Building Permits/Codes

Do I need a building permit to build my metal building? - You will almost always need a building permit. On occasion you will not need a permit to build but you should ALWAYS check with your local building inspector before purchasing a metal building.

When I call my building inspector what should I tell them? - When you get in touch with your building inspector let him know what you're planning and you should be able to receive the information you'll need to get a building permit for your new metal building.

What do I do if I need permit drawings? - We supply the permit drawings to you after you have committed to buy a metal building from us. We will not begin fabrication or shipment until you have completed the approval process. See the Approval Process section of our website.

What about building codes and loads? - Every metal building that we ship is engineered to comply with regional building codes, wind load and snow load requirements (as stated on your plans). When you start designing your metal building, make sure to review your building code specifications very closely. Since there can be varying requirements within regions - you will need to confirm the codes by contacting your local building official. MetalBuildingDepot.Com is not responsible for confirming codes.

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.

Erectors

Do I need a professional erector to put up my metal building? - A majority of our clients choose to erect the metal buildings themselves. Your package includes detailed erection drawings and an erection manual with every metal building shipped. We design every metal building to be erected easily. If you do not feel comfortable erecting your own metal building, a local contractor can do the job for you at a relatively low cost.

What if I have questions during the erection of my metal building? - We're here to help. We have professional metal building erectors on-staff and they will always be available for your questions.

Do you recommend erectors? - No. Recommending metal building erectors is difficult because we cannot guarantee the quality of their work as we do our own. Check around and you should be able to find a qualified metal building erector in your local area.

How long does it take to erect a metal building? - The time it takes to erect your metal building will depend on the size of the metal building, the size of your crew, and the skill of the workers in your crew. It can take as little as a few days.

Controlling Condensation

Two things must be present for condensation to occur: warm moist air and cool surface temperatures below the dew point. The proper control of these two factors can minimize condensation.

In metal buildings, we are concerned with two different areas or locations: visible condensation which occurs on exposed surfaces below dew point temperatures, and concealed condensation which occurs when moisture has passed through the vapor retarder and into interior roof and/or wall cavities and then condenses on a surface below dew point temperature.

When you decide to buy a Building

Confirm the accuracy of your building codes. It is imperative that your building conforms to the state, local and federal design requirements.

The items described on your contract are what you are buying. Please be sure to carefully review all contract documents before you sign off. If a contract does not describe an item in specific terms, you should not expect the item to be the best product available. And just as important - is what a contract does not say. Specifically if your contract does not indicate that you are getting framed openings and garage doors - then you are NOT going to get framed openings and garage doors.

Do not sign a contract or agree to purchase a building before you have confirmed that your building will satisfy the requirements of your local building official and YOURSELF. Do not allow a salesman to pressure you into a "panic buy." A "panic buy" is when a customer is pressured into making a purchase to "lock-in" a "so-called" special price. Brokers are notorious for telling customers they could lose an opportunity to get the "deal of a lifetime" if they don't commit to the order right away. Beware of people who urge you to sign a contract before you have made your mind up on exactly what you want.

Understand that making changes after the sale will cost you money. Once the design is completed it will cost money to make changes. If an order is in fabrication - and requires modifications due to customer demands - the entire process has to be stopped, pulled off-line and inventoried. Once the inventory of completed items is confirmed, it's back to the drawing board. You will be responsible for extra time required to re-design the project and all other associated expenses.

Install your building components as specified by the drawings. Seldom do manufacturers use the same design practices and therefore your erection drawings and installation documents are the correct description of the building. Please read and follow the drawing descriptions carefully. An erection manual offers important general guidelines and the proper procedures for erecting a steel building safely. You, your erector and all jobsite crew need to understand and utilize OSHA and all other safety guidelines.