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ABC Roof and Wall Panels Help Couple Build Energy-Efficient Barndominium

Modern farmhouse style designs are becoming more popular, offering rustic charm that make people feel right at home. Metal buildings easily fall into this category for design, allowing flexibility for exteriors and interiors. A metal building that includes a functional space (garage, shop, hobby area, etc.) and living quarters is known as a Barndominium.

Barndominiums are durable, cost effective and can accommodate high-performance insulation options that will keep interior temperatures consistent, helping to reduce energy usage over time.

For David and Janet Robertson, energy efficiencies were a goal for their own barndominium on their hobby farm. In order to achieve the design aesthetic and use of durable and low maintenance products, they looked to American Building Components (ABC) for the solution, incorporating metal roofing and wall panels into their home and storage shed.

Located on 80 acres in North Carolina, the Robertson’s post-frame home is 17 feet to the peak, and measures 36 by 80 feet with 14-foot lean-tos on three sides and a 30- by 20-foot lean-to extension on the south side of the building. The shed measures 40 feet by 40 feet with 20-foot lean-tos on three sides.

ABC product distributor, Mid-State Metals of Cleveland, N.C., designed the building and supplied ABC’s Imperial Rib® panels to builder and installer AW & Sons Construction of Salisbury, N.C.

Imperial Rib® is a 36-inch wide through-fastened panel with a ¾-inch rib height, installed 9-inches on center. As ABC’s most popular panel, these panels add incredible value to building projects while maintaining durability, protecting facilities from the elements while being virtually maintenance free. The walls of the Robertson’s barndominium are 8-1/2 inches thick and the roofing, constructed with rigid board insulation and blown-in insulation, has an R-value of 50.

“The Robertson’s knew we build energy-efficient post-frame homes,” says John Jancic, owner of Mid-State Metals. “They came to us looking for a home they could live in without ever having to move to a rest home; a home with everything on one level, with 36-inch doors, no carpeting or anything trippable.”

AW & Sons General Manager Timothy Hochstetler oversaw the construction of both post-frame buildings.

“We took care of constructing the shell of the home,” Hochstetler says. “Then the interior is ready for drywall or whatever the owner wants to do.”

The proof of the panel’s efficiencies is shown through the Robertson’s monthly energy bills. From July 2020 to June 2021, their monthly energy bill averaged $73. This includes air conditioning and a little electric heat during colder weather. In-floor heating, powered by propane supplies most of the warmth at a cost of about $83 per month.

Robertson Barndominium and Shop

Overall, the Robertson’s barndominium incorporated 27,149 square feet of metal panels, in colors of Coal Black, Vintage White and Hawaiian Blue. Wainscotting was also installed around the bottom of the exterior home, providing an additional richness to the design.

“Metal gives us longevity, low maintenance and a better re-sale value,” says David Robertson. “It’s a once in a lifetime deal. Even the next owners will enjoy the value of the metal on these buildings.”

For more information on ABC’s sustainable metal roof and wall panels, read more about the Robertson’s barndominium, view product selections or contact your local ABC distributor.

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