Installation Overview

The metal building is rapidly becoming more popular for a variety of reasons. They can be built very quickly and are extremely low in cost. They can easily adapt to any number of external architectural treatments without restricting their interior floor planning. A primary reason for this flexibility is the development of insulation specifically designed for metal buildings. The development of advanced insulation systems with more efficient thermal performance is so advanced that it has enabled metal buildings everywhere to evolve into many of the showrooms, retail outlets, schools, offices and shopping centers we see today.

Today's high-energy costs have made insulation a critical consideration during any construction planning. An insulation system that is properly selected and professionally installed will return more on its investment than any other building component.

Insulation provides many benefits:

Improved appearance, Greater comfort, Substantial reductions in fuel and electricity costs, Condensation and noise control, Reduction of the amount of investment dollars and space needed for heating and cooling equipment.

Visible Condensation

To effectively control visible condensation, it is necessary to reduce the cold surface areas where condensation may occur. It is also important to minimize the air moisture content within a building through the use of properly designed ventilating systems.

Panel Profiles

Roof Panel Profiles - Our standard roof sheeting is the "PBR" panel, which is available in bare Galvalume Plus® as well as a variety of colors. Wall sheeting is available in "R" and "PBR" panel. Depending on the color and your geographic location - PBR panels may not be available for certain colors.

Liner Panels - For liner panels we offer a low-rib 29-gauge panel. Liner panels are an interior covering for the walls of a steel building. Like exterior walls, liner panel consists of 3-foot wide panels that are attached to the framing in the same manner as exterior sheeting. Full-height liners run from floor to roof. Partial-height liners typically attach to the girt at 7'4" and extend a few inches above it. Buildings with liner panels must have a base connection for the bottom of the panel (see base conditions).

Advantages - Liner Panels enhance appearance, providing a finished look for the interior. The biggest advantage is that liners protect the insulation and the outside walls. Because un-reinforced insulation facings tear easily, and even the best-reinforced materials can be damaged, liner panels are the intelligent solution to protect your investment. Although 26-gauge exterior walls can withstand a lot of punishment, a steel liner will protect your building's interior and performs at a lower cost than other wall coverings, which will require their own framing.

Frame Types

Unlike any of our competitors, we allow you to price all building frame types. Select from Clear-span or Modular rigid-frame buildings. We allow you the full flexibility to choose Gable, Single Sloped or Offset Peak building shape. By far, we offer the widest selection of building and frame types. For options not available through the online system, you will need to request a special quote.

Clear-span Frames - A clear-span rigid frame offers strength and economy. Since no interior supports are necessary, this design is best when you require large areas of clear and uninterrupted space. Factories, warehouses and agricultural buildings are just a few building types that may utilize a clear-span frame building. A clear-span design does have size limitations. As the desired width increases, the frames will become larger and heavier to carry greater loads across the length of the frame. At some point the cost will outweigh the benefit. Even so, clear-span buildings are still effective for buildings as wide as 150' feet and wider in some cases.

Modular Frames - Modular frames use interior columns to evenly distribute the load; reducing the cost of both the frame and foundation of extra wide buildings. The economical advantages become obvious when a building width is about 100' wide or wider. As a result, almost all buildings 100' wide or wider have interior support columns. Modular designs are often used for large factories and warehouses.

Single Slope Frames - Single slope frames have high and low eave heights creating a roof that "slopes" from side to side. To select a single slope design, you specify one eave height and define the roof pitch. Single slope designs are frequently used for strip shopping centers, offices, and RV/Boat storage facilities.

Just about every steel building has at least one framed opening. It is not unusual for buildings to have several openings. Most openings are created for an overhead door, but can be used for the installation of glass fronts or other entries. Most other online sellers offer "field located" framed openings, which require cutting and fabricating on the job site. Metal Building Depot always provides factory-located openings unless your project requires something otherwise.

Building Delivery/Shipment

How long does it take to get my metal building? - It usually takes between 4-8 weeks for your metal building to arrive after the order has been placed. MBD.com will supply you with a estimated delivery date upon order and a guaranteed date after fabrication.

How do I unload my metal building? - In most cases you'll need some heavy equipment (forklift) and a few helpers to get the job done. Everything will arrive at once so be sure to have your location prepped for material. After unloading your metal building be sure to do an inventory of ALL of your items, and let us know immediately if anything is missing. The amount of time to report missing items is limited to 5 days due to job site theft.

What if I’m not ready to put the metal building up when it gets there? - Your materials can be stored. Be sure to look over the information included to properly care for your wall and roof sheets. Please see UNLOADING AND STORING your building for more details.

What will freight cost? - We keep costs as low as possible. Your costs will vary depending on the mileage and the weight of your metal building.