Steel buildings Metal buildings Info

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.

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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.

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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

The Metal Initiative is a coalition of metal component and building product manufacturers, metal coaters, suppliers to the metal industry, and metal-related associations. Together, they provide the design community with accurate information about metal roofs and walls. Who’s choosing metal?

RW-2000 ribbed wall panel, available at rigidbuilding.com.

Building Owners

Professional building owners are increasingly taking a more active role in material procurement, as reflected in the growing popularity of the design-build element in the building process, from conception to completion. Regardless of the number and size of the buildings they manage, professional owners want efficient products and services. They rely on design firms to provide them with the right selection of products and on manufactures to supply products that meet certain requirements such as low maintenance, low life-cycle cost, and recyclability or recycled content. Every day, owners must make choices on roofing materials, HVAC systems, control and automations systems, and exteriors, among other things. They depend on suppliers to meet their needs, regardless of where their buildings are located.

Designers

Designers know that metal offers perhaps the widest array of choices in the construction industry. Coated with some of the most advanced technology in the world, a virtually unlimited palette of long-lasting colors is available. Designers can also choose the natural look of zinc or copper, or coatings that make metal look natural. Metal makes possible bold design that inspires and creates a lasting impression. From flowing curves to precision flatness, metal is easy and economical to install. This freedom of design provides the architect and owner the opportunity to build within a wide range of styles and create an image that will endure. Today’s metal systems help panels retain their luster, ensuring a building maintains its aesthetic appeal and property value over the long term.

Architects

Architects combine form and function to create a building that is safe, sound, sustainable and aesthetically pleasing. In short, architects create the personality of a building. The Metal Initiative can help them achieve their goals educating them about the design options and versatility of metal buildings.

General Contractors

General contractors work with architects and building owners to take projects from concepts and drawings to physical structures, often recommending solutions in the design phase of a project. Because general contractors work hands-on with materials, they give very high marks to metal products’ strength, durability, and the lightweight nature.

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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.

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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.

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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

Products for metal buildings are lightweight, high-strength, and highly recyclable. Metal plays a significant role in the two main product segments of the commercial building market—roofs and panels.

Metal Roofs

Low-Slope Metal Roofs

Low-slope metal roofs are a preferred roof covering for commercial, institutional, and industrial buildings because of their ability to protect against the elements, allow water to drain away from the roof surface, and keep building contents and occupants dry and comfortable. Building owners and architects also recognize and appreciate other attributes of low-slope metal roofs—their long service life, low life-cycle cost, sustainability, recyclability, low maintenance requirements, light weight, and resistance to wind.

Steep-Slope Metal Roofs

When building owners and architects require an attractive and affordable steep-slope roof covering for a commercial project, they are increasingly choosing a metal roof. Often defined as roofs with pitches of 3:12 or greater, steep-slope metal roofs have long been favored by environmentally sensitive building owners and architects who appreciate the roof’s aesthetic appeal, long service life, low maintenance requirements, light weight, and resistance to wind. For designers, the appeal of steep-slope metal roofs include their ability to effectively shed water and offer unlimited color, a wide range of standing-seam profiles, and 40 years of useful life.

Metal Wall Panels

Insulated Metal Panels

Insulated metal panels help building owners and architects lower a building’s initial construction cost, as well as its long-term energy and maintenance costs. At one time, metal wall panels were insulated in the field. Then, about 35 years ago, a process was developed by which the panels could be pre-insulated in the plant. Today, the process involves injecting liquid insulating foam, usually polyurethane, between two metal face sheets, typically made of steel or aluminum.

Preformed Metal Wall Panels

For decades, preformed or roll-formed metal wall panels provided a combination of economy, service, and design to building owners and architects. They still do today, if not more so, and the reasons are many. There is a wider selection of profiles due to improvements in the manufacturing process, and these panels have longer life spans because of developments in coating technology. Today, preformed panels are part of mainstream commercial building design.

Stuccolite wall panel, available at rigidbuilding.com.

Metal Composite Panels

Building owners and architects aiming to make a design statement should look at today’s generation of metal composite materials for the exterior cladding of their structure. The high-tech image these wall panels can impart to a building because of their ability to be formed into various shapes can easily place a building “a cut above” the rest. The smooth, sleek material can be bent, curved, and joined together in an almost limitless range of geometric configurations. In addition, the panels exude a lustrous visual when they are initially installed and continue to do so for years with minimal maintenance.

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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.

themetalinitiative.com

For years, builders and designers have opted for metal over other materials for its energy efficiency, low maintenance, and durability. Increasingly, however, metal’s other key attributes—its striking beauty, clean look, and versatility in both new and retrofit construction—are helping to firmly establish it as the material of choice for institutional and commercial building projects.

Although it plays a key role in setting industry-wide trends in sustainability and green design, metal also holds advantages over other materials in addressing day-to-day concerns. For example, metal walls can be preformed to help you save on cost or custom-engineered to bring you quickly up to speed on code requirements. Plus, metal products are flexible—a must for designing tight or complex spaces—and available in an array of types, both coated and uncoated. With metal, design options are endless.

Above all, metal is:

Economical

Among its many cost-saving benefits, metal

• Offers better life cycle return-on-investment than other materials. Today’s metal construction products are protected by highly durable paints and coatings that now ensure a service life of 40 years.
• Lowers maintenance costs
• Contributes to tax benefits
• Can be designed to withstand severe acts of nature
• Decreases heating and cooling expenses
• Saves time on installation.

Sustainable

Metal is one of the most energy-efficient and sustainable building materials available. Today’s metal buildings and other metal construction products

• Contribute to LEED points
• Contain 25%–95% recycled materials
• Are virtually 100% recyclable.

Did you know?

• ENERGY STAR-labeled metal helps lower heating and cooling costs.
• By lowering cooling loads, metal roofs with heat-deflecting finishes reduce energy consumption.
• Cool metal roofing can achieve reflectance values of more than 70% and emittance values as high as 90%.
• An Oak Ridge National Lab study shows painted metal roofs maintain 95% of their reflectance value over time. This is important because many codes assume reflective performance of all roof materials degrades at the same rate.

Commercial steel building, available at rigidbuilding.com.

Versatile

This is  a real plus, for designers in particular

• Metal roof systems offer a wide range of options for substrates, colors, shapes, seams, styles, module widths, profiles and rib patterns.
• Metal wall systems offer a broad choice of products, colors, panel sizes, finishes, profiles, textures, and vertical and horizontal installations.

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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 Britt Skrivanek | metalconstructionnews.com

Metal roofing is a subject that can include a myriad amount of information, covering a multitude of issues. But for the smart roofing and general contractor, there are certain basics that should be reviewed from time to time. This article will update the initiated, as well as the uninitiated, on a few important considerations.

For purposes of clarity, the following roofing information focuses on self-storage roofing, but in many cases, it translates to other commercial or residential roofing projects as well. Here are three areas that should be routinely examined:

Metal Roof Panel Types

There are two types of roof panels offered in the self-storage building industry-standing seam and screw down.
Standing-seam roofs are designed to work with a clip system, which allows for expansion and contraction of the roof surface. The concealed roof clip system has no fasteners to penetrate the flat of the roof panel. Standing-seam roof systems are usually the roof of choice in today’s metal building market. There are primarily two systems available:

• 16-inch flat panel with a 2- or 3-inch vertical rib.
• 18- or 24-inch semi-corrugated panel with a trapezoidal 3-inch standing-seam rib.

Both standing-seam roof panels are offered in 22- or 24-gauge and can be applied on a 1/4:12 roof slope. They are made of a Galvalume, carry a 25-year warranty, and can be installed over open structural framing or solid surfaces.

Self-storage steel buildings, available at rigidbuilding.com.

Screw-down roofs are the most economical and were the very first used in the metal building industry. As the term implies, the roof panels are screwed directly to the sub-structure. This panel usually has a low rib profile and is primarily offered in a 26-gauge Galvalume material with a 3-foot panel width and available painted or unpainted. Screw-door roofs can work on roof pitches as shallow as 1:12.

This panel can be a good choice for those looking for economy. The screw down roof does not allow for expansion or contraction movement of the roof surface. Therefore, it may require certain amounts of continued maintenance.

There are two types of sloped roofs: steep slope and low slope.

Steep-slope roof buildings are primarily designed to expose a painted roof system for aesthetic purposes. They are also designed to accommodate faster water runoff, such as with a screw down roof system. Roof pitch is usually 4:12 or better.

Low-slope roof buildings are designed more for efficiency, especially in climate-controlled buildings. Low-slope buildings require the structural standing-seam roof system. Roof pitch is usually 1/2:12 or 1/4:12.

Roof Installation

A manufacturer can make the very best roof system possible, but ultimately, its successful installation relies on the installer. After deciding on the roof system of your choice, it is critical that you find the right installer to put the system together in the field.

As a rule, installer crews fall into two categories:

• Crews that erect a variety of roofing systems.
• Crews that erect a single brand of roof panel.

Certainly, the majority of installers are familiar with roof installation techniques, therefore, conventional wisdom would say a crew that has a variety of experience erecting different roof panels would be more valuable because of their versatility. In this case, conventional wisdom would be wrong.

The better crew is the one that installs a single brand of roof panels to fit a single building system. The reason? Familiarity. All metal buildings are designed and manufactured differently, and each one requires 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.

Therefore, a crew that has been through a specific manufacturer’s certified training program is obviously the better choice. There are a lot of independent roofing installers available that have good reputations for workmanship and professionalism. But, as good as they are, it is very important that they be very familiar with the roof system you specify and choose.

The bottom line is this. Understand what services are provided by the manufacturer. Certified installers that have been factory-trained and work exclusively for the manufacturer would obviously be the proper choice.

The Value of Warranties

Warranty is a subject that ties it all together. Look for the best quality and you will find the best warranties. After you have chosen your roof system, manufacturer, and installer, it is time to look at warranties. Quality roof system warranties should be at least 25 years with pre-painted panels of 40 years. Expect labor to be 10 years by manufacturer certified installers. If a manufacturer does not have substantial warranties, it means it cannot stand behind their products.

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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 Jeff Landon | metalconstructionnews.com

It may be a surprise, but buildings are the No. 1 source of energy utilization in the United States. The building sector today accounts for 40 percent of the total.

In today’s economic environment, metal building systems are the perfect solution for offering a variety of cost and energy savings. These savings are evident from the initial stages in the building process throughout the life of the building. Recent events in the nonresidential construction market show a metal building system has substantial benefits beyond its life. A metal building system is defined by the Metal Building Manufacturers Association, Cleveland, as a professionally engineered steel structure that provides cost-effective and efficient low-rise buildings for a wide array of uses. Today’s metal building can be custom engineered to the end user’s needs, which means the design is energy efficient.

Rigid Global Components are Energy Star certified. For more information on green buildings please visit us at rigidbuilding.com.

Early Savings

The building envelope, which is a noteworthy element in the construction process, offers innumerable opportunities for an energy efficient building. Metal buildings, because of their design flexibility, can offer considerable savings in new construction and retrofit.

Today’s building environment gives contractors, architects and building owners an increasing number of challenges and requirements when considering a new facility. These complex challenges, regardless of the market and facility, are golden opportunities for metal building systems.

A metal building can be estimated and designed faster than conventional construction, which impressively shortens lead times. In addition, because most metal buildings have fewer components, this allows for quicker fabrication and less time during the erection process as compared to alternative construction systems. Another outstanding benefit of a metal building is, because they can be closed in sooner, work can continue despite adverse weather.

Ongoing energy Savings

There are a number of ways metal building systems can save costs and energy. The variety of options and methods of insulation that can be used is a key feature of metal building systems. For example, factory-insulated metal wall panels have been developed and can create a facility that uses energy more efficiently.

The polyurethane foam core used in insulated metal panels has the highest R-value per inch of any of the insulation products used in commercial construction. Typical rigid board insulation has an R-value of 5 per inch.Fiberglass has an R-value of approximately 3 if not compressed. Also, unlike with rigid board insulations commonly used in construction, the R-value of the foam in IMPs will not degrade over time. The R-value of rigid board insulation can degrade by as much as 15 percent over time. Continuous insulation is a must in any building envelope for true energy efficiency.

In a recent study performed by FMI Research Services Group, Raleigh, N.C., on insulated metal panels in nonresidential roof and wall applications, of the nine most influences of whether to use insulated metal panels, 63 percent of those surveyed cited energy efficiency. In this same study, 62 percent believe the demand for more energy efficiency and lower operating costs will influence the market share for insulated panels over the next five years.

Both new building construction and retrofit is seeing increased demand for cool metal roofing products and systems. Empirical research and evidence has substantiated and verified claims of energy savings.

What is a cool roof? A cool roof, according to the Cool Roof Rating Council, Oakland, Calif., is one that reflects the sun’s heat and emits absorbed radiation back into the atmosphere. The roof literally stays cooler and reduces the amount of heat transferred to the building below, keeping the building cooler and at a more constant temperature. Average energy savings range from 7 to 15 percent of total cooling costs.

Cool metal roofs need not be white. They are available in a variety of colors, which gives an aesthetic touch that can still meet local codes and save energy. They can qualify as a cool roof by using an industrial-grade coating that has high reflectance and high emittance values.

Operational Savings

Cool metal roofs also offer maintenance savings by extending the life of existing air conditioning systems. Metal roofs lower maintenance costs and extend roof life, avoiding reroofing costs. Standing-seam metal roofs are cost-effective over the lifetime of a building, and like metal wall panels, they can be designed and constructed to include insulation, which calculates to lower operating costs.

Businesses can receive tax deductions for commercial buildings. The building envelope components are eligible for one-third of the tax incentive if it meets its share of the whole-building savings.

Beyond Savings

An increasing number of contractors, along with architects and designers, are more focused on sustainable building materials today than ever before. Steel is the most recycled material available, making metal buildings the perfect choice. In addition, a metal building system affords sustainable construction techniques.

The combination of materials and design translates to an outstanding opportunity to gain LEED points and a subsequent level of certification. Developed by the U.S. Green Building Council, Washington, D.C., LEED practices with the goal of making green building available to everyone within a generation. LEED provides a concise framework for identifying and implementing practical and measurable green building design, construction, operations and maintenance solutions.

The flexibility of design along with substantial energy and operational savings are just a few of the advantages that make a metal building a strong consideration for the challenges of commercial building construction.

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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 Toy Henson | metalconstructionnews.com

Metal roofs have been a preferred covering for commercial buildings for centuries because of their ability to protect the structure from the elements and to shelter its occupants and contents. In more recent times, however, building owners have come to recognize and appreciate still other attributes of metal roofs-their beauty, long service life, low life-cycle cost, light weight, sustainability, recyclability and low-maintenance requirements. Because of this increased awareness, as a contractor, it is in your best interest to discover the possibilities of metal roof systems.

Design Flexibility

Today’s metal roof systems, low slope and steep slope, can bring added drama and imaginative design to the exterior of any building, metal building, steel building or any other type of building. That’s because they’re offered in a wider choice of options today than ever before to help create more visually interesting buildings.

Metal roofs offer virtually unlimited architectural creativity with a vast array of shapes, styles, profiles, textures and an ever-growing palette of colors, ranging from standard hues to custom-matched tones. They adapt to styles ranging from traditional to contemporary and enable buildings to stand out or blend with their environments.

For more information on metal buildings please visit rigidbuilding.com.

Low Environmental Impact

Metal roof systems are also an environmentally responsible choice for buildings of all types. That’s because they typically have a recycled content of at least 25 percent, and the metal is 100 percent recyclable at the end of its useful life, thereby contributing to the recycled content of future products. Metal’s recycled content can even help earn LEED points in the Materials & Resources category.

Metal roofs are sustainable. Their extremely long service lives lower the demand for energy and raw materials to produce replacement systems. And in many retrofit applications, metal roofs can be installed over old flat roofs, thereby eliminating the need to remove the old roofing and preserving landfill space.

Extremely Durable

Today’s metal roof systems are exceptionally durable. Many are warranted up to 30 years, some even more. That’s because today’s high-performance paints and coatings are designed to protect the metal panels for decades, while the patina that forms on noncoated copper and zinc panels protects the metal from the elements naturally.

Today’s generation of paints and coatings also help metal panels retain their appearance, ensuring that the building maintains its aesthetic appeal and property value over time.

Lower Construction Costs

Metal roof panels are lighter in weight than most other roofing choices. As a result, they can often help lower construction costs by reducing framing and foundation requirements because less structural support is needed.

Construction costs may also be lowered because metal panels can usually be installed faster than other materials. That’s because their installation is not slowed by weather conditions. This all-weather capability minimizes delays, gets the building closed-in quicker and speeds up completion. And faster completion means quicker occupancy.

Lower Energy Costs

Lower construction costs aren’t the only way metal roofs can improve the bottom line. Lower energy costs are another. For example, an increasing number of local, state and/or federal initiatives and codes are now requiring that roofs on commercial buildings have a minimum solar reflectivity and thermal emissivity in order to reduce energy consumption by lowering air-conditioning loads within the building. Roofs that meet these requirements are called “cool roofs” because they have lower surface temperatures.

As a result of new developments in pigment technology, painted metal roofs perform very well as cool roofs and can provide a very energy- and cost-efficient solution, as evidenced by research conducted by Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Oak Ridge, Tenn.

For example, results of a three-year study showed that painted metal roofs retained 95 percent of their initial solar reflectivity values over time. This is important because some codes assume reflective performance of all roof material degrades at the same rate.

The same study showed that some membrane systems lost 40 percent of their solar reflectance after only three years due to dirt retention. Metal roofs shed dirt more readily than other roofing materials, which is important, because the dirtier a roof, the more its reflectance is compromised.

Low Life-cycle Costs

Metal roofs have long been considered the most cost-effective roof systems. Now there’s proof, thanks to a new study conducted by the Ducker Organization, an independent research organization based in Troy, Mich., that specializes in the construction industry.

Building owners who participated in the 2007 study said they expect low-slope metal roofs to last 41.6 years, compared to 20.5 years for single-ply systems and 23 years for built-up systems. “Expected roof service” is defined in the study as the time from original installation to reroof.

Based on this longevity, they estimated the life-cycle cost of a metal roof to be $0.24 per square foot per year. By comparison, they estimated single-ply systems to have a life-cycle cost of $0.25 per square foot per year and asphalt systems to be $0.33 per square foot per year. The life-cycle cost of a roof is determined by computing the present value of all costs associated with the roof over time, including the original cost of the roof, regular maintenance activities and any repairs.

Low Maintenance Costs

When it came to maintenance, study participants who owned metal roofs said the average maintenance cost was only $0.10 per square foot per year, versus $0.26 for owners of single-ply roofs and $0.17 for asphalt systems.

Significantly, the study also found that low maintenance was one of the top criteria upon which respondents based their roof purchasing decisions.

Discover Metal’s Possibilities

Now that you’ve seen the possibilities of today’s metal roofing, imagine what metal can bring to your customers’ next buildings. Metal roof systems offer more innovative design options, more durability and greater cost efficiency than you may have thought possible. When properly chosen and installed, they are indeed cost-effective, attractive, long-lasting, easily maintained and environmentally friendly building materials.

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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.