From construction to corporate business, steel frame buildings provide a multitude of benefits for nearly every industry. Here’s what to know.
Steel frame buildings are one of the strongest, most dependable structures on the market. They can be customized and designed in any way that will meet your needs – especially thanks to the many different available features. While all of these sounds fantastic, there is one major drawback: too many options.
Believe it or not, having too many options can lead to issues in trying to find the right solution for your business. Anything you can imagine to complement your situation is available, but trying to find what you need with so many options can be confusing without some guidance or the help of a professional.
That’s why we’ve decided to put together this guide for you. Consider it a basic starting point to understand just what these steel frame buildings have to offer.
Steel Frame Building Options
There are two basic frame options to choose from when choosing steel frame buildings:
- The Clearspan tent frame
- The I-Beam tent frame
Each offers its unique spin on the building while also allowing a lot of customizations too.
Clearspan frames are made of triple-galvanized steel that is put together in a precise manner which ensures that the strength of the steel is angled just right to reduce any stress to the overhead. The idea behind Clearspan tents is to have the frame distribute weight evenly – allowing it to be made longer or wider to meet size requirements without jeopardizing stability. And all of this is done without the need for any support poles or posts, leaving you with a wide-open space.
Believe it or not, there are many ways in which Clearspan steel frame buildings can be constructed without requiring a certain type of foundation. Unlike other options, having a concrete pad is not necessary for stability. Rather, they can be erected anywhere.
I-Beam frames are metal buildings that can be built in any size, which, like Clearspan buildings, allow for oversized storage or warehouse space. They are sturdy and durable, but the larger the structure, the greater the need for support posts to handle the extra weight.
It should be noted that steel is a durable metal that is not subject to corrosion. That means despite any environmental issues or climate concerns, the building will not be at risk. They are designed to handle wind loads and snow loads according to the area in which they are constructed.
Maintenance and Care
Steel frame buildings require very little maintenance. The Clearspan selection allows you to choose a cladding option, but most often these buildings are used with a fabric covering. Don’t be fooled by the term fabric. It is incredibly durable and is designed, as mentioned, to handle any inclement weather, as well as meet local guidelines or rules for loads.
These steel structures are designed to be used for any amount of time, whether brief or in a permanent manner. And they do this with very few maintenance requirements. This is why many businesses find steel frame buildings to be a great option to fill a long-lasting need.
Accessories Available
Once you decide which type of building frame and structure style is best for your situation, you will be asked about accessories that will transform the building structure into a functional space for whatever you need. Those who are in search of a structure for warehouse space will have a different design idea than those searching for storage space, a trade show space, additional office space, a makeshift hospital, or the like.
Accessories allow you to make the basic building into everything you imagine it to be. This includes things like:
- Entry, exit, or warehouse doors
- Pre-stressed concrete walls
- Loading docks
- Lighting options
- Various types of flooring,
- Fences and gates
- Livestock pens
- Or, anything else you may need
If you are intending to use your steel structure as an indoor space or want something that will allow for a more environmentally-controlled building, including an HVAC system is the way to go. This provides a high level of circulation and ventilation throughout the space, including exhaust fans. With the addition of windows, you can even further keep air moving through the space. Air conditioning and heating may also be important to you.
The idea is that not only can you customize the outside of these structures, but you can also customize the inside with all the accessories available.
Cost-Effective Solutions
Steel frame buildings offer cost-effective options. Businesses looking for solutions need something that they can have constructed when they need it – and have it last as long as they need, too. They don’t have to focus on anything other than what activity is going on underneath the roofing. Plus, you have ample space as necessary to meet storage needs, and – thanks to Clearspan buildings’ lack of internal posts or beams – you have all the space to yourself to create the most efficient design.
This space works well, meeting safety requirements and providing increased efficiency, with minimal overhead costs and a long lifespan. It is a win-win solution.
Construction Timelines
To be cost-effective, you only keep the building for as long as you need it. It is easily constructed and de-constructed. Many companies have their crew to put together these buildings. If you don’t, though, that’s ok, too. Clearspan steel frame buildings can be put together by a professional crew in no time.
Bringing it All Together
Although it may seem like an intricate process, these buildings are rather easy to put together – including all the accessories and design details. You have a business to run or a show to put on (or whatever your need for your steel frame buildings) – and the last thing you want to do is have to worry about not having everything flow together as intended.
Working closely with a team of professionals who understand these buildings and everything about them is the best way to ensure you have the most pleasant experience – whether it is only for a few days or it is for a year or more.
Whatever you do, don’t underestimate a steel structure. So, if you have questions or concerns, just ask.
