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Posts Tagged ‘frequently asked questions’

Steel Buildings – FAQs About Prefabricated Steel Buildings III

Monday, July 5th, 2010

Q:      Approximately, how long would it take to assemble my prefabricated steel building?

A:      The answer to this question depends upon a lot of factors. For a small shed, self-storage building, or steel building garage, it will take at least a full day for   you to assemble the metal structure. This is true provided that all of the following are also true: at least one other person is helping you, you have carefully read and understood the erection manual, and the steel building’s foundation is already in place.

However, for much larger steel buildings, such as those used for offices, schools, and churches that need to be assembled by professional erectors, construction time takes approximately from 1 to 3 months.

Q:      What happens if I need to replace a part of my prefabricated steel building a couple of years after its construction, won’t that be a problem?

A:      Most reputable manufacturers of prefabricated steel buildings, maintain a complete inventory of steel building replacement parts. That’s why, it’s very important to choose your steel building supplier well, so that you won’t have to worry of this need ever arising.

Reputable suppliers provide a 50-year structural warranty, which shows you how confident they are of their experience, skill, and technology. If you buy from these suppliers, replacement of parts in the future is the least of your worries.

Q:      Do I need insulation? If so, how much do I need?

A:      If you want to make your prefabricated steel building energy efficient, you need insulation. Insulation is one of the reasons for the popularity of prefabricated steel buildings. Today’s high costs of energy have made insulation a critical part of any steel building construction.

Thickness is the key to effective insulation. Determining the “economic thickness” of the insulation is vital in avoiding over or under insulating a steel building. These can be determined by taking the following factors into consideration: energy costs, type of climate, building’s end use, costs of purchasing and maintaining heaters or air conditioners, and the total costs of the insulation and climate control equipments.

Your prefabricated steel building manufacturer or your builder can advise you on this matter.

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Frequently Asked Questions About Prefabricated Steel Buildings II

Friday, July 2nd, 2010

Q:      Do I really need to anchor my steel building?

A:      Of course, anchoring a prefabricated steel building is crucial in preventing possible wind damage. The anchor bolt settings are as important  as the steel building’s foundation. Anchor bolt kits are available for all types of foundations.

Ask your prefabricated steel buildings manufacturer about anchor bolt kits for your metal structure. Usually, steel building manufacturers have certified installers of anchor bolts who are familiar with their steel buildings.

Q:      Does the prefabricated steel building kit contain everything I need to construct the metal structure?

A:      No, prefabricated steel building kits do not include the foundation or flooring, the tools needed to assemble the metal structure, and the anchor bolt kit. The steel building kit does not even include the doors and windows because they are classified as accessories.

When requesting for a price quote from a potential steel building supplier, include the price of doors and windows, unless you want to buy them somewhere else.

Q:      Is the erection manual easy to follow?

A:      Reputable prefabricated steel building manufacturers provide erection manuals that are easy to read and follow. They contain step-by-step instructions and detailed diagrams to assist you. Just make sure that the steel building parts, have been properly marked with their identification numbers, by the manufacturer.

It is a good idea that you first, carefully read the erection manual prior to assembling your steel building. Also make sure, that the tools needed are already at hand.

As part of their customer service, many large prefabricated steel buildings manufacturers have a generic erection manual on their websites, so customers can get a feel of what is going to happen.

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Steel Buildings – Frequently Asked Questions About Prefabricated Steel Buildings I

Thursday, July 1st, 2010

Q: Which is the best foundation?

A: The best foundation for a prefabricated steel building is one that is level and fits the dimensions of your steel building. A well-constructed foundation gives the steel building strength and stability. Concrete slabs and pier, footing, and grade beam are two types of foundations used for prefabricated steel buildings.

If you prefer a plywood floor finish, there are foundation kits available which are suited for this purpose. However, take note that the plywood material is not included in the steel buildings foundation kit.

Q: How do I prepare the building site before the foundation is poured?

A: The land must first, be surveyed by a professional to ensure that it is level. The surveyor will also mark the exact boundaries of the plot where the steel building will be erected. Next, the building site is graded or physically leveled. This will ensure that the height and shape of the land conforms to the surveyor’s stakes.

When the site has been leveled, excavation for the steel building foundation can begin. Your steel building manufacturer’s representative, is the best source of information regarding the type of foundation excavation required for your steel building.

For minor excavations, hand tools such as pickaxe, shovel, and steel rake are used. Typically, a 2 ft. to 3 ft. deep excavation is enough for a poured concrete foundation.

Q: I want to assemble my prefabricated steel building, what tools do I need? Can I do it alone?

A: The usual tools needed to assemble a prefabricated steel building are #2 Philips screwdriver, pliers, work gloves, and a stepladder. The height of the stepladder should make you reach the highest point of the metal structure comfortably. If you want to make things easier and faster, use a cordless screwdriver with magnetic tip.

Assembling a prefabricated steel building requires at least 2 people but more warm bodies would make the work much faster.

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