Why Pre-Engineered Metal Buildings Are Replacing Brick in Southern Indiana
In Southern Indiana, full brick buildings have become increasingly rare. Today, most new projects use brick only as a thin veneer or façade. What’s really happening in 2025 is a shift: business owners are replacing traditional brick and masonry methods with pre-engineered metal buildings (PEMBs).
From Evansville and Jasper to New Albany and Bloomington, companies are choosing PEMBs because they deliver faster construction, lower long-term costs, and better performance in the region’s tough freeze–thaw climate. For many, metal isn’t just an alternative to brick—it’s the smarter, more modern standard.
Here’s why the trend is moving away from traditional brick and toward metal systems this year.
The 2025 Cost Picture: Metal vs. Brick
Building costs have climbed in recent years, making material choice more important than ever. In Southern Indiana:
A metal warehouse or light industrial building often runs $90–$140 per square foot.
A brick or masonry facility of the same size may cost $150–$250 per square foot, sometimes higher depending on design.
And that’s just the upfront cost. Over time, the numbers tilt even more in favor of metal:
Lower upkeep – Brick requires tuckpointing and mortar repair, while metal panels need little more than occasional washing.
Fewer repairs – Freeze–thaw damage to brick is common in Southern Indiana, but metal avoids these costly fixes.
Financing savings – A project that finishes months earlier means less interest paid before the doors even open.
Example: A 20,000 sq. ft. warehouse in Jasper built with metal may save $1–2 million in initial construction costs compared to brick. Add in years of lower maintenance, and the gap only widens.
Faster Construction = Faster Openings
Speed matters. Every month a business stays closed is lost revenue. With a PEMB, much of the work is done before crews arrive on-site. Steel frames, wall panels, and roofing systems are fabricated and delivered ready to assemble. That means shorter schedules and fewer delays. Paired with a design-build contractor like Seufert Construction’s general contracting team, owners don’t have to juggle multiple contracts. One team handles design and construction, streamlining communication and shaving weeks—or even months—off the timeline. For a service garage in Evansville or a self-storage facility near New Albany, that faster timeline can mean opening doors and generating income much sooner.
Built for Southern Indiana’s Climate
Southern Indiana sees 50+ freeze–thaw cycles each year. For brick, that’s a problem. Water gets into mortar joints, freezes, expands, and eventually cracks. Over time, spalling bricks and crumbling mortar require expensive repairs. Metal buildings handle these cycles better. Steel panels shed water instead of absorbing it, and modern coatings prevent rust. Combined with advanced roofing, metal systems resist the heavy rains and strong winds that roll through the Ohio Valley. This durability adds up: fewer repairs, less downtime, and more predictable maintenance budgets.
Energy Savings & Smarter Roofing
Utility costs are another factor pushing businesses toward metal. While Indiana follows an older energy code (ASHRAE 90.1-2007), most owners aim to beat those standards to lower heating and cooling bills.
Metal buildings make this easier:
Insulated wall systems can reach R-30 or higher, outperforming many brick systems.
Reflective roof coatings are especially effective in hot Indiana summers, keeping interiors cooler.
Tighter building envelope = less air leakage and better comfort.
The standout option is the Butler MR-24® roof system, available through Seufert. This standing-seam roof adjusts to temperature changes without breaking its seals, staying watertight for decades. Many owners report up to 90% lower maintenance costs compared to conventional roofing. For businesses balancing utility bills and long-term operating budgets, these energy savings matter as much as the upfront price tag.
Learn more about the Butler MR-24® roof system.
Local Tax Incentives That Add Value
Southern Indiana counties often offer real property tax abatements to encourage new commercial development. These abatements reduce property taxes on the increase in assessed value from your new building, usually for 5–10 years. For example, a $1.5 million warehouse project in Jasper could qualify for a 50% tax reduction over five years—potentially saving owners $200,000–$300,000. When you combine these incentives with lower construction costs and reduced maintenance, metal buildings often deliver the highest ROI for Southern Indiana business owners. Local economic development groups, like Radius Indiana, can walk owners through the application process.
Where Metal Buildings Shine in 2025
In 2025, we’re seeing metal buildings take off in these areas:
Manufacturing and assembly – Wide, clear spans fit heavy equipment and production lines.
Warehousing and distribution – High ceilings and open layouts maximize racking and forklift use.
Fleet and service garages – Metal framing supports oversized doors and durable shop floors.
Self-storage facilities – Fast build times allow units to open in phases for quicker ROI.
Agricultural facilities – Steel resists moisture and is easier to clean than brick in food or processing environments.
With Southern Indiana’s growing manufacturing and logistics industries, these are the projects we see most often.
When Brick Still Makes Sense
Brick still has a role in Southern Indiana construction. It’s often the right fit for:
Downtown New Albany or Jasper storefronts where zoning requires a masonry look.
Schools and churches that want a traditional, timeless appearance.
Office or retail spaces where curb appeal is central to branding.
For many projects, the best answer is a hybrid approach: a metal building for structure and cost savings, with brick or stone accents for design. That way, owners get efficiency without giving up style.
Southern Indiana Metal Building FAQs
Are metal buildings cheaper than brick in Southern Indiana in 2025?
Yes. A metal building usually costs $90–$140 per square foot, while brick often runs $150–$250. Over the life of the building, metal also saves money through lower maintenance, faster construction, and local tax incentives.
How long does it take to build a metal building?
Smaller garages or retail facilities may be completed in 3–4 months, while larger warehouses may take 6–8 months. Both are still faster than most brick projects, which can stretch close to a year.
Do metal buildings meet Indiana’s energy code?
They do—and often go beyond it. Indiana follows ASHRAE 90.1-2007, but with insulation packages up to R-30 and advanced roofing systems, metal buildings can exceed code and lower energy bills significantly.
How does Southern Indiana’s freeze–thaw cycle affect brick vs. metal?
Brick absorbs moisture, which freezes and expands, causing cracks and crumbling mortar. Southern Indiana’s 50+ freeze–thaw cycles each year make this a common problem. Metal panels shed water and resist these issues, reducing long-term repair costs.
Can I add brick or stone to a metal building?
Absolutely. Many owners blend the two—using metal for structure and brick or stone for accents. This hybrid method balances speed and cost savings with the visual appeal some projects require.
Partner With A Trusted Southern Indiana Butler Builder
In 2025, the numbers are clear. Metal buildings cost less, finish faster, and perform better in Southern Indiana’s climate than brick. Add in energy savings and local tax incentives, and it’s easy to see why so many owners are making the switch. Seufert Construction is the region’s Butler Builder and a trusted general contractor. From pre-engineered metal buildings to advanced roofing like the Butler MR-24®, we help businesses build facilities that work harder, last longer, and cost less to maintain.
Contact Seufert Construction today to start your 2025 project.