By Lisa Kopochinski
When it comes to constructing one farm building or several, careful planning is imperative with many factors to take into consideration.
Based in Thamesville, Ont., WeCover Structures designs and manufactures a wide variety of farm structures, including barns, riding arenas, storage buildings, and more.
“There are many factors to consider such as building codes (snow loads, wind loads, frost depth, etc.) which can vary and impact costs heavily,” says company representative Jake Warren. “For example, how much work needs to be done to prepare the site for the building and lay a foundation? Ventilation systems should also be considered.”
Warren stresses the importance of vetting one’s options in order to find a trusted partner that will deliver on time and complete a job without surprise costs. “Budgeting for the unexpected is wise and loan rates from the banks need to be considered.”
Brian Perrier, operations manager at Prairie Steel Products Ltd. in Clavet, Sask., agrees and says farm building prices differ based on use and the location of the building.
“It would be wise to get a solid understanding of the purpose of your building and the size requirements before reaching out for quotes. Most builders will be able to tell you what you’ll need to be able to meet code for that building for the particular location that you’re building it.”
Budgets can vary greatly depending on how much groundwork is required for the site and how far away services like electrical or gas need to be developed for the building.
Seek an Advisor
When making such a decision, the importance of seeking information and guidance from an advisor cannot be understated.
“The farmer needs a trusted advisor to work through the many variables involved with how a new building can be profitable for the farm,” says Warren. “It involves discussing the logistical flow on the farm (cattle handling, equipment, commodity movement), floor layout, and how those needs might change in 10 years, just to name a few factors.”
Essentially, finding the balance between a building that meets the farmer’s needs at the right price point is crucial. “The process of discussion is invaluable,” he says. “It’s about finding the best performance for the farmer—not what is easiest for the builder to do.”
Steel or Wood Frame?
Deciding whether to have a steel-frame structure versus a wood-frame building often depends on the size of the structure. For example, smaller buildings often benefit from wood due to less span or height requirements.
“The most common form of wood farm building is the pole shed, where in place of a foundation, the wood poles that make up the walls are simply embedded into the ground,” explains Perrier.
Conversely, steel is more commonly used for larger buildings with span widths greater than 70 or 80 feet. Also, steel buildings can be made as tall as needed with no compromise to the durability of the structure.
Warren adds that all farm buildings can be built with steel or wood framing. Farm buildings are not inherently incompatible with one option or the other, but other factors would determine choice.
“For example, steel thrives with larger buildings as it is simply stronger and able to handle wider spans and heavier loads. Wood will often be more economical in smaller buildings. Steel buildings can be relocated, which is an asset to some. Fire risk favours steel building options (building codes may be much more easily obliged). Longevity also favours steel buildings. Steel framing allows for a fabric roof option which allows natural light in a building and can improve animal production and health in livestock or dairy housing.”
Perrier adds, “A wood-framed structure will have a steep pitch to accommodate snow load. If you’re in an area that has heavy snow, a steel building will offer greater snow load capacity and won’t require as great of a pitch.”
He says steel buildings are always deployed on some form of deep foundation system that will complement the long life of steel. Just a few examples include heavy-duty mechanic shops, dairy barns and facilities, and potato storage/sorting buildings.
“A steel building is going to last two or three times as long as a wood structure.”
Essentially, any building larger than 70 or 80 feet would benefit from being built with steel. This is because steel can better accommodate a large building and when you’re investing in a building that size, you’re going to want it to be of high quality.
Steel is more long-lasting and durable. It can support big doors, cranes, and large mezzanines, or any additional complexities required such as plenums, wash bays, or future plans for building expansion.
Electrical Systems and Doors
With respect to what should be discussed about electrical systems and doors, Perrier says such details need to be planned and coordinated during the pre-engineering phase prior to quoting a project.
“Our team will include walk-in doors and bifold doors with our packages. Other doors, such as overhead doors, would be planned with us for the door opening during pre-engineering. However, the building owner would deal with their favourite local overhead door supplier/installer who can install the door once the erecting crew is finished. We don’t deal with electrical, as this is something the farmer would need to outsource.”
Warren says where and how much power the building will require is key. The size of equipment should be considered for door placement and floor plan, including how future equipment might fit. For example, will the combine headers be upgraded in five years?
“You need to think through as much variables as possible, especially the flow of livestock and supplies, and how you can maximize the efficiency of your chores or work with the new building. A project that has been properly considered this way should help pay for itself in efficiencies gained.”
To sum up, he adds, “You can find the right balance between a building that meets the farmer’s needs and the price point. The process of discussion is invaluable. It’s about finding the best performance for the farmer and not what is easiest for the builder.”