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BUILDING ACCESSORIES
For those who are looking into steel building systems as an alternative solution to their building needs, the following discussion will help a lot in their decision-making. Steel buildings are durable, economical, environmentally friendly, and low maintenance. Steel building accessories are chosen to meet the owner’s needs and specifications.
STEEL BUILDING FOUNDATION OPTIONS
Just like most other buildings, construction of pre-engineered steel buildings starts with a strong foundation. The foundation is perhaps the most important part of any building because it provides the needed stability and gives strength to the metal structure. The type of foundation for any metal structure is dependent on the purpose of the building which must be clearly defined in the conceptualization stage.
Foundations used for pre-engineered steel buildings can be classified into two – the portable foundation and the permanent foundation.
As the name implies, a portable foundation is generally used for portable buildings that you might want to be made out of prefabricated steel structure. Comparatively, this type is less strong than the permanent foundation, but it is nonetheless sturdy. The steel building is assembled on top of an industrial base plate, which is connected by anchor bolts to the concrete perimeter.
A sturdy portable foundation is made of heavy-duty 14-gauge steel. It is connected to a solid floating foundation with a footer that is 10” wide and 18” deep.
Portable foundations offer a lot of advantages, such as:
• Building retains its height in spite of the foundation
• Provides mobility. Steel building can be easily moved to another location
• Requires less time to construct
• Requires simple construction
• Concrete footer is almost 40% smaller
A permanent foundation is a concrete based floating foundation with a 18” wide and 18” deep footer running around the perimeter of the structure. This foundation has a “U-Groove” formation where the assembled building is gouted.
STEEL DOORS
Depending on the specific needs of the building owner, there is a full range of heavy-duty doors in standard service, sliding and overhead styles. They are very easy to install and can even be customized based on the owner’s specifications.
The benefits of using steel doors are:
• Easy to install
• Sturdy because they are made of heavy-duty steel
• Very secure
• Fire retardant which reduces insurance expense
SKYLIGHTS
Interiors of steel buildings can be brightened, economically and naturally, by installing skylights. Skylights provide natural lighting and are very easy to install. Panels are made of heavy-duty fiberglass that come in a variety of colors and lengths up to 10’ in a standard 2’ or 3' width.
Skylights provide a lot of benefits such as:
• Low cost solution to provide lighting inside the steel building
• Brighter interiors without additional electricity costs
BUILDING INSULATION
The importance of well-installed insulation cannot be overemphasized. Insulation is a very important component to your Armstrong steel building, because it provides a stable thermal environment inside the structure and three-way savings such as:
| • | Elimination of Condensation (Sweating). Extreme changes in outside temperature, condensation forms inside the steel building. Insulation provides protection against temperature changes by eliminating condensation build-up. |
| • | Lower Energy and Fuel Costs. During cold winter days, insulation keeps the steel building warmer, which consequently lowers heating costs. In the summer, insulation keeps the steel building cooler, easing the load of the air conditioning. |
| • | Quieter Interiors. Insulation absorbs sound, thereby reducing unwanted noise from appliances, audio equipment, machinery, and power tool sounds that are transmitted through walls and floors. |
These are some highly effective (up to R20) insulation systems designed for quick and easy installations:
| 1. | Polyproylene – White facing, vapor-lock composite |
| 2. | Foil Facing – Reflective, lightweight vapor retarder (ideal for repair shops and work shops) |
TURBINE VENTS
For steel buildings that are used for garages, repair shops, and workshops, ventilation is needed to prevent inhalation of paint and exhaust fumes.
Turbine vents and adapters provide maximum aeration and can also be installed as auger inlets.
They provide the following benefits:
• Low cost
• Easy Installation
• Low maintenance
• Increase airflow
CUSTOM FINISH
Aside from the accessories mentioned above, there are other options available to customize the steel building according to the owner’s needs. End walls can be constructed from steel or wood. Windows and doors can be framed as necessary. End walls can be easily insulated for efficient heating and cooling. They can also be custom finished by using vinyl or aluminum sidings.
Other options to customize steel buildings include adding windows, shutters and other exterior decorative or functional features.
