Siding Options for Agricultural Buildings

When thinking about agricultural buildings, most are more concerned about what's going into them than the buildings themselves. However, it's vital to understand that the building matters! The type of siding you put on the outside of these structures can decide how long it will last, what it will look like, and how well protected the items inside are.

Why The Right Siding Matters

If you're unsure why the type of siding matters, it's important to know that your choice in siding can decide the safety of not only the animals or items you keep inside the building: but also how long the building itself will last.

Poorly chosen siding can lead to rot, mold, and moisture getting into the building, quickly rotting it and putting animals or items at risk. Below we're going to walk through the main types of siding, their pros and cons, and which might suit you better than the rest!

These are the top materials to consider.

1. Wood Siding

Wood siding is a somewhat popular choice for many reasons: the largest of which is that it's incredibly inexpensive. Unfortunately, besides the low cost, it's a high risk for those who live in moist environments or areas that have to struggle with things like termites. When building your agricultural building, it's common for people to want a structure that will last for as long as possible with as little worry as possible: which means that a building made of wood siding isn't an option.

This siding only lasts between twenty to thirty years, and although it's attractive and low cost: that's too short a time for most homeowners. On top of this short lifetime, it also needs a lot of maintenance to reseal and repaint it and patch holes or cracks when they develop.

2. Steel Siding

Steel siding is one of the most popular siding options because of how long it lasts. Steel and aluminum siding can last at least fifty years, stay strong, and don't become brittle with age. Although you can paint it or get it in various finishes and textures, it doesn't need to last. This is awesome for agricultural buildings because it can handle most bumps, hits, and knocks that many other types of siding wouldn't be able to take.

If you decide to paint it, steel siding paint usually only lists five to ten years, so you'd have to repaint it along with that schedule if you wanted to keep it looking fresh. This can be nice for a farm who wants to keep their look changing and evolving.

3. Fiber Cement Siding

As long-lasting as steel siding and better at keeping moisture and temperature fluctuations out: fiber cement siding is the obvious choice for many people. It's sturdy enough to last more than fifty years, and you can still paint it whenever you want, or you can get the factory-applied color mixed through the cement and doesn't fade or crack off.

This siding can be more expensive and comes with higher labor costs. Unfortunately, it isn't a recyclable material: but it is considered a sustainable and dependable resource because it can be made from recycled materials, including cellulose fibers, sand, and cement.

Different Styles

Beyond the different materials your siding can be made out of, there are also many different styles. The most common boil down to three looks, horizontal lap, vertical, and shingles and shakes. Every type has its own many different styles and allows you to create fun vertical looks like board and batten siding, and shingle looks like scallop siding. The style of siding you get depends heavily on personal tastes, but there are some reasons many people go for specific shapes.

Shingle and shake siding will make your siding more susceptible to being replaced and can need more maintenance over the years. Meanwhile, a vertical style lasts longer and allows you to use it for longer without worrying about mold or rot getting into it.

How to Tell What’s Best For You

The right type of shingles for your project depends entirely on what kind of agricultural building you're creating. If it's something that will be treated like a storefront for clients, you may want to invest in something that looks better but has to be updated more often. Likewise, if it's something that only you and other farm workers will see, you can go for more minimal looks that will ensure your property is safe without all of the frills.

Your Agricultural Building’s Siding Matters

Although it doesn’t need the same amount of insulation or money poured into it as your home’s siding: the siding you put in your agricultural building is important. This can protect your property, ensure that livestock within it is well cared for, and ensure that the building itself lasts for as long as possible! Choose correctly, and you’ll be set.