Key Factors in Good Metal Building Design

  • Metal building roofs are best undisturbed. While roof top HVAC units can be installed on the metal building roof, service people access can break down the roof seal leading to roof leak issues. Consider ground mounted equipment if possible.
  • Metal building roof have minimum slopes to allow proper drainage. These minimum slopes should be considered in development of the overall building height.
  • Consider metal building columns in the floor plan design. Metal buildings have bays of framing usually at 20′ or 25′ spacings along the length of the building. The columns are usually tapered and typically inside the wall framing for the building.
  • Metal building suppliers can provide complete design and construction drawings for the metal building but typically do not provide engineering or design for the building foundation and concrete slab. You will need to engage a structural engineer for this design work.
  • Metal buildings are typically designed to only assume loading from the metal panel roof and walls. If you are planning concrete block or other exterior finish material be sure to coordinate this with the manufacture for engineering consideration.
  • Metal buildings have certain requirements to assure low cost construction. Metal buildings have engineering requirements and variation to these standards, while available, can add significantly to the building costs. Most metal building suppliers will assure that most anything can be done but costs and fabrication delays can be very cost prohibitive. It is advised that you consider communication with your architect and proposed building supplier before getting too far into a projects development.

Posted: May 22, 2009 | Category: Metal Building Construction | Retail Store Design