An image showing a metal roof against a blue sky to showcase potential roofing choices for agricultural buildings

The Impact of Roofing Choices on Building Longevity

When most people begin to plan out a new building in their mind, it’s common for them to think of things like layout, door and window placement, electrical needs, etc. What might not immediately make the top of the list are the available roofing choices.

Perhaps this is because it’s easy to think of a roof as a pre-determined thing, rather than a significant item on a list of critical structural options. But far from being pre-determined, the type of roof you choose has a longstanding impact on the overall longevity and purpose of your building.

Let’s take a closer look at the roofing choices available for agricultural and commercial buildings, as well as some modifications that enhance the durability of your roof.

Top Agricultural & Commercial Roofing Choices

Metal, shingles, and polycarbonate are all roofing materials that might come to your mind. But when it comes to longevity, two of these roofing choices stand out.

Metal Roof

A favorite for agricultural and commercial buildings – and increasingly popular for residential applications – is metal roofing. Selecting a metal roof is one of the sturdiest, longest-lasting choices you can make for your building.

Corrosion-resistant and rated for wind, snow, fire, and impact damage, metal roofs can take a beating, often with minimal maintenance. They are known to last over 40 years! Whether you are housing equipment, animals, or people in your building, a metal roof provides the security you need to rest easy.

In a sea of upsides, the only drawback is that metal roofs tend to cost more than other roofing materials. Their durability and longevity, however, can outweigh their price tag.

Polycarbonate Roof

A less common – yet still fully functional – roofing material is polycarbonate. The biggest advantage polycarbonate has over other roofing choices is better lighting, which makes it a popular option for greenhouses.

When framed and sealed properly, polycarbonate roofs are durable and efficient. Thanks to the abundant light, a building with a polycarbonate roof can see reduced electrical costs. If you are in a location where winters get very cold, the potential for sunlight-powered heating also increases with this type of roofing material.

If your building is storing something that can handle (or even requires) a little bit more exposure, this choice might be the best way to save a little more money while still having a roof overhead.

Roofing Options to Boost Longevity

As you’re making roofing choices, there are further options to consider that can increase the longevity of your building.

Steel Panel Modifications for Post-Frame Buildings

One of the advantages of post-frame construction is the ability to customize steel panels to meet the specific needs of your building.

From increased durability to improved moisture control, selecting the right panel options can significantly enhance the long-term performance of your structure.

Condensation Control with Dripstop

To further improve the durability of your roof, panels can also be upgraded with a Dripstop condensation control system.

The Dripstop system features a factory-applied felt membrane, bonded to the underside of the steel roof. Its primary purpose is to absorb condensation that forms on the underside of panels, gradually releasing this moisture as temperatures and humidity levels change. This feature helps prevent water from dripping onto equipment, vehicles, livestock, or stored materials, making it an ideal solution for uninsulated buildings.

In addition to controlling condensation, the membrane provides an extra layer of protection. It reduces the steel’s exposure to corrosive environments commonly found in agricultural and livestock facilities.

Let FS Construction Services Help with Your Roofing Choices

If you are in need of a new roof, or you’re planning a building and want to pair it with the right option, please let Gateway FS Construction Services know.

Give us a call at 866-551-3454 and let our specialists walk you through your roofing choices to find exactly what you are looking for. We look forward to providing you with the best client-focused service experience.

Image showing the client's three-sided machine storage solution that will keep all of their equipment safe through harvest and winter

Project Profile: Huge Three-Sided Storage Solution

One of the inescapable realities of agricultural life is that you’re always at the mercy of a calendar cycle. The seasons are going to come whether you’re ready or not, which means planting and harvesting can’t wait for you to catch up on backlogged work.

It also means that having a machine storage solution ready for whatever any season throws at you is a must!

Here at FS Construction Services, we understand the pressure and anxiety that comes with farming. We try to offer as much relief as we possibly can to the hardworking farmers we work with, including providing effective storage solutions when you need them most.

An Effective Storage Solution Built Just in Time

Last September, we had a client who needed a new machine storage solution before the onset of harvest, and after it, the coming winter. Austin Francis and our construction crew worked hard to meet our client’s needs – within the month, we were able to provide our client with a brand-new building.

The final solution? A huge 60’ x 108’ x 16’ machine storage building.

The open front of the structure has center-spaced columns 27’ feet apart, along with additional cross-bracing to help stabilize the structure’s huge open sidewall. These wide-set columns, along with the clear span inside the building itself, allow for large equipment to move in and out without any issue.

Additionally, we added gutters, downspouts, and Dripstop technology to the metal roof. This will help prevent condensation buildup above the expensive machinery stored inside.

Overall, thanks to the great coordination and practiced skill of our team, we were able to provide a significant new storage solution for our client in a short amount of time. And at just the right moment for what the coming months were going to require!

Let Us Help with Your Next Project

If you are interested in a new machine storage building or any other kind of pole barn structure, please let Gateway FS Construction Services know.

Give us a call at 866-551-3454, and let our specialists help you find the exact storage solution you are looking for. We look forward to providing you with the best client-focused service experience!

Caleb Durbin stands in front of a framed out structure at an FSCS job site.

Employee Profile: Introducing Caleb Durbin

One of the most enjoyable aspects of our Employee Profile series has been the opportunity to celebrate both the established and the emerging talent at FS Construction Services.

Sometimes, we honor someone’s decades-long legacy of hard work and commitment. Other times, we look forward to the incredible promise and excitement that some of our newer members – like Caleb Durbin – have brought to our team.

Meet Caleb Durbin

Caleb Durbin first joined the FSCS team back in August of 2023. He started out in the shop, working with the inside team, and helping out with grain storage projects. Caleb also spent some time working with one of our long-term employees, Joe Dorn, before Joe’s retirement.

He most enjoyed working on the construction jobs, and has been a part of the construction crew ever since! As part of the building crew, Caleb now works on equipment storage, pole barns, barndominiums, and all other sorts of new and repair projects.

Caleb grew up in Prairie du Rocher on and around farms. His skill and attention to detail were evident from a young age. He often helped community members with various projects.

In his own words, Caleb says, “School really wasn’t for me. I really liked working with my hands, building things. My dad had a huge influence on me and taught me a lot.”

Caleb was only 16 when his dad’s health began to decline. It was then that he began working to help provide for his family. Caleb not only learned the ins and outs of construction from his dad, he also learned the value of hard work. He has carried that with him into every new stage of life.

Even after losing both of his parents within a year of each other, Caleb has continued to build, not just for employment, but for his own life and family. He and his fiancée, Ally, have a son and are planning a Montana wedding for the near future.

Caleb is one of those rare kinds of people who not only has incredible talent and skill, but a passion for helping and working with others. We couldn’t be happier to have him as a part of our team. We look forward to talking more about his work in the coming months!

Work With Caleb & the Team

As always, thank you for your interest in learning about those who have made FS Construction Services what it is today!

And of course, if you are interested in grain systems, or any other kind of building project, please let Gateway FS Construction Services know. Give us a call at 866-551-3454, and let our specialists help you find exactly what you are looking for. We look forward to providing you with the best client-focused service experience.

 

An image showing the frame of a pole barn under construction to represent potential cost-saving options

Cost-Saving Options for Pole Barn Builds that Don’t Sacrifice Quality

In a world of rising costs and increasing inflation, it seems that nearly every price tag causes sticker shock. It’s reasonable, then, to want to look for cost-saving options wherever they can be found. And equally reasonable not to want to sacrifice quality in that pursuit.

At FS Construction Services, we know that agriculture is not a cheap endeavor. That doesn’t mean, however, that there aren’t smart, cost-effective choices you can make!

One of those choices, of course, is the ever-trusty pole barn. But not every pole barn is created equal. There are many decisions you can make to increase or decrease the cost of your building.

Pole Barn Cost-Saving Options for Your Next Build

Pole barns typically require less material and a smaller construction heft. So, the initial cost is already lower compared to many other agricultural buildings. But let’s look at other cost-saving options you can consider that won’t sacrifice the quality of your structure.

Save Money with Early Construction Decisions

Early decisions like a dirt or gravel floor, or a concrete slab, will have immediate cost implications. Make sure to consider how you plan to use your building before deciding on. the type of floor. You might not need one of the more expensive options!

In addition, the degree to which you insulate your building will have long-term savings effects. Pole barns are primed and ready for thick insulation and beneficial ventilation, simple choices that will greatly increase your building’s thermal efficiency. But, like your flooring choices, it’s also true that the degree to which you insulate is entirely dependent on the purpose of your building.

More cost-saving options are related to the materials you use during construction, and how they will affect the longevity of your building. Because pole barns are constructed in a simple, straightforward way without lots of material, the required maintenance is also fairly straightforward – if you plan ahead. Using treated materials at the point of construction can keep pests and mildew from growing, preventing expensive problems and repairs down the road.

Take Advantage of Easy Adjustments & Flexible Spaces

Planning to use your building for a range of purposes? One of the upsides of a pole barn being essentially a big open box is that it can be “divvied up” and compartmentalized as needed. This means the function of your building can be adjusted during construction or after its completion with relative ease and less of a cost – thus ensuring the perfect structure to meet your needs and desired uses, without breaking the bank.

Look Into Tax Incentives

Finally, several of these cost-saving options have an added tax benefit. In many places, building an energy-efficient or environmentally friendly pole barn might also qualify you for tax incentives that can help offset construction costs!

Let FS Construction Services Help You Make Cost-Effective Choices

Do you have questions about pole barn cost-saving options, or do you want help planning the right building? Please let Gateway FS Construction Services know.

Give us a call at 866-551-3454, and let our specialists help you find exactly what you are looking for. We look forward to providing you with the best client-focused service experience.

 

An image showing the thickness of insulation available on energy-efficient wood buildings

The Many Features of Energy-Efficient Wood Buildings

We’ve certainly spared no digital ink in sharing the benefits of post-frame and wood buildings.

Often, we focus on things like affordability, customizability, and functionality. And of course, these things remain true.

However, something we don’t always highlight is how energy-efficient wood buildings can be!

The Energy Efficiency of Pole Barns

Wood post-frame buildings are some of the most energy-efficient options out there for farmers.

Why? Because these types of buildings – also known as pole barns – typically have a significant amount of space between each wooden frame post. This allows for thicker insulation to be installed than in a stick-built frame building.

This results in post-frame buildings that stay cooler in the heat and warmer in the cold. And that means a smaller hit to the utility bill!

But the advantages don’t stop there. Since the function of these wood buildings is often to store things that are very large, they tend to have high ceilings. These high ceilings allow for better natural ventilation, and the addition of fans, vents, and other measures can further enhance it.

Installing features like insulated doors, additional windows, and flooring can also greatly impact your building’s interior comfort and thermal efficiency. To save money, you can section off multi-purpose buildings to create climate-controlled and non-climate-controlled areas.

Add Energy-Efficient Wood Buildings to Your Farm

Finding more energy efficiency is often not a silver bullet solution, but a series of meaningful choices. This is true for single structures and whole farms.

For an overall agricultural operation, having strong, reliable, efficient post-frame wood buildings is one of the small choices that can have a big impact year after year, decade after decade.

If you are interested in building or upgrading a pole barn or post-frame building, please let Gateway FS Construction Services know. Give us a call at 866-551-3454, and let our specialists help you find exactly what you are looking for. We look forward to providing you with the best client-focused service experience!

Nick stands in front of a large grain bin in an empty field while he talks teamwork

Employee Profile: Nick Heldebrandt & the Importance of Teamwork

When we interview employees for our Employee Profile series each month, one thing always becomes abundantly clear: each of our employees is highly dedicated to teamwork!

As extraordinary as our employees are, it’s their ability to be part of a team that makes them more incredible. They each share their expertise with one another and understand that consistent communication is key. Of course, this is also true of Service Tech Nick Heldebrandt!

Nick’s Role in the Process

Many of our grain storage construction projects involve extensive logistics and moving parts. There are many important pieces that must come together in order for a project to even begin, let alone be successfully completed.

Our teamwork-driven process keeps everything running smoothly. It starts with Nathan Koester, Grain Storage & Systems Sales Representative. He works with customers in the early stages of projects, bidding them out and ensuring everything is approved. From that point, Jarret Herzog, Sales Service and Support, works on scheduling the project. Jarret also orders and delivers all required parts and materials. They make sure our build teams are prepped and ready before a project even begins!

In fact, by the time Nick – or any member of the team – arrives on site, they are already so well-versed on the project that they can hit the ground running. This process allows for less waste of time and materials, as well as more efficient builds. Which is what every customer hopes for!

In Nick’s words, “Customers comment often that we get the projects done quickly. ‘You got that done fast.’ We try to be as efficient as possible.”

Working Together to Make It Right

Nick likes how effective our process is and our focus on teamwork. But he also makes sure to keep customer satisfaction in mind, no matter what part of the process they’re in.

It’s not uncommon for someone in the crew to notice another maintenance issue that needs attention.

On a recent grain bin floor project, Nick and the crew noticed that the existing grain sweep equipment was not working properly. They worked with the customer to find the right solution. This solution ensured that the storage bin was ready to perform as expected when the work was done.

As he sees it, Nick’s job is to make sure that clients have complete confidence in their system when the team leaves the job site.

Teamwork Makes the Dream Work at FSCS!

As always, thank you for your interest in learning about those who have made FS Construction Services what it is today through teamwork, skills, and expertise.

And of course, if you are interested in grain systems or any other kind of building project, please let Gateway FS Construction Services know. Give us a call at 866-551-3454, and let our specialists help you find exactly what you are looking for. We look forward to providing you with the best client-focused service experience.

Nick stands by some tech on a grain silo while talking about customer projects

Employee Profile: Nick Heldebrandt Talks Customer Projects

This month, we are excited to continue our Employee Profile series on Service Tech Nick Heldebrandt. While Nick has been with FS Construction Services for only three years, he has quickly become an essential part of our customer projects.

Nick is quick to learn and enjoys working with his hands. Together, these attributes have enabled him to work on all manner of grain systems and buildings. His projects have included new construction, as well as updates to legs, dryers, sweeps, roofing, and more.

Nick’s Varied Customer Projects

One of the things Nick likes best about his role is the variety that each day brings. He relishes the opportunity to work on new customer projects and tackle different challenges.

For example, while working on grain systems, the crew occasionally needs to replace the system’s legs. In some cases, these can reach as high as 125 feet! This requires careful planning and flexibility.

On these customer projects (or on any project, really), it is vital that the construction site be clear to allow for full equipment access. In Nick’s words, “It’s a small part of the project, but obviously important.”

Yet, whether it’s replacing legs on one towering system, new silo construction, or replacing a roof, stairs, or sweep on an existing structure, Nick never feels worried.

He says, “With training and safety gear, it is quite a safe task to work on these types of customer projects. I don’t mind going up on top on those projects. I’ve never been afraid of heights when that is what is called for.”

Nick also enjoys the customer-focused part of the job. Sometimes, this means working with the customer to develop a plan when additional issues or maintenance needs are discovered in existing buildings or equipment. Other times, it just means making sure the customer is up to date and confident in their new or updated system. Either way, his goal is for customers to be satisfied at the end of the day.

Work with FS Construction Services

Thank you for your interest in learning about those who have made FS Construction Services what it is today. The team members who work on our customer projects are truly some of the best in the business!

And of course, if you are interested in grain systems, or any other kind of building project, please let Gateway FS Construction Services know. Give us a call at 866-551-3454, and let our specialists help you find exactly what you are looking for. We look forward to providing you with the best client-focused service experience!

An image of a pole barn sitting in a field to show how retrofitting pole barns can extend their life and expand their uses

Retrofitting Pole Barns for Contemporary Needs

Here at FS Construction Services, we often talk about how customizable and flexible pole barns are. Most of the time, we’re referring to new construction or buildings that are still in the planning stages.

But one of the values of the pole barn is that, even once they’re built, you can continue to upgrade and improve them with relative ease. Let’s take a look at the ways retrofitting pole barns can extend the life of your building!

Tips for Retrofitting Pole Barns

Whether you have inherited a pole barn or are ready to update one you’ve previously built, here are some retrofitting options to consider that will modernize it.

Climate Control

It’s not uncommon to construct a pole barn and add some level of climate control after the fact – in fact, we’ve done so numerous times, in numerous ways. Retrofitting pole barns with various climate-control upgrades can make them stronger and more versatile buildings.

The most obvious option would be to add some application of insulation. Whether fiberglass, spray foam, or something else, added insulation is an immediate and cost-effective energy-saving measure. Depending on what your pole barn is used for, the right kind of insulation can also greatly increase the building’s comfort, expanding its uses.

Ventilation is another common upgrade. Having the right kind of ventilation system for your desired use will not only improve airflow but also prevent mold and mildew growth inside the building. This makes it more habitable and increases its longevity.

Doors

If your structure is old or was built without doors, adding sliding or overhead doors significantly increases your building’s value. Accessibility, security, and thermal efficiency all increase with upgraded doors, which may also provide additional options for how you use your pole barn.

Additions

Sometimes the best way to upgrade your building is simply to create more of it. Adding a lean-to is a common way people increase the usability of their pole barns through retrofitting.

Use the lean-to to increase storage, add stables for livestock, or create a new work or living space. Whatever the case, a lean-to addition is an affordable way to get more benefits from your structure.

And More!

Truly, the list of options for retrofitting pole barns is never-ending! Gutters, wainscoting, concrete flooring, windows, and on and on.

The beautiful thing about these buildings is that with a little strategy, you can completely transform your old pole barn into a brand-new one in a pretty straightforward and affordable way.

Let FS Construction Services Retrofit Your Pole Barn

If you are interested in building or upgrading a pole barn, let Gateway FS Construction Services know.

Give us a call at 866-551-3454, and let our specialists help you find exactly what you are looking for, including options for retrofitting pole barns. We look forward to providing you with the best client-focused service experience!

A few from above three large grain protection bins

Innovations & An Eco-Friendly Future in Grain Protection

In a broad sense, the fundamentals of grain storage haven’t changed much since the development of agriculture. After you harvest the grain, you find a container to put it in until you need to transfer it again.

While that container may have gone from a clay jar to a series of technologically advanced metal bins, the principle is the same. And in many ways, the potential threats haven’t changed much either. However, advances in grain storage technology have also led to improvements in grain protection solutions.

Innovative Grain Protection Methods

One of the greatest concerns in grain protection and storage has always been managing its exposure. Too hot, too cold, too wet, too dry…all of them present a Goldilocks situation where the best way forward is the way of balance.

Of course, Mother Nature is fickle. But while the weather outside cannot be controlled, the inside of a modern grain bin can. And with increasing accuracy, too!

Modern grain-monitoring sensors will measure humidity and temperature within the bin and provide live alerts if there are hot spots or other issues with the grain. Automated systems, now with the increasing benefit of predictive artificial intelligence, can make adjustments, prevent problems, and suggest interventions, all before things go wrong.

These tools are not only convenient – they are often accessible with a smartphone – but they ultimately prevent spoilage and waste, meaning the farmer has more to sell.

But the grain protection innovation isn’t done yet. On the horizon, there will likely be solar-powered systems that can self-generate the power they require, drones that can perform inspections, and better consolidation of automation, prediction, and management software.

The unknown can be frightening or may just sound like science fiction. We, however, are moving towards more consistent storage solutions, more sustainable materials, and energy savings, even as technology advances. At the end of the day, these changes in our grain protection methods look to be better for both the farmer and the consumer.

Let FSCS Help Protect Your Grain

If you are looking to upgrade your grain system or grain storage, please let Gateway FS Construction Services know.

Give us a call at 866-551-3454! Let our specialists help you find exactly what you are looking for. We look forward to providing you with the best client-focused service experience.

Service Tech Nick stands with an FS Construction truck at the site of a grain bin site

Employee Profile: Introducing Service Tech Nick Heldebrandt

We are once again thrilled to introduce another Employee Profile series. This has become one of our favorite features, and this time, we will get to know more about Service Tech Nick Heldebrandt.

All About Service Tech Nick

Nick was born and raised in Chester, IL, and has been working with FS Construction Services for the past three years.

Before joining our team as a service tech, Nick spent a couple of years working in machine maintenance and as a welder. In fact, Nick has been welding since a young age. He first learned from his grandfather, a welding teacher. Nick further honed this skill throughout high school and at Southwestern Illinois College.

When he has free time, Nick’s favorite hobbies include fishing, bowhunting, and, combining the two with bowfishing. Between bowfishing and bowhunting, he is able to stay practiced with his bow year-round. This has increased his all-around skill, allowing him to make 80% of his bowfishing shots and giving him an accuracy of up to 90 yards in bowhunting. He likes bowfishing for carp, gar, and catfish, and bowhunting for deer.

Outside of hunting, Nick likes spending time with his family and girlfriend. And, like many of our spotlight employees, Nick likes doing construction jobs around his own house.

Over the next couple of months, we will continue to learn more about Nick, the sorts of projects he works on as a service tech, and how his team works together for the good of our customers.

Work with Nick and the Team

As always, thank you for your interest in learning about those who have made FS Construction Services what it is today.

And of course, if you are interested in a pole barn, or any other kind of building project, please let Gateway FS Construction Services know. Give us a call at 866-551-3454 and let our specialists help you find exactly what you are looking for. We look forward to providing you with the best client-focused service experience!