Metal Frame

What is a stronger material than metal? Metal frame buildings are nearly indestructible. You can certainly feel safe in even the worst weather in a metal frame structure.

Erecting a metal frame pre engineered building might sound like a difficult project, but despite this perception, it is really not the case. Metal frame structures are cut to precise measurements and a complete set of building plans will aid in the assembly process.

If you need help constructing your metal building, you will incur additional expenses, so be sure to factor construction cost into your budget when purchasing a steel building.

Metal Building Kit

Purchasing your new metal building kit. You should be cautious when buying a metal building kit. Not every manufacturer uses high quality materials or fabricates to the latest industry standards. You don't want to purchase a building from a manufacturer (or broker) whose building parts were produced in a factory without the benefit of a skilled eye to oversee the process.

A pre-engineered metal building should come with a complete and comprehensive set of blueprints. When a qualified steel building manufacturer puts its seal of approval on your building design you can rest assured of its structural integrity. You can expect detailed documentation about the building's fabrication and its specific code requirements as well.

Before you purchase a metal building kit you should attempt to create a basic plan for its end use and design. Working with a professional steel building company should ensure that all facets of your building are taken into consideration. They can explain the building options and codes in detail so you have the accurate building specifications.

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.

Base Condition

Every metal building has some type of base connection along the building perimeter, allowing the connection of sheeting. This "base condition" determines exactly how the panels connect to the foundation. To prevent water and pests from entering the building at the base, panels extend below the finished floor of the building. Online design and pricing systems allows users to choose from a number of different base options.

Standard Base Angle - Our system defaults to a standard base angle condition. This condition consists of a single angle member, attached to both the wall sheets and the slab. Please note that the standard base condition requires that the slab be formed with a 1½" sheet notch to allow the sheets to extend below the top of the slab.

Deluxe Trim - Deluxe base trim is another option for buildings with concrete slab foundations. Deluxe base trim combines base angle and trim into one piece, providing all the benefits of base trim and base angle. Deluxe base trim is only available in burnished slate color.

Base Girt - The base girt option is designed for buildings that sit on piers rather than a full slab. A base girt system does not rest on or attach to the foundation. The base girt attaches to clips on the columns about 6" above the foundation. The base girt provides a great connection for liner panel.

Base Channel - The Base channel is a "cee" shaped section that runs the perimeter of the building connected to the floor. It is most commonly used when a liner panel, or interior wall, is going to be installed. The "cee" section provides a pre-positioned connection point for inside panels. This approach requires a sheet notch in the slab (for an alternative, see the combination of base channel and base trim below).

Sheeting

All sheeting is 26-gauge "R" panel. Color sheeting has a galvanized substrate to prevent rust and corrosion. All our Galvalume roof sheeting is hot dipped with a zinc and Aluminum compound to give it the strength to stand up to the worst weather, and the durability to last for generations.