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METAL BUILDINGS

Steel buildings are one of the most economically and environmentally friendly new construction options. Once you’ve decided to use a steel building for your project, you may experience a bit of confusion as to which type of steel building is the best for you. While there are a variety of choices you can make in terms of steel framing and interior finishes, steel buildings are generally divided into three categories:

• Arch type

• I-Beam or Clear span

• Multiple span

Arch-type. Arch-type steel buildings, also called Quonset Huts, have been one of the most popular steel buildings until recently. Random fact: the name Quonset was adopted because the buildings were first built at Quonset Point in Danisville, Rhode Island. They are extremely affordable to build and since World War II, when they were used for both military housing and storage, Arch type buildings have been a popular choice for agricultural applications. These metal buildings are entirely prefabricated, which is part of what makes them so affordable. The building is to construct and the process can often be accomplished by less-than-seasoned builders. They are typically made from galvanized steel and can be disassembled and relocated if necessary. Arch type metal buildings come in two basic styles: the original full-arch style, which forms a semicircle from side to side, or a more modern version which utilizes straight walls and a rounded roof, more useful if you would like additional doors and windows. They create a wide open space with minimal structural interruptions. In case you feel they’re rather boring – take a look at what’s happening in the world of modern commercial arch type metal buildings, as well as residential Quonset Hut applications. Keep in mind, however, their two primary disadvantages: for one, it is much more difficult to customize the appearance of one of these buildings, and they are also hard to insulate since they lack the members required for sandwich insulation against them and the panels.

Clear Span. These straight walled buildings – also called I-Beam or rigid frame, have surpassed Quonset huts in popularity. The steel support structures, called trusses, look like gigantic capital “I”s. The trusses are comprised of two sidewall sections and two roof sections with main support frames typically spaced 20 to 30 feet apart. Because these main support frames can be sized from small to large, these buildings….. can be constructed with minimal width restrictions, which is why they are a popular choice for those who need expansive interior space for warehouse storage, for industries that use large machinery, or airplane hangars. They are often the first choice of mini-storage owners because their interiors can be easily divided and storage doors can be installed on the exterior walls.If the buildings lack internal support structures they are called “clear span” because you have unobstructed internal space. You can still make internal modifications and upgrades in order to build offices, sales rooms, or other comfortable spaces for employees and customers to utilize. However, keep in mind that the pitch can be as steep or low as required

Multiple Span. Multiple span steel buildings are also straight walled and use I-beam trusses but they have internal support columns for additional support. These are often referred to as column and beam frames. Because the interior columns lighten the main frames considerably, these are ideal where large spans are required but interior columns are not an obstacle, such as warehouses or large industrial buildings. And since the interior columns can be located where needed, this type of framing can often be used for churches or office buildings and the columns can be located where they can be hidden in walls or obscure areas.

Metal Building Systems Advantages

Because of their pre-engineered (or pre-fabricated) attributes, and due to distinct properties of metal and steel, metal building systems structures have decisive advantages over buildings constructed out of other materials. These include:

Shorter Construction Time:

It typically takes less time to construct a steel building systems structure than other building types. This is because the pre-engineered metal building systems components are designed and pre-built to be easy to assemble. Processes that take place on the construction site with other building materials, take place before metal building systems components have even left the factory. Smaller buildings that would take weeks to build, can be up in days. Larger buildings, that would take months, can be up in weeks. 10,000 square ft commercial structures can be completed in just under three months, etc.

Lower Construction Costs:

Because metal building systems components have been specially engineered to fit together easily, and because the components are cut and prepped in-plant, using automation, cost of assembly is significantly reduced. When metal building systems components arrive at the construction site, the skill level required for their assembly is substantially lower. Your construction costs may be reduced by 60%.

Durability and Weather Resistance:

Steel is one of the strongest building materials available today, and can withstand extreme weather conditions including high winds, severe snow storms, hurricanes, and even earthquakes. Steel is also not susceptible to termites, creeping, cracks, splitting, rotting, and fire. There are now options for reinforcing steel against vandalism and fire, and most reputable steel building manufacturers offer a 25 year warranty on their structures, providing you with immediate security on your investment. Metal buildings systems structures are also treated with special coatings like galvalume, that protect their paint and surfaces from rust. Reputable manufacturers typically warranty their paint and coatings over decades.

Environmental Benefits of Building with Steel

• Material recycled and 100% recyclable – every bit of North American steel forged contains recycled steel, and is 100% recyclable.

• Highly efficient use of materials

• Long life cycles – metal building systems structures last a long time

• Most steel products don’t release pollutants (like some treated wood products) – be sure to ask your manufacturer if they use environmentally friendly paint and coatings

• Reduced heat island effect: buildings featuring cool metal roofing reduce impact on microclimate and habitat

• Energy efficient – steel buildings heat and cooling loss statistics (especially around doors, windows, foundation, and roofing) are significantly lower than other types of construction