Structural Framing

All frames are welded on a state-of-the-art computerized submerged welding system. We are capable of producing structural members up to 72" in depth, which gives us the ability to manufacture clear-span buildings up to 150 feet wide! A factory primer coating is applied to protect the beams during shipping and erection.

All framing members shall be shop fabricated for field bolted assembly unless otherwise noted on plans and specifications. All building parts shall carry an identifying mark for easy field identification. Structural framing shall include tapered beam frames, tapered rigid frames, modular beam and columns, lean-to rafters and columns, canopy beams, intermediate columns bearing end frames and end wall columns. Steel used in the fabrication of built-up primary structural members shall have a minimum yield of 50 KSI. Hot rolled primary structural members shall have a minimum yield of 50 KSI. Cold rolled structural members shall have a minimum yield of 55 KSI. Primary framing shall be shop fabricated and include all holes required for attachment of secondary members and bracing. A continuous arc-welding process shall join flanges and webs of built-up welded members. End wall columns and rafters shall be "hot-rolled" built-up "I" or standard "cee" sections.

Connections - All field connections shall be bolted. All primary bolted connections shall be furnished with high strength bolts conforming to A.S.T.M. A-325. All secondary bolted connections shall be furnished with machine bolts conforming to A.S.T.M.-A307.

Installation and Selection of Insulation

We provide the highest quality products available. However, proper installation and selection is imperative for maximum effectiveness. Please refer to installation instructions to ensure correct procedures are used. Facings that have been torn or punctured are no longer capable of blocking water vapor and may eventually do more harm than good. Be sure to quickly patch any holes in the vapor barrier.

When selecting a facing, special consideration should be given to its reflective quality. A facing with high reflectivity reduces the need for high light levels in work areas. This results in reduced energy costs and increased productivity.

Although the fiberglass insulation itself is not affected by cold weather, the facing is. Colder temperatures can cause cold crack, a situation where the facing becomes brittle and if handled can crack. Bay Insulation recommends that vinyl faced fiberglass products never be installed in temperatures below 40 degrees.

Sky Lights

One of the most popular options available for metal buildings is a skylight. High quality translucent panels are an available option to any building. Skylights allow a great deal of light into a building. An adequate number of skylights will provide enough illumination for daytime work in a building, without the need for additional lighting. A standard configuration is to put two skylights per bay.

Misleading Information - Deceptive Practices

The standards and values of our industry are regularly masked by the deceptive practices of the unprincipled few. These companies deliberately mislead people hoping to increase their chances of a sale. At Metal Building Depot we know that the more you understand about the product you are buying, the more confidant you will be at purchase time.

Arm yourself with information - No manufacturer keeps an inventory of buildings "ready to ship." Without exception, steel buildings are made specifically to order. A building should be designed to meet your needs and more importantly - your building code. Some companies create "general" price lists for common sizes, but the selection is very limited to a geographic area with limited variance in design.

Beware of companies implying they keep an existing inventory of buildings. To find out whether a "clearance" or "cancelled order" really exists inquire on the earliest ship date. You should be able to take immediate delivery on a building "ready to ship."

There is no such thing as making simple structural changes on a pre-designed building. Moving or adding a door opening on an existing or "ready to ship" building - could require the use of a wind column or portal frame. This could change the rigid frame design and render the existing design useless. Additionally, changing the wind or snow load could require the girt and purlin spacing to change and the location of connection plates along columns and rafters may not be located properly. The bottom line is that a structural change most likely requires a new building design. The moral of this story is: If a seller claims to have a building "ready to ship" make sure it will meet or exceed you local building codes and loads and more importantly - your needs.

Proposal or Propose "ALL" - We want to help you eliminate the "gray areas" in a typical building quote. The items listed on your contract should be made clear as to exactly what is being promised. Our itemized contracts are detailed and specific and you'll never see "included" in one price (without a description). All your accessories and options are listed as separate line items. With our online quote you will always know exactly what you're paying for.

Frame Features

Connection Clips - Specially fabricated clips are designed to securely connect structural components. Many companies supply only blank plates that must be cut, drilled and/or welded to components before assembly can begin. In some cases it may require many hours of work to connect required clips. Metal Building Depot details and supplies each clip and placement to every building manufactured. We factory weld all clips onto rigid frames and guarantee the correct placement of all component connections. Don't waste your time and money attaching clips that should have been factory located.

Structural Bracing - Most buildings under 60' have sufficient diaphragm action or "panel shear" that provides all the bracing needed to stabilize the building. In some cases of high winds, seismic or snow loads may cause more stress than panel shear can handle, so additional reinforcement may be required. In these extreme cases we will employ the use of X bracing to reinforce the frame. In situations where X bracing cannot be used a wind column is an excellent addition to strengthen a vertical rigid frame column. A portal frame is sometimes used in extreme load circumstances. Portal frames are fairly expensive and only necessary in rare circumstances.