Why Metal Frame Construction Leads to Durable Buildings

Durability is key when you’re building any building, but it’s especially important for commercial spaces. One of the biggest factors affecting durability is the framing system. If you are looking for a more robust option than traditional framing materials like wood and concrete, consider a steel-frame commercial building. It’s a stronger and longer-lasting alternative.

Are you new to metal frame construction? This blog post explains the advantages of steel frames compared to traditional framing systems, so you can see why they’re a better choice. Read on as we discuss how steel framing can contribute to the longevity, durability, and cost-effectiveness of your commercial building.

Metal frame construction versus wood-framed buildings

The main difference between steel-frame commercial buildings and wood-framed construction is their durability and structural construction method.

Wood-framed metal buildings

Wood-framed steel buildings use wood frames for the interior, while metal panels are on the exterior. They are also called pole barns because the wood posts are installed vertically on a concrete foundation or in the ground to support the building’s roof trusses and outer walls.

Steel-frame metal buildings

Metal buildings with a rigid steel frame are more structurally sound, making them appropriate for almost any application. Steel-frame commercial buildings are flexible and can be vehicle dealerships, shopping centers, strip malls, or offices. They can be designed as medical clinics, self-storage facilities, convention centers, or restaurants, too. The design possibilities are endless when you work with an experienced fabricator like us.

At Armstrong Steel, we have in-house project managers and skilled building consultants who will work with you to ensure your steel frame commercial building meets your requirements. Our structures are pre-engineered in a controlled environment, ensuring they meet your exact sizing needs so they are ready to assemble and erect as soon as they arrive on your construction site.

Durable steel frame buildings

Steel is inherently durable, so it can resist the things that can damage wood-frame structures easily. This means your steel building will be virtually maintenance-free for decades, especially if properly designed and engineered to your requirements.

Weather resistance

Steel-frame buildings won’t easily succumb to heavy snow loads, high winds, and hurricanes. They can withstand earthquakes, too, so your business can keep running without needing extensive repairs or replacements after a natural disaster.

Fire resistance

A steel-frame commercial building can bring you peace of mind from fires. Steel is non-combustible and won’t ignite, giving firefighters enough time to put out the flames and prevent complete destruction.

Pest resistance

Termites and other pests can’t destroy metal frames. Rot and mold will also be the least of your worries when you build with steel. These qualities ensure your commercial building will last longer, even with minimal maintenance, saving you money over time.

Engineered to meet your requirements

Every aspect of a pre-engineered steel frame commercial building is designed to meet your specific needs. Prefabricated steel structures aren’t prone to human error because we engineer every component to meet local codes and loads. Moreover, we provide detailed, easy-to-follow guides to simplify assembly.

Design flexibility

Steel allows for different framing systems that make it possible to use various layouts and architectural styles for your commercial building. With options like clear-span and modular layouts, we ensure your structure suits your application.

Our pre-engineered steel buildings can be made with minimal columns so you can make the most of their layout. Moreover, our structures can support all roof and wall materials and interior and exterior finishes without compromising structural integrity. This means your steel frame commercial building can be designed to reflect your corporate or brand identity.

Easier on the foundation

Steel frames are lighter than concrete and wood. Their high strength-to-weight ratio can significantly reduce the load on concrete slabs, contributing to the longevity and structural integrity of your commercial steel building. Plus, they add stability to your building.

Considerations when designing and building a durable metal frame commercial building

The durability of your steel frame commercial building will depend on certain factors. An experienced steel building fabricator will take these considerations to heart to ensure a long-lasting and reliable structure:

Precision engineering

Ensure the steel frame is designed in-house and specifically engineered to meet your unique requirements. This helps minimize material usage and residual waste while ensuring all parts are ready to assemble and will fit together without fail. In turn, this will streamline assembly and erection to reduce labor costs and the timeline to complete your project.

Warranties

Always check the warranties before buying a steel-frame commercial building. At Armstrong Steel, we stand behind our work with a 50-year structural warranty, 35-year roof warranty, and a 40-year paint warranty. All of these guarantee a durable and good-looking building for many years to come.

Rust-proof coatings

Galvanization adds a layer of protection against corrosion on steel frames, effectively prolonging the lifespan of your building. Coating the steel roof panels with galvalume will prevent rusting and increase their service life.

Trust Armstrong Steel for high-quality metal frame construction

Let our experts take the guesswork out of customizing your steel frame commercial building. Whether it’s an elaborate or simple design, we will ensure it’s engineered, fabricated, and delivered as soon as possible. Start by requesting a quote when you click ‘Price My Building,’ or talk to our experts at 1-866-938-5256.

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