Standing seam roofs are becoming the covering of choice for existing and brand new steel buildings. A standing seam roof can be fabricated at the jobsite for an existing structure in just a few days and be produced at a factory for a new building just as quickly.

            The attribute of any standing seam steel roof is impressive. They are very durable and long lasting. They also require very little maintenance, if any. A steel standing seam roof an be fitted over existing roofing materials. Standing seam roofs are also available in a wide variety of colors and styles and steel is a non-combustible material. Standing seam roofs have grown very popular nationwide, whether it is in the heat and humidity of Florida or the frigid conditions of Maine. The original industrial applications of standing seam roofs have been shorn for the architectural enhancement it can make for any steel building.

            The component assembly style of a standing seam roof is very simple. A standing seam roof consists of many interlocking panels that run vertically from the roof’s ridge (or gable or top of roof) down to the eave. The interlocking seam where the two panels join together is raised above the roof’s surface. This allows moisture to run off without seepage between roof panels.

            There is a vast array of sizes and shapes available for standing seam roofs. In some applications, the vertical panels are pre-cut at the factory and delivered to the job site. Some standing seam roof applications are shaped and cut at the job site using the appropriate equipment. There arte other options including standing seam shingles that are shipped pre-packaged and are installed in a staggered form for the appropriate aesthetic effect.

            There are commonly two types of methods utilized to secure the panels to the roof. Fasteners are attached to the raised section of each panel. These, then, are covered by the next panel attached during the installation. The most inexpensive method utilized uses fasteners that are driven through each steel panel into the roof sheathing.

            These then is the steel standing seam roof installation guide.    Steel is formed and cut to length using a metalworking tool called a brake at the job site. Every section of the steel roof is formed to the necessary length. Waste is, thus, kept to a minimum. The brake is designed to form the interlocking panels of the roof. A shear cuts each panel to the desired length. There will be a bit of hand trimming involved, but the panels are formed and cut to length and ready to install in a short period of time. The roof elements are installed in the proper sequence to create a watertight seal. Each vertical roof section will be attached to the ridge vent. Each roof panel that runs from ridge to eave tucks into the ridge vent. The use of hidden fasteners creates a more professional look. The next adjoining roof panel will cover the clips that secure each panel. The raised seams at panel’s end are crimped. Each adjacent roof panel is crimped together. The ridge cap, valleys, and vertical section all work together to form a watertight seal. This properly installed roof will go for many years virtually maintenance-free.  

            Pole barns have long been a staple for construction on the American agricultural scene. Quality steel buildings are quickly displacing pole barns on the landscape nationwide for many reasons.

<–More–>             Pole barns became very popular for two reasons - price and state of technology. Pole barns were renowned as the cheapest way to build an agricultural building and were about the only material of choice to construct the building with. Steel buildings have quickly supplanted pole barns for both price and durability.             There are a number of disadvantages inherent with any pole barn structure. The poles of a pole barn are placed directly into the ground. This gives the structure no opportunity to be resistant to the heaving caused by flooding and frost. Pole barns are normally made with pressure treated wood. This wood will shrink and warp with time. That is why pole barns are not a popular choice for a permanent structure. Steel buildings do not warp. Pole barn foundation frame members shift and they must be straightened about every six years for the going rate of a couple of thousand dollars. Pressure treated wood poles using copper sulfate are not sanitary and can be poisonous to livestock. A steel building bolts to a solid concrete foundation and is highly flood and frost resistant. It is much more of a sanitary structure and its materials are not poisonous to livestock.               The combustibility of pole barns can increase insurance premiums more than twenty-five percent higher when compared to similar sized non-combustible steel buildings.             Steel building companies usually provide the proper plans and documents for their buildings. Pole barns do not. This can cause problems in obtaining permits and ascertaining just how the structure is to be assembled. Steel buildings have parts that are sorted and numbered. Pole barns do not. Pole barn assembly is rigorous with many hours devoted to the sorting, cutting, and fitting of construction materials.             The sheeting on pole barns needs to be reattached and re-painted on a regular basis. Pole barns have steel members that touch the wood making rust a prevalent problem. Steel buildings are coated with a primer that is highly resistant to rust. The re-sheeting of pole barns has to occur about once every eight years. With a fourteen year life-span for the building this can cost over fifteen thousand dollars in total. Steel buildings do not need re-sheeting or re-painting over the useable life of the structure.             Pole barns are not recommended for occupancy because of their low resistance to fire. Many communities and localities prohibit pole barn installation. Steel buildings abide by even the strictest safety codes that any municipality may enforce.             The vast advantages that steel buildings have over pole barns should make it the structure of choice for your next construction project. 

            If you have purchased a steel building from a manufacture or supplier there are several details that need to be addressed before you are in receipt of your structure. This will guarantee that your project will go smoothly and result in a successful completion of your building project. The first consideration is to be available to the steel building manufacturer by phone anytime during the business day should any questions arise. A correct shipping address for your building’s destination needs to be provided along with directions if the site is in a remote or hard-to-find area. Your steel building company should make arrangements with you to contact you seven to ten days before the scheduled delivery date to confirm all shipping details.

            Once you had placed a engineering deposit with a manufacturer or supplier, a set of erection drawings should be forwarded to you in a matter of weeks. These erection drawings are the guide to be used in all facets of your project and should be studied by your erector thoroughly before beginning construction. There should be an anchor bolt plan for the foundation included along with the correct reactions. Each steel building erection drawing package is different and only the plans specified for your building should be used. Provide the anchor bolt plan and reactions to your foundation engineer so he can design a suitable foundation. An erection and safety manual should also be included along with a materials list.

            Delivery of a steel building should be scheduled for the morning. This will allow ample time for any unforeseen issues to be resolved. The route to your jobsite should be accessible by an eighteen wheeler.

            Cashier’s checks are usually required to satisfy the amount due on your building once it is delivered. The trunk driver takes this payment.

            You are responsible for unloading your building from the delivery carrier. Extra manpower and lifting equipment like a forklift with a spreader bar may be required or a boom or crane for larger loads. Check with your shipper for the longest and heaviest component to ascertain what removal equipment will be required. It make take up to three hours to unload and inventory the entire building shipment. Prior to shipment, make sure that the shipper does not combine your order with someone else’s building.

            All shortages and damages must be reported immediately to the supplier once inventory is complete. Most manufactures or suppliers will reject shortage or damage claims after one week.

            Most manufactures and suppliers have no way of ascertaining whether any customer is skilled enough to erect a steel building. It is always recommended that a qualified erector be employed even for the smallest of structures.

            Review all of the above mentioned particulars and follow them prior to erection of your steel building.

            Steel building kits are simply a comprehensive set of all the parts required to assemble a steel ding. They are complete in composition from the  pre-drilled holes to the bolts for joining the individual components, the pre-welding of parts joined together, as well as the pre-punched “forms” for the structure. These components are fabricated using state-of-the art computer technologies for precise engineering.

<–More–>             The vast majority of steel buildings are constructed  at the manufacturing site. These buildings only require the assembly of the parts in the kit through a simple step-by-step process. When the whole of the steel building is from a reliable manufacturer, the structural integrity of the components is inherent. Steel building kits are customized to the specific building requirements of the purchaser, all options and codes are pre-engineered in the building prior to shipment.             Steel building kits can be so simple that, in many instances, the customer themselves can erect the building. Most steel buildings have common components such as arched panels. These are single sheet steel panels that are raised to form the roof as well as the two parallel walls of the structure. The length of any of these buildings can be easily extended, simply by adding more steel arches. The base connectors are used to attach arches and end wall panels to the concrete foundation by the use of anchor bolts. Anchor bolts need to be supplied by the consumer, they are not shipped with the building.             Steel building kits come with an assembly manual that provides a list of all the components included and also a step-by-step analysis of assembling the structure. The use of standard size bolts for all connections allows for easier construction. Polyethylene washers will also be used for sealing the bolt connections.             Doors will usually be pre-drilled to fit in any of the framed openings engineered into the end wall panels. End wall panels are the walls that fit on either end of the building. They are designed to simply bolt onto the base connector and the end arch panel. Steel framed openings are installed into the end walls for both doors and windows.             Steel building trim kits are used to cover any exposed edges and thus give a clean finish to the wall. Vents are installed into the end walls and/or roof to allow the air in the building to circulate and help reduce the possibility of excessive dampness due to condensation in the air.             Steel building kits purchased from reputable manufacturers offer many affordable and durable options for the purchaser. There is such a degree of accuracy in the engineering of the buildings that many purchasers erect the building without the need for professional help. Know all the details, however, before endeavoring to assemble a steel building kit yourself.

            Architects, builders, and developers that are planning new construction projects are seeing and thinking “green”. “Building green” is being seen as a more sounder environmental approach to minimizing the negative impact of any building project to its surroundings. Additionally, steel building manufacturers and suppliers have been at the lead of this new and resourceful movement.

<–More–>             “Building green” involves the proper use of the land, the precise design of the building, and environmentally sound construction materials and methods. This type of approach involves three main factors in steel building erection. First, the steel building needs to be designed in such a way that it is protective of the environment in the immediate vicinity. Second, there should be a good deal of emphasis on the consumption of energy by the steel building. Third, the steel building should be able to protect the health of the occupants of the building.             Green design definition is very simple as it applies to steel building design and construction. Steel building design and construction is labeled “green” if it eliminates any negative impacts on the surrounding environment and building occupants. This is also called sustainable design and involves four areas of sustainable site design. First, there should be a great deal of emphasis on safe guarding the capacities of water in the area and its cleanliness with the steel building design and steel building size. The second factor to be considered “green” is the energy efficiency of the structure along with the renewable energy that is obtained. Third, the conservation of all materials used and the resources involved are essential to the steel building being labeled ”green”. Last, but not least, the steel building must have a high level of indoor environmental quality.             Steel buildings need to be high performance structures that improve both local and worldwide environments for the goals of “building green” to be met. Steel building manufacturers and suppliers and other companies in the building industries, have formed the United States Green Building Council. The primary goal of this organization is the promotion of buildings that are environmentally friendly. These buildings should also be healthy and profitable places to work.             Steel buildings can easily fall into the inclusion of the category “green buildings”. By design, all reputable steel building manufacturers and suppliers use pre-engineering to minimize waste and reduce raw material use. Today, steel in new buildings is made up largely of recycled or salvaged products. Steel is a 100% recyclable material. Steel buildings have a long life cycle, and the durability and appearance lasts for many years. Finally, stel buildings that are fully insulated are some of the most energy efficient structures that are in use today.             Remember, in today’s environmentally sensitive world, when you build with steel you can build “green”.      

            There are many variables that go into the processes of any steel building project planning. That is why the estimation of the final price may be a bit complicated. One factor is local building codes. Buildings in the Rocky Mountains may require substantial snow loads and thus more expensive and stronger components than the same size building in Alabama. The cost of interior extras such as partitions and insulation also can boost the price.

<–More–>             A basic steel building can range between $18 to $22 a square foot when taking into consideration the building materials, delivery, a concrete foundation, and the assembly of the building. If more component options and exterior amenities are added this can raise the budget expectations to between $22 and $35 a square foot. Customized steel buildings that require stone, rock, or brick facades, unconventional dimensions, or extensive construction can approach $50 a square foot or more. The materials can cost $7 to $20 a square foot. Typically the smaller the steel building the more the cost of materials per square foot. Materials for a small garage may approach $20 a square foot.             The cost of a concrete foundation vary, depending on what area of the country you live in. You can usually expect to pay between $5 and $10 a square foot for a quality foundation. A General Contractor, if you are using one, will normally include this cost in their proposals. Brokers and manufacturers do not provide foundation service, so keep this in mind when you see their proposed price.             Labor costs for the assembly of your building also will be dependant on what region of the country you are in and the size of your project. This expense can range from $4 to $12 a square foot. These are expressed as per hour charges during your project. The more complex your structure, the greater the labor costs.             Insulation is actually one of the biggest initial expenditures for any steel building. The utilization of proper insulation for both roof and walls, is a very good investment, however. The resale value of your steel building will be enhanced along with saving you on energy costs over the years. Insulation is also good for soundproofing and is highly recommended for any steel building that will be occupied, even for only a potion of the day.             A contract will be provided for your design loads and specifications for your steel building. This contract should be carefully inspected for a number of details. Manufacturers sometimes include substitution clauses to allow them to use alternate materials if those specified are not available. Make sure any changes are of equal or greater value and not cheaper substitutes. Make sure every component is detailed in the contract so that lower-quality materials are not used. Finally, make sure the contract specifies exactly who is responsible for what. Know who is responsible to design, engineer, fabricate, deliver, and construct your building  before you sign any contract.  

            A lot of steel building purchasing in the United States is done by phone or internet communication with a company that is not in your immediate vicinity. If you contact a local dealer who is willing to come out and try to sell you a building in person, that is important to compare with what another out-of-town company may be telling you it may offer in both product and services. The best way to decide on which company to choose is by checking into the references of any steel building company.

            The first question you should ask any building company you are considering doing business with is how long they have been in business. Although this is not a hard and fast rule as to the quality of their services, you need to assure yourself that the “company” is not just a salesman in a small office strong arming you for your deposit money on a great “deal.” You want to make sure that the steel building manufacturer and/or supplier deals with steel building products only. “Joe’s Steel Buildings and Carpet Cleaning” is not a viable choice for your needs.

            Request a lot of literature and information from the company you are considering doing business with. These steel building companies may have pictures and a CD or video tape of their operations. The point here is that the companies willing to invest in quality point-of-sale brochures and catalogs are normally reliable in their services. Blurred, one sheet faxes about the company

in response to your inquiry should be viewed as suspect.

            Inquire whether the company has a qualified staff of managers, component and design professionals, and qualified customer service representatives. If you are always talking to the same person for every inquiry it may not be the company you want to purchase from.

            Make sure that an erection manual is available for your building and/or that the company’s literature does a very good job of explaining and detailing how their buildings go together. Otherwise, you may have a delivery of a lot of steel that is unrecognizable to you or your erector as to what goes where.

            The guarantee or warranty provided with your steel building is important. Have the company send you a sample of the expressed structural warranty or other guarantees that will be provided with the purchase of the building.

            Check with the company to see if there are qualified erectors in your area who have put up their buildings before or are very familiar and certified for the type of construction required.

            When considering all of the above mentioned concerns, choose the company that you most feel comfortable with in answering your questions and providing you with information. Most steel building companies who advertise or are in business are legitimate. Asking the proper questions will separate them from companies that are not.

            How important are warranties and, more importantly, the length of steel building warranties to consumers today? The answer seems to be that they are growing more and more important nationwide and steel building suppliers and manufacturers are reacting. Steel building companies are progressing, competitively, to eventually provide the longest and largest steel building warranty that has ever been available to American consumers. Steel building warranties are moving to 30, 35 and even 50 years.

            As a consumer, a warranty is your contract with the manufacturer of your steel building that states that any defects will be corrected at the manufacturer’s expense. For most steel building companies a clear understanding of the warranty needs to be understood by the purchaser before any deposit is applied to a building.

            A well stated warranty helps the steel building manufacturer or supplier that provides it. Longer warranted buildings are more attractive to consumers as compared to steel building companies with shorter warranties. In the competitive pricing market of steel buildings, when two buildings are equally attractive to the buyer the longest warranty usually will win out over price. The longer the warranty the more the consumer will have “peace of mind” about the structural integrity of the building. There also needs to be no additional cost to the consumer for a better and longer warranty.

            A good warranty also benefit’s the consumer. There is no additional outlay of cash upfront. A longer warranty enhances the consumer’s investment. The consumer also knows that there is protection from potential costs of future repairs.

            If you buy a $20 shirt and change your mind the store will probably give you your money back. If you buy a $20,000 car that doesn’t run right a “lemon law” will probably protect you. But steel building buyers need to beware. Although the purchase of a steel building may be the biggest investment you will ever make, a few steel building companies have a “satisfaction isn’t guaranteed”

policy.

            A warranty should be an important part of any new steel building purchase decision. Make sure to buy your building from a company with a solid reputation for quality combined with the best warranty.

            Reputable building manufacturers and suppliers will discuss their products with you thoroughly before you invest. They are proud of their products. You won’t be abandoned if a defect crops up.

            Make sure the warranty on your steel building is an express warranty, something you can hold and read. Your warranty, at a minimum, should express that it will cove the structural, load-bearing elements of the building. In the unlikely event of a structural failure the warranty should read that the failed part or parts will be repaired or replaced at no charge. A good warranty provides peace of mind - when you move into your new building you can concentrate on putting it to good use.

            There are some major differences in the type of steel buildings available on the market today. Most commercial and agricultural grade buildings come in two main designs. The choice is between arch style and rigid frame steel buildings.

            Arch style steel buildings are also more commonly known as Quonset huts. They are built from a series of interlocking metal ribs that take form as the roof and sides of the structure. Arch buildings are used in a variety of applications but are very popularly used as storage facilities, garages of all sizes, and storage sheds. The smaller variety of arch buildings are popular among consumers who choose to build their own structure. This is because the assembly methods are simple and they are less expensive per square foot to construct than more conventional methods. They are, however, difficult to customize with exterior options. This type of construction only allows for doors and windows in the end walls, but not the sides, as a number of consumers would want. The interior overhead clearance of an arch style building drops precipitously as you move further away from the center of the building to the sides.

            A more popular form of building for almost any use is the rigid frame style of building. They are constructed using steel skeleton framing and flat steel panels for both the roof and walls. Doors and windows can be added in the side or end walls. Rigid frame buildings are easily expandable lengthwise if future conditions demand. A rigid  frame building can also incorporate a mezzanine for second story capacity. They are much easier to build than traditional construction but they require more construction experience and equipment than arch style buildings.

            Whether you choose an arch style building or a rigid frame structure a concrete foundation is strongly recommended. The inclusion of a basement is an option but does make the project that much more complicated.

            Whatever type of steel building you choose there is an approval process that is necessary. The building codes that will apply to your project vary state by state, and city by city. This includes such factors as snow and wind loads, seismic considerations, and other local considerations. Other things to consider will include your local zoning ordinances, drainage requirements, local community covenants, among others. A quality steel building manufacturer can help your building to meet or exceed your local codes, however,  it is ultimately the consumer’s responsibility to get the proper approvals.

            Make sure you investigate all of the advantages and disadvantages with both types of buildings before purchasing your structure. Do not place a deposit on a building or do an outright purchase unless you are sure of the style that you want.

            The debate over whether steel or concrete is the better building material from a cost and safety factor is still continuing. Before modern engineering and the technological  advances in concrete and steel construction the building systems favored were wood and brick. The materials that head the list of construction development today, however, are steel and concrete. Both materials provide numerous benefits.

            Start with the factor of safety as accords concrete construction. The development of concrete for use in the new World Trade Center project in New York City makes a strong argument for the safety of concrete. There will be two foot thick concrete for protection of the inner core of the building against terrorist attack or fire. Reinforced concrete is very resistant to explosion and impact. Concrete can also endure high temperatures from fire for a long time without the loss of structural integrity. Concrete’s inherent mass and strength can also resist extreme hurricane force winds. The proper design and construction of concrete is also very resistant to seismic activity.

            The addition of passive fire protection, such as spray-on fireproofing, can help buildings made of structural steel to sustain greater fire temperatures and provide additional safety to the building. Safety is taken into account with very effective designing and implementation of steel. Steel’s strength and ductility, combined with proper engineering and design and precise fabrication processes, make it a good choice for areas with seismic activity. Steel framing also performs very well under high wind conditions because of its propensity to bend but not to break.

            The costs of these two superior building materials can also be compared. The price of concrete has become relatively stable. This is despite the spike seen in the costs of other building materials. Cast-in-place concrete can be pricier on the front end of a building project but the return on investment on the back end of the project can lessen the cost differential. Insurance costs can also be lower because insurance companies favor cast-in-place reinforced concrete which offers increased safety and structural integrity, thus reducing insurance premiums, in many cases. Some cast in place reinforced concrete structures can save over 20% annually on property insurance.

            Structural steel has seen increases in prices over the last few years. But structural steel still only represents less than 20% of all the steel used in building construction. Looking at the overall impact on building project costs, the project costs have gone up by 10% as a result of increases in all types of construction materials-not just steel. The increase in cost of the steel structural framing system represents less than 2% of the 10% increase in project costs. Costs are almost a wash. The costs for a concrete framing system have gone up to equivalence to the costs of a steel framing system.