Are Prefab Steel Buildings Any Good?
That’s an honest question, and at Metal Garage Central we’re here to provide you with honest answers about steel building kits. You probably already know that tubular steel buildings are wildly popular for carport and garage applications across America, but that’s not all they’re good for. These types of metal buildings are now being put to use for all sorts of residential, agricultural, commercial, and industrial purposes. But just how good are these steel structures? For starters, they’re more durable, rugged, weather-resistant, and fire-resistant than wood-framed buildings, and they’re completely customizable, too. Tubular steel buildings are also more cost-effective to construct. Read on to learn more, as we answer some of your most common questions.
Common Questions and Answers About Metal Building Quality
Are Tubular Steel Buildings Flimsy?
Absolutely not. Structures built with steel tube framing and steel paneling are actually some of the strongest around. Cold-formed steel has the highest strength-to-weight ratio among commercial construction materials, up to 25 times stronger than wood. As long as it’s properly anchored, a tubular steel building is incredibly sturdy.
How Do Steel Gauges Work?
Gauge simply refers to the thickness of the steel. The lower the gauge, the thicker and stronger the steel is. When it comes to steel tube framing, 12-gauge and 14-gauge thicknesses are both commonly used in the industry. Even though it’s not as thick, 14-gauge steel tends to be more popular because it’s somewhat cheaper. And 14-gauge metal structures can be certified to meet most local wind and snow load requirements, if properly engineered. But 12-gauge framing is thicker and stronger, so it’s a better choice for commercial and industrial buildings. The metal paneling used for roofing and side walls comes in different steel gauge thicknesses, as well.
Does Galvanized Steel Rust Easily?
No, it doesn’t! At Metal Garage Central, all of our galvanized steel is hot-dipped in zinc to form a protective layer against the combination of oxygen and moisture that causes rust. Our galvalume panels also include aluminum and silicon in the zinc coating to provide an even greater level of protection. In addition, the resin-based colors applied during the fabrication of the metal coils we use are engineered to last for decades.
Are Steel Structures Designed to Meet Any Building Quality Standards?
Yes, if you choose to purchase from a reputable provider. Groups like the American Iron and Steel Institute (AISI), Metal Building Manufacturers Association (MBMA), Metal Construction Association (MCA), Steel Framing Alliance (SFA), and Light-Gauge Steel Engineers Association (LGSEA) have all helped to pave the way for more reliable steel building application development. And at Metal Garage Central, we employ in-house engineers to help assure that our buildings can be certified to meet any local wind load, snow load, or other building code requirements. Well-built steel structures have been shown to withstand hurricane-force winds that would otherwise topple a comparable stick build.
Do Metal Buildings Attract Lightning?
Not any more than structures made with other materials, no. But if lightning ever should strike your metal building, you’ll actually be better protected. The metal framing is a positive conductor to the earth, so much of the electricity from a lightning bolt can be channeled directly to the ground. Metal buildings are actually some of the safest places you can be during an electrical storm.
Aren’t All Metal Buildings Uncustomizable and Boring?
Not at all, especially if you choose to partner with Metal Garage Central. None of our buildings come off a shelf; each is custom-tailored to meet your exact specifications and preferences. And thanks to the strength of steel framing, your clear-span structure typically doesn’t require any internal columns or support posts. That means you can create and customize your interior floor plan any way you like! Oh, and there are lots of creative ways to customize the look of your metal building exterior, too.
What Can You Do with a Tubular Steel Building?
- When it comes to the many possible applications for a tubular steel building, the only real limit is your imagination. Obviously, they work wonderfully as storage buildings, but that merely scratches the surface of what you can do with a custom metal building:
- Open-air carports and fully-enclosed garages for all manner of personal vehicles, including cars, trucks, SUVs, motorcycles, and ATV
- Protective RV cover for high-profile vehicles like motorhomes, campers, buses, boats, and vehicle trailer combos
- Great for storing lawn, garden, and recreational equipment, like mowers, weed eaters, garden tools, hoses, bicycles, scooters, skateboards, and much more
- You can do more than just store stuff; you can actually get stuff done in a steel building. They make perfect workshops, hobby barns, man caves, she sheds, home offices, and more.
- Lots of farm, ranch, and agricultural applications too. Protect your tractors & attachments, combines, crops, feed, seed, and hay.
- And don’t forget about the animals! Steel buildings make wonderful horse barns, livestock barns, poultry houses, dog kennels, etc.
- Warehouses for large equipment storage, and production facilities for any business, farm, or industrial needs
Plenty of commercial & retail applications too, including storefronts, boutiques, restaurants, cafes, bakeries, coffee shops, breweries, office buildings, auto service centers, you name it
Choose Metal Garage Central as Your Tubular Steel Building Provider
Not only does Metal Garage Central provide the best tubular steel buildings, but we also take the time to get to know our customers in order to better meet your needs. We offer the best metal building financing and rent-to-own solutions, and we’re also serious about delivering the best customer service in the business.
Oh, and did we mention? We deliver and install in 46 states at NO extra charge. Like to do things yourself? We also make custom-fabricated metal building kits available that you can pick up and install yourself at a discount. The kits we provide include all needed building materials, including fasteners and anchors.
Got questions? Ready to get started? Our friendly & knowledgeable building experts are standing by to help! Give us a call today at (980) 223-3072, and experience the Metal Garage Central difference for yourself!