Red Iron Buildings

Red Iron Buildings are types of metal buildings that use I-Beams for framing. The name 'red iron' originates from manufacturers applying a coat of red oxide to the beams in order to protect them.

Metal resists weather and storms. It's not as expansive as wood, and it won't swell or shrink. You have fewer maintenance costs, and the building is resistant to fire damage. These buildings are the right choice for garages, workshops, commercial structures, and wherever you need a solid and dependable building.

Custom Made - Sized specifically for your needs, starting at 25 feet wide.

Durable - Red iron buildings are 100% steel with a rigid i-beam frame.

Factory Made - Components are fabricated and cut at the factory for simpler assembly.

American Made - American made for quality, lower shipping costs and the country.

Engineering - Plans are reviewed by stamped engineers to ensure they're rated for the appropriate loads and building codes.

Usability - Steel I-beams allow for larger clear-span spaces than wood. This means less support posts & more usable space.

Cost-Effective - You save short term with simpler assembly and in-house manufacturing/design, while saving long term with lower maintenance costs.

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Red Iron Building Pictures

Here are some examples of red iron buildings and what they're capable of.

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Red Iron Building FAQ

We'll answer a few common questions about red iron buildings below. If you have additional questions, please provide a few details about your building and speak with a metal building specialist.

What are Red Iron Buildings?

Red iron building kits are prefabricated construction packages made of red iron steel, also known as I-beam steel. These kits are designed for various buildings, including agricultural, commercial, residential, and industrial structures.

The term "red iron" comes from the red oxide coating on the steel. The coating acts as a protects the metal against rust and corrosion. Meanwhile, the nickname 'I-Beam' comes from the shape of the steel - it looks like a capital “I."

Red iron building kits have emerged as a popular choice for constructing durable, cost-effective, and versatile metal buildings. These metal building kits provide a range of benefits, such as strength, design flexibility, and energy efficiency, making them suitable for various applications, from agricultural to commercial and residential structures.

While there are some disadvantages, such as initial cost and condensation concerns, the long-term advantages make red iron building kits a worthy investment. As the demand for sustainable and adaptable structures grows, red iron building kits will revolutionize the construction industry.

Red Iron Building vs Wood Construction

These metal buildings may seem like an expensive investment, but in the long run they're often more affordable. This is because their lifespan is significantly longer than that of wood structures. You also don't have to worry about having to repair it as it's almost maintenance-free.

This steel construction method is more resilient to common issues that your building may face such as flooding, pests, or termites. Any one of these issues could make your wood structure completely unusable. A red iron building will weather those issues without any major damage.

What Sizes do Red Iron Buildings Come in?

Widths start at 25 feet and can go up to 200+ feet.

While smaller-sized buildings can be made of red iron, they're generally better suited for either light steel frame buildings or quonset hut buildings. Those buildings provide more cost-effective solutions at smaller sizes.

This type of construction requires heavy equipment but allows for larger clear-spans so they're better suited for larger projects. As such, this type of building is generally suited for structures which are greater than 40 feet wide.

Their widths and lengths can be increased to virtually any size by including additional support columns.

Red iron steel buildings can typically span expanses of 50 feet without interior columns being necessary. This gives optimal clear space for whatever your intended use is. These buildings are blank canvases to hold whatever you need them to.

What are the Components of a Red Iron Building?

The red iron building kits contain all the necessary components to construct a building, such as columns, beams, purlins, girts, wall and roof panels, fasteners, and other essential hardware. They are pre-engineered, pre-cut, and pre-fabricated to specific dimensions, allowing for easy and efficient assembly on-site. The main elements of these building kits include:

Columns and Beams: These red iron steel I-beams serve as the primary structural support for the building with no need for interior columns. They are designed to bear the weight of the roof, walls, and other loads, ensuring the structure's stability and strength.
Purlins and Girts: Purlins are horizontal steel members that run along the roof, providing additional support, while girts are similar components running along the walls. Both purlins and girts are essential for maintaining the shape and integrity of the building.
Wall and Roof Panels: These metal panels protect from the elements and insulation. They also add to the overall aesthetics of the building. Panels can be customized in various colors, textures, and finishes to suit specific design requirements. They are usually made of durable materials like aluminum and steel.
Bracing and Reinforcements: Diagonal braces and other reinforcing elements are included in the kit to ensure the building's rigidity and stability. These components help resist lateral forces, such as wind or seismic loads.
Fasteners and Hardware: Red iron building kits have all the necessary bolts, screws, nuts, and other hardware to assemble the structure. These fasteners are designed for red iron steel to ensure secure connections and long-lasting performance.
Accessories: The kits may also include various accessories, such as doors, windows, ventilation systems, and insulation materials, depending on the building's purpose and design specifications. These components enhance the building's functionality and comfort.

What is Red Iron Oxide?

Iron oxide is a coating paint that's used on the steel I-Beams to protect the beams from rust and corrosion. It's typically applied in two coats. There's often a thin layer of zinc or aluminum between coats for added protection against the elements. The paint contains pulverized bits of iron oxide (rust), which helps the paint adhere to the steel beams. It may seem counter-intuitive to put rust on a steel beam to protect it, but this method has proven itself effective for over a century.

What are the Advantages of Red Iron Buildings?

Durability and Strength

Red iron structures are known for their exceptional strength and durability. The steel's high tensile strength allows these structures to withstand heavy loads, extreme weather conditions, and natural disasters such as earthquakes and hurricanes.

Low Maintenance

The red oxide coating on red iron steel acts as a protective layer against corrosion and rust, reducing the need for regular maintenance. This makes red iron buildings a low-maintenance, long-lasting solution for various applications.

Cost-Effectiveness

Red iron building kits are cost-effective, with pre-engineered and prefabricated components. Therefore it reduces construction time and labor costs. Additionally, steel's durability results in lower maintenance and repair costs over time.

Design Flexibility

Red iron buildings offer design flexibility, allowing for various customization options, such as wall panel colors, textures, and finishes. The open floor plans and clear-span construction creates spacious, functional spaces without needing load-bearing walls.

Energy Efficiency and Sustainability

Red iron buildings can be designed with insulation materials and energy-efficient systems, reducing energy consumption and costs. Moreover, steel is a recyclable material, making red iron buildings an environmentally-friendly choice.

Factory Manufactured

These buildings are engineered and customized for your specific needs. This includes the width, length and height as well as accessories like doors, vents and multiple floors. Given that they're engineered, you can have them designed for loads from local building codes, making permit approval as simple as possible.

Expansion and Adaptability

You can redesign the adaptable red iron buildings to accommodate changing needs. Adding new sections, modifying layouts, or extending the structure can be done with minimal disruption and cost.

For outdoor structures, red iron buildings are a good choice. Another name for them is I-beams. The buildings are easy to put together, so you have less work when manufacturing the material. Red iron is affordable and strong when compared to other materials. it's perfect for both builders and suppliers. The material is strong and can handle a lot of weight. You will use fewer materials to finish your construction project. Contractors understand how to use it as it’s a popular choice for many outdoor buildings. There are many builders who use the materials, so it’s readily available.

What are the Disadvantages Red Iron Buildings?

Initial Cost

One of the disadvantages of red iron steel buildings is the relatively higher initial cost compared to traditional wood or light-gauge steel structures. The price of the materials and the specialized labor required for assembly can be more expensive upfront. However, the long-term benefits often outweigh this initial investment.

This material isn't ideal for workshops, carports, or other single-use buildings. The material is ideal for industrial buildings or projects that have a large budget. It must be installed by a professional, and this increases costs.

Condensation and Insulation

Red iron steel buildings can be susceptible to condensation issues if inadequately insulated. If they experience moisture build-up, it can lead to corrosion and rust. Proper insulation is essential to prevent condensation problems and maintain the building's structural integrity. Insulation installation can add to the overall cost and construction time.

Limited Aesthetic Appeal

While red iron buildings offer some design flexibility, they don’t provide the same aesthetic appeal as traditional materials like wood or brick. The industrial appearance of steel buildings may be unsuitable for every application or desired aesthetic. However, advancements in finishing options, such as metal panel coatings and architectural accents, can help address this limitation and enhance the building's visual appeal.

There are not a lot of disadvantages to prefab steel buildings. They may not work for all applications, but in general, they can serve almost any purpose you have for any sort of storage building or any other need that you have. Steel can still corrode, so you may have some of these issues over time, but it’s usually minimal if you take care of your building.

Common Uses for Red Iron Buildings

Red iron building kits have many advantages over traditional construction methods, making them a preferred choice for construction. One of these advantages is that they have many applications. Below is how iron kits can be used in steel construction.

Agricultural Buildings

Red iron building kits are ideal for constructing various agricultural structures such as barns, equipment storage sheds, livestock shelters, and horse riding arenas. Their durability and resistance to harsh weather conditions make them suitable for protecting valuable machinery, animals, and crops.

Commercial Buildings

These kits are widely used for commercial building applications, including retail stores, offices, warehouses, and restaurants. Red iron building kit’s design flexibility and customizability allow businesses to create structures that meet their needs, branding, and aesthetic preferences.

Residential Buildings

Red iron building kits can also be used for constructing residential structures like single-family homes, multi-family units, and even custom-designed houses. The steel's strength ensures a durable and low-maintenance home, while its design flexibility allows homeowners to create unique, personalized living spaces.

Industrial Buildings

Industrial facilities, such as factories, workshops, and manufacturing plants, benefit from red iron building kits’ strength, durability, and cost-effectiveness. These structures can withstand the heavy loads, vibrations, and demanding conditions common in industrial environments.

Recreational and Community Buildings

Red iron steel's versatility and adaptability suit recreational and community facilities like gyms, sports arenas, churches, and community centers. The spacious, open floor plans and customizable designs cater to the specific needs of these establishments.

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