How Steel Farm Buildings Save You from Infestation

Termites are attracted to wood because it contains cellulose, an essential component of their diet. Cellulose is a type of carbohydrate that termites break down into glucose and other simple sugars that they use for energy. However, steel farm buildings don’t contain cellulose and are completely inorganic, so termites will not and cannot eat through it.

You might not realize it, but termites do a substantial amount of damage throughout the world. The average cost of repairing a home after termite damage has been found is roughly $3,000 — and it can be much higher depending on how long it took to discover the termite problem.

Traditionally, wood has been used to construct farm buildings. However, you may want to consider investing in steel farm buildings instead. The following are a few reasons why steel is a better option for your farm buildings than wood:

Consider the toxic chemicals in termite treatment: There’s no denying that termites are a nuisance, and if you have them on your property, you’ll likely want to get rid of them as soon as possible. The problem is that most methods of termite treatment involve toxic chemicals, which can be harmful to humans and animals. If you have livestock, you don’t want them exposed to these chemicals.

Beware of unseen organic material: Even if you can’t see it, small pieces of organic material may be in or around your farm buildings. These small pieces are enough to attract termites, which can then infest your entire building.

Consider your building location: The location of your farm buildings can also affect whether or not they’re at risk for termite damage. If your buildings are in a wetter climate, they’re more likely to develop mold and mildew, which can attract termites. Steel farm buildings don’t have this problem because they’re not susceptible to mold and mildew.

Metal vs. dry rotting: Over time, wood will start to rot and deteriorate. This is especially true if it’s not properly sealed and protected from the elements. Dry rot can weaken the wood and make it more susceptible to termite damage. On the other hand, steel farm buildings don’t rot — they will last for decades with proper care.

Dry rot is a type of fungus that attacks wood. Dry rot doesn’t need water to survive — it only needs a small amount of moisture, which is why it’s often found in damp, humid environments. Once dry rot takes hold, it starts to break down the cellulose in the wood, which weakens and deteriorates the wood. Over time, dry rot can cause wood to crumble and collapse.

Not only do steel farm buildings provide superior protection against termites, but they can also save you money in the long run. Here are three ways steel farm buildings can help you save money:

Pole barns are an affordable option because they’re built without the use of a foundation. However, because of the use of wood poles, they’re more susceptible to termite damage. Prefab steel farm buildings are built off-site and then assembled on your property. Although initially more expensive, you still save on labour costs due to how easy they are to construct — and you’ll never have to worry about the structure being compromised by termites.

Steel farm buildings may be more expensive initially, but they’ll save you money in the long run. This is because they’ll not only last longer than other types of buildings, but steel is more resistant to damage caused by pests, the elements, and even fire. As a result, you won’t have to invest nearly as much in repairs and maintenance as other types of buildings.

The higher quality steel you choose, the more resistant your building will be to damage, including general wear and tear. At Future Buildings, we use Galvalume Plus Steel, one of the highest-quality steels available.

Even if you do decide to build steel farm buildings, you should still take precautions to protect them against pests. While you won’t have to worry about termites eating your structure, pests can be attracted to plenty of other things inside your building. With that in mind, the following are seven ways to pest-proof your steel farm buildings:

Remove trash: Trash, such as food and paper scraps, can attract all sorts of pests. Be sure to remove trash from your building regularly to keep pests away.

Inspect your farm building for gaps: Gaps and cracks in your building can provide an easy entry point for pests. Inspect your farm building regularly and seal any gaps or cracks you find.

Keep the interiors clean:  A clean environment is less likely to attract pests. Sweep and mop your floors regularly and wipe down surfaces with a disinfectant.

Maintain outside landscaping: Keep the area around your farm building free of debris and overgrown vegetation. This will discourage pests from taking up residence near your building.

Fumigate occasionally: Even if you take precautions, you can still experience a pest problem. Fumigating occasionally can help prevent infestations. Be sure to use a safe, effective fumigant to protect your family, livestock, and crops.

Don’t leave open bags: Open bags of food, such as flour or sugar, can attract pests. Be sure to store all food in airtight containers to keep pests out.

Avoid water accumulation: Standing water inside or outside your farm building can attract pests. Be sure to fix any leaks and clean up any standing water to keep pests away.

Avoid having to deal with termite damage by getting a steel farm building.

Future Buildings offers a diverse range of steel farm buildings and sizes to cater to every unique need:

If a straight-walled style of building is your preference, visit our sister company, Toro Steel Buildings.

For information about our prefab farm buildings, contact Future Buildings today by calling us at 1-800-668-5111. We offer a wide range of metal farm buildings that can be customized to your needs.