ACE Metal Buildings Blog

Whether you’re an individual, a business, or an organization, making the decision to purchase a metal building for residential or commercial use can seem like the easy part of the purchasing process.  This is because once the decision to purchase a metal building is made, you may not know where to begin your research on metal buildings.  Or, you may have begun your research only to find you’re overwhelmed by the sheer volume of metal buildings information on the internet alone.

However, a great way to research metal buildings and find the one that is right for you is to look online.  Using the internet to investigate the myriad of metal buildings on the market and their prices can save you time and money in the long run and give you a quick, in-depth education on metal buildings in the short term.  Another advantage to surfing the net for information and pricing on metal buildings is that online stores usually offer you the ability to price your metal building before purchase without the pressure of a sales pitch.  You simply find what you’re looking for and then find out the price.  Nice, simple, and quick.

Let’s take a look at three steps to getting you started on your online metal buildings search and purchase:

Step One: Start Googling.  Whether you use Yahoo, Google, or MSN, conducting an online search for “metal buildings” will uncover an array of metal building manufacturers.  Begin looking through each site, noticing pictures of the metal buildings each company produces.  Also decide whether you’ll be purchasing a pre-fabricated metal building or have one designed to meet your specifications. 

Step Two: Choosing Metal Building Components.  Once you’ve found a design you like, you will need to determine what components you must have to finish your design.  Components are such things as windows, doors, insulation, door frames, etc.  It is important when researching metal buildings that you find a manufacturer offering all possible components necessary to complete your metal building and give it the look you want.

Step Three: Pricing and Estimates.  Some metal building manufacturers will list prices online, others may not.  Pricing metal buildings online can give you an idea of your final cost but it’s also important to choose a company which offers customer service via email and/or phone to finalize that price.  Talking to a professional will help you with all your questions and make sure you’ve purchased everything you will need for your new metal building.  A metal buildings expert will also be able to give you a firm quote on your whole project instead of the ballpark number you may have from your online research.

Once you’ve followed these three steps in your research of metal buildings, you will discover you now have all the knowledge you need to make a solid metal buildings purchase.  You will also have found a professional, customer service oriented metal buildings supplier to work with; someone to make your metal buildings purchase a painless and stress-free experience. 

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Most Americans will never forget the name Katrina.  During the last few years, this memorable hurricane, and a few others, devastated much of the Gulf Coast and left thousands of people homeless in their wake.  Unfortunately, many weather forecasters agree that the ferocity of tropical storms and weather patterns in general are taking a turn for the worse.

For this reason, metal buildings are coming to the forefront of the construction scene as structures that are likely to withstand hurricane-force winds as well as other examples of extreme weather.  Quality prefabricated metal buildings, built to specification at a manufacturer and delivered to the construction site ready-to-assemble, have been proven to stand up to 130 mph winds.  In addition, most prefabricated metal buildings can be erected on pilings that will add to the security of a structure in flooding situations.

This is great news in tropical regions such as the Gulf States and the states on the southeastern seaboard.  But the strength and stability of metal buildings also make them perfect candidates for areas that receive significant snowfall and debilitating ice storms.  The presence of I-Beam construction in addition to metal roofing adds a great deal of support to metal buildings that frequently carry large amounts of snow and ice.  These metal roofs and the metal buildings that support them can hold up to much more weight per square foot than a traditional wood-framed building and shingled roof.  In addition, metal roofing allows for the structure to shed snow faster than a shingled roof and helps maintain the structural integrity of the entire building.

Metal buildings that are covered with metal roofs are also virtually indestructible when faced with wind-driven rains and hail storms – and in tornado-prone areas, quality metal roofing materials on metal buildings have been rated to withstand 120 mph winds which are equivalent to an F2 tornado.   In the regions of the country that are often subject to wildfires, particularly the southwest, metal buildings are an ideal choice for their non-flammable qualities and resistance to extreme heat.

All around the country and the world, weather conditions often exist that can in turn place great stress on traditional forms of construction.  Metal buildings, however, are a durable alternative to these traditional methods.  No matter where metal buildings are erected, chances are they will be able to withstand whatever extreme weather that Mother Nature throws at them – keeping your investment safe and sound.

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Now consider the cost-effectiveness of ordering a prefabricated metal building from a respected manufacturer such as ACE Metal Buildings.  Instead of spending valuable time hunting for the perfect existing structure, a metal buildings manufacturer like ACE can assist you in the design process and insure that you are covering all of your bases when it comes to the future growth of your business. 

When leasing a metal building, you very likely will end up with a space that is too small – or too big.  But when it comes to custom-ordered, prefabricated metal buildings, the exterior structure and interior walls will be individualized for the needs of your business.  A decision to lease may also exclude your business from certain tax benefits that property owners can claim.

Of course, finding a manufacturer that works with you through the entire process is essential.  An experienced metal buildings manufacturer will be able to offer years of experience and insure that you will end up with a building that is efficient and useful for the life of your business.  And the best part is – you’ll be building equity in your property instead of lining the landlord’s pockets!

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Starting up or relocating a business can often be a time-consuming, arduous process.  Just as when a home is purchased, a business owner must weigh several different options – where will the business be located?  What size building will the company require, both now and in the future?  And, arguably the most important consideration – what kind of structure will the budget allow?

Metal buildings certainly make a perfect choice when it comes to location, these structures can be constructed hassle-free practically anywhere.  Metal buildings also allow for large interior spaces that are flexible and expandable, making future growth a painless process.  Of course, metal buildings also fit the bill when it comes to budget with lower labor costs, shorter construction timeline and even lower energy costs.

But once the decision to take advantage of the attributes of metal buildings has been made by a business, the next question is bound to arise – should the space be leased, or should it be custom built from the ground up?

Many businesses, especially brand new ones with little capital to divert into construction might decide that leasing a building is the way to go.  It is important to realize, however, that few existing metal buildings will have a pre-existing ideal interior layout for another business.  Be sure to factor in costs such as remodeling the interior, and possibly even aspects of the exterior, to suit the needs of the company.  Of course, the biggest “con” to leasing metal building is that at the end of the lease, you will own absolutely nothing.

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With the advent of the “green” era, environmentally-safe products are rapidly gaining popularity.  These products are safe for the environment and are, many times, cost effective as well.  And, not only are the popular with builders but individuals as well.  Let’s look at one such environmentally-friendly product, metal.

Long Life Span/Little Maintenance

Metal buildings are one of the many metal products that offer an ecologically sound alternative to such things as wood fixtures.  With its ability to withstand the burnt of Mother Nature as well as fire, metal has a longer life span than many other materials thus cutting down on waste.  Metal also requires very little maintenance.  When used in metal buildings, this material’s life span and low maintenance can mean untold savings in both time and money. 

No Waste

With metal buildings, all material is used.  There is simply no waste involved in cutting metal buildings.  Unlike wood buildings which involve the destruction of trees and a large amount of excess material which cannot be recycled, metal buildings are usually one hundred percent recyclable. 

Energy Efficient

Another environmentally-friendly aspect of metal and metal buildings is their energy efficiency. Metal roofs alone can save a metal building owner as much as forty percent in cooling costs during the summer. The reason for this is that metal buildings, specifically metal roofs, reflect heat instead of absorbing it like most traditional materials do. 

Higher Resale Value

Whether it’s a residential or commercial building, metal buildings tend to have a higher resale value due to their environmentally-friendly attributes including durability, recyclability, and energy efficiency.  Metal buildings can last for years and provide an outstanding return on investment. With all the pluses of using metal, you may think the cost to erect a metal building is exorbitant.  Not true.  Erecting a metal building is often times less expensive than constructing a wood structure.  So, not only will you receive a savings from your initial purchase but, coupled with the savings you receive long-term from using metal, constructing a metal building will be the obvious choice.   

Whether being “green” is important or not to you personally, it is seen by many as the wave of the future.  Metal buildings are, by their very nature, the choice for those searching for environmentally-friendly alternatives to the standard wood building.  And, because of their green benefits, you’ll find metal buildings the popular choice for most.

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Why should you consider metal buildings over wood constructions – consider more reasons below:

Metal buildings can be erected in half the time it takes to construct a wood-framed building.  Because the buildings come pre-fabricated, there is little else to do once the pieces arrive but put them together – saving time as well as labor costs.

Consider the lifespan of metal vs. wood.  Metal buildings have been shown to last 20+ years with little to no maintenance.  In a wood framed building, maintenance or repairs are usually needed within 8-10 years of construction.

Consider the weather.  Metal buildings are hail and heat resistant.  They can be engineered to handle appropriate snow loads depending on the area, and can withstand winds up to 130 mph.  Given the recent bout of hurricanes and tornadic activity throughout much of the United States, this is a fact that should not be ignored.

Think Green.  Not only can metal buildings be significantly energy efficient, they also help the earth because they contain recycled material.  At the end of their lifespan, these same metal buildings can be up to 95% recyclable – and that’s good news for everyone.

When you are deciding to purchase a pre-fabricated metal structure or erecting a wood-framed building, carefully weigh the facts.  Metal buildings continue to show themselves to be the most cost-effective, energy and time efficient choice.

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Metal buildings gained popularity in the early 20^th century as mostly agricultural structures – a dream to farmers who longed for insect and fire-proof storage for animals and equipment.

In the 1940s, technology was developed that allowed for a 40 foot span – but by the end of the 50s, advanced research allowed for metal buildings to cover 100 foot spans of open space with no columns.

It wasn’t until the 1960s, however, that the metal buildings industry sprang to life with the introduction of pre-fabricated metal buildings.  The appeal of these structures – which were easier to build, reduced labor costs and required little maintenance – is still in evidence today.

If you are shopping metal buildings, here are a few “pros” to consider when weighing this form of construction against typical wood construction.

Metal buildings are fireproof and insect proof.  Like the farmers in the early days, the ability to withstand fire damage as well as termites is a huge selling point for metal structures.

Price of steel vs. price of wood – no contest!  While the difference in savings between wood and metal may not seem significant – consider the long term.  Metal has been proven to last longer and require little maintenance or repair compared to wood framed buildings. 

Coming soon … Why Metal Buildings are Better than Wood Buildings – Part II

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Many of the cost savings that occur when metal buildings are constructed are a direct result of the quality of the material that comprises the roof.  At Ace Metal Buildings, the distributor of choice when it comes to metal roofing is Galvalume.

In production since 1972, with over 20 million tons of product produced in the United States alone, Galvalume has proven itself to be a long lasting alternative to traditional roofing materials or galvanized sheet roofing.  A 55% Aluminum/Zinc alloy, these coated sheet steel roofs require minimal maintenance and are available for both residential and non-residential metal buildings as well as non-metal structures.

Metal roofing in general is an energy efficient and environment-friendly solution when it comes to covering metal buildings.  Most metal roofs consist of some recycled material and at the end of its life, the metal material can be up to 95% recyclable.  These metal roofs can also be retrofit over the existing roofs (both metal and non-metal roofs) of most metal buildings.  The ability to retrofit over an existing roof is a great benefit to users of metal buildings, since disruption of activity is minimal when the original roof does not need to be removed.  Another important aspect of a retrofit roof is the reduction in landfill waste due to the avoidance of a tear down.

Using common fiberglass roll insulation, in either a retrofit or a new roof installation, energy costs can be minimized.  The roof itself experiences far less stress from thermal expansion and contraction, giving it a longer life expectancy.

Galvalume roofing, available through Ace Metal Buildings is available in many attractive colors that are especially appealing to residential sectors.  These colorful alternatives to traditional steel colors generally come with a 30 year warranty and require little maintenance.

The cost-saving factor of installing metal roofing on metal buildings often occurs over the long-term.  While most traditional roofing materials require major repairs or maintenance within an eight to ten year period, recent research and studies of Galvalume roofs provide much better news.  When analyzing 82 roofs, researchers found that the Galvalume roofs (up to 22 years old) were in excellent condition and were expected to last a total of 30-40 years before needing any major maintenance requirements.

The cost savings from energy efficiency, the ability to retrofit and the low maintenance required make metal roofing the right choice – and the perfect finishing touch – for metal buildings. 

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The market for metal buildings is booming, with structures going up all over the country that are being used for a myriad of purposes.  Many of these prefabricated buildings are ready made for the do-it-yourselfer – but for bigger, complex or time-consuming projects, many owners of metal buildings seek a contractor to facilitate the bulk of the work.

As with any type of construction, it is important to cover all of your bases when you search for and hire a contractor.  To insure quality on the job and good time management, a good, trustworthy contractor is a must.  But where do you start?

Remember to consider these issues and ask these questions during interviews with potential contractors:

What is their experience?  Ask how long the company has been in business, and ask for references.  Many contractors who handle the construction of metal buildings will have portfolios of past projects for you to browse.  Don’t forget to ask if you can have the contact information of the client’s featured in the portfolio. 

Do the have the appropriate certifications?  Is the contractor in question insured?  Does he have relevant certifications and/or licenses?  Does he have any professional affiliations to speak of?  What are their standards of safety?  Do they have any OSHA certifications?

Will they research relevant codes and procure the proper permits for the construction site?  Improper or lack of permits can cause a shut-down of the job – finding a contractor who has a working knowledge of the codes and permits in your area can keep the construction process moving at an efficient pace.

What about their staff and subcontractors?  Ask about the workers who will be showing up on the site – how much experience do they have?  If the contractor has offered to find subcontractors for elements such as plumbing or electrical ask if he has worked with them before and can guarantee the quality of their work.

Will they provide a written estimate?  Keeping to a budget is a difficult task on any construction site, but given the relative ease of erecting prefabricated metal buildings, the contractor should be able to give you a good-faith estimate and keep expenditures close to that figure.

Construction of metal buildings is a task that should not be taken lightly.  When hiring a contractor to manage the project, asking relevant questions before you sign the contract helps insure that the process will proceed with few problems.  If you do your homework to find a reliable contractor, the structure will be ready for use in no time.

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Know the building codes. Most metal building manufacturers can help assess which building codes are relevant for each individual state and county, but you may have to do some research yourself. Be sure that you obtain the necessary permits to avoid a delay in construction.

Don’t be afraid to ask. The metal building manufacturer that you choose should offer customer support during construction. A comprehensive manual should be provided that will guide you every step of the way. Any questions should be addressed either directly from the company or within the instruction manual.

Be prepared. To insure a speedy construction timeline, prepare the property before the materials arrive. This includes clearing any foliage, leveling the land if necessary and procuring an appropriate foundation.

Line up the help that you need. Whether you are asking friends or skilled laborers who have experience erecting metal buildings, make sure that assistance is in place so that the job will proceed efficiently. Make sure to interview and schedule subcontractors if necessary for extras like electrical or plumbing work.

Metal buildings provide a cost-effective alternative to traditional construction. For dedicated DIY-ers, the potential to save on contractor costs is even greater. With preplanning, patience and an eye for detail, anyone can become their own metal building contractor.

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