Decades ago, the acceptable noise level within a working environment was set by the Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSHA). Following this, industries were required to monitor noise levels within their facilities and, wherever workers are present, keep these levels within the set limits.
In order to comply with this mandate, industries employed both engineering and administrative noise control measures. Some companies decided to use technology and the latest equipment, while others resorted to limiting workers’ exposure time.
Now, in terms of noise, metal buildings are the “sound” choice. This is because metal buildings, from the name itself, is almost 100% made of metal – and metal is known for its various benefits, including noise control. Metal can be used for walls, in place of mineral fiber or fiberglass, when you want to achieve optimal noise control. Unknown to many, metal is actually excellent for sound absorption and this material has been widely-used in Europe for many decades, even before it became popular in the U.S.
Today, perforated metal walls are the emergent trend for noise control in metal buildings. Perforated aluminum or steel – the most common types – can absorb sound by up to 95%, when reinforced, say, with acoustical fleece panels. And while other combinations of materials can match this acoustical absorption rate, metal is more resistant to damage and is easily more sustainable.
Another standard technique for metal buildings in commercial applications is the use of resilient furring channels. Simply said, these metal channels reduce noise by breaking the path of sound waves that attempt to pass through spaces within the structure.
For some metal buildings, however, the first two techniques are not enough to mitigate the noise. For larger scale noise control, which is common in the industrial setting, the use of reflective metal interlocked systems is popular. This is somewhate similar to the first method discussed, with perforated metal sheets, except this time they are reinforced with an amalgam of mineral wool and solid steel panels.
There are many ways around a noise problem, and these are not mutually exclusive solutions. Of course, the choice depends largely on the level of noise that you have to deal with. Take time to define your environment before employing noise control measures for your metal buildings.
Metal is a Sound Choice
April 1st, 2012Know When It’s Time for Noise Control
April 1st, 2012When you notice how your head aches after your daily plant visit, or how the rumbling and pounding of machines rhythmically turns your good morning into a bad one, don’t even wait for to get complaints from neighboring establishments about the noise from your warehouse – it’s time for noise control.
Simply said, noise can be disruptive to any environment, be it a theater or a church. Exposure to constant noise is scientifically proven to affect temperament, performance, and health. This is basically why the OSHA requires establishments to, let’s just say, quiet down.
Since OSHA’s release in 1970, several methods have been developed in order to meet this new requirement. Acoustical walls, ceiling panels, and combinations of all sorts have been used for noise control in metal buildings. But the first step to controlling noise is determining what the noise is all about.
You have to determine what’s causing the noise before you can identify just how much money and effort you have to put in to reduce it. For metal buildings in industrial applications, they may be machinery, indoor vehicles, or specialized equipment. For metal buildings in commercial applications, noise may be caused by the number of people talking at the same time. The primary causes of noise are extremely variable and largely depend on the nature of your business.
Once you have determined what’s causing the noise, you have to define the geographic locations of these causes. When you’re in manufacturing, it’s likely that your machinery is concentrated in a single large portion of your warehouse. For most metal buildings, it is also likely that part of it is used for administrative functions. The proximity of the two areas and the structures that separate them, such as walls, are crucial information to determine the appropriate noise controls. This is how you know not only what type of acoustic walls and reinforcements you will have to install, but also exactly where you have to put them.
Lastly, you’ll have to prioritize. Noise is a collective result of many factors. Dealing with causes that relatively contribute less noise will reduce the overall noise level insignificantly. For example, both the boiler and the exhaust are noise contributors. Reducing the noise from the exhaust first will have little effect on the overall noise level. Only when you deal with the noise from the boiler will you notice the difference. So as a final check, you must rank the causes and know which ones to address first, in order to enjoy the benefits of noise control inside metal buildings, within the shortest time possible.
How Green Is Steel?
March 31st, 2012Worldwide, people are encouraged to do their share in saving the planet from the devastating effects of climate change, which is mostly brought about by the depletion of the earth’s natural resources. The month of March is when the Earth Hour is observed and its objective is to increase awareness in saving the environment by encouraging people, the world over, to switch off their lights even for just an hour.
Well, you can do more than this. If you are scouting for a building solution, you have the option to choose one that is environment-friendly and considered very green. Prefabricated steel buildings have many environmental benefits than traditional construction methods.
When compared with the traditional way of using wood for construction, choosing to build with steel is a much “greener” alternative. Steel is 100% recyclable and it is heartening to know that today’s steel used in construction has more or less 70% recycled content. And it does not end there. Steel used in steel buildings can be recycled infinitely without losing its strength and other inherent qualities that make it a major player in the construction industry.
The thought of our dwindling forest cover will surely make you stay away from the use of timber. Steel is an alloy of iron and carbon and the earth’s iron reserve is still enough to sustain us for millions of years more. On the other hand, renewing our forests is a lot more difficult since it takes 10 years to have a full-grown tree.
In addition, steel buildings promote resource efficiency because there is very little waste during construction and even during demolition. Since steel buildings are prefabricated and pre-engineered off-site, there is no waste generated because all the cutting jobs have already been done at the factories. The whole building arrives at the site ready for assembly, with all the elements pre-cut, pre-drilled and pre-welded.
And demolition of steel buildings do not produce waste either because the steel components will just be unscrewed to be used to construct another structure or hauled of to recycling plants and not disposed of in landfills.
And do you know that recycling steel takes about 75% less energy than producing new ones? Another energy-efficient feature of steel buildings is that since they are pre-engineered, there is less heat loss because the buildings are weather-tight.
The steel used in steel buildings is non-toxic, will not rot and will not be consumed by termites. Also, steel would not off-gas, ensuring the safety and well-being of the building’s occupants.
Steel buildings are the best options for those who really care a lot about the environment. With steel buildings, you combine strength and reliability with environmental benefits that start from construction to demolition.
Steel and Glass – A Perfect Combination
March 26th, 2012Contemporary home designs commonly have high ceilings and large expanses of glazed walls that provide an interrupted view of the breathtaking surroundings. Steel and glass are the materials of choice of architects and designers to create modern homes that are stunning, yet livable.
One such example is the Farnsworth House in Chicago designed by modernist German architect Ludwig Mies van der Rohe. Characterized by stunning floor-to-ceiling glass walls and a steel roof, held together by a steel frame. This modern home, intended as a weekend shelter, is a fine example of modern designs with straight lines and the fusion of steel and glass materials.
An increasing number of architects and designers are turning to steel framed buildings in showcasing their artistic creations such as glass houses. The steel frame, composed of vertical columns and horizontal I-beams support all the components of the structure – floors, roof and walls. Steel, as a construction material, is highly durable, resilient, very flexible and is compatible with a wide variety of architectural finishes such as glass, brick, stone, stucco, cedar, simulated concrete and many more.
Steel framed buildings are economical solutions for most construction needs. They are long lasting and low maintenance. The major come-on of steel framed buildings is their fast and easy construction, which takes almost only two thirds of the time it takes to build a structure made of traditional materials.
Since they are prefabricated, assembly is likened to solving a jigsaw puzzle where the components are bolted together with steel studs. And quick construction means reduced labor costs.
Glass houses naturally have clear-span interiors and this is not a problem with steel framed buildings. Temperature control is also not an issue with steel framed buildings. Insulation will give a cleaner and more finished look to the building’s ceilings while providing the roof with high R-values in spite of the large glass walls.
To add another modern feature to steel framed buildings, a standing seam roofing system is used. These stylish roofs provide long lasing protection and a lot of peace of mind to the building owners, especially for those living in areas that snows a lot, A standing seam roof easily sheds snow and ice, which could be detrimental to the roof’s ventilation.
Indeed, the strength of steel and the beauty and elegance of glass transform steel framed buildings into livable abodes that are not only beautiful and stylish, but will also stand the test of time.
Retrofitting The Roof of Metal Buildings
March 24th, 2012Leaks are possibly the universal problem that comes with aging metal roofing. But leaks are actually just the nd result of several underlying problems that come together over years of wear and tear.
The common causes of leaks of metal roofing for metal buildings are metal corrosion, expansion and contraction, condensation, and design areas that are innately prone to water penetration. Some people resort to resealing, re-coating, or totally replacing the roofing. However, these solutions are more costly than you realize, especially the latter, as it involves a complete overhaul. But the good news is, there is a more cost-effective and time-efficient method especially designed for metal buildings – metal retrofitting.
Retrofit roofing is one of the most popular solutions for fixing metal roofing for metal buildings. Currently, there is a wide array of companies offering this service. But since the method is relatively new, a lot of people are naturally sceptical about employing this solution.
Ignorance is a common cause of fear. It is but ordinary to doubt something you are not familiar with. This kind of doubt is actually beneficial to some degree but it also pays to take time to give something a chance before jumping to conclusions.
So what is retrofitting anyway? Essentially, “retrofitting” means installing a new roof framing system while maintaining your current roofing structure. To be more technical, the new framing and cladding system will be installed using your current structural grids, which distribute loads from the roof to the foundation of the metal building. All metal buildings have this basic design and that is primarily why retrofitting is an especially efficient solution.
Apart from being efficient, you also get the quality that you require. Of course, after repairing your roof, you expect your building to be impermeable. Retrofitting means watertight, hot-air welded seams. This translates to quality that meets standards as mandated by ASTM primarily because the method produces virtually non-porous seams, flashings, and details for metal buildings and therefore no room for water to penetrate.
What’s more, retrofitting translates to low life-cycle costs. Hot-air welded seams require no maintenance. With retrofitting, you can say goodbye to resealing and re-coating your roof for the rest of your building’s service life – and considering metal buildings, that would be no less than for decades on.
American Steel Building Kits
March 22nd, 2012American steel buildings are more attractive solutions to most construction needs because they combine the strength and durability of steel with contemporary designs that are never before seen in metal structures. Unknown to many, steel framing is compatible with traditional building materials such as bricks, masonry, stone, siding, stucco, etc., making American steel buildings indistinguishable with neighboring structures.
American steel buildings are made of prefabricated and pre-engineered components that have been precision cut to their exact measurements, resulting in structures that are tight and designed to stay straight and true even after long years of use.
For those who are on a budget but who still want to take advantage of the many benefits, which American steel buildings provide, there are steel building kits available that are applicable to small structures such as a garage, a workshop or a storage space.
Steel building kits are popular to enthusiasts of “do-it-yourself” projects because they can be assembled quickly and easily even by people with no experience in construction and using only the basic tools.
There are two major styles of metal building kits available for American steel buildings – the “Q” and the “A”. Each kit comes with erection manuals that are easy to read and follow.
The “Q” style or more popularly known as the Quonset Hut style is an epitome of what strength and durability is all about. This style became popular during World War II because it provided versatility and maximum protection for the troops during bombing raids.
Characterized by a single radius and clear span arch, the style is highly resistant to extreme weather conditions such as hurricanes, tornadoes and earthquakes.
Assembly is very straightforward and can be accomplished easily by two people. The arches are raised and put in place one at a time. Then the steel corrugated panels are attached to the frame and the elements are bolted together with steel studs. With this design, expansion is as easy as attaching new panels into additional arches.
The Quonset Hut design is popularly used as garages, barns, repair shops, riding arenas, indoor swimming pools, livestock, grain and crop storage, and many, many more.
The “A” style American steel buildings are for customers who prefer the more conventional look – straight sides and peaked roof. These designs are typically used as garages, hobby shops, RV storages, boat storages, etc.
However, it must be emphasized that American steel buildings are highly customizable. You can have your own steel building designed based on your specifications and preferences.
Insulation Equals Savings for American Steel Buildings
March 19th, 2012The cost-effectiveness of American steel buildings is much talked about, Although some consumers may find that they are slightly more expensive than traditional construction methods, it is heartening to know that they have been proven to provide more savings in the long run.
Savings when choosing prefabricated construction are many including reduced labor costs since most of the tedious jobs are done at the factory, lower insurance costs since steel framing is non-combustible, lower materials costs because you pay only for the exact dimensions of the steel used and minimal maintenance costs due to steel’s inherent strength and durability.
There’s another form of savings in American steel buildings – insulation. Because of modern insulation systems, American steel buildings have evolved into various applications and configurations including churches, schools, business and commercial establishments and even residences.
Insulation of American steel buildings spells savings for building owners. Savings come in the form of a significant reduction in energy costs since the use of heaters and air conditioners to achieve comfortable indoor temperatures are lessened.
Heat transfer between the building’s interiors and the outside environment is the primary cause of discomfort of the occupants. Installing insulation to the walls and roof of American steel buildings minimizes heat transfer. In addition, insulation also rules out the presence of moisture, thereby prolonging the life of American steel buildings.
Insulation stabilizes indoor temperature at more desirable levels. Other advantages offered by insulation include improved overall appearance of the building’s interiors and reduced condensation and noise transmission. And since you don’t have to buy a lot of heating and cooling equipment, there is more space available for you to use.
And when you speak of insulation, the concept of U-values is not far behind. In laymen’s terms, the U-value is a measure of the heat flow between a building component such as a wall or roof. For American steel buildings located in warm climates, U-values measure the amount of time it takes to keep the buildings cold. For those located in cold climates. U-values measure how building components keep heat inside the structures.
Whatever the case may be, the higher the U-value, the more heat flows through. Therefore, a low U-value is desired.
Indeed, insulation for American steel buildings saves money, provides greater indoor comfort and improves the health of building occupants. Choosing the right insulation system and hiring professionals to do the installation is the best option that will ensure a quicker return on the investment.
Steel Buildings for Sustainable Construction
March 18th, 2012Architects, engineers and other experts in the construction industry are always on the look out for sustainable solutions that would not only help preserve the current state of our eco-system, but also showcase individual talents and abilities.
Some architects have even gone as far as transforming humble structures into modern and stylish homes. This sustainable practice is known as adaptive reuse and is now seen in countries such as Spain, Scotland and Israel.
Old and unused buildings including a school, a stable, a factory, a barn and even a shelter for ambulances have all been transformed and updated into dwellings with contemporary designs that preserved much of the original materials and form.
This awareness to adopt sustainable practices in the construction industry has given rise to the green building concept. A building’s design is considered “green” if it promotes energy savings, the use of renewable materials and the minimization of pollution.
Prefabricated steel buildings are leading the way in this green building movement. Compared with traditional building materials such as wood and concrete, steel has greater positive environmental impact. It is, by far, is the most sustainable building material in the planet today. The environmental benefits enjoyed by consumers who opt for prefabricated steel buildings start from the time of construction and up to the time the buildings need to be demolished.
Steel, used in construction, is more or less made up of 60% recycled content. No trees are cut when building with steel. Erecting prefabricated steel buildings is results efficient since very little waste materials is produced. All the cutting, drilling and welding have all been done at the factories. Unlike wood and concrete buildings, the construction sites of prefabricated steel buildings are dust-free and clean.
Prefabricated steel buildings do not rot and are impossible to have termite infestation. As far as energy savings are concerned, steel buildings are weather-tight because they are pre-engineered and prefabricated. All the components fit exactly and perfectly resulting in less heat loss. Besides, steel is a non-toxic material that will not off-gas, leaving no room for contamination of indoor air quality.
Since components of prefabricated steel buildings are just bolted together and screwed using steel studs, demolition will also not result in wastage. According to research, almost 99% of the steel will be sent to recycling plants and made into new steel. Steel can be recycled over and over again, without losing its strength and durability.
Sustainability is one of the biggest selling points of prefabricated steel buildings and more and more consumers are aware of this. This has resulted in the increase popularity of prefabricated steel buildings.