Concrete Foundation Tips for Steel Buildings

The foundation of a steel building is a major factor in ensuring that you get all the benefits of building with steel. It supplies the strength, stability and flexibility that make steel buildings the strongest and most durable types of structures built today. Most small steel buildings will only require a basic concrete slab, but larger steel buildings may need a more extensive foundation with ground support walls. If you’re in doubt, experts suggest, always build a foundation with perimeter support walls. These tips can help you plan the foundation for any steel buildings you’re planning to erect.

Do You Need a Foundation?

Every steel building will require some kind of foundation, even if it’s as simple as pier footings. The type of foundation you need depends upon the size and weight of the structure you’re building on it. You can erect a lightweight steel building with concrete piers for anchor bolts to hold your building to the ground, especially if you’re essentially building a “cover”, such as a carport or a structure to provide shade and allow your animals to get out of the rain in your pasture. Steel buildings that consist of more than two side walls and a roof, however, will require at least a slab foundation.

Foundations for Small Steel Buildings

A small metal building, for example the typical 10 x 12 steel storage shed, will only require a concrete slab foundation about 8 inches deep. While it’s a labor-intensive project, pouring a slab foundation is not difficult to do and most home DIYers can pour the necessary foundation for a small storage building. In general, you’ll have to dig out the dirt to the right depth, level the surface and create a pouring frame with lumber to square up the perimeter and ensure that the concrete shapes up properly.

If you’ve never poured concrete before, this may not be the best time to start. Pouring a concrete slab foundation is a relatively inexpensive job for a general contractor, and you can be sure that the job is done right and the foundation will properly support your metal building.

Foundations for Large Steel Buildings

Metal buildings that weight more than 2,000 lbs. require a deeper foundation and may require concrete perimeter walls to support the slab. Most companies that manufacture or sell steel building kits will advise you on the foundation needs for your building, but it will be up to you to ensure that the requirements are met.

If you have any doubts about your ability to pour a strong, even and stable foundation, consult a professional contractor with experience in pouring foundations for steel buildings. It’s the most important part of your steel building and the last place you want to skimp.