No one wants to spend all day caring for the barn, livestock, and equipment instead of riding
horses or enjoying time with their friends & pals. This is where a steel Carolina barn is worth
exploring. With their A-frame roof design and durable metal construction, Carolina style
barns are a unique blend of modern aesthetic charm and practical functionality.
A Comprehensive Guide To Carolina Style Metal Barns And Their Benefits
What Is A Metal Carolina Barn?
Carolina steel buildings have an A-frame roofline with two slopes—the central one and two
lean-tos on either side. They are also known by other names, such as monitor barn, step down
barn, and raised center aisle barn.
Designs Of Carolina Style Barns
- Fully Open: These are roof-only structures with step down roofs to facilitate water and
snowfall. - Semi-Closed: The front and back gable ends are closed, and the side walls are partially
closed to provide extra protection from direct sun and rain. - Fully Closed: This type of Carolina style barn is fully enclosed with sturdy metal side
walls. You can install windows and vents for lighting and airflow. - Central Open with Closed Lean-Tos: The central aisle, which is the widest part of a
Carolina barn, is closed while the lean-tos on the sides are fully open. - Central Closed with Open Lean-Tos: The lean-tos on the sides are fully closed with
entry doors, while the central part remains open for access.
Uses Of Carolina Type Barn
- It is common in agricultural settings to accommodate various storage needs. Farmers can
keep large farm machinery and vehicles. - It is an ideal building design for livestock shelters such as cattle or horses. Farmers can
get semi-closed steel barns that let animals in and out easily and move around. - If you need a workshop space, the Carolina style metal barn is suitable. One of the lean-
tos can be dedicated to tool and equipment storage, while the other can be used to store
raw materials. The central aisle is where you can do all the work. - A Carolina style barn can be used as a commercial space to create an office, garden
center, or distribution center.
Carolina style barns are easy to maintain, clean, and durable. Here are some of the
customization features that farmers or ranchers can add to Carolina steel barns to increase
their functionality.
Customization Options For Carolina Steel Barns
- Size: Steel barns can be as wide as up to 600 feet and as tall as up to 80 feet or even
more, depending on customization and local building restrictions. You can choose a
custom length that fits your needs. - Roof Type: Carolina steel buildings have an A-frame roofline and either a horizontal/
boxed eave or vertical roof style. For larger and wider buildings, we recommend a
corrugated vertical roof as it requires less cleaning. - Side Walls: You can choose metal panels with horizontal or vertical ridges. Their
thickness can be 29, 26 [industry standard], 24, or even 22 gauge. - Steel Frame: While the industry standard is a 14-gauge frame, you can opt for a 12-
gauge frame if you live in areas with harsh weather conditions. - Color: Metal building dealers offer a variety of color options to match new Carolina steel
buildings with existing ones for seamless appeal. You can choose a light color to reflect
sunlight and keep indoors cool or vice versa. - Door & Windows: From walk-in doors and roll-up doors to wide garage doors, you can
have any design suitable for farm needs. Place windows strategically to let warm air
escape and cool air settle inside. Match the window’s style with the existing building for a
seamless look. - Anchors: You can use extra anchors to secure your metal Carolina style barn to the
ground. This will make the structure stable and provide safety during storms. - Certification: Opt for engineer-certified metal Carolina barns that can withstand high-
speed winds, heavy snow loads, and hail storms.
Why Choose Carolina Style Metal Barn
- Durability And Longevity: Unlike wood, prefab metal barns are resistant to rot and
decay, which makes them durable. Metals are non-porous and dense materials that remain
unaffected by pests, contributing to their longevity. - Cost-Effectiveness: The initial cost of a sturdy, high-quality metal raised center barn
may be higher than that of wood, but if you calculate the overall cost, including finishing
and maintenance, it is less than that of any traditional material. - Energy-Efficient: Steel buildings have a bad rep for not maintaining heat. However, with
correct R-value insulation, this is no longer a problem. Insulation not only helps maintain
the temperature inside but also protects steel panels from the risk of condensation. It helps
reduce the chances of rusting, molding, or mildew growth. - Versatility in Design and Functionality: As we have seen above, there are multiple
design options for Carolina-style barns. You can pick one for agricultural storage or
sheltering animals. Steel frames occupy less space, thereby providing maximum space for
work. - Low Maintenance Requirements: A wooden barn demands effort, time, and money to
maintain its shine throughout its lifespan. That’s just the opposite of a galvanized steel
barn. You don’t need to spend money on regular pest inspection and control, replacing/
repairing rotting or decaying panels and re-painting or re-coating annually. That saves a
lot of time and money. - Protection Against Harsh Weather Elements: Steel frames are dense and have higher
strength [25 times more than wood]. So. they stand firm in all-weather situations. - Increase Property Value: Lastly, a steel Carolina style barn is a wise investment for
farmers and ranchers. With low upkeep and a durable structure, a metal Carolina roof
barn will maintain its shine for years to come. This will boost your property’s value.
Discover The Beauty Of Carolina-Style Metal Barns
Carolina style metal barns provide ample storage space for all your farming needs while
adding a touch of Southern flair to your property. As we have seen, the benefits of opting for
metal Carolina barns are endless – from their all-weather resistance to low maintenance
requirements. These barns are a wise investment for anyone looking to add value and style to
their farm or ranch.
