“Barndominium” was initially coined as a term in 1989 to describe converted barns. Today, new-build, all-metal barndos have become more common than conversions. There is controversy over how barndominiums should be defined; some purists argue that if the structure is built with any amount of wood, it is not a barndo. No need to take sides, says Don Howe, Editor-at-Large for BarndominiumLife.com,
As long as the outside is metal and it’s done in a barndo style, it counts as a barndominium.
Buyer interest in barndominiums has risen due to style, affordability, and faster construction, according to HomeLight’s Top Agent Insights for Summer 2022 report. Let’s take a closer look at why so many people are building all-metal barndominiums.
Durability
Metal is a robust and durable building material that can withstand harsh weather conditions such as high winds, heavy snow loads, and extreme temperatures.
Additionally, metal structures are resistant to pests, termites, and other common issues that affect traditional wood-framed buildings. And a durable structure means less maintenance…
Low Maintenance
Metal requires minimal maintenance compared to other building materials. It doesn’t rot, warp, or deteriorate like wood. Metal exteriors are easy to clean and typically require only occasional washing to maintain their appearance.
Energy Efficiency
Metal reflects sunlight, reducing heat absorption and keeping the interior cooler, contributing to energy efficiency. Metal roofing, commonly used in barndominiums, can be coated with reflective finishes to enhance energy efficiency further.
Customization
The style of barndominiums and the inherent nature of steel buildings enables customization to meet specific aesthetic preferences and functional requirements. Typical barndos have open floor plans that provide flexibility in the layout of the living space. With SmartBuild Systems interior floor plan design software, customizing your all-metal barndominium just got a lot easier!
Cost-Effective
Metal is often a cost-effective building material, especially when considering long-term maintenance and durability. Many factors, such as the size, shape, type of barndominium, and zoning laws in your area, can all affect how much you spend per square foot. The average cost of building a barndo in Colorado is less than building a typical home, according to BarndominiumLife.com.
Fire and Lightning Resistance
Metal is non-combustible and provides better resistance to fire compared to wood. This can be a crucial safety feature for residential structures. It is a misconception that metal buildings are more susceptible to lightning strikes than traditional homes. Lightning travels the path of least resistance, making the tallest objects in an area the most likely to be struck. Furthermore, steel has a lower electrical resistance than other materials, helping to spread out the heat of the strike.
Environmentally Friendly
Structural steel is 100% recyclable, making it a material that is circular for generations and an environmentally friendly choice. Additionally, the efficiency of metal production and construction can contribute to reduced environmental impact. With a 100-year lifespan, the environmental impact of an all-metal barndominium is reduced by 38%.
Insurance Benefits
Some insurance companies may offer lower premiums for metal structures due to their durability and resistance to certain risks like fire and termite damage. Using cold-formed steel can result in significant cost savings on builders’ risk insurance. Since steel is noncombustible, it reduces the risk of property loss during construction and over the structure’s life.
Build Your Dream All-Metal Barndominium
SmartBuild Systems is the construction industry’s only complete design system for pole barn and metal buildings, roofing, and re-roofing. Our web-based software quickly generates a 3D model, material lists, pricing, proposals, and construction documents for almost any post-frame building, metal structure, or roof.
Get in touch with SmartBuild Systems today to learn how easy it is to design an all-metal barndominium using our metal building design software.
