Frequently Asked Questions About Steel Buildings

Steel buildings are an increasingly popular option for storage, garages, sheds and barns. They cost less to build, are easier to maintain and offer more flexibility than traditional wood or brick structures for nearly any purpose. If you’re considering a steel building for your business or residential needs, you probably have a good many questions, both about steel buildings and about their suitability for your project. These answers to frequently asked questions about steel buildings may help you make your decision.

How Long Does It Take to Construct a Steel Building?

The exact length of time depends upon many factors, including the size of the project, the complexity of the model you’ve chosen and whether you’re doing the project yourself or having your steel building assembled by a contractor that specializes in erecting metal buildings. In some cases, you can put up a metal storage shed or garden shed in a weekend or two, with a little help from friends. An experienced contractor may be able to assemble an uncomplicated steel building in a few days of work time. There are even reports of steel buildings used as churches that were put up over a weekend with a cadre of volunteer parishioners.

Do I Need a Foundation for a Steel Building?

Again, the answer is dependent on many factor, the most important of which is your local building codes. Be sure to check with your town’s code enforcement department to find out if there are specific requirements for foundations, or other requirements that apply to a steel buildings project. Chances are that smaller buildings, such as storage sheds, won’t require anything more than a metal slab foundation, while other buildings, such as riding arenas and barns, may be fine with only a dirt floor and poured pier footings for support.

Why Are Steel Buildings Considered Green Choices?

The steel used in most steel buildings is 100 percent recycled steel, so your building doesn’t use any additional non-renewable resources. The weather-tight construction makes a steel building easy to insulate, and helps reduce heat loss during the winter while maximizing cooling in the warm weather. You can choose paints and coatings for your roof and walls that reflect sunlight rather than absorb it, making the buildings themselves more earth-friendly. And finally, your steel building is 100 percent recyclable, so when you’re finished using it, you can take it apart and send it to be recycled, or sell it for reassembly.

If you have other questions about steel buildings, they can best be answered by a specialist in steel and metal design. Contact a vendor or manufacturer to have your questions answered by experts.