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.

Facings

In addition to acting as a decorative protection barrier, facings serve an integral part of the overall insulation system. Facings provide vapor barriers, light reflectivity and structural strength. In some cases, a reinforcement of fiberglass scrim is used for extra rigidity and greater impact resistance.

The effectiveness of a vapor barrier depends on three primary factors:

1) Location within the insulated section

2) Permeance

3) Proper installation

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.

PUBLIC and CHURCH

Serving the building needs of America's churches, schools and local, state or federal government is a challenge. A church in Tennessee (above) employs a 60-foot clearspan structure with a specially designed hip-roof to accommodate a spacious open sanctuary. Wood and drywall were used to cover the massive steel beams that meet in the center and support the heavy, built-up roof system. Outside, the application of brick gives the feeling of strength and permanence.

Constructing a Large Steel Building

Have you considered all of your steel building options? There are many types of standard buildings to choose from, but they are not the only option. Buildings can be finished with a multitude of options and accessories. Your land and location will control some of the parameters of the kind of structure you need. Aside from these factors you can make the choices based on your preferences. Windows, skylights and panel styles can be individually selected to comprise a personal metal building kit.

Pre-engineered metal building plans are just the starting point from which you can select options and accessories. Configuring your building may sound like a small deal, but it determines the type building you will purchase. Not every large steel building is intended to be a large shop. When you work with the manufacturer you can customize a structure with a polished look and feel. Regard your steel metal building as a low cost alternative to traditional construction.