Pre-Engineered, Steel-Framed Metal Building Systems: Industry Terms, Part 2

By Shawn Zuver, editorial/content director

In my last column, I started a review of some of the many terms used in metal construction which go by multiple names. We looked at some of the interchangeable words and phrases that are used by contractors, architects, product suppliers and building owners to describe products that are commonly used in our industry.

My goal isn't to force us into using one "proper" term, because that's frankly something that's never going to happen. Instead, I'm just trying to point out and define some of those common terms that you're likely to find on DesignandBuildwithMetal.com. My previous column focused on roofing terms, while this one will cover buildings, walls and other topics.

ACM: Aluminum Composite Material (ACM) is a Smooth Faced aluminum material that is a popular choice for architectural wall panel applications. Through efforts of some companies who supply ACM and fabricate panels from the material, many people now refer to ACM as MCM—Metal Composite Material.

Butler Building: Butler Manufacturing Company has a worldwide reputation for its metal building systems, so much so that it is frequently used as a generic reference to metal buildings. I’ve heard this countless times through the years, from those outside of the metal construction industry and also from metal building contractors with decades of experience. Like Band-Aid, which is a specific brand of adhesive bandages, Butler is a specific brand of buildings.

Gage, Gauge or Guage: There are a few different variations of Gage, the measurement commonly used to quantify material thickness (though I’m not 100% sure that Guage isn’t just a misspelling). A trusted industry veteran recently explained to me that Gage refers to the measurement, while Gauge is the tool used to do the measuring. We don’t get too picky about which version is used on DesignandBuildwithMetal.com. And, yes, there are many who would prefer to have material thickness identified in a decimal/inches format.

Galvalume®: A proprietary 55% aluminum - 45% zinc alloy coating used on sheet steel to protect against corrosion, Galvalume® also goes by the ZINCALUME®, Galval and Zintro-Alum names because of its licensing agreements.

Light-Gauge Steel Framing: Through the guidance of groups like the Steel Framing Alliance and its members, among others, light-gauge steel framing is now likely to be referred to as Cold-Formed Steel Framing. While “light” is a subjective measurement, the fact that the material can be cold-formed into its shapes (cees, hat sections, etc.) is a bit more definitive. You’re sure to find both terms used, though the movement is toward Cold-Formed Steel Framing.

Pre-Engineered Metal Building: Steel-Framed Building, Steel Building, Metal Building and Metal Building System are all terms that are used somewhat interchangeably. Pre-Engineered refers specifically to buildings that have been packaged by the manufacturer/supplier as opposed to Custom-Engineered buildings that are designed to meet specific project needs. Many people use the term Pre-Engineered for all metal buildings, along with its abbreviated form of PEBS. While we’re likely to use metal building or metal building system, we can’t find fault with any of these.

Pole Barn: This is a term that makes many people in the post-frame building industry cringe, despite being an endearing phrase to others, because it pigeon-holes post-frame construction into the image of being used exclusively for farm buildings.

Quonset: Made famous for their use as military structures, including barracks, Quonset is a specific brand. There is a tendency to refer to any arch-type, metal-clad structure as Quonset buildings (or Quonset Huts). Quonset™ is a trademark brand of VP Buildings, a BlueScope Steel company.

Sandwich Panels: Insulated Metal Panels, consisting of a form core that is injected between two metal panels. We use both terms, as do most people in the industry, as well as the combined phrase of Insulated Metal Sandwich Panels.

Tin Shed: This reminds me of an 8’ x 10’ structure in your backyard that holds the lawn mower and shovels, but some people use this slang term to describe metal building systems. If you take a look at the case studies in our Project Type Gallery, I’m sure you’ll agree that this one is very far off base.

You can find in-depth information on these and many other industry topics in our Technical Articles section. And if you’d like to see my previous column on Metal Roofing Terms, click here.

Shawn Zuver is editorial/content director for DesignandBuildwithMetal.com. He has been covering the metal construction industry, including residential and non-residential construction, since 1985. To contact Shawn, call (419) 581-2051 or email shawnz@designandbuildwithmetal.com.

To see other columns by Shawn or other columnists, click here.