Steel Building Advice

Have you noticed lately how many new restuarants, shopping malls, churches, hospitals, and office complexes are being built? It seems like these are going up everywehre. As I drive down the streets of my youth I find them barely recognizeable given all teh new growth. This growth is credited, in part, to a flourishing economy. However, as far as construction, this growth is made possible (and affordible) to the architectural enginnering of steel buildings. So, I wanted to take a little time to describe for you what is so amazing about this type of construction and why building with steel is better, cheaper, and faster than building with wood.

First off, steel buildings are “pre-engineered.” In other words, they are designed or “engineered” at the factory with a systematic and rapid construction process in mind. Hence, when a building arrives at the worksite, it arrives with a set of erection plans that is easy to understand–even for the lay-person. This will include an Anchor Bolt Plan for the foundation and an Engineer Certified Erection Drawing for the building. If you’re not sure what these are, then ask you builing supplier. Most will be happy to explain them to you and walk you through every step of the way. (If they are not so willing to help explain these to you, then you probably would be better off with another supplier!) If the purchaser has some construction experience, and the building is not too large (you’ll have to be the judge of that), then he may consider assembling the building himself. Nevertheless, even if you have some experience, it pays to consult someone else–at least to get another set of eyes on the project, i.e., a professional erector.

Most steel building manufacturers and suppliers will also provide customer service personnel and specialists, at their corporate headquarters, to answer any questions during the construction of their steel building. When you are in negotiating a contract with them, then ask them about who would be available to help you with the project. Don’t wait until later to find out that no one is available or that your contract does not cover additional help.

Now, there are some situations where–believe it or not–builders will consider not even using a foundation. While there are some agricultural applications where a foundation may not be necessary, most of the time you will most definately need a foundation to help stabilize the building. (Remember, you want this building to last a long time, don’t you?) So, if you’re thinking about skipping the foundation to save money, … DON’T! If you’re thinking about cutting corners in anyway … FUGETABOUTIT!!!

One of the amazing benefits of a pre-engineered steel building is that over the lifetime of the building, very little maintenance is necessary. That being said, there is the matter of condensation that could potentially affect every building, regardless of the manufacuturer, grade of steel used, or erector used on the job. Hence, to prevent this unavoidable issue, the design of the building should include plenty of ventilation. When you have enought ventilation, then you will be able to significantly reduce the amount of condensation.

When it comes to people, looks aren’t everything. However, when it comes to a building used for professional purposes, i.e., to make money, then looks are everything! Thus, it is very important to use the best paint possible! However, anyone who has ever painted a house can tell you what a time-consuming project it is to complete! Hence, it will please you to know that most steel buildings are pre-painted prior to shipment from the factory, using a Siliconized Polyester variety. Although painting is not required for protection from the weather they are aesthetically pleasing and help to meet any community covenant requirements. When your steel building is finsihed, it will look outstanding!

Next, we want to address the matter of building code compliance. Reputable steel building manufacturers and suppliers professionally design and engineer their steel buildings to meet all pertinent IBC, UBC, and BOCA codes. Most local codes will be met or exceeded by professionally engineered plans. It is your responsibility, however, to verify that your building is meeting these industry and government standards. Don’t assume that someone else has done it for you. (Remember what happens when you assume!)

Lastly, some people, used to building with traditional materials such as wood or brick, may question the use of steel in construction. While those materials are good for some projects, they are not superior than steel. Indeed, steel does not rot, shrink, split, or warp like some of these materials. Also, steel is non-combustible, resistant to rust (unlike iron) and impervious to mold, mildew, and termites. Fuirthermore, steel is very easy to handle, is much more stronger, durable, and less expensive than these other, aforementioned materials. Steel has a great deal of inherent strength and can be engineered to be very fire, earthquake, and hurricane resistant. (You might even be able to save a lot of money on your insurance premiums by having a structure built with the safety and durability of steel.) Lastly, for those concerned about the evironment, steel products are recyclable and can weigh up to 60% less than wood. Therefore, make the smart choice, build it with steel. If you do, you will have a building that will last a lifetime and remain in your community as an attractive landmark for future generations to come.