When it comes to choosing a home, durability and longevity are key considerations. In recent years, barndominiums have gained popularity as an alternative to traditionally built houses. These unique structures combine the comfort and functionality of a custom-built home with the charm of country barn-style aesthetics. If you’re weighing your options for a long-lasting home, you may wonder: Will a barndominium last longer than a traditionally built house? In this blog post, we’ll explore the factors that contribute to the durability of barndominiums and compare them to some more traditional construction methods.
- Structural Strength and Stability:
One of the primary advantages of a barndominium is its robust and sturdy construction. Barndominiums typically feature steel frames, which provide exceptional strength and durability. Steel is resistant to common issues that can affect traditional homes, such as rot, pests, and termite damage. This structural integrity makes barndominiums less susceptible to deterioration over time, giving them an edge in terms of longevity. Other styles of barndominiums include post-frame construction, which uses thick posts that are secured into the ground and support the structure firmly. You can also build a barndominium with standard stick construction just like any other home in America would be built. So you actually have some fantastic options when it comes down to building a strong structure that will last many years into the future.
- Protection against Natural Disasters:
Barndominiums often excel in withstanding extreme weather conditions. The steel frame provides the overall best resistance against high winds, making them more resilient during hurricanes, tornadoes, and severe storms. Additionally, steel is non-combustible, offering increased fire resistance compared to traditional wood-framed houses. This ability to withstand natural disasters can contribute to the extended lifespan of a barndominium. If a hurricane or a firestorm can’t take out this steel-frame barndominium, old age doesn’t have much of a chance. It seems that old Father Time has quite the fight on his hands. A post-frame would be a step down from steel but still very strong. In some parts of the country like South Dakota where winds can gust dangerously fast, a post-frame barndominium is going to be rated between 90 -105 MPH. That is considered high-speed wind gusts and these barndominiums withstand that kind of torture from mother nature all year long with no problems, so thunderstorms and general heavy wind shouldn’t be a problem for a post-frame barndominium.
- Minimal Maintenance Requirements:
Another factor that affects a home’s longevity is the level of maintenance it requires. Barndominiums are known for their low-maintenance nature. The steel components are less prone to warping, cracking, or deteriorating compared to wood, reducing the need for frequent repairs or replacements. While routine maintenance is still necessary, such as inspecting the roof, checking for rust, adequate insulation, and addressing any potential issues, barndominiums generally require less ongoing maintenance than a traditional stick home. Wood can rot if it gets wet for extended periods and then dries out, which can diminish the structural integrity of the home. This is a problem you won’t have with a steel-frame barndominium.
4. Flexibility and Adaptability:
Barndominiums offer a vast range of versatility in terms of design and future modifications. The open floor plans and wide interior spaces allow for easy customization and reconfiguration as your needs change over time. If for some reason you find yourself with additional children in the house and you want to add additional rooms, expand living areas, or repurpose spaces, barndominiums provide the flexibility to adapt to your evolving lifestyle. Having a house that can fill multiple needs is important. This adaptability ensures that your home can meet your requirements now and for years to come. This flexibility shines when compared to a tighter fixed layout in a traditional house that would be much more complex to just simply add onto or adapt with your lifestyle as it changes.
- Quality of Construction Materials:
While the materials used in traditional houses can vary widely, it’s worth noting that barndominiums often employ high-quality construction materials. From the steel frame to the exterior finishes and insulation, barndominiums can be built with durable and long-lasting components. However, it is essential to work with reputable builders and suppliers to ensure that the materials used in your barndominium are of high quality and meet industry standards. In the materials industry, you can typically expect to get what you pay for. When it comes to lumber there are different grades of lumber. You don’t want to frame your house with lumber that is bowed out, twisted, warped or all knotted up with bumps and burls. The cheapest material isn’t always the best idea, especially when it comes to building your home. There are some things during the build you may be able to get by with cheaping-out on but your lumber package shouldn’t be one of those things. You want the best quality wood for the least amount of money, not the cheapest wood or even the best deal necessarily. You can begin to see why steel is so attractive after dealing with lumber for a while.
While it’s impossible to guarantee that any home will last indefinitely, it’s safe to say a steel home has a really good chance of outliving us and our children. Barndominiums have several features that contribute to their potential longevity. The robust steel construction, resistance to natural disasters, minimal maintenance requirements, and flexibility in design all work in favor of barndominiums lasting longer than a traditionally built home. However, it’s important to consider factors such as proper construction techniques, material quality, and regular maintenance to maximize the lifespan of any home, regardless of its construction type. Ultimately, making an informed decision based on your specific needs and preferences will ensure you choose a home that will provide lasting comfort and satisfaction for years to come.
