Choosing the Right Building: A Guide to Comparing Different Options

 

With metal building kits becoming more popular, you might wonder if you should consider using them. After all, given the significant investment you’re making in your building project, you need to choose a construction method that delivers optimal value, durability, and efficiency.

 

Metal building kits provide a cost-effective and versatile construction solution that meets the requirements of various customers. They come in many types and sizes and can even be customized to meet specific requirements. But if you’re new to this construction technology, the options can quickly become overwhelming. How do you choose the most suitable structure for your application?

 

At Armstrong Steel, we will work closely with you to ensure you choose the right building that suits your needs. After all, a metal building kit (whether for personal or business use) is a big purchase. We’ve also put together this guide to help you identify and compare the different steel building kit options available so you can get started on your research.

 

 

Red iron building kits

 

Red iron buildings have been popular metal building kits since the 1950s, and they’re still widely used for today’s commercial facilities that require wide, uninterrupted storage space. These structures are versatile for agriculture, warehouses, equestrian arenas, and industrial factories.

 

Red iron is a durable structural steel coated with iron oxide for rust protection. These long-lasting structures offer versatile spaces suitable for various businesses. Known for their resilience against all weather conditions, red iron buildings are not only durable but also cost-effective to install compared to traditional construction methods. Their sturdy steel I-beams allow for clear-span layouts without interior support columns — instead, the building’s weight is supported by exterior beams, creating open and flexible interior spaces. Red iron metal building kits are also fire- and pest-resistant to keep your assets safe from damage.

 

Commercial-grade galvanized steel buildings

 

Galvanizing is a process that protects steel from rust by applying a zinc coating. Hot-dip galvanizing is the most common method, where steel is submerged in molten zinc to create a durable zinc-iron alloy that offers superior corrosion resistance. Because of these qualities, galvanized steel building kits are ideal for various applications, including agriculture and industry.

 

Commercial-grade galvanized steel is preferred for metal buildings because it offers the longevity and cost-effectiveness customers expect from these structures. Like red iron metal building kits, they are low-maintenance and remain stable for decades, even against harsh weather conditions. Both are much better than traditional wood structures because they do better over time and will serve you for many decades.

 

Tube frame metal buildings

 

Tube-framed metal buildings use hollow metal tubes for their framework. These tubes are typically square but can also be rectangular or round. Unlike traditional metal buildings, they don't have wall girts, so the steel siding is installed horizontally.

One of the biggest advantages of tube-framed metal buildings is their affordability. They are lightweight, so they require less foundation and are relatively easy to assemble, making them a DIY-friendly option. The framing members are typically spaced four feet apart to allow for direct attachment of interior finishes.

 

But before you choose tube-framed metal building kits, make sure your construction area is compatible with them. Heavy snow loads and high winds are their enemies. These buildings often come with low eave heights and 4-foot bays to resist wind loads on the window openings and sidewalls. Moreover, they lack provisions for condensation control and have very high thermal conductivity.

 

 

Web truss buildings

 

Web truss metal buildings are often used as carports. They feature an open web truss where the whole structure depends on the trusses, the triangular steel interconnected in a web. These trusses distribute the weight of the roof to the outer columns, resulting in a sturdy and lightweight building. This also reinforces the metal building’s strength even without beams for internal support.

 

However, the web truss structure isn’t practical for commercial purposes and larger buildings. For these applications, it’s better to use rigid-frame metal building kits.

 

Whether you’re building a carport, garage, or an oversized structure, we offer versatile steel building kits to meet your project’s requirements.

 

 

Pole barns

 

A pole barn offers a fast and inexpensive frame construction for DIY and professional structures. Essentially, it’s a post-frame construction that uses wood poles or metal steel and cross beams to create a sturdy, adaptable, and reliable building. The posts serve as a framing member to anchor the building into the ground, making them crucial to a barn’s foundation.

 

Pole barns offer spacious, open interiors ideal for garages, studios, greenhouses, equipment storage, or even living spaces. Their high ceilings and lack of interior support columns create versatile environments. However, pole barns might not be suitable for complex rooflines or multiple wings. Be sure to consider building height limitations (typically 20 feet) and soil conditions before you build one. Check your local zoning regulations, too.

 

 

Build worry-free structures with Armstrong Steel.

 

You can never go wrong with our metal building kits for any application. Whether you need a basic or a more elaborate design, our in-house experts will ensure it’s designed, fabricated, and delivered on time. Contact us for a quote here or call 1-800-345-4610.