Considerations for Large Metal Buildings

If you’re looking to build a large building for a commercial warehouse, an indoor sport facility, a manufacturing operation or anything else, there are some important considerations to keep in mind. Metal buildings come with plenty of benefits that you can enjoy, no matter what size building you need, but those on the larger side require a deft touch.

Fortunately, these considerations are easy to deal with, no matter how big your prefab steel building in Alberta is. Whether you need a giant prefab garage in B.C. or massive metal building homes, these considerations can help you create the perfect building you’ll be satisfied with for years to come.

Length vs. Width

With your large metal building, you need to make sure it has enough space inside for your needs. In order to expand it to your specifications, you need to think about which direction your expansion should go. Do you need your building to be longer or wider? Turns out, the best option depends on what level of construction you’re at.

If you’re building your metal structure from scratch, it doesn’t really matter which is longer. It’s just important to realize that your building’s width is the measurement of the columns and rafters, while the length is how many of those columns and rafters you have. To expand an already existing building, it’s much easier to simply add more columns and rafters than to replace the ones you already have.

Type of Frame

Quite a few different options are available when designing the frame for your large metal building, but the right option depends on what you’re looking to get out of your structure. If you want stability and longevity above all else, an arched frame is your best bet. Humans have been building structures with arches for thousands of years, and it continues to be one of the most reliable designs to date.

Some buildings require a more complex frame, however, and that’s okay too. At times, your design will need to be asymmetrical, but it’s usually best to keep your building symmetrical as a whole and put asymmetrical walls up inside. To allow for the most interior space, make sure you use a clear span symmetrical frame, which are particularly useful as they don’t require any interior supports.

Benefits of Metal

Making your large building out of metal seems like an obvious benefit, but there’s much more to it than strength. While steel is the strongest material to build with, it’s also the most affordable over time. Metal requires very little maintenance and can last you for decades. That alone should cover most of the material costs if you have to build it for the first time.

Metal is also remarkably easy to construct. Traditional construction methods can have a large building up in a matter of months, perhaps longer. Meanwhile, building from a metal prefab kit can have your building up and running in just a few weeks. That means you can enjoy significant savings when it comes to labor costs.

Building From a Prefab Kit

If you’re looking for prefab steel buildings in Alberta for your next large structure, Metal Pro Buildings is happy to help. Work with our team of engineers to design a building that best fits your needs, and we’ll send the materials to the work site in just a few weeks. Whether you’re looking for metal building homes or prefab garages in B.C., we’ve got you covered. Contact us today to get started.