DUMB QUESTION AMNESTY: 5 STEEL BUILDING QUESTIONS ANSWERED

Remember when teachers used to say, "there are no dumb questions?" And, although we all appreciated the sentiment, deep down we were embarrassed to ask the questions we knew had already been covered in the texts, class work or lectures. What teachers really needed to do was host a session titled Dumb Question Amnesty so we could all relax and ask those lesser-than-intellectual questions, or the questions we knew we had already heard the answers to.

Well, now's your chance to enjoy a Dumb Question Amnesty Session with Whirlwind Steel. We're going to re-answer 5 of the questions we get asked the most. They're not dumb; they're the questions a large majority of the population wonders about when they begin to learn about steel and metal building construction.

5 Basic Questions You Need to Know the Answers to Before Starting Your Steel Building Project

How are steel buildings priced? While the size and design of your building have much to do with your total building costs, there are typically four elements that drive the majority of materials costs:
Frame: Depending on the type of building you need, your framing style will affect the cost. This includes lean-to designs (LT), column and beam styles (CB), welded tapered beams (WTB) and welded rigid beams (WRB). Make sure you choose the appropriate framing elements for you building so your building isn't over-priced or under-supported.
Roof: There are also different roofing styles and options, as well as the add-ons that help your roof drain water away from the building like gutters and downspouts. Knowing exactly what you will need for your metal roof and the labor requirements to install them will help you create a more accurate budget.
Walls: Knowing the type and quantity of metal wall panels you need is critical. Work from professional building plans and don't forget to accommodate for your windows and doors. Over-ordering will cost you extra as will under-ordering since you'll have to pay extra shipping and/or rush charges.
Finishing options. The more occupied your building will be, the more finishing options you'll be interested in. This includes everything from insulation and electrical work to decorative exterior facades.
The better able you are to plan for each phase of construction, the more cost-effective your building will be. Never be afraid to ask your metal building manufacturer to help you out with the details.

Can a metal building be insulated? Absolutely! This question is usually asked by those who are only familiar with the thin metal buildings used for garden sheds, car ports and more utilitarian buildings. In fact, metal buildings are often used in residential applications as well as schools, churches and municipal buildings - all of which use insulation to keep their buildings comfortable and energy-efficient.
How can I make my steel building attractive? Here's another one asked by those who envision corrugated roofs and Quonset huts when they think of metal buildings. In fact, modern innovations in steel and metal fabrication make it possible to have gorgeous steel and metal buildings, many of which closely resemble their traditional wood-framed counterparts. Your metal building can be painted virtually any color, the roof can resemble Spanish tile or shingles, and the facade can be augmented with faux-brick and stone veneers.
Is it true that steel can be recycled? Not only is it true, the ability for steel and metal scraps to be recycled is what makes steel buildings one of the most environmentally friendly building materials on the market. One of the beautiful things about steel is that it can be recycled over and over again without compromising its integrity. Typically, old steel parts and steel scraps are crushed into huge cubes, melted down and then shaped into ingots to be used again for their next incarnation. The ingots are rolled via hot rolled or cold rolled steel, depending on the desired results.
Who can I hire to build my steel building? The wonderful thing about a high-quality steel building is that it comes pre-fabricated and with detailed instructions on how it should be erected. Even so, we recommend using a licensed contractor who has experience building steel and metal buildings. Your building manufacturer can provide a list of contractors in your area. In most cases, no special tools are required. The exception is for buildings that are three-stories high or more, where cranes or other atypical heavy equipment may be necessary.
We're always happy to answer questions about the industry we believe in. Have some more "potentially dumb questions" you need to get the answers to? Continue to browse our blog, which offers a plethora of information about steel and metal building construction, or feel free to Contact Us at Whirlwind Steel and we'll answer them directly.


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