An Answer to Critics of Steel Buildings

The “old” style of manufacturing and assembly of pre-engineered steel and/or metal buildings resulted in a lackluster structure that was easily The steel building industry is not without its nay Sayers, a few internal, some from the private sector, and a number from the conventional or traditional building construction arena. This article will fully answer the three main criticisms of utilizing steel building construction.

One negative assertion about steel buildings is that the manufacturer selected may not be engineering or fabricating the structure in concordance with the local codes where the building will be shipped. The assertion goes along the lines of a manufacturer clear across the country not being aware of building codes for a specific county or township to which the building is to be shipped. In reality, this may be true in only isolated circumstances. For the most part, however, most major players in the steel building industry have a very good working knowledge of national and local building codes and have engineers and staff on hand who are acquainted with specific locations nationwide that may be problematic. These locations may have unusually high wind or snow loads or unique strictures imposed by local government. To address these issues it is imperative that all through the steel building purchase communication between the purchaser and the manufacturer or their agent be at the highest level. To make sure that codes are adhered to it is the buyer's responsibility to make sure that the building they purchase is contractually specific to the minimum loading that their local authorities require. Substandard loading is an avoidable error. Most quality steel building manufacturers can produce buildings to withstand even the toughest weather conditions that are prevalent in any given location.

Another argument against steel buildings is their supposed inability to adapt to new loading requirements once they are built. Most conversions can take place after the fact but it will cost more money. This argument is made, for example, when roof loading is inadequate for additional HVAC installation or a crane needs to be installed in the interior ceiling well after the project has been completed. The foresight and thoroughness with which the initial planning for the building is done is the answer to this problem. Steel building purchasers should be as aware of the initial use of the building as well as any anticipated additions or changes contemplated for the future. This means a structure should be designed to meet all of the requirements for the serviceable life of the building as is possible, not just the first few months of occupancy.

The final criticism questions the variances in construction quality from manufacturer to manufacturer. It is true that no two are alike. Most reputable steel building manufacturers promote high quality standards and belong to trade associations to keep up with technology. The few "maverick" companies that manufacture substandard metal buildings will indeed use inadequate procedures and questionable quality parts. Superior building manufacturers can easily be recognized by prudent steel building shoppers when they compare the specifications and services of competing companies. They must decide for themselves at what level of performance, quality, and expenditure that they are most comfortable with before making the purchase.