right size screws, and proper tensile strength metal.
Tests conducted at Cornell University discovered that properly affixed steel sheathing reduced deflection of their test building from 6.1 inches to 0.44 inches under a given load!
Summary
We believe that foundation wood, roofing and siding, and the doors you choose for your building are the most important components in your building. All three take the most abuse during the building life cycle.
RELATED
Trim Details
Metal Siding Calculator
Metal Roofing Calculator