Tag: Storage Units

Did you know that buildings have a “life expectancy?” If you are going to build a new structure on your property, then make sure that you are investing in a design and the right type of materials that will stand the test of time. Whether it’s a small shed or large manufacturing plant, the building must hold up against weather conditions and other factors that can cause wear and tear.

Why bother putting time and money into the construction of a building if it will only last a few years? During the design process, evaluate how the building will be used which will help you determine the right materials to ensure steel building longevity.

Your choice of materials is one of the key factors that will affect the lifespan of the building. As you are finalizing design details, compare the durability and maintenance requirements for steel buildings, plastic sheds, wood buildings, and more.

Longevity of Steel Buildings

How long do steel buildings last? A well-built structure with quality materials can easily last more than 50 years, depending on the use of the building over time. If you want to ensure the lifespan of the building, then it’s essential to choose quality materials that withstand seasonal damage.

Steel is an excellent choice for building materials if quality and durability are your priority. But, not all steel buildings are created equal. Consider these factors that can affect how long steel buildings last:

• Design: A well-built steel building helps to minimize wear and tear. For example, when the building includes features that manage water flow and protect the building joints, it’s likely that the steel building will have a longer lifespan compared to a building with poor design. How long do prefab buildings last? With a good design, they can hold up just as long as a custom-designed building.
• Use: If you are rough on the building, you can expect wear and tear to show more quickly. Manufacturing with chemicals inside the building can take a toll over time because of the corrosion that can affect the steel. However, if you’re only using your steel building as a storage shed, for example, your building will last longer than manufacturing buildings because there isn’t as much wear on the steel.
• Location: Local climate patterns can affect the durability of the building. For example, areas with heavy snowfall require extra maintenance because of the weight of the snow on the roof. Also, steel frame buildings in coastal climates can wear out more quickly because of the air’s humidity and salt. Heavy industrialization in the area can take a toll on the building due to the high levels of pollutants in the air.
• Maintenance: Steel doesn’t require a lot of care compared to other building materials. But it’s important to stay consistent with occasional maintenance-related tasks to extend the life of the building. Without occasional cleaning, maintenance, and repair work, damage to the building can occur because of rust, mold, and corrosion.

The optimal approach to ensure the durability of your building is to talk to a steel building expert about your goals. Our team can provide recommendations to ensure that your new building performs as needed.

How to Maintain a Steel Building

Inspect the building regularly to identify areas that require maintenance or repair work. Maintenance requirements vary depending on location because seasonal changes can play a role in the building’s durability. Consider these common recommendations for steel building maintenance:

• Roof Limitations: Know the roof limitations so you know when snow needs to be cleared. If you think that the roof is reaching the weight threshold because of accumulated snow, then have a plan in place to clear the snow safely. It’s a good idea to check the roof during the warmer months as well because a buildup of muck and leaves in the rain gutters can cause undue wear and tear.
• Regular Cleaning: Avoid rust and corrosion on steel buildings by cleaning off the grime and dirt that accumulates. Washing the steel panels regularly will keep the materials in top-notch condition. You can buy industrial cleaners designed for steel buildings or create a homemade solution using water and ammonia. Steel buildings should be cleaned every few months, inside and out. Ideally, your building should be washed a minimum of once a year to remove substances that could cause harm to the building.
• Fresh Paint: One way to protect the building is by adding a fresh coat of paint. After the steel panels are washed thoroughly, add a quality exterior paint to act as an extra layer of protection against the weather elements.
• Repair Work: Scratches and scuffs might seem like minor issues, but these points of damage can become weak points in the building. When the damage is continuously exposed to the weather, it can lead to corrosion and rust. Buff out the marks and be proactive about repairing any areas of damage.

Minor problems can start creeping in, which is why you need to be proactive with repairs and maintenance. These seemingly small tasks can go a long way to add years to the life of your building.

Steel Building Warranty

When you choose quality building materials, you can know that the building will stand firm for many years. Many manufacturers of steel buildings offer solid warranty coverage, including 40- and even 50-year structural warranties (depending on the type of building you construct).

This written guarantee ensures that if anything goes wrong with the materials, then repair or replacement is offered within a specific timeframe. Keep in mind that the warranty doesn’t necessarily last for the lifetime of the product and won’t cover every issue. Read about the available warranty when deciding on the type of steel building you’d like to construct.

At Norsteel Buildings, we’re committed to providing our clients with the best solutions in the steel building industry. If you’d like to learn more, then contact us to talk to an industry expert. We pair you with a building consultant for personalized recommendations about the specific products and materials that will best suit your needs. We’re proud to be a leader in the steel building industry: 1-866-971-7575.

If you are considering adding an additional steel building to your property, then one of the first questions to ask is: how much do steel buildings cost? It’s essential to know your budget when choosing the right plans and materials for your building.

Total cost can vary, and really depends on a variety of factors. Simply put, there isn’t an easy answer or a general price one can reference for steel buildings without first having specific information about the project. This question is too broad to answer without more details like location, size, design, and features. Here are a few things that can affect your steel building cost:

Cost of Steel Building Materials

While many factors determine the cost of your prefabricated steel building, these expenses fall into two categories: materials and labour. Materials will be one of your most significant expenses, but – unless you consider yourself a handy person – there will likely be additional labour expenses for hiring a contractor to assemble the building.

One of the most cost-effective ways to construct a steel building is by purchasing a kit. A premanufactured kit comes with everything you need for construction and assembly, including beams, anchor bolts, framing, roof purlins, door frames, trim, optional insulation, hardware, and more.

Compare the cost of a customized building to a prefabricated kit, and you’ll see that the kit saves quite a bit of money on the final price. Since the manufacturer can replicate the same equipment for multiple customers, they can drop the price on materials and design.

One of the benefits of steel is that metal tends to be more affordable compared to other popular building materials. If you are on a tight budget, then you’ll likely find that metal meets your goals for both affordability and durability. If you are choosing materials based on price alone, then steel buildings are often the clear winner.

Steel vs. Wood

Even though steel tends to be a bit cheaper than wood, there are pros and cons to this decision. For example, wood offers a lot of options for customization. Also, if you dedicate time and effort to maintenance then wood can hold up over time without having to worry about corrosion or rust. On the other hand, metal is superior because it requires far less maintenance to ensure longevity.

Ultimately, it’s important to consider your priorities when choosing building materials. If you want to save money and minimize maintenance, then metal is the clear choice. Click here to read our blog on metal vs. wood buildings.

Cost of Labour

Once you’ve compared material pricing, also consider the cost of labour and installation. Smaller steel building kits can often be assembled following the DIY instructions from the manufacturer. Either you’ll need to invest the time to put the building together, or you will need to hire help to assist after the materials arrive on site.

Most contractors charge based on a cost per square metre. The price per metre depends on the finished size of the building. As a general rule of thumb, the cost of larger finished buildings tends to be less per square metre than a small or average-sized building. These labour costs can be eliminated completely if you choose to build the structure yourself.

Optional Add-Ons

A variety of accessories and add-ons can also increase steel buildings cost. Sometimes, these add-on costs can increase the price as much as 20 – 30%. These are some of the expenses you might pay:

• Delivery: Ask the steel provider if delivery is built into the pricing, or if you will pay an additional fee for the materials to be dropped at the job site. Often, delivery is calculated based on distance from the supplier or manufacturing site.
• Foundation: Does your steel building need a foundation? Nine times out of ten this is the case, in which case you will face additional costs to lay the foundation before the building is assembled.
• Windows and Doors: The placement of windows and doors can increase the cost. For example, it’s common for a basic steel building without windows to cost less than a building with many windows. Also, the type of doors (including walk doors and roll doors) will affect the price.
• Insulation: Insulation is often available as an optional add-on from the supplier, which will increase the overall cost. These materials are designed to slow heat transfer and help to maintain your desired indoor temperature.
• Vents: Depending on the use of your steel building, it might be necessary to add extra ventilation features. For example, buildings used for manufacturing and equipment often need to maximize ventilation for safety.
• Gutters and Downspouts: It’s essential to have an excellent system to manage snow and rain runoff. These features help with routing the water to minimize damage and wear on the building.

As with any type of construction, the success of the project is in the details. It’s vital that you evaluate your long-term goals when choosing accessories, add-ons, and design features for your project.

Customized Solutions for Steel Buildings

At Norsteel, we offer cost-effective quality solutions for steel building construction. If you’d like more information about how much steel buildings cost, then contact our knowledgeable team any time. You can speak with a building consultant to learn more about available materials and services. Then, we’ll finalize your order and deliver the building for construction on your site.

We offer a personalized experience for our clients, including building customization, information about the building and permit process, and anything else you need to ensure the success of your project.

To learn more, reach out to our expert team at Norsteel Buildings. Contact us to discuss your needs for the project so we can provide recommendations and pricing estimates: 1-866-971-7575.

ADVANTAGES OF PRE-ENGINEERED STEEL BUILDINGS​

​Pre-engineered Metal buildings provide customers with savings, year after year.

15. Ask and you Shall Receive

​Another way that prefab steel buildings save money relates to maintenance. A typical prefab metal building system, with pre-finished metal panels and screw-down galvalume roof, costs very little to maintain. Metal surfaces are easy to clean, and the modern metal finishes offer a superb resistance against corrosion, fading, and discoloration. Pre-engineered steel buildings don’t decay or decompose. Their columns don’t split or suffer damage due to rodents or insects. There is virtually no maintenance on a steel building, so there is very little to warrant future spending in terms of upkeep.

Apart from continuous savings related to energy-efficiency and low-maintenance, steel buildings are recognized with an “A” fire rating. Many customers don’t realize that this non-combustibility factor can save them significant money on insurance premiums for the life of their pre-engineered steel building. Some Insurance Companies label steel framing as “Superior Construction” and offer discounts on insurance up to 35%. Customers are encouraged to check with their insurance carrier for more details on the possibility of these available annual savings.​

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When comparing available construction options, we recommend that our customers consider all the factors.

This involves a broader scope comparison of all the costs as well as the potential savings. Comparing different building options should involve a complete understanding, considering not just the initial costs for site prep, materials and labour, but also the longer term costs of ownership – costs like maintenance, repairs, and insurance. Customers should consider how much value they place on safety and environmental friendliness as well.

When it’s all said and done, we believe you will recognize that choosing a prefab steel building will save you money – year after year.

Contact Us Today!

When you buy a building from Norsteel, we become your partner throughout the construction process. We work with you, or with your general contractor, to ensure that all your steel building requirements are met. Your project is our project, and we’ll be with you the whole way through.

For more information on specific metal building applications, click here to learn more about our line of products. If you have any questions or comments, click here to contact us today.

ADVANTAGES OF PRE-ENGINEERED STEEL BUILDINGS

Pre-engineered Metal buildings are easy to extend even after years of use.

14. Grow with you

Customers often come to us needing more space because they have outgrown their current buildings. Fortunately, even after years of use, Pre-engineered Metal buildings are relatively easy to expand by lengthening.

​Often we work with customers who are expanding their businesses in planned phases of development. Their anticipated growth often requires timed calculated increases in square footage added to the original metal building. When it is deemed a possibility at the time of the original inquiry, the pre-engineered steel building can be designed with a future expansion in mind. In such cases, an expandable Endwall is used in place of the Post and Beam Endwall, so that adding frames to the steel structure later is even simpler for the end user.

Expanding an existing prefab metal building can be accomplished with ease. Endwalls are simply un-bolted and removed and depending on the length of the expansion, additional clear-spanning rigid frames are bolted into place. The removed Endwall framing can often be reused in its new location. Matching roof and wall panels are then added to complete the expanded building envelope. Often the expansion is accomplished with a seamless appearance.

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Pre-engineered steel buildings are extremely versatile by design which allows them to be easily expanded whenever required. It also makes them an ideal choice when adding space to an already existing structure that is made from other materials.

An experienced Steel Building Consultant will ask new customers to consider the possibility of future expansion requirements, so that the proper engineering considerations can be put into place in anticipation of future growth. This makes it very simple for your Metal Building System to grow with you.

Contact Us Today!

When you buy a building from Norsteel, we become your partner throughout the construction process. We work with you, or with your general contractor, to ensure that all your steel building requirements are met. Your project is our project, and we’ll be with you the whole way through.

For more information on specific metal building applications, click here to learn more about our line of products. If you have any questions or comments, click here to contact us today.

ADVANTAGES OF PRE-ENGINEERED STEEL BUILDINGS

Pre-engineered Metal buildings are virtually maintenance-free.

13. Set it and forget it

In construction, there is no other material that can compare to the durability, the strength and the consistency, of steel. Since a prefab metal building is made completely from steel, it carries with it all the amazing resilient qualities that this material represents.

When you chose a pre-engineered metal building system, you can be confident that you are investing in a product that will be virtually maintenance-free. Apart from the peace-of-mind you will have knowing that your property and personnel remain safe and protected, you also won’t be spending money year after year to maintain your structure, in terms of labour, replacement parts or paint.

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A typical metal building system, with prefinished metal panels and standing seam roof, is easy to maintain. Metal surfaces are easy to clean, and the modern metal finishes offer a superb resistance against corrosion, fading, and discoloration. Pre-engineered steel buildings don’t decay or decompose. Their columns don’t split or suffer damage due to rodents or insects. There is virtually no maintenance on a steel building – you just set it and enjoy the worry-free extra space.

​Contact Us Today!

When you buy a building from Norsteel, we become your partner throughout the construction process. We work with you, or with your general contractor, to ensure that all your steel building requirements are met. Your project is our project, and we’ll be with you the whole way through.

For more information on specific metal building applications, click here to learn more about our line of products. If you have any questions or comments, click here to contact us today.

ADVANTAGES OF PRE-ENGINEERED STEEL BUILDINGS

Pre-engineered Metal buildings are the ideal solution for fast occupancy.

12. Move in Fast

For many retailers and owners of commercial buildings, it is important to understand that any time gained in the construction process is essential in determining the economic benefits of a Prefab Steel Building Solution.

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Prefabricated Metal Building systems are the ideal choice for customers who are eager to begin using their completed structure. Because of their pre-engineered design and efficiencies, Steel Buildings are the fastest solutions in terms of occupancy, with projects being finished in half the time required from comparative conventional constructions.

Be sure to discuss your expected move-in dates when you are working with your Steel Building Consultant. Norsteel offers several expedited options for customers who require even faster delivery than our usual fast and efficient services.

Contact Us Today!

When you buy a building from Norsteel, we become your partner throughout the construction process. We work with you, or with your general contractor, to ensure that all your steel building requirements are met. Your project is our project, and we’ll be with you the whole way through.

For more information on specific metal building applications, click here to learn more about our line of products. If you have any questions or comments, click here to contact us today.

ADVANTAGES OF PRE-ENGINEERED STEEL BUILDINGS

Prefabricated Metal buildings are quick from beginning to end.

11. It’s a Quickie

We frequently talk about the fact that Pre-Engineered Metal Buildings are designed to be efficient in every way. This efficiency, pertains to more than just the steel structure itself – The entire building experience from inception to assembly, is quick and efficient in every way.​

When a customer places an order for a metal building system, they can expect to receive stamped engineered drawings in as little as two weeks.  In as few as four more weeks, they can expect to have their steel building arrive by truck to their site. This is a typical time frame – the complexity and size of the project may diminish or extend these times in either direction. Furthermore, once on location, following the simple erection process and understanding the ease of assembly makes the construction time faster too.

The engineering process ensures for quick assembly, as all components for the steel building arrive on site as a kit. And because the pre-engineered components are easy to assemble, of course it follows that these metal buildings are faster to construct than any comparable conventional or wood structure.

The speed of construction comes from the fact that all prefab steel building parts are organized, available and at the ready, with no welding and only minor cutting to do on-site. This coupled with the simplicity of the pre-engineered building with its limited number of standardized components, allows for quick and easy assembly by construction crews.

Less time spent erecting, equates to diminished construction costs and a faster occupancy.

Our EasyBuild Model is built for an even quicker turn-around time and is available for projects with widths up to 35’.  The EasyBuild is simpler to design, engineer, to manufacture and to construct – But it is still all-steel, durable strong and dependable.

Specifically made with our do-it-yourself customers in mind, Norsteel’s EasyBuild steel building kit can be erected easily, with little to no special machinery, in just a week or two. Imagine going from discussing your new garage or pool house, to sitting or working inside of it, within only a few weeks’ time.

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Today’s Pre-engineered steel buildings are arguably the fastest mode of construction.

Each prefab steel building component is designed and made specifically for your metal building. Each component is designed and manufactured to match perfectly with the others. Each piece is labelled and easy to identify, and each piece is cross-referenced on the assembly drawings. This means that your prefab steel building – regardless of size, will arrive as a perfect kit, and each piece will fit together precisely. And because each component is detailed and specifically made for each particular steel structure, it follows that erecting the building is also quick and easy.

​In fact, every stage is faster when you purchase a pre-engineered metal building system – engineering, fabrication and construction – making them the quickest solution for durable, valuable covered space.

The entire process from design to engineering to erection, all within a few months’ time.

Contact Us Today!

When you buy a building from Norsteel, we become your partner throughout the construction process. We work with you, or with your general contractor, to ensure that all your steel building requirements are met. Your project is our project, and we’ll be with you the whole way through.

For more information on specific metal building applications, click here to learn more about our line of products. If you have any questions or comments, click here to contact us today.

ADVANTAGES OF PRE-ENGINEERED STEEL BUILDINGS

Pre-engineered Metal buildings are an uncomplicated, simple construction.

10. Easy-Up

Regardless of building size, Metal Buildings are made from a limited number of standard components. These components are engineered to exact specifications, loads and codes, and shipped together to the job site.

For smaller projects with widths up to 35’, our EasyBuild is even simpler to construct. Specifically made with our do-it-yourself customers in mind, Norsteel’s EasyBuild steel building kit can be erected easily, with little to no special machinery, in just a week or two

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The entire Pre-engineered metal building process can be accomplished simply and efficiently.  The ease of construction comes from the fact that all building parts are organized, available and at the ready, with no welding and only minor cutting to do on-site. This coupled with the simplicity of the pre-engineered building with its limited number of standardized components, allows for quick and easy assembly.

The uncomplicated and easy construction associated with steel building systems means that less time is spent erecting your building. And that means diminished construction costs and a faster occupancy – two things that all customers appreciate.

Contact Us Today!

When you buy a building from Norsteel, we become your partner throughout the construction process. We work with you, or with your general contractor, to ensure that all your building requirements are met. Your project is our project, and we’ll be with you the whole way through.

For more information on specific building applications, click here to learn more about our line of products. If you have any questions or comments, click here to contact us today.

ADVANTAGES OF PRE-ENGINEERED STEEL BUILDINGS

When you choose a Pre-engineered Metal Building solution, the entire building envelope becomes the responsibility of one source.

9. One “Go-To”

The fact that one single supplier is responsible for the entire steel building envelope is one of main benefits of choosing a Pre-Engineered Metal building system. The building owner, or the construction manager, does not have to keep track of many different suppliers or worry about one of them failing in the middle of construction. Busy small building owners especially appreciate the convenience of dealing with one entity as a resource for information and support during the construction phase. This convenience is a major selling point of prefabricated steel building systems.

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When you choose a Pre-engineered Metal Building solution, the entire building envelope becomes the responsibility of one source.

So be sure that you are confident and comfortable with the company that you choose as your prefabricated metal building supplier. Do your research. Ask for referrals. Make sure that you are entrusting your steel building project to a company that is responsible and accountable for their products and who stands by their guarantees.

At Norsteel, your personal Building Consultant will learn as much about your project as possible –inside and outside. He or she will become part of your team, supporting you from the beginning design phase, until your building is up and occupied. That is one main reason that customers feel confident entrusting their steel building projects to us – Our service doesn’t end until your project is complete.

Contact Us Today!

When you buy a building from Norsteel, we become your partner throughout the construction process. We work with you, or with your general contractor, to ensure that all your metal building requirements are met. Your project is our project, and we’ll be with you the whole way through.

For more information on specific steel building applications, click here to learn more about our line of products. If you have any questions or comments, click here to contact us today.

ADVANTAGES OF PRE-ENGINEERED STEEL BUILDINGS

Pre-engineered Metal Buildings are compatible with several insulation options which increase thermal efficiency and decrease sound.

8. Heat it up or Cool it down

Metal Building providers have developed several insulation systems that are ideal solutions for heating and cooling prefab steel buildings, and serve to increase thermal efficiency. Another feature of insulation is that it is frequently used to dampen noise and reduce sound.

Another type of insulation system used in prefab steel buildings involves the use of insulated metal panel systems. These sandwich panels are fabricated to consist of 2 metal panels with insulation in between them. Available in several R-values, metal insulated panels are frequently used for cold storage; medical facilities and marijuana grow-ops.

And because they can be fabricated using several different aesthetically pleasing panels, these sandwich panels are also used for prefab metal office buildings, restaurants and retail outlets.

Metal Building systems are also compatible with Rock-wool, commonly known as Roxul. Fire and Sound Proof, this rock-based mineral fiber insulation is used for several metal building commercial applications, for example, where office areas must be safely separated from factory work space.

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Today’s Pre-engineered steel buildings are energy efficient by design, engineering and construction. They are used for a multitude of unlimited purposes. This dictates that every prefab metal building system has individual requirements in terms of insulation. Pre-engineered metal buildings are compatible with several insulation options. All of these increase thermal efficiency and provide sound resistance.

Whether you are only interested in accounting for condensation, or whether you are heating a retail outlet or restaurant; it is important to discuss your heating and cooling requirements with your Norsteel Building consultant so that you can explore all the options available to you.

Contact Us Today!

When you buy a building from Norsteel, we become your partner throughout the construction process. We work with you, or with your general contractor, to ensure that all your steel building requirements are met. Your project is our project, and we’ll be with you the whole way through.

For more information on specific steel building applications, click here to learn more about our line of products. If you have any questions or comments, click here to contact us today.