Metal Buildings

Many people identify post-frame buildings as “metal buildings” because metal cladding and metal roofing are common. Today, there is a wide variety of colors and beautiful metal products available that are durable and look great for years. However, any type siding, roofing or other architectural features may be used with post frame.

Thin-set brick, stucco, vinyl siding and wood siding are all viable options for finishing a post-frame building. There are new products that look like brick or cultured stone, which may be affixed to post-frame buildings at a fraction of the cost of bricklaying. Some buildings may use new products such as architectural foam to make them look like a coliseum or granite building. Architecturally, any structure you see driving down the road could be a post-frame building, because the finishes would not look any different from another style of building.

Post-frame buildings also may be insulated to make them more energy efficient than other types of buildings, including ones with a metal frame. Metal framing conducts heat - but wood framing is a good insulator. By fastening metal to post frame and adding insulation, no metal protrudes inside the building that may conduct heat in or out. Also, the posts are spaced wide apart - usually 8 feet or more - so there are fewer breaks in the insulation than you find in typical stud-wall framing. Compared to similar buildings that use concrete block, stud-wall or steel frame, post frame will achieive higher r-values and save you significant money in long-term heating and cooling energy costs.