The Different Types of Metal Buildings

Once you’ve decided on a metal building for your next project, it’s time to choose from the different types of metal buildings available. The type of building chosen is not only an aesthetic choice, but will also affect the cost, function and engineering requirements.

While some believe that steel buildings only come in one shape and size, our team has worked with people who require all sizes and specifications of buildings. The hard part is narrowing things down to find the best option for your function and your specific style and taste.

Should your preference and taste change or if there is a need to update the structure – it is so much easier with a steel building. Fitting with modern standards, the steel building can have a wide color choice, door and window selections and several architectural nuances.

The most common types of Metal buildings include:

• Rigid Frame
• Open Truss
• Post – Frame
• Quonset Hut

With the right selection, these designs can be enhanced to fit whatever your project needs.

The Rigid Frame

This type of design is one of the more common and has been widely used. These types of steel framed buildings have been used in commercial and even in residential instances. The benefit of using this type of structure is that it allows persons who need to use the maximum amount of possible space inside – to do so.

The design here, gets its name from the very rigid framework of the columns (vertical), and beams (horizontal) which are all joined together to form the skeletal form. This type of form, then provides for any load to be handled via this same structure and into the ground. Thus, reducing the need for any vertical columns in the center or anywhere in the middle of the building. The design here can be considered a clear-span design. Thus, if you need to re-arrange your interiors it can be easily done without the need to remove any walls (load-bearing) or columns which may have been in the middle.

The Open Truss

Firstly for the novice, what is a truss? These are web-shaped or interconnected structures in your building. They handle tremendous weight and have been used in buildings of all sizes – and particularly with larger roof spans as well. The truss assists in allowing builders the ability to extend the dimension of structures and also to create interesting shapes. More specifically there are open and closed trusses, and your architectural expert or Metal building kit manufacturer can also assist in what suits you best.

An open truss structure does not have any horizontal tie beams across the bottom and may be used for decorative effect as well.

They offer more vertical spaces and are also great in the use of larger commercial structures. Some private homes also use open truss design in what may be called a vaulted ceiling.

The Post-Frame Design

Popular in its uses, the post-frame design provides for the vertical load to be distributed to the ground through a series of poles. These poles are found in the perimeter and sometimes in the middle of those buildings which may be considered multi-spanned in design.

This design provides economic benefits as well as allows for:

• Faster Assembly – Once the poles are up and the roof is on then the internal work such as the flooring, walls and such like can be done subsequently.
• Lower Cost – You can assemble this building at any time of the year. There is also no need for laborers on hand, like in other construction projects.
• Flexibility – This design allows for those convenient features, such as porches and any overhangs. Insulation packages may also be included. There is no need for any interior walls for support.
• Strength – There is significant strength in these buildings. Based on the anchorage as well, the building would be quite stable and reduced shear as well. Very good in wind resistance due to the hinge joint strength.

Quonset Hut Design

This distinctively arched design building popular in many places has withstood the challenges of time. In fact the development has evolved from just a rigid frame to arch panels joined with a series of bolts. This design is also great for those into DIY projects, and can be done by both amature and professionals.

Shipped essentially as a kit from the manufacturer, you simply bolt together and errect the arch panels. There is no need for any heavy machinery. While it is appealing to the eye it is also quite functional. The shape provides for a reduced vertical stress on the structure. In a snow storm or heavy rain or sleet, there is likely to be little to any accumulation on the roof. All due to its unique and functional shape.

This gives you a snapshot of available designs for your next steel building project. There is no need to be limited in style, color, or finishes. Contact us today for a free quote!