by Andrew Buildings | abcarticledirectory.com
When thinking about commercial metal buildings, people often picture the silver metal buildings that look more like a quonset than something they could use for a church, school, or retail space. However, this just isn’t true. In fact, you can choose from tons of different options and features, many of which are included in the price when you request quotes for steel buildings. You can then carry on this look with features you can add on after construction to make your industrial steel building beautiful. Best of all, it doesn’t cost you a lot more money or time to accomplish this.
Commercial steel building. For more models and information please visit us at rigidbuilding.com.
Choose a Great Color Combination for your Commercial Metal Buildings
When you buy commercial metal buildings, color is one of the first choices you’ll be able to make. Generally, quality manufacturers will let you choose a color right when you order. They range from slate grey, black, and dark blue to warm tans, reds, yellows, and almost any color you can think of. This lets you create the ideal look for almost any purpose.
The other option is to add partial walls around the foundation to make the building taller. In addition to the extra height, you get the warm look of wood that can range from a country feel to a rustic look ideal for all sorts of uses including restaurants, workshops, country-style stores, and much more.
Door and Window Options for Commercial Metal Buildings
The next step in designing a beautiful industrial steel building is to choose the right doors and windows. In many instances, people think of straight industrial windows, which are often solid and made from vinyl. They then pair this with a straight metal or vinyl door.
In reality, you have an unlimited number of combinations to give you the look and style you’re after. For a more romantic or country look, choose great awning or sliding windows with mullion bars running across the panes. If you’re interested in having more privacy, but still looking to benefit from natural lighting, consider windows with frosted or tinted glass.
The choice in door styles is endless. French doors can open the space and make it appear warm and welcoming, which is ideal for a church or retail space. If you’ll be working with large equipment or items, consider adding large garage style doors to one end of your commercial metal buildings. These can roll up or slide off to one side or the other. Again, they come in virtually any color you can think of, are available with or without windows, and have an endless number of patterns.
Roof Styles Available for your Industrial Steel Building
The style of roof you choose to have on your storage or retail space can make a big difference on the look and feel of the building. Flat or slanted roofs are commonly found on cattle shelters. Garages often feature an ‘A’ or ‘S’ style roof. Quonsets, airplane hangars, and other commercial storage structures often require additional height, and therefore, come with an arched roof.
To find out which styles your manufacturer offers and which style would suit you best, be sure to ask when requesting quotes on commercial metal buildings.
Adding Landscaping and Lighting to Commercial Metal Buildings
Just like a home, what you put around your building can make a huge difference on its level of curb appeal. Flowerbeds, patio and driveway installations, trees, shrubs, and other landscaping features can instantly turn a commercial building into a thing of beauty that others will love visiting. You can even add things such as awnings, water features, hedges, fences and other items for additional appeal. The possibilities are endless.
With a little bit of planning and creativity, an industrial steel building can really be a thing of beauty. This makes you and your visitors feel much more at ease, interested in looking around, and can even reflect positively on your business or organization. When planning to buy commercial metal buildings, be sure to consider the exterior appearance too.
#
For more information on steel buildings, steel building zoning requirements, steel buildings for storage, or buildings from steel, please visit our metal building informational sites.
For more information on how to buy steel buildings, commercial steel buildings, or do-it-yourself steel buildings kits, please visit our metal buildings information sites.
For more information on erecting a steel building, metal church, or facades for steel buildings, please visit our steel buildings information sites.
For more information on planning the steel building purchase, or metal roof systems, please visit our steel buildings information sites.
For more information on how to purchase a steel building, shop for steel buildings, or steel roofing, please visit our steel buildings information sites.
For more information on a steel barn, steel church, or steel hangars, please visit our steel building accessories information sites.
For more information on steel homes, steel building foundations, or steel buildings advice, please visit our metal roofing information sites.
For more information on steel building interiors, steel buildings technology, or the correct type steel building, please visit our steel buildings information sites.
For more information on metal roof systems or wood vs. steel buildings, please visit our steel buildings, information sites.
by Terry Campbell | metalbuilding.com
Conventional wisdom has taught those in the self-storage business that while the business isn’t recession proof, it has always been recession-resistant. But all bets are off these days. Self-storage is feeling the residue of the current downturn for two reasons: 1) Getting financing is much more difficult, and 2) most people seem to have a passive, “wait-and-see” attitude toward the economy, rather than the usual aggressive stance we saw a few years ago.
Self-storage steel buildings, available at rigidbuilding.com.
However, even under these circumstances, self-storage is still a viable business, in spite of the naysayers, and there are strategies one can employ during uncertain times to ensure success. In fact, the smart investor knows how to turn a negative situation into a positive.
We have all heard that during tough economic times, some people look at the situation as an opportunity to actually make money, while others are either losing money or trying to stay even. This is absolutely true. For example, some investors buy up depressed stocks or commodities during a recession, hold onto them until the economy improves then sell them at a substantial profit. This is a sound strategy, if you have enough discretionary money to participate and if you’re in no hurry to make a profit.
Then there are instances where a recession will create a set of circumstances that will be beneficial to certain businesses, if those in the business can take advantage of the circumstances. This is precisely what is happening in the self-storage business today. There are compelling reasons for those not in the business to take the plunge now and those already in the business to expand. Here’s why:
Building materials and land costs are lower.
The uncertain economy has forced building prices lower than they have been in years. If you consider that building material costs are one of the single largest expenses an owner will incur in building a facility, you can assume that bargains simply don’t come along except in unusual times. And you can bet that these are unusual times.
The same can be said for the cost of land, although it will vary, depending on location. Land costs in some areas of the country continue to appreciate, some are holding steady but most continue to fall. Therefore, on balance, there are bargains to be had.
Finding Financing.
Even though interest rates are low, banks are now requiring higher down payments. This is a problem for some investors because they have to come up with more upfront money than in previous years. But there are ways to get around this by partnering with others. In other words, there is strength in numbers. If an investor can’t come up with 100% of the down payment necessary for a construction loan, there are others, in similar circumstances, who are perfectly willing to step up and participate in a limited partnership arrangement. And there are those in the business, e.g., some manufacturers, consultants, and commercial real estate brokers, who are in a position to help locate suitable partners.
Design considerations.
Before construction can proceed, buildings must be designed. During prosperous times, a good design team may be hard to find and expensive to boot. In contrast, tough times usually finds designers more available, which means they are probably less expensive, and may require less time to turn plans around.
A good deal of time, expense, and headaches can be avoided if one seeks out a single-source manufacturer because, among other things, it will have its own design and engineering departments. The fewer suppliers you have to deal with the better. And speaking of manufacturers, a weak economy will more than likely present opportunities to save on manufacturing production time because fewer jobs will be in the pipeline, which will mean faster scheduling.
Once plans are completed, they must be submitted to the proper city and county authorities in order to obtain the necessary permits. Once again, time and expense come into play in this process.
Permitting and zoning.
When times are good and there is a lot of construction going on, self-storage projects can expect higher costs and increased time in obtaining zoning and getting permits. That’s because there are so many projects in progress that permitting, which may normally take a month or so, can be protracted into many months. It’s also because city and county officials are overworked which could extend approvals longer.
But in a difficult economy, the process gets speeded up. Why? Due to limited submittals there are fewer competitors taking up the time of city and county staffs. This could result in approval times being cut down considerably.
Advantages of construction during economic downturns.
Poor economic times actually can create advantages for the construction process. Here’s why: During good times, if construction superintendents or contractors want quality, they should anticipate higher costs and increased production time due to the fact that everyone is busy and can charge more for their services. The reverse is true in poor economic times. If you want quality, you can realize lower costs (more qualified workers available) and shorter production time (better workers mean faster building erections).
Of course, if you have a building manufacturer who provides their own certified construction crews, this can be a substantial advantage in any type of economic environment.
Finally, an owner or prospective owner should not be discouraged just because the economy goes south. Traditionally, the very nature of the self-storage business means that owners take fewer risks than most real estate developers, so a declining economy is no reason to stand on the sidelines and wait to see what’s going to happen. There are plenty of reasons to be pro-active and make things happen on your own terms.
#
For more information on steel buildings, steel building zoning requirements, steel buildings for storage, or buildings from steel, please visit our metal building informational sites.
For more information on how to buy steel buildings, commercial steel buildings, or do-it-yourself steel buildings kits, please visit our metal buildings information sites.
For more information on erecting a steel building, metal church, or facades for steel buildings, please visit our steel buildings information sites.
For more information on planning the steel building purchase, or metal roof systems, please visit our steel buildings information sites.
For more information on how to purchase a steel building, shop for steel buildings, or steel roofing, please visit our steel buildings information sites.
For more information on a steel barn, steel church, or steel hangars, please visit our steel building accessories information sites.
For more information on steel homes, steel building foundations, or steel buildings advice, please visit our metal roofing information sites.
For more information on steel building interiors, steel buildings technology, or the correct type steel building, please visit our steel buildings information sites.
For more information on metal roof systems or wood vs. steel buildings, please visit our steel buildings, information sites.
by William Wright | submityourarticle.com
Steel buildings are an increasingly popular option for people considering storage buildings, garages, commercial buildings, agricultural buildings, garden storage and home offices or additions. One of the biggest selling points touted by manufacturers is price – steel buildings are often far more economical than traditional construction for many reasons. But it doesn’t always make sense to buy the cheapest steel buildings you can find. As the old saying says, you get what you pay for. If you’re in the market for metal buildings and find a sweet deal with a really, really low price, be sure to find out exactly what’s included and figure in the costs of other upgrades that may be necessary to make a cheap steel building usable for your needs.
Insulation and Weather Readiness
Consider what your building will need in the way of insulation in your area. In some parts of the country – and for some uses – insulation won’t be important to you. If, however, you’ll be working in your new building or need it to be kept warm because it will be sheltering animals or sensitive equipment, you may need to add the cost of insulation to the price. In warmer regions, consider paying a slightly higher price to get a reflective roof that will help keep the interior of your building cooler. In snowy regions, paying for a building designed to shed snow may add a little to your cost up front but can greatly increase the life of your building.
Inferior Materials in Cheaper Steel Buildings
Be wary of economy steel buildings offered by some manufacturers. These are often made of substandard materials, such as substandard 29 gauge steel which is inadequate for even moderate climates. Cheap steel buildings are usually not painted, or may be painted with a single coating of color without any sort of rust or corrosion inhibitor. A cheap steel building may rust or deteriorate in just a few years. It’s far more cost effective to pay a little more up front for a metal building made from high-quality steel and painted with corrosion-resistant coatings.
Consider the Cost of Accessories
Many cheap metal buildings are little more than unpainted metal boxes. Any accessories that you add will come at a premium. Steel building accessories include doors, windows, gutters, ridge vents and other things that many people consider necessities. When comparing prices, be sure that you add in the cost of those accessories on those building choices that don’t include them. Before you decide that cheap steel buildings are your best choice, be sure that you examine all your options and consider the hidden costs of making the cheap choice.
Stuccoplus Wall Panel, available at rigidbuilding.com.
#
For more information on steel buildings, steel building zoning requirements, steel buildings for storage, or buildings from steel, please visit our metal building informational sites.
For more information on how to buy steel buildings, commercial steel buildings, or do-it-yourself steel buildings kits, please visit our metal buildings information sites.
For more information on erecting a steel building, metal church, or facades for steel buildings, please visit our steel buildings information sites.
For more information on planning the steel building purchase, or metal roof systems, please visit our steel buildings information sites.
For more information on how to purchase a steel building, shop for steel buildings, or steel roofing, please visit our steel buildings information sites.
For more information on a steel barn, steel church, or steel hangars, please visit our steel building accessories information sites.
For more information on steel homes, steel building foundations, or steel buildings advice, please visit our metal roofing information sites.
For more information on steel building interiors, steel buildings technology, or the correct type steel building, please visit our steel buildings information sites.
For more information on metal roof systems or wood vs. steel buildings, please visit our steel buildings, information sites.
themetalinitiative.com
Steel has become a universal building product due to its strength, versatility, durability and economic value. Among its most popular uses today are standing seam metal roofs.
Standing seam metal roofs are fast becoming the material of choice for countless structures. In fact, according to the American Iron and Steel Institute, the roofing system has been used in nearly 50% of all low-rise commercial, industrial and institutional buildings erected in the last several years. Standing seam metal roofing can now be seen on virtually every type of building, from shopping centers and schools to churches and libraries. The system currently accounts for well over one billion square feet.
This acceptance has carried over to the re-roofing market where standing seam roofs have been used successfully as replacements for built-up and single ply systems.
In retrofit projects where costly tear-offs want to be avoided, a sub-framing system is attached to the existing roof surface to provide a minimum ¼:12 pitch for the new metal roof.
Rigid Buildings offer different kind of metal buildings, including metal churches. (Picture courtesy of rigidbuilding.com.)
Steel Provides Aesthetic Appeal, Long Service Life
The use of metal roofing is growing rapidly because steel offers a variety of benefits. One is its aesthetic appeal. The standing seam roof is one of the most attractive roofing systems for almost any building. It is available in a wide range of finishes, color and profiles, providing steel building owners and architects with extensive design flexibility.
Another of metal roofing’s benefits is its long service life. As a result of the zinc, aluminum, or aluminum-zinc alloy metallic coating applied to the base steel, today’s metal roof panels resist corrosion and provide a service life of 20 years or more of trouble-free performance, considerably longer than the standard protection for built-up and single ply systems.
Steel Roof Is Cost Effective, Energy Efficient
Metal roofs are also very cost effective. Standing seam steel roofs pay for themselves from the day they are installed. Their life expectancy is long, they require little or no maintenance, and their life cycle costs are low, especially compared to non-metal alternatives in low slope applications.
Metal roofs are also energy efficient, especially when used in “cool roof” applications. Cool metal roofs feature heat-deflecting coatings that decrease unwanted heat build-up inside a building, thereby reducing cooling loads. Based on research on cool metal roofing, the reflectivity and emissivity of steel roofs have been proven to provide significant savings in energy consumption.
Environmental Benefits of Steel Are Many
While steel buildings have long being recognized for its strength, durability and functionality, they are now increasingly recognizing another of steel’s important attributes – its environmental benefits.
The recycled content for steel used in metal roofs and walls, for example, is at least 25%. This level of recycled content reduces both the cost and environmental impact of making new steel, as it conserves energy and other natural raw materials.
The fact that the recycled content of steel is at least 25% by weight helps earn points in the U.S. Green Building Council’s Leadership in Environmental and Energy Desgin (LEED) program. Steel’s recycled content is especially important when it is compared to other materials such as concrete, which has a recycled content of only 3% (fly ash) and even less when the weight of the recycled material is factored in.
Steel Is 100% Recyclable at End of Useful Life
Steel is also 100% recyclable at the end of its long, useful life. In fact, of the metals used in roofs and walls, steel is the most recycled. Easily separated from other materials via magnetics, steel is reclaimed through a vast collection and processing network.
Every ton of steel recycled saves over 4,000 pounds of raw materials, including 2,500 pounds of iron ore, 1,400 pounds of coal and 120 pounds of limestone. And, according to the EPA, new steel made with recycled material uses as little as 26% of the amount of energy that would be required to make steel from iron and other materials extracted from nature. In addition, the original embodied energy of steel products is amortized as steel is recycled again and again into new steel products.
#
For more information on steel buildings, steel building zoning requirements, steel buildings for storage, or buildings from steel, please visit our metal building informational sites.
For more information on how to buy steel buildings, commercial steel buildings, or do-it-yourself steel buildings kits, please visit our metal buildings information sites.
For more information on erecting a steel building, metal church, or facades for steel buildings, please visit our steel buildings information sites.
For more information on planning the steel building purchase, or metal roof systems, please visit our steel buildings information sites.
For more information on how to purchase a steel building, shop for steel buildings, or steel roofing, please visit our steel buildings information sites.
For more information on a steel barn, steel church, or steel hangars, please visit our steel building accessories information sites.
For more information on steel homes, steel building foundations, or steel buildings advice, please visit our metal roofing information sites.
For more information on steel building interiors, steel buildings technology, or the correct type steel building, please visit our steel buildings information sites.
For more information on metal roof systems or wood vs. steel buildings, please visit our steel buildings, information sites.
by Jordan Quade | metalconstructionnews.com
A successful business starts from the ground up-literally. This is why many are choosing cost effective steel buildings to start their venture with a smart choice. These savings are seen from the beginning of the project, through to the completion of construction, and are maintained while the structure is in use.
Steel buildings are becoming a number one choice for many commercial properties such as strip malls, office buildings, retail stores, aircraft hangers, storage units and gymnasiums. Many portable options are also available for construction and real estate needs. In addition to cost savings, people are choosing commercial steel buildings because of their versatility, adaptability to construction sites, structural stability, energy efficiency, and wide design options and floor plans.
Commercial steel offices and warehouses, available at rigidbuilding.com.
The savings start with choosing a contractor and continue while the business is up and running. Choosing a contractor is a simple and streamlined process. Traditional construction requires many service providers, including framers, roofers, siding specialists, window installers and more. Commercial steel buildings only require one contractor that manages the construction of the frame, wall panels, roof, doors and windows.
By having the entire structure built by one contractor, the project is completed more efficiently. The cost is lowered by easing the research and preparation, reducing delays and minimizing the number of inspections needed. There is no need to waste time comparing multiple bids from various subcontractors for each area of construction. There will not be delays due to one subcontractor waiting on another to finish their job. Nor will there be one inspection after another as each phase is completed. Using one steel buildings contractor equates to countless hours saved on project management time.
Many steel building contractors will lay the foundation, which also adds considerable savings. The foundation of a traditional single story structure will generally have a price tag that exceeds 15 percent of the total cost of construction. This includes an excavation project and large amounts of concrete to be poured. The foundation cost of a steel building is nearly nonexistent. It can simply be holes drilled with a power auger and a concrete slab. This type of construction uses metal trusses and posts, which are buried 4 to 6 feet deep. This method gives superior lateral and vertical bearing strength providing a structurally sound building.
Structural stability is key for safety and security. A properly designed and constructed metal building can withstand weather that would destroy traditional construction. This is because the posts are implanted deep into the ground so the force of the wind on the walls is transmitted directly into the earth. Unlike traditional construction, steel buildings are naturally fire resistant and tend not to collapse during fires or earthquakes. This reduction in risk can equate to a decreased chance of expensive damage from hazards and lower insurance costs.
In addition to a safer option, steel buildings are also more energy efficient. They have fewer thermal breaks than traditional construction and can be insulated more effectively. This is because metal structures have posts on 8-foot or greater centers, as opposed to stick frames with studs 16- or 24-inch on center. Many steel buildings are also made with recycled metal materials, making them energy efficient and environmentally friendly.
Steel buildings are growing in popularity for commercial properties because of their cost effectiveness from start to finish.
#
For more information on steel buildings, steel building zoning requirements, steel buildings for storage, or buildings from steel, please visit our metal building informational sites.
For more information on how to buy steel buildings, commercial steel buildings, or do-it-yourself steel buildings kits, please visit our metal buildings information sites.
For more information on erecting a steel building, metal church, or facades for steel buildings, please visit our steel buildings information sites.
For more information on planning the steel building purchase, or metal roof systems, please visit our steel buildings information sites.
For more information on how to purchase a steel building, shop for steel buildings, or steel roofing, please visit our steel buildings information sites.
For more information on a steel barn, steel church, or steel hangars, please visit our steel building accessories information sites.
For more information on steel homes, steel building foundations, or steel buildings advice, please visit our metal roofing information sites.
by James R. Kirby | metalbuilding.com
Re-covering an existing roof system with metal includes three basic scenarios: steep-slope metal over a steep-slope roof system, low-slope metal over a low-slope roof system and steep-slope metal over a low-slope roof system. Many similarities exist for all three; however, there are unique differences, as well. Reroofing, by definition, includes re-covering and existing roof system or tearing off and replacing an existing roof system. This article discusses re-covering an existing roof system with a new metal roof system that includes installation of metal panels, metal shingles or metal shingle panels over many types of existing roof systems.
Platinum series standing seam roof. (Picture courtesy of rigidbuilding.com)
Loads and framing spacing must be evaluated by the designer to ensure the steel building can support the new system.
Building Codes
Most importantly, roofing professionals need to follow the requirements in the applicable building code. The 2006 International Building Code and 2006 International Residential Code have general requirements for re-roofing and specific information when re-covering an existing roof system. Roofing professionals should review the requirements in IBC Section 1510-Re-roofing and IRC Section 907-Re-roofing before beginning any re-roofing project.
A roofing professional’s first decision when re-roofing is to determine whether a complete tear-off is required by the code. To install any type of re-cover roof system, the following requirements need to be met, according to the IBC and IRC;
- Re-covering is not allowed if the existing roof or roof covering is water soaked or deteriorated to the point it is water soaked or deteriorated to the point it is not a stable base,
- Re-covering is not allowed if the existing roof covering is wood shake, slate, clay, cement or asbestos-cement tile.
- Re-covering is not allowed if there are two or more applications of any type of roof covering.
If any of these scenarios occur, the existing roof must be removed before installation of a new roof system. However, the IBC and IRC have exceptions to the above three requirements. In both codes, two exceptions relate directly to re-covering with metal.
Exception 1
“Complete and separate roofing systems, such as standing-seam metal roof systems, that are designed to transmit the roof loads directly to the building’s structural system and that do not rely on existing roofs and roof coverings for support, shall not require the removal of existing roof coverings”.
Exception 2
“…metal panel, metal shingle…roof coverings over existing wood shake roofs shall be permitted when the application is in accordance with Section R907.4″ (in the IRC) or”…in accordance with Section 1510.4″ (in the IBC).
IRC Section R907.4 and IBC Section 1510.4 are identical. Both state: “Where the application of a new roof covering over wood shingle or shake roofs creates a combustible concealed space, the entire existing surface shall be covered with gypsum board, mineral fiber, glass fiber or other approved materials securely fastened in place”.
In Exception 1, the codes allow metal roof systems to be installed over existing roof systems if their attachment is directly to the structure and not to the existing roof system. In this case, uplift resistance of the re-cover system does not rely on the existing roof. Loads from wind and gravity are required to bypass the existing roof system.
In Exception 2, the codes provide prescriptive requirements intended to limit the spread of fire when certain re-cover roof systems are installed over existing wood-shingle or-shake roof systems. A fire separation layer, such as gypsum board, mineral fiber or glass fiber is needed between an existing wood roof and a re-cover metal roof system to limit the spread of fire.
NRCA Guidelines
The Re-roofing Section of The NRCA Roofing and Waterproofing Manual, Fifth Edition, provides specific recommendations about roof system re-covering and replacement. The following only is a summary; a more thorough review if the Re-roofing Section is recommended.
When re-covering with a low-slope metal roof system, the following general recommendations are provided:
- A re-covered metal roof system must be compatible with or appropriately separated from the existing roof system.
- A roof deck should be secure, capable of supporting the design loads and provide the necessary pull-out resistance for fasteners used with mechanically attached re-cover metal roof systems.
- Where moisture is present in the existing roof system, any wet or saturated materials, including membranes and insulation, must be removed and replaced with compatible materials.
- Any signs of dimensional instability, such as shrinkage, ridging, splitting or cracking, must be repaired appropriately. Some areas of the existing roof system may need to be secured or removed.
A re-covered metal roof system must be compatible with or appropriately separated from the existing roof system.
An existing low-slope roof system can be re-covered with a low-or-steep-slope metal roof system. One method during installation uses a post and purlin system to support the new metal roof system. This generally does not include installation of a new roof deck, but certainly could. This often is called a “retrofit” metal panel installation. There are a number of issues to be considered:
- Positive slope must be achieved. The structural framing system should provide a minimum slope of ¼:12 (1.2 degrees) for low-slope metal panels and 3:12 (14 degrees) for steep-slope metal roof system.
- The framing system should transfer the loads directly to the existing structure. Loads and framing spacing must be evaluated by the designer to ensure the metal buildings can support the new system.
- Detailing of the new roof system is critical. Roof penetration need to be extended. Proper ventilation is required in the “attic” space created by the framing. Perimeter edges need to allow proper drainage. Additional insulation may be required at the level of the existing roof system; dew-point location should be considered so condensation does not occur. Sliding snow and ice may become a concern for steep-slope systems; snow guards may be needed. Existing through-wall drainage does not occur below the new metal panels.
Many existing steep-slope roof systems can be re-covered with new metal-shingle roof systems; however, because of the uneven surface of existing coverings, including laminated-asphalt shingles and wood shakes, the aesthetic appeal of the roof system may be compromised. Installation of a heavy base or synthetic underlayment may provide an adequately smooth surface. A rosin-sized slip sheet also may be necessary to prevent new metal shingles from sticking to asphaltic-based sheets.
Because there are numerous profiles of metal shingles, all re-covered options cannot be identified in this article. However, the following should be considered:
- A generally smooth surface is required.
- The roof deck must be able to support the added load and provide appropriate fastener pull-out resistance.
- Fire and wind resistance must be considered.
- Fasteners must be long enough to penetrate through the existing roof and into or through the existing deck.
- Edge details need to accommodate the additional thickness of the existing roof covering.
There are many considerations to keep in mind when re-covering with metal. Roofing professionals must know the applicable code requirements and be familiar with industry recommendations and guidelines before re-covering with a metal roof system.
#
For more information on steel buildings, steel building zoning requirements, steel buildings for storage, or buildings from steel, please visit our metal building informational sites.
For more information on how to buy steel buildings, commercial steel buildings, or do-it-yourself steel buildings kits, please visit our metal buildings information sites.
For more information on erecting a steel building, metal church, or facades for steel buildings, please visit our steel buildings information sites.
For more information on planning the steel building purchase, or metal roof systems, please visit our steel buildings information sites.
For more information on how to purchase a steel building, shop for steel buildings, or steel roofing, please visit our steel buildings information sites.
For more information on a steel barn, steel church, or steel hangars, please visit our steel building accessories information sites.
For more information on steel homes, steel building foundations, or steel buildings advice, please visit our metal roofing information sites.
For more information on steel building interiors, steel buildings technology, or the correct type steel building, please visit our steel buildings information sites.
For more information on metal roof systems or wood vs. steel buildings, please visit our steel buildings, information sites.
by Rob Wright | metalbuilding.com
Anyone who is in the self-storage business knows that more often than not, getting into it is a learning experience. It’s the nature of the business. People from all walks of life become owners and their reasons for taking the plunge are as varied as the personalities of the tenants that they serve. It’s because many get involved in the business as an investment and not as their primary source of income – or they enter the business after retirement to supplement their income. Some run the business themselves, while others choose not to.
Self-storage steel building. (Picture courtesy of rigidbuilding.com)
The point here is this; most owners don’t have the life experience in self-storage and must depend on the professionals in the business to help guide them through the initial phases of ownership.
One of the early decisions that must be made is the construction or erection of the first building or buildings. Without the proper procedures, personnel, materials and expertise, this very important phase can become unduly expensive, time-consuming and cause unnecessary delays.
Here are some procedures and suggestions that can alleviate possible problems and keep the planned opening of a facility on schedule:
The importance of site conditions.
Satisfactory site conditions will expedite construction. There needs to be a solid base of stone, gravel, paving or concrete around the perimeter of the foundation slabs and staging area. This will reduce downtime in case of bad weather, but it will also prevent materials from being damaged or soiled once they arrive onsite. Otherwise, time may be lost and expenses increased for materials that may have to be replaced. This goes for the slab surface as well. It should be kept clean and unencumbered, ready for the components to be positioned and attached.
Concrete contractors are not all alike.
First, make sure your concrete contractor has the tools and capabilities to pour a concrete pad. Some contractors may be capable of pouring a driveway, but don’t have the experience to pour a slab that meets the specifications that are required to erect a self-storage building. Concrete must be poured to the correct dimensions and specifications of the building. Incorrectly poured slabs can shutdown a project while material modifications, or in some cases repairs, are made to adjust building components to fit. This kind of expense to the owner can, and should be avoided.
Find a qualified erector.
Now comes the most important decision an owner must make in terms of his/her building erection process. Using an experienced erector is crucial because the construction will move faster, there will be fewer misused parts to be replaced, and the overall quality of the finished product will be enhanced.
As a rule, self-storage construction crews fall into two categories: 1) Crews that erect a variety of building systems and 2) crews that erect a single brand of building. Certainly, the majority of construction crews are familiar with steel building installation, therefore, conventional wisdom would say a crew that has a variety of experiences erecting different building systems would be more valuable because of their versatility. In this case, conventional wisdom would be wrong.
The better construction crew is the one that builds a single brand of building. Why? Familiarity. All metal buildings are designed differently and require different component parts to be assembled. The crew that is familiar with erecting the same building components on a regular basis can hit the ground running without constantly reviewing parts lists and plans to understand which items go where, how they fit together, and how they are attached. For example, a typical five-man crew familiar with the building brand can erect 4,500 to 5,000 sq.ft. per week. It just makes sense to use this type of crew. It is more efficient and the quality of its work will be superior to the crew that erects different types of building systems. In fact, when an owner is selecting his building manufacturer, it’s a good idea to check and see if they have their own construction crews. If they do, seriously consider choosing them and many potential problems will be solved before they manifest themselves.
Then too, the crew who is familiar with the construction process on a particular building type can work out issues with other suppliers on the project, rather than be forced to consult with or go through the owner or contractor, which can cause delays. It’s an all-around better situation for everyone concerned.
Site supervision is a must.
Unfortunately, some companies that provide labor will send construction crews to a site with no site supervision. This is a mistake because a site supervisor will conduct progress checks as the project moves along and final walk-through as the project winds down. His presence will ensure that every phase of construction stays on track and finishes on schedule. After all, every owner should expect to receive the finished product that they expected and paid for.
Anyone getting into the self-storage business, or those who have had bad experiences with the construction process should understand the importance of the issues I have mentioned. Every phase of our business is important, but the ultimate product that tenants utilize are the buildings. Unless the construction process is planned and executed properly, owners can lose time and money. This is a scenario that should be avoided.
#
For more information on steel buildings, steel building zoning requirements, steel buildings for storage, or buildings from steel, please visit our metal building informational sites.
For more information on how to buy steel buildings, commercial steel buildings, or do-it-yourself steel buildings kits, please visit our metal buildings information sites.
For more information on erecting a steel building, metal church, or facades for steel buildings, please visit our steel buildings information sites.
For more information on planning the steel building purchase, or metal roof systems, please visit our steel buildings information sites.
For more information on how to purchase a steel building, shop for steel buildings, or steel roofing, please visit our steel buildings information sites.
For more information on a steel barn, steel church, or steel hangars, please visit our steel building accessories information sites.
For more information on steel homes, steel building foundations, or steel buildings advice, please visit our metal roofing information sites.
For more information on steel building interiors, steel buildings technology, or the correct type steel building, please visit our steel buildings information sites.
For more information on metal roof systems or wood vs. steel buildings, please visit our steel buildings, information sites.
gensteel.com
Purchasing a steel building can be confusing process with the vast number of steel building companies available, different prices, various qualities, and sometimes overwhelming information. To determine what company is the best for you to consider buying from there are a few guidelines that will help you in your decision.
There are three basic steel building types available on the market today – Quonset huts, steel and wood combination structures, and steel I-Beam buildings. Quonset huts are usually the least expensive of the three buildings initially but they can be very expensive to insulate and are not attractive to look at. Steel and wood combination (combo) structures are easier to insulate but the steel building package you buy may require you to purchase the wood on your own. A steel I-Beam building can be affordable, easily insulated, attractive, and is designed as a complete building package. Unlike Quonset huts and pole barns you can order and design your steel building with the help of trained steel building professionals.
Structural steel building. (Picture courtesy of rigidbuilding.com)
First and foremost you want a high quality building that will be durable to provide years of service. Formidable I-Beam construction is not available with Quonset huts or combo buildings. The exterior sheeting is often a thinner gauge on both of these building types when compared to I-Beam construction. The curved Quonset hut roof may not be able to meet wind or snow requirements and a combo building may only provide a lighter gauge roof option. Steel roofs are highly impact resistant, various pitch options are available, and the building is engineered specifically to handle the elements in your area.
A steel building is a cost efficient and complete structure. Many options such as doors and windows, exterior color choices, and paneling can provide a thoroughly integrated structure. Door openings on the sides of Quonset huts are very costly if not impossible and they are usually not factory painted structures. A combo building may not come with end walls and not be able to accommodate wider roll-up doors on the side of the structure.
Steel also offers clear-span versatility. Clear span maximizes interior square footage utilization. Our high strength buildings negate the need for load-bearing columns on widths up to 300 feet and the length of the building is unlimited. Quonset huts can be limited to 40 feet of maximum width and useable interior space can be limited due to sidewall curvature. Combo buildings may be limited to 60 feet in width and not able to accommodate cranes in the interior because of limited support characteristics.
When choosing a steel building choose wisely. An investment in steel buildings can optimize your space and design requirements.
#
For more information on steel buildings, steel building zoning requirements, steel buildings for storage, or buildings from steel, please visit our metal building informational sites.
For more information on how to buy steel buildings, commercial steel buildings, or do-it-yourself steel buildings kits, please visit our metal buildings information sites.
For more information on erecting a steel building, metal church, or facades for steel buildings, please visit our steel buildings information sites.
For more information on planning the steel building purchase, or metal roof systems, please visit our steel buildings information sites.
For more information on how to purchase a steel building, shop for steel buildings, or steel roofing, please visit our steel buildings information sites.
For more information on a steel barn, steel church, or steel hangars, please visit our steel building accessories information sites.
For more information on steel homes, steel building foundations, or steel buildings advice, please visit our metal roofing information sites.
For more information on steel building interiors, steel buildings technology, or the correct type steel building, please visit our steel buildings information sites.
For more information on metal roof systems or wood vs. steel buildings, please visit our steel buildings, information sites.
gensteel.com
There are many different steel building accessories you can add to your to enhance the beauty of your steel building, as well as add to functionality:
- Glass storefront with partial brick front and purlin extension
- Atrium and brick front
- Canvas canopies
- Stucco dormers
- Decorative brick with purlin extension
- Standing seam roof
- Steel entrance canopies
Basic Accessories For General Steel Buildings
Doors:
- Overhead Doors: We offer three basic types of doors: Sectional doors, Roll-up and Sliding. Your General Steel service representative can give you more details.
- Walk Doors: Walk doors are offered in a 3′ x 7′ and 4′ x 7′ single swing, or 6′ x 7′ double swing with 1.75″ thick door leaves. The doors have all the needed hardware and come available with optional weather stripping, door closer, and other special hardware items. Door leaves may be solid or furnished with narrow-lite or half glass panels. Doors are available either insulated or non-insulated.
Insulation:
You can get insulation that is specifically designed to be used in steel building roofs and walls to satisfy thermal requirements needed. In most installations this would range from R-10 to R-39.
Windows:
- Horizontal slide windows: Aluminum horizontal sliding windows provide light and ventilation, and are virtually maintenance free. Included are half-screen, latch and weather stripping.
- Slim line windows: Slim line design windows are available for use in any steel building to provide a more tailored and aesthetically pleasing appearance. Windows are available either insulated or non-insulated utilizing solar gray glass.
Wall Louvers:
Wall louvers are available in 3′ x 3′, 4′ x 3′ and 3′ x 4′ sizes. They may be either fixed or adjustable and have an overlapping design to insure weather tightness.
Framed openings:
Steel-framed openings are available to provide framing and support for wall accessory items not supplied.
Translucent skylights:
Our translucent fiberglass skylights have the same profile as our roof and wall panels. They allow natural lighting into your steel building. Translucent skylights are available with UL class 90 wind uplift rating.
Sky lights for steel buildings. (Picture courtesy of rigidbuilding.com).
Ridge and Circular Ventilators:
Stocked in 10′ lengths for single or continuous ridge installation, ridge ventilators with standard 9″ or 12″ throat openings are furnished complete with bird screens. A 12″ x 1′-11″ ultra ridge vent and both 20″ and 24″ diameter circular ridge vents including bird screens are also offered. All ridge ventilators are available with optional dampers, cable operators, and operator handles.
Gutters:
Roll-formed 26 gauge finished steel are available in lengths of up to 30′. We miter all the corners and one end is sw edged for easy erection.
Downspouts:
Downspouts come available in 4″ x 5″ or 3″ x 4″ roll-formed steel. They are colored to match the wall panel. They come in lengths of 10″ with sw edged ends and are sized to match the gutter capacity.
#
For more information on steel buildings, steel building zoning requirements, steel buildings for storage, or buildings from steel, please visit our metal building informational sites.
For more information on how to buy steel buildings, commercial steel buildings, or do-it-yourself steel buildings kits, please visit our metal buildings information sites.
For more information on erecting a steel building, metal church, or facades for steel buildings, please visit our steel buildings information sites.
For more information on planning the steel building purchase, or metal roof systems, please visit our steel buildings information sites.
For more information on how to purchase a steel building, shop for steel buildings, or steel roofing, please visit our steel buildings information sites.
For more information on a steel barn, steel church, or steel hangars, please visit our steel building accessories information sites.
For more information on steel homes, steel building foundations, or steel buildings advice, please visit our metal roofing information sites.
For more information on steel building interiors, steel buildings technology, or the correct type steel building, please visit our steel buildings information sites.
For more information on metal roof systems or wood vs. steel buildings, please visit our steel buildings, information sites.
metalconstructionnews.com
07/6/2011
The MBMA recently improved their website to provide a variety of free materials to educate and inform visitors about metal building systems and their use for a variety of building types.
“These materials are useful for building owners, developers, architects and engineers, builders, suppliers, contractors, building officials, and all types of professionals who work in the built environment,” says Chuck Haslebacher, MBMA chairman.
Items now available for free download include the following:
- AIA Architectrual Record Reprint
- New Corporate Headquarters is Paradise by the Bay
- Steel Rolling Mill rises from former swamp high profile case study
- Trucking company high profile case study
- Condensation Fact Sheet
- Fire Resistance – series of bulletins
- Insurance Fact Book and series of 14 bulletins
- Guide Specifications: Metal Building Systems
- Guide Specifications: Metal Roofing Systems
- The Solutions Series
- Cool Metal Roofing
- Galvalume: The Magical Formula for Roofs
For more information or to download these brochures visit mbma dot com.
#
For more information on steel buildings, steel building zoning requirements, steel buildings for storage, or buildings from steel, please visit our metal building informational sites.
For more information on how to buy steel buildings, commercial steel buildings, or do-it-yourself steel buildings kits, please visit our metal buildings information sites.
For more information on erecting a steel building, metal church, or facades for steel buildings, please visit our steel buildings information sites.
For more information on planning the steel building purchase, or metal roof systems, please visit our steel buildings information sites.
For more information on how to purchase a steel building, shop for steel buildings, or steel roofing, please visit our steel buildings information sites.
For more information on a steel barn, steel church, or steel hangars, please visit our steel building accessories information sites.
For more information on steel homes, steel building foundations, or steel buildings advice, please visit our metal roofing information sites.
For more information on steel building interiors, steel buildings technology, or the correct type steel building, please visit our steel buildings information sites.
For more information on metal roof systems or wood vs. steel buildings, please visit our steel buildings, information sites.
