Steel buildings Metal buildings Info

PRESS RELEASE

Houston, TX. – Rigid Global Buildings announces the addition of two key leadership positions – Dr. Julius Wang, Purchasing Manager and John Blythe, Vice President of National Accounts and Business Development.

Rigid Global Buildings, a quality manufacturer of preengineered steel buildings, structural steel, and metal components, proudly announces the hiring of two key positions: Purchasing Manager with Dr. Julius Wang and a newly created position of VP of National Accounts and Business Development with John Blythe.

Dr. Wang comes to Rigid with over 12 years experience in manufacturing, quality assurance and quality control. Having worked for companies such as GE Medical Systems and Baker Hughes, Julius brings a wealth of knowledge and business relationships to the position of Purchasing Manager. In 2004 Julius founded Cinova LLC, a sourcing / importing company that helps North American companies successfully source and import made-to-order products from China. With extensive industry experience from both the US and China, Julius has developed strong business development and engineering management skills as well as trading/negotiating skills which will assure his success as Rigid’s new Purchasing Manager.

John Blythe will serve as Rigid’s new VP of National Accounts and Business Development. John is no stranger to business development, serving previously as the Chief Marketing and New Business Development Officer for TranSystems where he developed and implemented international sales and marketing initiatives. As Rigid’s VP of National Accounts Mr. Blythe will be responsible for helping Rigid acquire new markets and new customers.

Rigid Global Buildings is a manufacturer of pre-engineered steel buildings, structural steel, hi-rise buildings, metal building components and bridges. For more information on Rigid Global Buildings or to speak with a sales representative please contact Rigid at 1-888-GO-RIGID (467-4443) or visit their website at www.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.

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.

citysteelbuildings.com

A steel building is a building which uses steel and metal products for its construction. Steel buildings such as steel homes, steel garages, steel barns and steel hangars utilize the hard and resistant qualities of steel and other metals such as iron in order to enhance their durability, stability and safety. Steel can be used both for external as well as internal infrastructure.

What are the various types of steel buildings?

There are a number of designs which can be used to create different steel building types as per the demands of a buyer or an investor. The various kinds of buildings that can be constructed using steel are steel homes, steel hangars, steel storage buildings, steel garages and steel storage sheds, steel open air sheds, steel barns, steel arenas and stadiums, steel automotive buildings with overhead doors and flexible framed openings, religious buildings such as metal churches and temples, etc. Steel buildings can also be used to construct Gymnasiums, Museums, Classrooms and other modular or prefabricated buildings. Certain manufacturing buildings can also be made using steel which proves to be more long lasting and secure. Other than the types mentioned above, office metal buildings can also be constructed.

Steel church building systems available at rigidbuilding.com.

Advantages of steel building over concrete buildings

Steel buildings are more advantageous than concrete ones due to their solid resistance against climatic variations, changing intensities of heat, high level of resistance to hurricanes, hailstorms etc. It is also less prone to corrosion than other metals. Thus a steel building has low maintenance, high strength and persistence.

Steel Building Types and their structural needs

Respective types of Steel Buildings require specific kinds of design, metal products, architecture and most importantly specific type of construction. For instance, if a Gymnasium needs to be constructed, then the designing of the building will be corresponding to all that is required in a Gymnasium and not what is required in an arena. All types of Steel Buildings employ use of certain specifications that are particular to their style as well as purpose. In the example of the gymnasium, the primary requisite is the presence of a vast space totally obstacle free. These different type of structural needs separate one type of steel building from another, apart from their designing. In order to ensure proper construction of a steel building, it is very essential to know the type of steel structure you are planning to build, so that a particular constructor or builder can be approached. Once the purpose and desired function of the building is known everything else can follow systematically.

How the knowledge of type of steel building can help in construction?

Knowledge of the type of steel building to be made is very crucial to the builder as it determines the purpose of a steel building. Without its knowledge the goal of buying a steel building in the first place will not be achieved. Knowing the various type helps in directing the course of construction, quantity of material needed, duration required building that particular structure, labor required, financial resources required, and other necessities that need to be in order, for the construction. Hence the construction of steel buildings is initiated with the type of building which is chosen or selected.

Therefore, to construct a secure, durable and strong building its construction needs to be monitored right from the initial steps, of selecting the type through the end, till its completion, critically by the buyer or the investor.

#

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 Bill Walsh | horses-and-horse-information.com

While she almost never had to pay full fare, trading work for part of the board, Cobie Ellington parted with a fair share of greenbacks in support of her equine habit over the years. When she and her husband Larry purchased land just outside Mount Pleasant, N.C., four years ago, deciding to build a barn and keeping the horses at home was easy. What kind of barn to build was a bit more challenging.

“We thought about a wooden barn and we though about building it ourselves,” Ellington says. “Wood is expensive. One of my favorite barns has a metal roof with back-to-back block stalls down the center. I looked into that and talked with some people about doing it. With a block barn, I was going to have to get involved with two or three contractors-finding someone to lay the block, someone to do the roof and so on. That’s when I decided I just wanted someone to get it done, and they could call me when it was finished.”

Three of Ellington’s five horses live on the property, along with two ponies. Shelter from the storm is provided by her relatively new steel barn, a structure purchased from Jack Walters & Sons, Corp. It has four 12′ x 12′ stalls, a smaller pony stall, room for hay storage and tack.

Steel barn, available at rigidbuilding.com.

“The Walters rep came out and talked with me about what I wanted to do, and I just liked him instantly,” Ellington recalls. “A metal building is a metal building,” she adds, comparing it to the commercial playground equipment business she runs from her home. “I was comfortable with the sales rep, I was comfortable with the product, I was comfortable with the company,” she says of her decision to go with Walters. “I felt that if Southern States had gotten hooked up with them, they couldn’t be a bunch of bad guys. Southern States is a company that I have a lot of trust in through my years in dealing with horses.”

Ellington’s is a 36′ x 48′ pole building with a galvanized steel shell. “There are 6′ by 6′s that went into the ground first, then the trusses went on, then the roof and the sides,” she explains. “We did the interior; my husband built all the stalls. They are very much like the box stalls that Walters sells with these units.”

Leaving the exterior metal construction to the experts was probably a good idea. The pole-type construction is easier than the steel buildings that bolt to a slab; a design that uses trusses rather than I-beams is also easier to work with. Easy is a relative term.

“The setting of poles is critical,” Allen Nicholls says, “as far as getting the right depth and getting on solid ground. Also, the layout, the spacing of poles is critical.”

Where metal is involved, exactitude is everything. “When we first started doing metal buildings,” the Front Royal, Va., building contractor says, “I thought we could do some of this ourselves. But wood is different from steel, and with steel you have to be right on the money. With wood, you can take a hammer and knock it over a little bit, do this and do that. We quickly learned to leave the steel to the steel experts.”

Needing a barn? “Look into this possibility,” Ellington counsels. “Investigate all the options, but economic-wise and long-term as far as the warranties and durability are concerned, this is hard to beat. It looks good, and it’s safe.

“We’ve had some nasty weather since it’s been up, and it is just as good as it was the first day we put the horses in. It definitely was a good way for me to spend my money. It’s a nice barn, and it’s going to be a nice barn 10 years from now, 15 years.”

To be sure, you can spend more, and easily, “but the bottom line is good horsekeeping,” Ellington insists. “I wasn’t into mahogany walls and fancy doors and fancy door locks; I just wanted a good, safe barn. I’ve been in a lot of barns that have bells and whistles that don’t have anything to do with good horsekeeping.”

#

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.

citysteelbuildings.com

The term refers to those steel buildings which are completed “on-site” i.e on the construction sites by assembling together sections of the steel building, already constructed or built in factories.

Prefabricated or preengineered steel buildings basically comprise of built-up units or modules that are transportable and the whole building is completed on the site. Prefabricated steel buildings are also called manufactured homes, modular buildings and mobile homes. Such a pre engineered steel frame building consists of several factory-built units which can be assembled together and customized for varied uses like residential steel buildings, steel barns or portable storage buildings.

Construction of a Pre-fabricated Steel Building or Pre-engineered Steel Building

A prefab steel building or a pre-engineered steel building can be constructed for various purposes such as homes, garage and storage, farm and agriculture, outhouses, museums, classrooms etc. Pre-engineered metal buildings are created in sections and transported to the home site for completion of the building. The installation is carried out in the home site itself and also the construction. These buildings are although built in sections but are put together much like a regular home. Prefabricated houses can be of two types:

• Manufactured homes which are built on steel beams, and are transported as complete sections to the home site for assembling.
• Portable steel buildings or Mobile homes, these are built on wheels and thus are movable from one place to another.

A very famous example of a commercial prefabricated steel building is McDonalds which utilizes prefabricated structures for buildings and not long ago set a record of constructing a building and opening for business within 13 hours.

Industrial steel buildings, available at rigidbuilding.com.

Why are Prefabricated or Pre-engineered Buildings Preferred?

As the time consumption in prefabricated or pre-engineered buildings is very less because more than one sections can be prepared simultaneously for a particular building. The stipulated life span of a prefabricated building is 5 to 10 years, but they exceed this duration more often than not. Residential prefabricated buildings have become overwhelmingly popular and were first used for providing accommodation for military proofs during World War II. These prefabricated buildings, due to their quick method of construction, enable
the authorities to combat the problem of shortage of houses and residential areas.

Prefabricated and Pre-engineered buildings hence mark a good choice for construction purposes.

#

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.

barntoolbox.com

Definition of Steel Building

The steel building can be described as a building where most of the building’s structural components are made of steel. The basic steel building would have main support columns, rafters, girts, purlins and even roof & siding made of steel.

Steel buildings gained popularity after World War II when steel became more available. These days, steel buildings are widely accepted due to their cost efficiency and the ability to construct wide clear span buildings.

Steel Building Use

These days, steel buildings are used in a wide variety of applications. Steel buildings may be used to construct:

• Commercial buildings
• Agricultural buildings
• Indoor riding arenas
• Steel churches
• Steel hangars
• Shops & Stores
• Residential buildings
• Industrial buildings and much more….

Some of the advantages of the steel building over a regular wood-frame barn include:

• Resistance to warping
• Termite proof
• Higher resistance to fire
• More interior headroom
• Lower insurance costs in some cases

Agricultural steel buildings, available at rigidbuilding.com.

Steel Buildings vs. Pole Barns

In our opinion, the steel building is a better choice and is more affordable when it comes to larger buildings such as indoor riding arenas and other tall and large buildings that require wider clear spans without the use of any center supporting posts. On the other hand, a pole barn is a good choice to consider and is more affordable when putting up a smaller building.

When deciding on type of building to use (steel building or pole barn) you need to compare the price and take into consideration the intended use of the building and perhaps even the area that you live in. For example, if you have problems with termite infestation in your area, a steel building might be a better choice. If clear span is required on a wide building, the steel building would be the best choice.

#

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.

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 buildingsinformation sites.

For more information on how to purchase a steel building, shop for steel buildings, or steel roofing, please visit oursteel 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.

metalconstructionnews.com

In the past, steel buildings were mainly used for large-scale industrial sites. However, metal construction is increasing in popularity for smaller structures like schools, churches, retail stores and private residential homes. Until recently, the lack of curb appeal and versatility was the reason many would not consider metal for anything other than commercial steel buildings.

Residential steel building, available at rigidbuilding.com.

Today, these aspects are much more attractive and the affordability and durability are recognized and sought after. Siding, brick, stucco and additional options can now be used for the exterior. These options are well-insulated, easy to maintain and the construction time has a much smaller window than traditional options. They also cost much less than stick-built homes of the same size and quality.

Steel buildings are also extremely versatile in the framing. These can be framed to look exactly like traditional houses or have a vast open floor plan with few interior walls. Pole construction used while building makes the walls non-load bearing, so the poles support the weight of the walls, allowing for large open spaces. These can create dramatic, wide open areas for entryways, living rooms and kitchens but smaller rooms can be contained for bedrooms and bathrooms. There are also much cheaper framing costs.

Some individuals are also choosing preengineered steel buildings for the ease of assembly and additional cost savings. This option has the structure partially assembled when they are shipped to the lot. Since a lot of the assembly is completed at the manufacturing site, the construction is quicker and costs less.

#

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.

atinum 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.