Distinct Characteristics of Metal Carports, Garages, and Barns: What You Need to Know

Metal buildings come in many shapes and sizes: big ones, small ones, carports, garages, and everything in between. And depending on your needs, one might be right for you while others are not. If you're a first-time customer or unfamiliar with the process of designing and ordering a metal building, it might seem a bit confusing.

But we’re here to help make sense of it all! Below, we’ll discuss some of the distinct characteristics of these different building styles and how to determine which one best suits your requirements.

The Differences Between Metal Buildings

While some prefab metal buildings might be lumped together, there are quite a few different types and plenty of nuances that separate them from one another. Let's take a look at a few of these structures and their key differences.

1. Metal Carports

Essentially the framing and roof of a metal building, metal carports are highly effective at protecting vehicles from high winds, rain, and harmful UV exposure. However, since they do not feature side panels or doors, some elemental risks are still at play. For example, you wouldn't expect a carport to protect important valuables from rain when moisture and precipitation can still permeate the interior.

We'll also take a moment to specify several types of carports. For example, you have a traditional one, two, and three-car carports and RV carports. RV carports are often larger, taller, and built specifically to house oversized recreational vehicles, motorhomes, and buses.

2. Metal Barns

A metal barn is an enclosed building that’s typically used in rural applications such as farms and agriculture production. These buildings can be adapted to perform several different tasks, such as livestock shelters, horse barns, feed sheds, and even fully-finished homes! One of the key differences between this steel structure and the others is its overall design.

For example, metal barns are often designed with dropdown or gambrel roofs, styles that are patently ‘barn-like.’ And, although using these roofing styles for other buildings is possible, you won’t likely see them used with carports or metal garages.

3. Metal Garages

For those who love to keep their cars in pristine condition or simply need storage space, a metal garage is a residential favorite. In most circumstances, these buildings are designed with four enclosed walls but can be augmented with additional rooms and expansions.

One of the critical things to remember regarding the differences between these buildings is most of those differences are only skin deep. Each of the above structures uses the same materials and construction techniques, with the main differentiators being their style and how they're used.

Critical Questions to Ask Yourself Before Buying a Metal Building

We won't beat around the bush; metal buildings are a significant investment. After all, you're investing in a structure that's engineered to provide decades of strength and service. And that's precisely why you'll want to go the extra mile to ensure you get the product you need.

So, to help you decide what style or configuration works best for your desires, we’ve put together some questions you’ll want to ask yourself- before you buy!

1. What’s your budget?

This should always be the first question you ask yourself when starting any construction project. Big or small, you need to have an accurate idea of your financial capabilities and the types of products that fit within those criteria.

2. Will you use your structure to keep vehicles out of the rain?

This is a big one! And while a metal carport may serve you well by keeping your cars and trucks safe from elemental hazards, they're not exactly waterproof. Since the building has four open faces, your vehicle will undoubtedly encounter raindrops. So if you're expecting to keep your cars completely dry, a fully-enclosed building might be more your speed.

3. Are you using the space for storing more than vehicles?

If this sounds like your plans, you’ll most likely want to go with an enclosed metal garage. These structures provide both the room and the versatility needed for multi-use spaces.

4. Will you use your structure for animals such as livestock or cattle?

If you live or work on the farm regularly or are simply an equine enthusiast, you may opt for a metal barn. These structures not only have the rugged style you've come to expect of agricultural buildings, but they're adaptable enough for many different uses. Add custom barn doors, roll-up garage doors, windows, and any customization you might need to make a metal barn work for you.

5. Are you planning to store large equipment?

If you’re a contractor, trucker, or work in construction, owning enormous pieces of equipment is part of the job. And keeping those oversized vehicles is absolutely necessary for prolonging their life. For tasks like this, you’ll want the benefits of a metal garage.

Metal Buildings Vs. Wooden Buildings or Traditional Masonry Structures

Another part of choosing the right structure for your project is comparing different construction types. There are many ways to build a building, and not all of them provide the same levels of service and longevity. Below, we’ll dive deeper into why steel buildings sit firmly at the top.

• Low Maintenance

Since metal buildings are made using galvanized steel, they’re naturally resistant to moisture damage, rust, mildew, mold, pests, and even temperatures up to 1,200 degrees Fahrenheit. Unfortunately, lumber and concrete buildings do not have these same advantages. Over time, wood and concrete can deteriorate, rot, and fall apart. As a result of this natural resistance, steel buildings require far less maintenance over the course of their life.

• Variety of Sizes, Colors, and Roof Shapes

Another avenue where metal buildings excel over the competition is their customizability. Since steel buildings are engineered and designed in a manufacturing plant, they can be changed, adjusted, and adapted to the customer’s precise needs. With wooden alternatives, any major change to the structure will require the assistance of an architect or engineer.

• Lower Insurance Premiums

Most insurance providers base their premiums on the relative risk of a particular structure type. Unlike wooden structures, metal buildings are resistant to high winds, heavy snow, seismic activity, and even fires, making them far safer in terms of risk. As a result, the cost of carrying insurance on a steel building will be less than one on a traditional structure.

• Lower Material Cost

Let’s face it. Lumber prices are on the rise with no end in sight. As such, steel has become some of the most affordable construction materials on the market.

• Durability

There is a reason some of the largest bridges and skyscrapers are built using steel. Simply put, it's strong, and it lasts longer than just about any other material. And it far outlasts materials like wood or concrete. With a bit of maintenance, a steel building can last for decades.

• Smooth Installation

Even with modern construction techniques, building traditional structures is often a long process. But with metal buildings, much of the planning and installation is streamlined. And where stick-built structures may take months to build, a similar-sized metal structure can be completed in days.

• Elemental Strength

Mother Nature is no joke! Every day, high winds, violent storms, and snowfall conspire to damage homes, garages, and vehicles across the US. And more often than not, traditional buildings aren’t up to the challenge. But metal buildings are!

Searching for a DIY Fix? We Can Help!

If you’re the type that loves planning and taking on a home project, or if you have a background in construction, you may enjoy metal building kits. These kits come with all the tools and components included with traditional steel carports or steel garages, except you perform the installation process yourself! In many cases, you’ll receive a large discount on your structure for foregoing professional installation.

It's an excellent option for those who want to complete a job on their own or don't have time to wait around for an installation crew!

Looking for Your Dream Building? Probuilt Steel Buildings Is the Solution!

Whether you’re looking for metal carports, metal garages, or metal barns, Probuilt Steel Buildings is proud to provide a vast array of structures for any task. They’re strong, durable, and capable of providing you with years of dedicated service. Not only do we deliver quality products, but we back them up with industry-backed warranties and guarantees.

We’re also proud to put you in the driver’s seat of your own building by offering some of the best financing options in the business!

So, if you’re ready to begin your metal building journey, give Probuilt Steel Buildings a call today at (877) 754-1818! Our building experts are ready to help you engineer and customize a steel structure that’s perfect for your needs!