Storing grain? Need to increase on-farm grain storage capacity?
Considering retrofitting an existing hay shed or machinery shed for grain or fertiliser storage?
While we specialise in new shed builds and these are still the most popular option, an existing shed can be retrofitted with concrete panels.
In some instances, there can be several advantages of retrofitting a shed.
We discuss these benefits along with what you need to know before embarking on your project.
The Benefits Of Retrofitting Sheds For Grain Storage
Installing concrete panels in a hay shed or machinery shed could be a good choice for you.
For example, making the most of the infrastructure you already have may be a good fit for your cash flow.
Using your existing shed infrastructure, particularly if it is currently under-utilized provides cost-effective storage as you do not incur the cost of a new build. This may make more sense financially.
Retrofitting a shed also has the added benefit of making your shed more versatile. The shed can still easily be used for machinery storage in the future if required. This works well if you only require short-term grain storage or if you will only be storing fertiliser ahead of cropping.
Alternatively, it could just be a temporary measure to tide you over until you are ready to commit to a new build. In the meantime, you can get a good picture of how sheds fit into your grain storage and handling set-up.
One other potential advantage is that a retrofit project may have shorter lead times than a new build, depending on the workload ahead of the concrete panel plants. This may be a consideration if you are timebound.
Can I Retrofit My Shed For Storing Grain?
Yes, you can!
There are various ways that you can retrofit concrete panels to your shed, depending on the size and type of panel you are hoping to install. The structure of your existing sheds will also need to be considered.
The best way to install panels will also differ between shed types and uses such as grain sheds and multipurpose storage sheds.
Retrofitting Concrete Panels For Grain Storage
Here are some of the key points to know about retrofitting sheds.
Firstly, retrofitted panels cost more compared to the panels in a purpose-built shed.
This is because when retrofitting concrete panels to an existing hay or machinery shed, there is often additional steelwork required to accommodate the panel and grain loadings. Whereas in a new grain shed or fertiliser shed, the structure of the shed frame is already designed and engineered to accommodate the loadings.
It is important to note that in both these instances, the concrete panels are designed and engineered to be tied in with a concrete slab.
Concrete panels can also be retrofitted to grain sheds for the segregation of different grains. This is also a common option for fertiliser storage. The type of grain you are storing will determine whether this is a good option for you – it’s usually best suited to low-grade wheat.
Retrofitting Concrete Panels For Multipurpose Storage
Installing concrete panels to an existing open-front hay shed or machinery shed has been a popular option in recent years.
For example, some farmers have opted to install them in just one or two bays to be used for grain or fertiliser storage.
In this case, it is important to ensure there is a clear separation between these bays and hay or machinery also being stored in the shed to prevent contamination and reduce the risk of fire.
It also pays to check that your insurance will cover co-storing.
When it comes to the price of panels for multi-purpose sheds, this will depend on what is being stored. This is because the product will influence the size of the panels and the engineering required.
Keep reading for an idea on concrete panel prices.
How Much Does It Cost To Retrofit Concrete Panels?
The cost to retrofit concrete panels does depend on the size of your shed.
As an example though, the cost to convert a 48m x 24m open front hay shed to a grain storage shed with 3-metre-high concrete walls, a concrete floor and the additional steel work required is approx. $275,000 including GST and installation.
The concrete panels in a purpose-built shed cost less per square metre than retrofitting panels in a shed. This is because the structure of the shed frame is already designed and engineered to accommodate the panel and grain loadings.
Useful Resources
- Standard Fertiliser Sheds Size & Price Guide (PDF Download)
- Storage Calculators
- Grain Sheds Versus Grain Silos (Pros, Cons & Prices)
- Stored Grain Information Hub
We hope this article has answered your questions about retrofitting your shed for storing grain! Ready to get your project underway? Call us on 1800 687 888.
