Click on the links below for answers to our visitors’ frequently asked questions. If you have additional questions, please contact us via live chat or telephone.
Why should I build with steel instead of wood?
Does my order include everything I need to construct my building?
What is bay spacing?
How much will my steel building weigh?
Are the steel buildings painted?
What are your warranties?
Which base trim option should I choose?
What types of windows and doors do you offer?
How do I know where to place my windows and doors?
How do I attach the doors and windows?
Can you help me add to my existing steel building?
Do I need a building permit for my metal building?
What if I need permit drawings?
Do I need a foundation for my metal building?
Can you provide an engineer-stamped foundation layout?
Do you supply the hardware to attach the frame to the foundation?
How do I unload my metal building?
How much is shipping?
Do I need a professional erector to put up my metal building?
How long does it take to erect a metal building?
The number one reason is strength. Steel buildings can withstand high load conditions. Steel buildings are constructed with high-strength bolts and screws and remain secure because there is little to no movement in the structural members and panels. Wood fasteners in standard construction can loosen due to expansion and contraction, resulting in warping of the wooden frame. Since steel does not warp, shrink or change over time, the connections remain secure. Wooden buildings are susceptible to damage from insects such as termites. In addition, metal building materials are not flammable, which means lower insurance costs, and steel is generally less expensive than wood and other materials. .
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We provide everything you need to construct your metal building with the exception of the anchor bolts, which should be supplied by your foundation contractor.
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Bay spacing is the space between two frames. For example, the end wall of the building is the end-frame, and the distance between the end-frame and the next column/rafter section is the bay space, or the distance between two column/rafter sections.
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Your steel building quote will indicate the approximate shipping weight. We will prep you in advance about what you need to safely unload the building materials.
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Yes, the walls and trim are painted with a long-lasting, factory-applied paint made by a leading manufacturer of heavy duty, high performance protective coatings for steel building components. A wide selection of colors is available.
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Primary structural members have a Limited Lifetime Warranty. Painted sheets have a 25-year limited paint warranty. Galvalume panels have a 20-year limited warranty.
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The base trim you choose will depend on your building specifications and the type of foundation you use. We strongly recommend a notched base; please see Base Conditions for more information and illustrations of additional base trim options to suit your specific needs.
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We offer a wide selection of windows and doors for your building. All come with the hardware, framing, trim and flashing required for installation. To learn more about window and door options, please visit the [Add Ons] section.
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Windows and walk doors are generally "field located." You or your building erector choose the location, cut the corresponding panel to size and mount the doors and windows. If your building design includes a large number of windows or doors, we may ask you to provide your proposed locations to ensure proper building bracing.
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All of our walk doors are self-framing, so mounting hardware is included. Our windows are secured by screwing the window trim directly into the building, which is known as self-flashing. If your building is located in a high wind area, please speak with a design consultant about additional door and window mounting options.
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Absolutely. Go to our Custom Quote link or call us to find out how easy and cost-effective steel building additions can be.
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You will almost always need a building permit. Always check with your local building inspector before purchasing a metal building and be sure to review your building code specifications carefully. We are not responsible for confirming building codes for your location.
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If "permit drawings" are required for your permit application, you must notify us in advance so we can place the order on “permit hold.” We will prepare your permit drawings as soon as we receive your deposit, but will not fabricate your building until you notify us that you have your permits in hand. PLEASE NOTE: permit-hold orders are subject to any cost increases that occur after the order placement date.
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Some customers choose to pour a full slab foundation. If you plan to leave the floor in a dirt or gravel condition, concrete piers will do the job just fine. Please contact us if you do not plan to pour a full slab foundation.
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Yes, but in some cases soil conditions play a major role in the type of foundation you can use. Please contact our special sales department for more information. If you are working with a local engineer, we will provide anchor bolt plans for use in designing the foundation.
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No, the anchor bolts are usually supplied by a concrete contractor and placed when the foundation is poured.
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You are responsible for unloading your building components from the delivery truck. You must have lifting equipment like a telescoping forklift, boom truck or crane to safely unload components. Some bundles may weigh as much as 3,000 lbs. Please note that, for insurance reasons, our drivers cannot assist with unloading. Additionally, the driver will not permit unloading by hand.
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Shipping costs vary depending on mileage to your jobsite and the weight of your metal building. To save you money, building parts not fabricated by us are drop shipped directly from the manufacturer. Our shipping coordinators provide regular updates on the status of your shipments.
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A majority of our customers erect their metal buildings without the help of a professional erector using the detailed erection drawings and erection manual we provide. You can also hire a local contractor to erect your building at a relatively low cost. Our in-house professional metal building erectors are always available to answer your questions.
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How much time it takes to erect your metal building will depend on building size and the number in your crew and their skill levels. Some buildings can be erected in just a few days.
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There are several options when paying for a steel building:
- You can finance your steel building through our preferred vendors.
- You can pay in full by check, or wire transfer.
Your steel building will require 2 separate payments; the first is an engineering deposit (25% of your steel building cost) payable by e-check, credit card or electronic transfer. The second is due upon building delivery and it must be paid with a bank cashier's check. Your load will not be released until payment is made.
What if I want to make changes to my order?
You can make changes to your steel building provided it has not been released for fabrication. However, since we strive for quick delivery times, on some occasions there are delays and additional drafting and detailing fees.
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