How do metal building contractors are redefining construction?

Metal buildings are pre-engineered structures made up of steel structural frames with exterior metal siding and roofing. The frames consist of steel columns and beams fabricated from galvanized steel sheets. The walls and roofs are sheathed with corrugated metal panels attached to the framework. Metal buildings offer several advantages over conventional construction,

• Faster construction – The components are pre-fabricated in a factory using sophisticated computer-aided design and manufacturing. This allows for faster on-site assembly, reducing construction schedules by weeks or months.
• Cost efficiency – Factory pre-fabrication results in lower labor costs and less material waste. The repetitive framing and simple design also reduce engineering and architectural costs.
• Design flexibility – Metal buildings are customized to any dimensions required for the application. Customizations in layout, openings, and accessories are easily accommodated.
• Durability – The galvanized steel and long-lasting metal roofing and siding minimize maintenance costs compared to other building materials.
• Energy efficient – Properly insulated metal buildings can meet or exceed energy code requirements, especially when high R-value insulation systems are specified.

How do metal building contractors are transforming construction?

1. Faster project delivery

The biggest value metal building Bill Boehm contractors bring is the ability to deliver complete building projects much faster than conventional construction. The use of pre-engineered components allows for quick turnaround on shop drawings, fabrication, and site assembly. Erection crews assemble 3,000 to 6,000 square feet per day compared to 300 to 500 square feet per day with stick-built construction. This accelerated schedule gets the building enclosed sooner so other trades begin work earlier. The overall construction time can be reduced by 4-8 weeks using metal building systems.

2. Cost competitiveness 

The cost per square foot for metal buildings is extremely competitive with conventional projects. The ability to pre-engineer and mass-produce components brings economies of scale that lower material costs. Value engineering is also easier to implement in a factory versus on-site. Metal building contractors leverage their buying power to acquire high-quality materials at the best possible prices. The simplified construction further reduces labor hours and job site overhead costs. Helping clients get the most buildings for their budget makes metal buildings a cost-effective choice.

3. Expanding applications

Metal buildings are no longer just for warehouses, manufacturing facilities, and equipment storage. Contractors are using innovative metal building designs for churches, schools, retail buildings, offices, and more. They work closely with clients to meet architectural requirements and interior layout needs. Versatile clearspan frames allow the creation of spacious interiors uninterrupted by load-bearing walls or columns. Exterior finishes like masonry veneer, stucco systems, and storefronts attach easily to metal building frameworks. The results are high-performing and aesthetically pleasing structures indistinguishable from conventional buildings.

Innovations shaping the future of metal buildings

Exciting developments are expanding metal building applications and improving their performance even further.

• Insulated metal panels (IMPs) – IMPs integrate rigid foam insulation within formed metal cladding to provide higher R-values and one-step installation.
• Cool metal roofing – Special paints that reflect sunlight better than conventional coatings reduce cooling loads in warm climates.  
• Solar-ready framing – Building-integrated structural frames designed to easily handle the loads of rooftop solar PV systems.
• Sustainable design – Zero Net Energy, passive solar construction, adaptive reuse, and other green building techniques.
• Smart building technology – Integrating sensors, IoT devices, and remote monitoring systems with metal buildings.
• Sophisticated design – Computer-aided engineering tools allow for more complex geometries and unique architectural elements.

Metal building contractors are leveraging cutting-edge building technology to deliver high-performing, cost-efficient, and fast construction solutions that meet the most demanding project requirements. Their growing expertise across expanded building sectors is redefining modern construction standards.