Consumer Questions About Steel Buildings
There has been a nationwide increase in the popularity of steel buildings. For people unfamiliar with steel construction, however, there are normally a number of questions about steel, and the buildings that are offered.
One of the first questions usually posed about steel buildings is how “customer friendly” they are. Detailed assembly construction plans are easy to understand and come with most building purchases. This will include an Anchor Bolt Plan for the foundation and an Engineer Certified Erection Drawing for the building. If the purchaser has some construction experience, and the building is not too large, they may consider assembling the building them selves. The use of a qualified erector, however, is strongly advised for larger buildings and consumers with no previous construction experience.
Most steel building manufacturers and suppliers will also provide customer service personnel and specialists, at their corporate headquarters, to answer any questions during the construction of their steel building.
Purchasers of steel buildings often question whether a foundation is necessary for a steel building. Aside from some limited agricultural applications the answer is yes. A properly designed and poured foundation is essential to the stability of the structure and can add to the virtually maintenance-free and durability characteristics.
Condensation is another question of concern in steel buildings. All buildings, regardless of material, produce some condensation. The design process of the building should include adequate ventilation allowances. Minimizing condensation in a steel building is due, in large part, to proper ventilation.
The proper painting of a steel building is also a consideration. Most steel buildings are pre-painted prior to shipment from the factory and are of a Siliconized Polyester variety. Although painting is not required for protection from the weather they are aesthetically pleasing and help to meet any community covenant requirements.
Some people question the use of steel as a substitute for traditional materials such as brick, masonry, or wood. Steel does not rot, shrink, split, or warp like some of these materials. Also, steel is non-combustible. Steel is very easy to handle, stronger, and less expensive than other, more conventional materials. Steel has a great deal of inherent strength and can be engineered to be very fire, earthquake, and hurricane resistant. Steel products are recyclable and can weigh up to 60% less than wood building components.
Building code compliance is the last consideration. Reputable steel building manufacturers and suppliers professionally design and engineer their steel buildings to meet applicable IBC, UBC, and BOCA codes. Most local codes will be met or exceeded by professionally engineered plans. It is the consumer’s responsibility, however, to get all necessary approvals from the local building code office for their intended steel building project.