Poorly planned and designed steel buildings in Montana will be hotter in the summer than they need to be and extra cold in the winter. If you want to keep your barn or garage in Montana cool this summer, we can help. While it is best to include all these in your barn’s initial design, it is possible to add them later.
Ventilation
One of the primary reasons a pole building in Montana will overheat is that the hot air inside doesn’t have an escape route. At minimum, your barn should have soffit or eave vents, and ridge vents or cupolas. This allows hot air to escape from the top of your barn’s roof and draw cool air in under the eaves. These vents will also work when doors and windows are closed.
If you keep livestock in your barn, keep in mind that your animals will produce heat, sweat, urine, and feces. The additional warmth and humidity from animals often require the addition of forced air exhaust fans and ceiling fans.
If you decide to purchase exhaust fans or ceiling fans, it is critical your purchase heavy-duty fans designed for barns and dusty locations. Light-duty fans are not designed for barns and are at risk of premature damage and fire if used in the wrong setting.
Insulation
Hot steel siding and roofing will radiate heat toward your barn’s interior. A little insulation will go a long way toward keeping your barn cooler this summer and will help in cold months immensely. If you are interested in insulating your barn, the most common options include fiberglass bats, extruded polystyrene panels (EPS), and spray-in foam. Ask your favorite pole barn builders in Montana for help choosing the best insulation options for your barn.
Doors and Windows
Ventilation and insulation are critical for keeping your barn cool, reducing interior moisture, and prolonging the life of your barn, but doors and windows are no minor detail. When the inside of your barn is hot and humid, the fastest way to cool it down is by opening all the doors and windows. Dutch doors are an excellent choice for horse stalls and barns with small livestock. Windows are best for smaller barns or hobby shops.
If you are still designing your barn, consider installing large doors on two ends of your barn that will help seasonal winds blow through your barn instead of blocking the wind. Taking advantage of the wind should significantly reduce the need for forced air circulation––or eliminate the need altogether.
MQS Barn – Custom Horse Barn Builders in Montana
We have you covered if you are interested in agricultural buildings in Montana or a garage in Montana.
When you are ready to start, we can work with you to ensure you get the steel buildings in Montana you want.
To get started, give us a call or go online to receive a free quote on your project.