Written by Rocky Mountain Metal · Reviewed by Micah Hostetler, Owner · Based in Penrose, CO, serving Colorado.
A steel-framed metal building doesn't rot, because there's no wood in its structure. Rot hits buildings whose wood posts sit at or in the ground. That's a big reason Rocky Mountain Metal sells steel-framed buildings only.
Key takeaways
- Rot needs wood, moisture and air together. It shows up where wood meets the ground.
- Buildings that rely on wood posts carry that risk at the base of every post.
- A steel frame anchored to concrete has no wood at the ground line at all.
- Rocky Mountain Metal does not build post-frame or pole barns. We sell steel-framed buildings only.
- Good drainage still matters, to keep steel, concrete and panel edges dry.
Why do wood-post buildings rot?
Wood rots when it stays damp and has air around it. In a building held up by wood posts, the riskiest spot is right where the post meets the ground: rain, splash-back and snowmelt keep it wet, and it never fully dries. Treatment, concrete bases and brackets reduce the risk, but the structure is still wood, and the post base is still the part to watch for the life of the building.
Why does steel framing avoid it?
A steel-framed building takes wood out of the equation:
- No wood in the structure. The columns, rafters, purlins and girts are steel.
- Anchored, not buried. The frame anchors to its foundation, so nothing structural is wood buried in soil.
- Nothing for insects. Steel isn't food for termites or carpenter ants.
- Engineered as a system. The manufacturer designs the frame and connections for your site's snow and wind loads.
That's the choice we made. Every building Rocky Mountain Metal sells, through 1st Choice Metal Buildings and Carports, is steel-framed. For the full comparison, read post-frame vs steel-frame buildings.
What protects the base of a steel building?
Steel doesn't rot, but every building does better when its base stays dry:
- Grade away from the building so water runs off, not toward the walls.
- Add a gravel apron or splash strip at the drip line to stop splash-back.
- Keep the foundation edge clean so panel edges and trim aren't sitting in soil or debris.
- Manage snow. Don't let plowed snow bank against the wall all winter.
- Touch up scratches in the frame and panel coatings when you find them.
What about Colorado conditions?
Much of southern Colorado is dry, which helps. But irrigated ground in the Arkansas Valley, low spots that hold spring melt, and north-facing walls that hold snow late in the season are where moisture lingers. Tell us about your site at the visit, and we'll plan drainage and the foundation around it. See how to prepare your site for a metal building.
What should you ask before you buy?
- Is there any wood in the structure, and where does it touch the ground?
- How is the frame anchored to the foundation?
- What does the foundation need, and is it on the drawings?
- How will water be directed away from the building?
How does Rocky Mountain Metal handle it?
We look at your site, plan the building and its foundation needs with you, place the order and oversee the project. The manufacturer's crew from Texas installs it. Close to home in the Fremont County area we can coordinate start to finish; farther out, we supply and oversee the building itself. Start with a free quote, read how long does a steel-framed metal building last?, and see what we offer.
Frequently asked questions
Will a steel frame rust instead?
Steel framing has a protective coating, and on a proper foundation with good drainage it stays dry. Keep water and snow away from the base and touch up scratches.
Can you replace rotted posts on my old pole barn?
No. Rocky Mountain Metal doesn't build or repair post-frame buildings. If you're ready to replace an old barn, we can plan a steel-framed building for the job.
Does a steel building need a concrete foundation?
Most enclosed steel buildings are anchored to a concrete slab or footings; some carports and open structures can use other approved anchoring. See does a steel building need a concrete slab?
Do termites matter in Colorado?
Not to a steel frame. Steel isn't food for insects, which is one more reason we chose it.
