What Everybody Ought to Know About Prefabricated Steel Buildings

From first-time builders to the urban planner, when it comes to steel buildings, there are a few key points every non-industry guy and gal should know.

Efficient Fabrication

In the golden age of automation, efficiency is critical. Due to advanced CAD/CAM processes, fabrication of steel buildings produces minimal raw material waste yet still able to meet the strictest strength-to-weight ratios. Steel has the highest strength-to-weight ratio of any material, 25 times greater than wood. A lighter frame translates into a more cost-effective foundation and the ability to add other materials with less concern for the completed building weight.

Shorter Construction Time

Steel buildings are designed and pre-built for easy reassembly at the manufacturing plant. Site preparation, such as the preparation and foundation placement, can be completed as the building is being manufactured. Once complete, the pre-engineered steel building is shipped with the required hardware to the job site. Note: Skilled labor might be needed, but, the time to completion is shorter than if fabrication took place in the field. Shorter construction times translate into lower labor costs and an earlier return on your investment.

Lower Construction Costs

As mentioned above, construction processes can be performed at the same time at the site while waiting for building components to deliver.

Choosing a steel building for your next project will help reduce your overall cost by:

• Lower foundation costs structural steel has a higher strength-to-weight ratio than other materials.
• General condition savings steel framing can be constructed faster, thus reducing labor hours.
• Increased revenue from early occupancy thanks to faster construction.
• Future cost savings if a project will be changed or expanded, since steel framing systems are highly adaptable.

Easy to Maintain

Since steel is so durable, it requires less maintenance than other building materials. Steel buildings are not susceptible to rotting and will not need periodic replacement. Colored steel coatings do not need repainting. Additionally, steel surfaces can be cleaned with water and detergent.

Insurance and Safety Advantages

The need for safety in any building cannot be overstated, to that effect insurance and safety advantages begin with construction and live on in a stable structure.

• Investment in research and education = safer manufacturing environment
• Shorter construction times = Less chance for injury
• Prefabricated and pre-engineered = Less risk during construction (assembly)
• Durable, fire and disaster resistant materials = Lower insurance premiums and the increased likelihood of rebates

Easy Expansion

A well-built steel building once completed, remains highly flexible in how it can be used. Spatial design can be reworked by moving interior walls, adding or subtracting wall and floor coverings, or changing openings. If your client needs more space, you can add to the building by enclosing more floor space or by building upwards. More space can be added at ground level by adding more units onto an existing building, expanding the footprint. In each case, a steel building manufacturer can precisely fabricate new members and frame elements to fit the existing building.

For more information on Steel Buildings, CLICK HERE or give us a call 888-783-3535

You can also reach us @coastalsteel

And, don’t forget to subscribe, share, and comment!