Pole Barn Metal Roofing

From garages to workshops; storage solutions to shouses; animal shelters to actual barns, pole barns represent an economical way to add high quality covered space to your home or commercial property.

Savvy consumers recognize that post frame constructed buildings are typically less expensive and time-consuming to erect than other types of structures. But cost and build speed aren't the only factors to consider.  Smart buyers also realize that selecting the right metal panels is essential to achieving a post frame building that's functional AND beautiful for the next 30-40 years or more.   

What are Pole Barns?

Pole barns are an example of post frame construction. Post frame construction makes use of wooden posts secured a few feet into the ground which serve as the foundation and framing for the structure. There is no foundation poured for a pole barn structure. The sides of pole barn are made from metal panels fastened to and supported by the wood framing. Some pole barns, typically for agricultural use, do not have sides at all but are open to the elements.

Today, pole barns, or post frame buildings as they are commonly referred to, are highly-engineered structures. One interesting advantage of pole barns is that the support posts are spaced farther apart than typical building wall studs. This design creates an exceptionally large wall cavity providing lots of space for insulation which lowers heating and cooling costs through the life of the building.  

Pole Barn Metal Roofing

Due to the basic design elements of post frame construction, exposed fastened panels are the most popular types of covering for both roof and walls.  When exposed fastened panels are attached to the wooden framing, they actually help to tie the building together, or strengthen the load carrying capability.  Additionally, this family of metal products is one of the most economical to produce and install making it both an affordable and effective option. 

While many different types of products can be used in post frame construction, our exposed fastened Max-Rib and Mesa metal panels are our most popular products for post frame construction. 

Both panel types are available in a wide variety of colors and offer a low profile 3/4" rib height with a 9" on center spacing for the major ribs.

The biggest difference between the two is that the Mesa panel is a proprietary product to McElroy Metal and features a nearly invisible lap so walls and roofs have a monolithic appearance. 

Pole Barn Metal Roofing Coatings

What many buyers don't realize is that decisions made on substrate and coating systems for the metal panels have a direct impact on the overall long-term performance and satisfaction level. For some applications, it is not necessary to use higher quality materials (shade and shelter applications for instance), but if your pole barn is intended for more extensive, long-term use or if appearance is a factor in your overall satisfaction, then understanding the differences in coatings and substrates is critical.

You can learn more about the substrates and coatings here, but in general, Galvalume panels will provide the longest-lasting results with superior corrosion resistance and Kynar 500® (PVDF) coatings preserve the look of your building and offer the greatest protection against fade and chalk.

Pole Barn Metal Roofing is Sustainable

Pole barn owners are becoming more aware of the environmental impact of their roofing and siding. We all prefer to leave our world a little better than we found it. Pole barn metal roofing and siding is a highly sustainable building material due to its recycled materials content and the fact that it is 100% recyclable at the end of its expected service-life, in many cases up to 60 years or more.

Using a metal roof on your pole barn project also means fewer repairs and replacement in the future because it's a highly durable product. Hail, wind, fire and storm damage are much less likely with a metal roof than other roofing materials because they are rated Class 4 by Underwriters Laboratories. A Class 4 rating means that a roof passes certain tests meant to measure impact resistance.

Read more about Class four testing here. 

What is a Shouse?

Seems people are getting creative when it comes to building structures with pole barn metal roofing materials. A shouse (shop + house) is a structure located near or connected to, or in some cases even used for, a place for living. A shouse might be a workshop or storage shed or even a hunting camp or other type of getaway lodging.  Some people with big toys like trucks and boats will build a shouse to connect their possessions with their sleeping quarters.

If you're interested in building a shouse, please be sure to check local building codes and regulations for roof structures as well as lighting, venting, plumbing, etc.

Why Choose McElroy Metal Pole Barn Metal Roofing?

The requirements and building use for your specific project will determine which panel system, substrate, and coating are most appropriate.

Our exposed fastener pole barn metal roofing products deliver great performance and longevity as they withstand high temperatures, strong winds, heavy snow, hail and other tough weather conditions. Regardless of which metal panel option you choose, our durable, low-maintenance pole barn roofing metal panels are the perfect fit for the demanding requirements for farm buildings and other pole barn structures. 

Learn More

You can learn more about post frame construction here, or you can contact us to learn more.