There have been numerous articles that have been published about what the correct steel building should be that will satisfy anyone’s particular requirements. These articles have addressed the core questions of use of the structure, dimensions, accessories, and possible future expansion. The discussion in this particular article addresses additional considerations to ensure that you are purchasing the right steel building for your needs.
There are some things you need to know if you are considering a two story steel building. Steel I-Beam framed buildings need at least a twenty two foot eave height in order to comfortably accommodate a second story. The loading characteristics that need to be engineered into the building in order to accommodate the interior mezzanine can be expensive. If you are under a strict budget for your building project, you may want to consider a single story building with the additional required square footage on one level.
I-Beam steel buildings have changed in recent years in both function and design. The ugly metal boxes that once represented steel buildings are now largely gone. Sidewall and trim applications are now improved. With the use of Siliconized Polyester paints. Steel roofs with these buildings can also be painted to be more aesthetically pleasing. Most steel building manufacturers and suppliers also offer premium quality options that include simulated brick, rock, stone, and stucco finishes. With the proper use of accessories and options a steel building can not be distinguished from its traditional building counterparts.
Steel buildings can now be fabricated to almost any shape, size, and dimensions as opposed to the limited “cookie-cutter” offerings of the past. This includes everything from circular sports complexes to hexagonal fellowship halls and other configurations that can now be fabricated to specific requirements. For example, many steel buildings that require and uniqueness of design are enhanced with the use of mansards and parapets on the roof applications.
Steel buildings can be configured to include roof slopes of from 1:12 to 6:12 pitches. Remember, though, that the steeper pitched buildings are generally more expensive because more steel is utilized in roof make-up. The use of a steeper pitched roof is highly recommended for moisture drainage and as a preventative to “ponding” complications. Higher precipitation areas of the country should strongly consider the application of a standing seam steel roof. A standing seam roof, however, is more expensive than the screw-down roofs that normally come standard with an I-Beam framed building.
A building permit for your steel building, in all likelihood, is required for your project. Your building will also have to conform to local codes. It is the buyer’s responsibility to procure all of the necessary permits and approvals.
The final consideration to factor into your project is one of experience. Unless you have extensive steel building assembly experience and/or your steel building is a smaller storage area or garage, the hiring of a qualified erector is always highly recommended for any steel building project.