Identifying The Biggest Strengths Of Metal Buildings
By Shawn Zuver, editorial/content director
What is the biggest advantage of using metal building systems?
This is a question that I’ve heard literally hundreds of times since I started covering the metal construction industry in 1985. Sometimes it’s asked by building owners, other times by contractors and it’s a pretty frequent question from architects.
There are countless possible answers, but here are some of the advantages that I typically point out.
Design flexibility. I’ve seen some amazing things done with metal building systems: kiosks, homes, self-storage, all types of retail uses, offices, government building, aircraft hangars. It’s difficult to think of any building type that hasn’t used a metal building system at one time or another, many with distinctive appearances that couldn’t have been created with other construction methods.
Expansion capability. I used to be surprised by the number of buildings that were expanded with metal systems; now it’s commonplace. Most architects and metal building contractors begin their consultations with potential customers by questioning their future growth potential, so they can prepare their drawings with future expansion in mind. Metal building systems are a perfect choice when a building owner expects growth. And don’t they all expect growth?
Speed of construction. The metal building systems industry prides itself on quick turnaround. Building manufacturers love to tell stories of the special project that shipped from their plant in record time, while the best metal building contractors thrive on challenging production schedules that allow an owner to turn the key for a tight deadline.
Cost. Because of the efficiencies of systems construction methods, like speed of construction and life-cycle costs of metal roofing if it is used, there are typically cost advantages to using metal building systems. Depending on other construction methods that are being considered, the cost benefit can be very significant.
Structural integrity. When properly designed, engineered and constructed, metal building systems have shown impressive structural integrity in extreme situations like earthquakes and hurricanes. The industry continues to conduct research, from steelmaking through manufacturing processes and construction techniques, to ensure the integrity of the completed projects.
Environmental friendliness. Increasingly-important considerations in almost every phase of our everyday life, environmental issues are no stranger to metal building systems. The steel used for building framing is recyclable, as are the steel, aluminum and other metals used for roofing, walls, gutters and other building products. The potential for energy efficiency is yet another way that metal buildings are Earth friendly.
Add all of these benefits together, and they make up a persuasive case for using metal building systems…and these are only a handful of benefits that metal building systems can offer. When you’re considering your next project—whether you’re an architect, builder or building owner/developer—a metal building system may be just what you’re looking for.
An excellent resource for additional information is the Metal Building Manufacturers Association. You can visit their website at www.mbma.com.
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.
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