Wednesday, March 21, 2012

Frequently Asked Questions About Steel Buildings as Garages

Garages are among the most popular uses for steel buildings, especially steel building kits. Metal buildings offer many advantages for the homeowner who wants to add a garage or improve his existing car storage options. Steel garages are economical, easy to build and can be built to meet the building code standards in nearly any community. Learn more about using steel buildings as garages in the answers to these frequently asked questions.

Can I Build My Garage Myself?

If you have basic DIY skills, there’s a good chance you can erect a steel building yourself. Most require nothing more than basic home power tools to tighten the nuts and bolts fasteners. Your metal building will arrive with all of the components pre-cut and pre-drilled, ready to assemble, and will include detailed instructions and assembly diagrams.

Do I Need a Foundation for Pre-engineered Steel Buildings Used as Garages?

The type of foundation you’ll need will be determined by the size and style of the steel building you choose and by your local building code. Most people place their garages on a concrete slab or footer. If you’re experienced at pouring concrete, you can do it yourself, but many people engage a contractor to pour the foundation for their garage.

Will My Steel Building Require a Lot of Maintenance?

Most metal buildings require almost nothing in the way of ongoing maintenance. Their powder-coat paint doesn’t have to be treated, painted or maintained for up to twenty years. At most, your garage will require a good hose-down once a season to remove surface dirt that can contribute to corrosion.

What About Insulation for Steel Buildings?

Most steel buildings allow you to use just about any type of insulation, including roll-out insulation and spray-on foam insulation. Insulation can be important in climates where moisture is a problem and can reduce heat transfer between the outside and the interior of your metal building. It will prevent your garage from becoming an oven in hot weather and a freezer when it’s cold.

Can I Include Skylights and Windows in My Garage?

Of course! Because the buildings are pre-engineered, it’s important that you decide on the number and placement of windows, doors and skylights before the building is designed. That will ensure that the building has complete structural integrity.

Will My Steel Garage Meet Local Building Codes?

The best manufacturers and steel buildings brokers only design a steel building after you provide them with the building codes that it must meet. In most cases, it’s up to you to obtain your local zoning and building codes and supply them to the manufacturer. Always check with your county or municipal zoning office before signing a contract for a steel building, though. Some areas don’t allow steel buildings at all.



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