The key factor for creating metal buildings that will last a long time is to make sure they sit on a firm, well designed foundation. In this regard, they are like other forms of construction recalling the old adage that a good home requires a firm footing. The slab needs to be carefully levelled to form a perfectly flat surface. Care must also be taken as to where to place the anchor bolts. If this step is properly executed, the biggest chore is already over.The concrete foundation must be able to carry the weight of the structure. It also must conform to local codes. Concrete is poured into squares around the steel columns that will connect to the other beams. The squares are sometimes called piers and bear the load that the columns exert. The manufacturer you have selected should include information regarding this.Assembling the frame is a straight forward system starting from the ground up. Upright beams are connected to the anchor bolts that have been set into the concrete floor. The overhead rafters are bolted to these usually by lifting with a crane. Roof purlins are then connected to the rafters. They are spaced in a manner that will allow sections of sheet metal that form the roof to be easily attached.The upright columns also support the walls which are fastened with girts. They connect wall sheets to the uprights. During this phase of assembly, the apertures that will become the doors and windows are framed. The framing is finished with a system of cable bracing that increases the strength of the design. Selected sections of the roofs and walls are reinforced in this manner.Sheeting can now be connected to create the walls and roofs. Roof sections are fastened with purlins and wall sections with girts, Metal screws are used to attach both. Some structures of this sort are designed to have insulation. If this is the case, the insulation is rolled out and put into place, and the sheeting is then laid over it. Doors, windows, and trim are then installed.Care must be taken to select a reputable manufacturer for the project. It generally takes six to eight weeks to fabricate and deliver all the components, and everything is usually brought to the site at once. The company doing the fabrication will be working from the blueprints you select or create yourself. It is important that they be properly detailed down to the last bolt and screw. To ensure the structure has correct load bearing capability requires engineering or architectural skill.Your structure should arrive at the site with a set of detailed harmonic drive instructions for assembly. While awaiting delivery, there will be time to pour the foundation. You should select a company for the fabrication that is willing to work with you should problems arise. The instructions that they provide should clearly indicate each step to take in erecting the unit.When metal buildings are shipped to a destination, the parts should be set out in the order that they will be used for assembly. This means a different stack of materials for each step. Separate the main uprights from the girts and purlins. It is particularly important to keep the roof and wall sheeting apart. These pieces can appear quite similar, but they are not the same.
