Exploring Metal Buildings: Key Features, Benefits, and Trends in Modern Construction

Whether it’s for personal use or for business purposes, you want to ensure that your building can be constructed quickly and cost-effectively. But the problem is that traditional construction with wood and concrete takes time — you’ll have to wait at least a few months before you can start using the new structure safely. If you need a building ready for use in a matter of weeks, consider a metal building.

At Armstrong Steel, we offer prefabricated metal buildings for any application. We leverage our experience and expertise in steel building construction to deliver high-quality structures that meet your design requirements, no matter your needs or industry. We customize steel structures for commercial, residential, industrial, or recreational use. We are also proud of our experience in crafting metal structures for churches, aviation, equestrian, and agricultural purposes.

Are you wondering why these heavy-use industries choose to build with steel? This blog explores the practicality of metal structures when it comes to speed of construction and long-term durability. Read on as we share the key features and benefits of steel buildings and relevant modern construction trends so you can decide if it’s the right choice for your project.

Key features of metal structures

The following key features have made steel buildings the preferred solution for clients looking for faster and smarter ways to build:

Durability 

Metal structures are pre-engineered according to your exact application. While there are standard sizes and dimensions available, it’s possible to completely customize a structure to meet specific needs, such as unusual dimensions and layouts, specialized features, or specific durability requirements.

At Armstrong Steel, we consider your load-bearing requirements and the area’s building codes to deliver a dependable structure that can stand the test of time and survive the elements. You won’t have to worry about your metal building succumbing to heavy snowfall and high winds. Armstrong Steel Building Systems are known to withstand strong earthquakes, too.

Fast construction times 

A traditional building will take at least a few months before it’s ready and safe to use. In contrast, a prefabricated steel building is very easy and quick to erect. At Armstrong Steel, we provide pre-engineered metal buildings with detailed assembly drawings and anchor bolt patterns. We also supply a step-by-step erection guide to take the guesswork out of assembling and erecting your steel structure.

All connections have pre-punched holes and bolts together to simplify assembly. Plus, all the components of your prefabricated steel structure are already cut and numbered to correspond with the custom drawings provided by our engineers. It’s like assembling a dollhouse or a model kit.

Versatility 

Pre-engineered metal buildings can be made with minimal to no interior columns, giving you a more flexible interior layout that offers more room for any purpose. This creates opportunities to set up dedicated areas for equipment storage, lifts, and spaces where people can work, lounge, or gather comfortably.

Do you need an agricultural building or an aircraft hangar? Steel buildings have spacious interiors that make it possible to install larger sliding, overhead, or sliding doors for moving equipment, vehicles, and machinery with ease.

Fire resistance 

Is your area prone to forest fires? Do you work with flammable substances? Steel buildings don’t ignite and are non-combustible, so you won’t have to worry about fire destroying them. And because steel buildings are less likely to catch fire, they have a lower risk of spreading a fire to nearby structures or properties. This can help protect both your building and the surrounding community.

Clear-span interiors 

Metal structures can be designed with a clear-span layout that makes them suitable for warehousing, storage, aviation, and other applications that require unobstructed interior space. In contrast, traditional wood and concrete buildings often have to rely on several support columns and walls for structural stability, which can create limitations and reduce usable space.

A steel building can eliminate these obstructions to give you a more open and flexible interior. At Armstrong Steel, we can customize clear-span buildings up to 300 feet wide, which is often impossible with traditional construction methods.

Energy efficiency 

Steel frame buildings offer superior insulation capabilities compared to traditional structures, which makes it easier to achieve and maintain optimal indoor temperatures and humidity control more effectively. As a result, you’ll benefit from lower heating and cooling costs. By incorporating light-colored roofing and ensuring reliable sealing, you can further enhance energy efficiency and reduce your carbon footprint.

Benefits of metal structures

Now that you know the key features of steel buildings, let’s explore their benefits and why they are better than traditional construction, especially for commercial and industrial applications.

Long-lasting 

Given their durability, metal structures can outlive wooden structures that can easily be destroyed by nature’s wrath, bugs, and fire. With Armstrong Steel Building Systems, you can invest in a building that will last for decades without the need for costly replacements.

Low-maintenance

In addition to longevity, metal buildings are easier to maintain because they are not prone to rot and termite infestation. Just remember to perform routine checks after storms or earthquakes to verify the structural integrity and address any damage to other construction materials you used to customize your building.

Flexibility 

Your metal building may be pre-engineered, but that doesn’t mean you can’t customize it. At Armstrong Steel, we work closely with our clients to ensure their buildings are customized to their exact length, width, or height requirements. This is particularly important when designing large buildings with uninterrupted interior space. Our clear-span designs are perfect for manufacturing plants and warehouses. Moreover, they are versatile enough to transform into retail establishments or offices.

Customizable aesthetics

One of the best things about pre-engineered steel building systems is they can be customized with almost any construction material. At Armstrong Steel, we design our metal buildings to support all kinds of roof and wall designs. You can personalize your structure by using the material of your choice, such as brick, metal panels, or stucco. You can even customize your building with shingles or CMU.

You never have to worry about your structure looking too industrial. Our design consultants will ensure that your building can accommodate all types of interior and exterior finishes to achieve your desired look. We know this is important to homeowners and businesses who want their building to match their aesthetic requirements and branding or business image.

Easy to expand

Is business booming? You won’t have to spend a lot of time and money renovating to add more rooms or increase the height of your steel building to accommodate your changing requirements. These modular and clear-span framing systems simplify length and width extensions, allowing you to expand the building quickly and cost-effectively. So, you have the option not to buy and erect another steel building and just expand what you already have.

Reduced labor costs 

Since your metal building is pre-engineered, every component is designed to fit seamlessly to reduce assembly time and labor costs. At Armstrong Steel, we supply steel buildings with pre-punched connections, detailed assembly drawings, and numbered components to streamline erection. All these features help our customers save money and time — whether it’s their first time building or adding to their property.

No waste 

Armstrong Steel is committed to minimizing waste. By designing your building in-house, we can optimize material usage and eliminate unnecessary waste that often occurs with on-site construction. What does this mean? You only pay for the materials we actually use — unlike traditional lumber construction.

Protect your assets

Steel buildings are durable and can withstand the elements, pests, and fire. This durability helps protect your equipment and machinery from damage. To further enhance security and deter vandalism, theft, and unauthorized access, you can equip your steel building with advanced locks and security systems.

Trends in modern construction

Steel building kits are part of the future of construction. Here’s why they’re changing the game:

Fast construction and long-lasting strength

If you’re looking for quick and reliable construction without compromising quality, steel buildings deliver exactly that. Their prefabricated design can speed up your construction timeline while ensuring long-lasting durability. These structures are built to withstand natural disasters, so you can be confident that your investment will be safe and sound for years to come.

Bold designs and vibrant colors

Steel buildings are no doubt practical, but did you know that they can be beautiful, too? Modern trends are pushing steel structures into bold new territory with eye-catching colors like deep reds, blues, and greens. Do you need a building that blends in with nature? You can opt for earthy tones and natural finishes that make your building a seamless part of the landscape. Plus, sustainable coatings like low-VOC paints mean you’re also making a healthier choice for indoor environments. Your building can stand out or blend in—either way, it’s built to last.

Smarter planning with BIM technology

Steel buildings embrace advanced tech like Building Information Modeling to give you greater control over your project. BIM helps you plan smarter using data that shows the thermal, acoustic, and even geothermic properties of your building so you can achieve better performance and easier maintenance. Plus, with AI and machine learning powering new design tools, your steel building will be engineered for the future.

Discover the best metal structures with Armstrong Steel

Get in touch with us today for a quote to get started on your steel building project. You may also connect with our design experts by calling 1-800-345-4610.

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