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Writer's pictureJoshua Hutchens

Metal Buildings: 15 Things Every Owner, and Future Owner, Should Know




If You Have Never Owned Any Metal Buildings Before, You Might Not Be Familiar With Their Uses Or Advantages. In This Guide, We Set The Record Straight. 

Did you know that over half of all non-residential private enterprises and government agencies built recently are metal buildings? 

The popularity of this construction type is not a surprise, given how flexible, durable, affordable, and versatile they are. 

Metal buildings are ideal options for use as carports, garages, workshops, and storage spaces. Unfortunately, unless you are highly involved in metal buildings, there are some lesser-known facts that you may not be familiar with. 

Bracing yourself with adequate information about them helps you better describe your project. Additionally, you better understand and compare quotes given, thus enabling you to select the best company. 

Are you feeling short of knowledge on how to use metal buildings, especially with the many building options? Here is what you need to know. 

1. They Are Of Different Types 

When looking for metal buildings, the main types you will encounter are pole barn, all-metal, galvanized frame metal, and rigid frame metal buildings. Pole barns are entry-level metal buildings that are made from wood poles. 

They are designed with an overhead clearance and are mainly used for residential and agricultural storage. 

All metal buildings are made entirely from metal and installed on concrete foundations. These are mainly used for garages, auto shops, and workshops. Rigid frame buildings are commercial-type buildings that are mainly used in manufacturing industries. 

Galvanized frame metal buildings are high-quality, long-lasting, and fully-customizable buildings. These are mainly multi-purpose. Understanding the different types of metal buildings will help you pick what fits you best based on your needs and preferences. 

2. They Have Different Foundation Types 

More often than not, steel buildings are founded on solid concrete slabs. However, your metal building is not limited to this, and there are other options that you can consider. 

For instance, you can use perimeter footing, perfect when the floor is gravel or dirt. Additionally, pier foundations are ideal in open-air pavilions, equestrian arenas, and livestock barns. 

These are mainly used in addition to the common slab to help prevent the structure from shifting. 

To help you determine the type of foundation to use in your metal building, consider your location, structure size, and soil type. Additionally, the building reactions, weight, and frost lines can also help you determine the best foundation. 

3. They Have Many Benefits 

If you are sitting on the fence since you are unsure whether metal buildings are worth your investment, go ahead and buy them since they have innumerable benefits. 

First, there are obvious benefits, such as being long-lasting and durable given that they are metal buildings. Moreover, these buildings can withstand any kind of weather that mother nature throws at them. 

This assures you of safety even in cases like fire accidents, since steel is fireproof. 

Metal buildings are customizable, and you can create them to fit the nature and appearance of your business. You will also love that the buildings are pest-resistant, energy-efficient, and affordable. 

Above all, if you need a building within a short time, you can evade the waiting time by ordering metal buildings. It is possible to deliver and install the building on the same day, saving you the time you use for building types. 

4. Cheap Metal Buildings Are Not Always Recommendable 

The truth is, you try to buy the property that saves you money, and metal buildings are of no exemption. While going for the cheapest is a good idea, it may end up causing more harm than good. 

The building may look good but may not be the best quality to last long. Remember that quality goes with price, and if the price is too low, the same may be true for the quality. 

To help you avoid falling prey to the traps set by low prices, understand the quotes given for different buildings. 

Consider the size and construction type of a metal building and compare this to its price to determine whether it is worth it. It also helps to shop around before concluding on a certain contractor to help ensure that you get what you deserve. 

5. Analyze An Ideal Dealer Before Working With Them 

There are many steel building dealers in the market, all promising to offer fantastic deals and services. While this is true for some of them, others are out to take advantage of naïve buyers. 

For this reason, do your homework to help you find a legit dealer. Ask them questions such as how long they have been in the business to determine whether they are worth working with. 

Although being new to the market is not a deal-breaker, you are likely to feel more confident working with a steel building company that has been in operation for a while. 

Moreover, check the services they offer to confirm whether they are in line with what you expect for your metal building. The price and payment options can also help you tell whether this is a good dealer or you need to walk away. 

6. Have A Clear Budget 

After you start shopping for your metal building, you will realize that different metal buildings have different prices. Unless you know what you intend to spend, this can make the process way more complicated. 

Fortunately, metal buildings are relatively cheap, and you don’t have to break the bank to afford one. With a clear budget, it is possible to eliminate the options above your budget and simplify your process. 

If your ideal metal building goes below the amount you had saved, you can spend this money adding other accessories to the building or site preparation. 

As you make your budget, remember to account for costs that may be part of the process, such as taxes, permits, and foundation, among others. 

7. Take Time To Determine The Best Location Of The Building Before Installation 

Generally, it is not easy to shift the location of a metal building after it is up. For this reason, critically think about where this building should be located before installation. 

To help you make this decision, ask questions such as how far from your house do you want this? How will it affect the rest of the property around where you expect to install it? How will it function in its space? 

Asking such questions will help ensure that you get the perfect station for your metal building that you will not regret choosing after a short time. 

8. The Price Is Lower If You Buy In Winter And Install In The Summer 

Like other industries, the metal building industry is also affected by seasons. Ideally, there is no time when you cannot buy or install metal buildings.  However, you are likely to pay less if you install in summer or spring. 

Think about the weather in winter, which makes it hard for most contractors to work. Moreover, the frost during winter can crack the foundation and ruin the project. 

The concrete also needs a temperature above 50-degrees to maintain its strength, which could be difficult during winter. To avoid such situations, wait for the favorable seasons to install since you are more likely to pay less during this time. 

Nevertheless, few people are thinking about buying metal buildings during winter, which raises your chances of getting your products at a lower price. 

9. Metal Buildings Need Maintenance 

One of the benefits of metal buildings is that they require minimal maintenance. However, striving to keep up with these maintenance tips helps keep the building looking good for longer. 

Therefore, keep up with maintenance tips such as removing snow on the roof, especially after a snowfall. Additionally, wash the building now and then, both on the inside and the outside. 

In case your building is insulated, check the insulation to ensure there is no moisture. The presence of moisture could make you replace the wall. A retouch of the painting will also keep your building looking new. 

10. You Need To Obtain Building Permits Before Installing 

More often than not, you need to have a permit before installing a metal house. However, this varies based on your state location and code rating. 

Therefore, to avoid getting into trouble with the authority, don’t ignore any of these permits. Fill in all necessary paperwork since this could also delay your installation. 

Review all standards and follow laid instructions concerning metal buildings to make the process easy for you. 

11. You Can Customize Your Roofline 

You can use your roofline to help you personalize your metal building, especially if you use it for business. Some of the common roof types that you can customize are hip, gable, and single slope roofs. 

The hip roof is a kind of roof whose sides slope towards the wall on a gentle slope. On the other hand, a single slope roof is a roof whose slope falls only in one direction. This style is also known as a pent or shed style roof. 

The Gable roof has two sloping sides that join together at the top. It is the most common type of roof used in metal buildings. 

You can select the best roof line based on your use for the steel building or choose the one that you feel best attracts your customers. 

12. You Can Get Creative With Colors 

Another huge advantage of metal buildings is that you have a chance to get creative with colors. For instance, if you have a metal building in your home, you may want it to match the rest of the property. 

On the other hand, if your metal building is for business, you may paint it to stand out or use a color that represents your business. 

In case you are not sure of the color to select, consider factors like the current color trends, and use a color that won’t go out of style soon. 

Additionally, choose a color that works based on the location of your metal building. Either way, ensure that the color that you choose tells more about you and your metal building. 

13. There Are Three Main Flooring Options 

Like the roof and foundation, you have several options when thinking about flooring options. 

First, there is the finished concrete type of floor which is best for use in mixed-use buildings. Finished concrete can be glazed, dyed, or stained to fit the style you choose. 

Additionally, the waterproof vinyl floor is ideal if you expect to use your metal building for official purposes. It has a tile or wood appearance and does not contract or expand due to humidity. 

Poured resin is the other type of floor loved by most people for its low upkeep demands. Moreover, you can boost it with business logos or artwork and create the custom that works for you. 

14. The Climate In Your Location Can Be A Concern 

For metal buildings to accommodate different weather and climates, you must ensure that they are designed to handle this. For instance, if you live in an area with heavy rainfall, have an extra layer of proofing on the metal walls. 

For wetlands, build a stable foundation that can withstand the wetness. Use a qualified contractor to help ensure that your structure is well designed if you live in an area prone to earthquakes and hurricanes. 

Such recommendations help your metal building withstand natural disasters with minimal or no damage. 

15. Confirm What Is Included In Your Price Before Proceeding 

How much does a metal building cost? Various companies have different prices for their products and services. Ideally, they give you a quote of what you need to pay for the project. 

Before you agree to proceed and work with any company, confirm what is included in this price. 

The quote should be itemized to help you figure out what you are paying for. Does this quote include necessary accessories such as insulation? 

It is advisable to work with a company providing all accessories to make it easier and cheaper. 

Are Metal Buildings Good Investments? 

In a sense, metal buildings are perfect investments. Are you in the market looking for metal buildings, or did you recently buy one? 

If yes, the details above will help you understand why they are a saving grace and make a concrete decision when buying them. 

Get in touch for answers to any questions about metal buildings and make an investment you will feel proud of down the line. 

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