Four Common Questions About Prefab Metal Building Kits
Eagle National Steel is a full-service steel provider. Naturally, we provide prefab metal building kits, as well. We get lots of questions about these building kits, so we've decided to answer four of the most common ones here! Of course, if you still have questions, we'd be glad to talk to you and help you figure out exactly what you need to make your next project truly amazing.
4. What Is a Weld-Up Steel Building?
A weld-up prefab steel building is a true DIY project (though, in this case, the "Y" should probably include several others). You'll get all the parts you need to make a prefab building with this type of kit, including the wall sheeting, the roof panels, the steel frame, and more. But, it will require a fair amount of work on the jobsite. This is because the steel arrives uncut and unwelded. You'll need to measure, cut, and punch the steel, as well as weld the pieces together (hence the name). The prefab nature of these buildings still makes construction easier, but you'll likely need a contractor and a crew to erect the building.
As far as up-front costs go, weld-up buildings tend to be cheaper than other prefab options. However, the extra work needed at the jobsite may raise your overall budget a bit. In addition, delivery time is often faster with weld-up buildings, since the fabrication department doesn't have to cut and weld everything to spec.
3. Is a Bolt-Up Building a Better Choice?
A bolt-up prefab building is a faster, easier way to get the structure you need. Like weld-up kits, you'll get all the components you need to make a building. But unlike weld-up kits, the components in a bolt-up prefab kit will arrive cut to the right dimensions, with pre-punched holes for the bolts. In addition, any necessary welding will already be completed. All you have to do is bolt the pieces together to create a sturdy structure! The speed and ease of construction make this type of building a popular choice among many. By eliminating the need for on-site cutting and welding, bolt-up buildings make the entire build less time-intensive.
In fact, if you're building something like a shed or a small carport, it's entirely possible to put together a bolt-up building yourself or with a few buddies. However, we recommend always talking to a contractor first. This is especially important if you're building a larger steel building like a self-storage space or a residential building. In cases like these, it may still be better to have a contractor and crew take care of the construction.
Bolt-up prefab steel buildings can be used for a wide variety of purposes. As you've seen above, you can make anything from a small shed to a residential building, and beyond. Single-story and multi-story buildings are both possible with bolt-up kits. It's not uncommon to find office buildings and airplane hangers made from bolt-up steel kits!
2. How Customizable Are Prefab Steel Buildings?
The term "prefab" may suggest a rigid, unchangeable design, but that's not the case. Come in and take a look through some of the kits we offer and you'll find that there's a huge variety of options. In addition to choosing the size and style of prefab building, you'll get a choice of colors, steel profiles, and Solar Reflectivity levels. There are also plenty of accessories, including roof jacks, insulation, sliding doors, and much more. You can choose a standard option or change things around as much as you'd like.
But that's not where the customization ends. While Eagle National Steel offers complete bolt-up and weld-up prefab building kits, we can also sell individual components. This can come in handy in a number of ways. If you want to make adjustments to a current prefab building, or if you need to make repairs, these components are perfect for the job. In fact, if you want to make your own building completely from scratch, you'll find that we have the structural steel, roofing, purlins, and other building components you'll need. If you bring us the drawings for your custom building, our fabrication department can cut all the pieces you need exactly to spec. Our engineer will also look through and make sure that everything is exactly as it needs to be, so that you can get building without problems.
1. Why Choose Steel as a Material for My Building?
Whether you go with a bolt-up kit, a weld-up kit, or your own design, there's one thing that remains constant: steel is a magnificent choice for your project. Sure, there are prefab wooden buildings, with pre-built frames that are easy to assemble. However, you'll find that steel has definite advantages for residential and non-residential construction alike.
Steel is a lower-maintenance material than wood. It's durable enough to stand up to rough weather, and it's not susceptible to termites and other pests. Its durability and greater resistance to fire makes it a great choice for a variety of buildings.
The benefits of steel go beyond simple utility by giving you many more options when it comes to the design of your building, thanks to its malleability, precision, and strength. In addition, steel is 100% recyclable. That means that raw materials can be conserved, as nothing is lost when steel is recycled.
