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.

Roof Pitch

The angle of a steel building's roof is determined by roof pitch. Roof pitch indicates the rise vertically for every 12 inches of travel horizontally. Our online system allows you to choose up to a 6:12 pitch. There are many considerations with both higher and lower roof pitches. Higher pitched roofs may add to the cost of the building, but can add performance to a building in a heavy snow region. Additionally, you can take advantage of extra space above. High-pitched roofs are less likely to leak and can add style to your building.

Low-pitched roofs require less material and therefore cost less. Also it is easier to heat and cool a building with a low-pitched roof. One major advantage of a low-pitched roof is expandability. If you ever add-on to your building you will be able to add more space while keeping the loss of headroom to a minimum.

Metal Buildings

Maybe you have already purchased a small backyard storage unit. If so, you have more than likely discovered that it offers inadequate space. A custom designed metal building can still easily fit in your backyard and provide you with the space you need.

Steel buildings can be designed to your specifications; these buildings are complement to your home. Youngsters appreciate the extra space to play, practice, or hang out with their friends. If you are in need of extra space but can't afford pricey construction work, a pre-engineered metal building is the way to go.

Why are steel buildings so popular?

That's easy. Price. All around price. They are less per square foot than any other known form of construction, and can be erected quickly, offering its owners faster access to their new building. We are seeing more buildings sold for residential use. People are putting up shops and garages faster than you can count. As rural America gets divided into smaller ranches, we see the increase for barns, arenas, horse stalls... etc.

Steel Building Manufacturers

Finding a bona fide steel building manufacturer is sometimes difficult. Everywhere you look there seems to be someone selling a "factory clearance" or "cancelled order" buildings. Well 99% of it is a farce. There are too many brokers and re-sellers out there to count. What they want is your deposit. You can fight with them about the actual details later. They just want the deposit. Take advantage of all the resources available to you. Try locating the manufacturer to match your expectations. This may be slightly more time consuming, but well worth it when your new steel building is delivered exactly to your specifications.

Getting multiple bids for any kind of service is key. Ask several steel building manufacturers to quote your building and explain precisely by line item what your price includes. You can turn to the Internet to seek out steel building manufacturers, but be warned. You will encounter many wolves in sheep's clothing. Contact the Better Business Bureau, or other affiliations to ensure a company has a good track record. Form a list of qualified steel building manufacturers, do your research and you can gauge which manufacturers you prefer to deal with. Once your bids are returned to you, the selection process should be easy to complete. You can choose to follow up with the most qualified companies to purchase your metal building or to ask additional questions.