If you are looking to build a produce shed, you may be wondering what factors need to be considered, and what design will be best for you. In this blog, we take a look at some of the key factors to take into consideration when planning your produce storage shed project.
Functionality / Working environment
Having a clearspan shed without knee or apex braces getting in the way gives you more usable space and the ability to increase storage capacity if required in the future. We believe this is an important design factor, given the fact your shed may need to fit large quantities of produce bins, and potentially pieces of equipment.
Our sheds are fully customisable and can be designed around your specific needs and sizes, with our full clearspan design providing maximum usable space.
Many of our clients comment on the importance of having a shed with nowhere for birds to perch, as this ensures that produce and equipment are kept free from bird droppings. To ensure your shed is kept free from birds, it is important to choose a design that features birdproof rafters. Here at Alpine, our Zero-Bird-Perch® rafters are designed for this very reason, ensuring your shed and equipment stay clean and hygienic, with nowhere for birds to perch or roost.
Condensation
Another factor to consider when planning your produce shed is the risk of condensation and moisture inside the shed as this can cause produce to become mouldy.
Condensation occurs when the outside temperature is colder than inside your shed, causing the air to reach its dew point. This results in the moisture content, or water vapour, turning to liquid.
Produce, such as spuds, onions, and salad products have extremely high moisture content. When this moisture is not absorbed, condensation/dripping can occur, especially when crops are put into a shed immediately after harvest.
Regardless of the design and construction, you will experience some condensation when your shed is first built. However, over the years we have noticed that some structures are more likely to reduce condensation and moisture content than others.
Steel framing is unable to absorb and release moisture, which means that moisture becomes trapped and results in dripping. Because of this, steel framing is more likely to result in condensation and damage of produce, putting your hard-earned crop at risk.
On the other hand, having a timber-framed shed will help keep the shed at a more natural temperature and will absorb moisture, helping to eliminate condensation and protect your produce.
Putting in vents or fans can further reduce condensation. You can find out more about condensation in sheds here.
Timber poles or structural steel legs to take knocks if hit by a forklift/telehandler
If you're looking to build a produce shed, you may be also considering storing your machinery and equipment inside the shed as well. The shed structure must be able to withstand any accidental knocks or bumps when machinery is being used or maneuvered inside the shed.
The likes of roll-form steel is generally around 2-3mm thick which makes the structure more susceptible to damage from machinery. If a structural portal is hit with any force, the shape of the profile will be altered, and the strength will be compromised resulting in a potentially major structural flaw.
We have seen a number of sheds where roll-form lightweight steel has become significantly damaged after an accidental knock from forklifts or bins knocking into them. Timber poles on the other hand range from 175mm–275mm in small end diameter and can take the knocks if they are hit with an implement or vehicle.
Spray foam vs insulated panels
Owners may choose to insulate their produce shed to keep the temperature regulated and maintain the quality of their produce. We have noticed the two most common insulation methods are spray foam and insulated panels.
The advantage of spray foam is that this method is quick and cost-effective and can be done as required. For example, some people insulate a few bays, and spray the remaining bays as needs require. This gives you much greater flexibility. One disadvantage to spray foam insulation is that it's not as aesthetically pleasing, in comparison to insulated panels.
Insulated panels however are a more expensive option, and do not provide you with the same flexibility. For example, insulated panels must be installed from the start of the project and retrofitting them later is not an efficient or cost-effective method.
If you have any further questions or want to explore Produce sheds further, click here to download our Produce and Horticulture brochure, or feel free to contact the team on 0800 428 453.
