Structural Design

We design and manufacture pre-engineered steel buildings, and offer you a number of advantages over conventional construction techniques. Steel buildings are inexpensive and incredibly tough. Our bolt-together design is assembled quickly without any specialized skills. Each rigid frame is comprised of two or more columns supporting a rafter across the width of the building. In most steel buildings, endwall bearing frames support one-half the load of a rigid "main" frame. In most situations, we utilize the more economical "bearing" end frames. Adding an expandable endwall or rigid frame is only a click away. Unlike any of our competitors, we allow you to choose the endwall condition of your building. Depending on design considerations, our endwall rafters and columns may be either hot rolled or cold-formed.

The space between the rigid frames of a steel building is referred to as a "bay."- an 80' long building has been divided into four 20' bays by spacing the frames 20' apart (4 x 20' = 80'). This configuration is described as "four bays at 20." A 100' building could be configured with four bays at 25 (4x 25' = 100')

Endwall bay spacing is usually determined by the building width. You can add one or more framed openings to most buildings. Endwall bay spacing can usually changed to accommodate your needs without changing the price.

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.

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.

Walk Doors

Walk doors can be provided as pre-assembled or knock down (field assembled). Metal Building Depot provides solid doors for both options in the following sizes: 3070, 4070, and 6070. The walk doors are typically keyed alike per project. Because of unknown variables, Metal Building Depot does not offer fire rated doors or doors to fit in masonry.

Features of the pre-assembled doors are as follows:

Foam insulated specifically designed for metal building use. Pre-assembled and self-framing for ease of installation. No framed opening required if Metal Building Depot standard girt spacing is utilized. Doors are finished in a two-coat primer; color selection is white or bronze. Doors are shipped in wood crates for protection. All doors have Grade 2 lever locks as standard. Hinges are ball bearing and powder coated. Insulated jambs. 3070 and 6070 doors are made of 20-gage material, 18 gage is available.

Features of the knock down doors are as follows:

Foam insulated specifically designed for metal building use. The walk door is shipped knocked down for field assembly. Doors are textured 20 gage galvanized prime painted and pre-finished in either white or bronze. Weather stripping and standard entrance lock is included. The walk door package is shipped with polybag and full cardboard carton. All doors have Grade 2 lever locks as standard. Hinges are ball bearing and powder coated.

Facings as Vapor Barriers

The main function of facings is to act as a vapor barrier. While a vapor barrier may not necessarily be able to stop the flow of water vapor, it does an excellent job of minimizing the rate and volume of the flow. This prevents moisture from accumulating within the insulation blanket and the structure, which translates into consistent thermal values and lower heating and cooling costs.

Facings intended to serve as vapor barriers should be installed on the inner, heated surface of the insulation, where vapor pressure is the highest. This helps in preventing vapor from reaching the cooler air and condensing.

VAPOR BARRIERS PREVENT VAPOR FROM REACHING COOLER AIR AND CONDENSING.