When you invest in a new build, you likely want your building to stand the test of time. Having to spend more money a few years down the road to reconstruct that same building seems less than appealing.

Steel buildings are a popular choice when it comes to construction because of their association with durability. But just how long do they actually last?

We explore the longevity of a steel building below.

The Lifespan of a Steel Building

The Benefits of a Steel Building

While there are several material options to choose from when building, steel has established a reputation for celebrating three main aspects:

Durability

As you can imagine, steel buildings are strong. They are designed to withstand Alberta snowstorms and rainfalls. It is difficult to compromise the makeup of steel, and they are more resistant to the wear and tear that affect other building materials.

Low-Maintenance

Steel buildings typically require less maintenance during their early years. This is an attractive feature for builders who simply want to finish construction and not have to worry about repairs immediately after.

Long-lasting

Steel buildings are generally made to be permanent.

It must be noted, however, that aspects like permit status and maintenance will impact this permanence.

How Long a Steel Building Lasts

The general consensus is that steel buildings can last approximately 50 years, provided you ensure regular upkeep. This can include actions as simple as washing your building and treating small scuffs as they appear.

This isn’t to say that they will be structurally compromised once they surpass that 50-year mark and that they will need to be torn down and rebuilt. Rather, professionals will be needed to be brought in to inspect the building and work on restoring it.

The life expectancy of steel is greater than most other materials used in construction, so choosing to build with it is never a poor decision. Never hesitate to reach out to professionals who specialize in steel buildings to gather more information and gain expert opinions.

With over 20 years of industry experience, Coverco Buildings is the team you can trust when it comes to fabric and steel structures. We offer versatile solutions by providing economical and customized pre-designed buildings for the oil & gas, agricultural, mining, and recreational industries. Our superior engineering is what separates us from the rest, as we emphasize structural integrity, guaranteeing that our buildings can stand against all sorts of terrain and weather changes. With 50-year warranties, we offer you the best service in Ontario, Calgary, and Regina. Call us on 855-931-8600 today.

For steel buildings, insulation is a must.

If you think of the benefits, you can see why investing in proper insulation can go a long way to sustaining and maintaining your building. You can enjoy the following advantages:

Temperature control
Negating condensation
Reducing the growth of mould and mildew
Higher R-value
Vapor barrier
Better economic value
Better eco-friendly value and reduced energy costs
Doesn’t allow nesting for rodents, birds or bugs

While those benefits are a must, choosing the right steel insulation for your building can be tricky. It is, therefore, essential to know which systems are available to you.

Let’s take a brief look at some of the best insulation options available for your steel buildings.

The Best Insulation Systems for Steel Buildings

Loose Fill:

The insulation type consists of loose fibers or pellets that are blown into the wall cavities with specialized equipment. It is ideal for walls, attics, and floors and reduces the air leakages while promoting insulation. You can choose from three material options: shredded recycled newspapers, fibreglass, and rock wool.

Spray Foam Cellulose:

This is a polymer spray that can be injected into steel walls and ceiling cavities. The chemical mixture expands quickly, drying into a solid mass of air-filled cells. When expertly applied, it can fill every tiny crevice within a steel building. It also is cost-effective and successfully absorbs noise.

Rigid Board:

Also known as foam board insulation, rigid insulation works by trapping air in the foam’s cells. Easy to install, rigid board insulation can work within any tiny or tight space and long-term investment. However, it does require additional flame-retardant, and insulation can suffer after several years.

Fiberglass Batt:

Also known as Fiberglass Blanket Insulation, ‘Batts’ are the top choice. Economical and effective, Batts is considered the most popular choice for steel building insulation. The insulation is outfitted with a vapor retarder and tested for fire safety, and is also mold and moisture resistance.

What To Consider When Choosing A Steel Building Insulation

Selecting from an insulation system based on these options can be difficult. Make sure you consider the following factors, so you know you’re getting the best insulation:

The Workability (As specific types of insulation cannot be shipped or installed in cold weather during winter).
The Facing of the Insulation (Facing material must be carefully selected if it is going to be left exposed)
The Cost-Effectiveness (Are you planning to use the steel building for a long-time? If so, consider what is the best bang for your buck!)
The Appearance (Aesthetics matter for businesses, so make sure you select a choice that brings out the best in your building)

Insulation serves several important purposes in steel buildings, so make sure you make the right choice for yours.

Steel buildings are used in a wide variety of industries. From storing dry goods like fertilizer, dirt, abrasive blast media, and grain to adaptable workshops like mechanic shops, farming equipment, and more. There is always a good reason to get a steel building for your property.

However, steel buildings do not come cheap even if they are pre-engineered. This is because of the cost of material, the size of the project, and the amount of labour involved. It is important to understand the ways your cost can change depending on the specifics of your project.

Steel Building Considerations

Size

Because most steel buildings are quoted by square footage, it is very relevant to consider the size of your building. Even if your building will just be one large room it will still require extra supports and materials depending on the length of it. This is why determining the size of your steel building is important before finding out the cost.

Materials Used

Another important consideration for your steel building project is the materials that will be used. For instance, a steel building that will be placed on a pre-levelled surface will cost less than one that requires a concrete foundation. However, with the lower cost also comes a less protected building, and that requires careful planning.

Furthermore, if your building is relatively simple and does not require extra supports or materials, it will cost less. But here again, simplicity does not equal quality and it may be necessary to segregate rooms to suit your unique needs.

The Cost of Steel Buildings

With these considerations in mind, there can still be quite a variance in the cost of a steel building. However, with a full concrete slab and insulation included, you are likely to spend between $15-$24 per square foot. This cost can be reduced as discussed above, but most steel buildings will require these important additions in order to function at their best.

Remember, the best way to get a great deal on your steel building is to talk with the experts. They will have ways for you to save money and can make a specific plan that works for you and your plans. Plus, with years of experience, they will know the ins and outs of proper planning, and can likely guide you to an option that you may not have considered fully, or even known about in the first place.

The stages for steel building development change based on the size and purpose of the structure. For instance, if the building will be exceptionally wide, it may be split in two so that effective transport can be made. This will, of course, involve extra fixtures and shoring for when both halves are joined together.

In other instances, the length of the building may be long enough that several extra supports and braces are required in order to prevent it from having a positive or negative camber. This is essentially a bend in the middle of the structure that will prevent proper placement and alignment of the pieces that must be joined to the steel building.

However, these are just possible considerations that must be taken into account, and the stages after construction may go unchanged.

3 Pre-Stages of Steel Building Development

During the initial bidding phase of the steel building construction, there will be approximately 3 stages.

The first stage is the design process. Here, engineering firms will pour through the specifications and requirements of the client, and design the building they wish to build. From these myriad designs, a decision will be made on who will complete the work.

Therefore, the second stage is the bidding process of construction companies. They will prepare bids based on the material and labor costs associated with the engineering firm’s design, as well as scheduling the progress of the work and clarifying their scope of work.

Finally, once the construction company has been selected, many engineering companies will conduct an audit of the construction facilities to ensure the proper safety, quality, and production standards can be adequately met by the construction company.

3 Stages of Steel Building Construction

Once the construction begins, the material will be ordered and assembled through welding and various other construction processes until the building frame is complete. This typically includes the base of the building and the skeleton structure of the walls and roof. However, pre-engineered steel buildings will have all of the key pieces made, and shipped piecemeal over a period of time.

Next, industrial painters will be employed to prepare the surface and apply a protective coating to ensure the effects of corrosion are limited.

Finally, the building crews will get their hands on the steel building frame and secure the walls and roof to it. After this, the other trades, like electricians and HVAC, will become involved in getting the final pieces installed and ready for deployment to the final destination.