If you are looking to build a steel building, you’ve probably come across the words “bolt-up” and “weld-up” in your metal building research. Do you know the difference between a bolt-up steel building and a weld-up steel building? How do you choose the right option for you?
 

What is a bolt-up steel building?

Prefabricated at the manufacturer, a bolt-up steel building requires no welding and instead is assembled using bolts. Note, there are parts of a bolt-up building that are welded but this is done at and inspected at the manufacturing facility as opposed to on site. Bolt-up buildings are used in many markets from agricultural to storage.
 

What are some of the benefits of a bolt-up steel building?

Bolt-up buildings are great choices for owners who are looking to possibly add on to or expand the space in the future. So, if you are looking for flexibility in adding to your building, you may want to consider a bolt-up building. Another benefit is the durability with which these buildings can withstand high wind areas and other inclement weather events. Long term, they are more cost-efficient as bolt-ups require little maintenance over the life of the metal building. Bolt-up buildings take significantly less time to construct than weld-together buildings.
 

What is a weld-up steel building?

A weld-up steel building is where the steel frame members are welded together permanently. Similar to bolt-up buildings, weld together buildings can be found in many markets.
 

What are some of the benefits of a weld-up steel building?

Upfront costs are minimal compared to a bolt-up building. Since weld-up buildings are usually not engineered, and all parts are measured and cut to fit in the field, delivery times are sometimes quicker.
 

What factors should you consider when choosing between the two building types?

So which building option should you choose? Weld-up steel buildings tend to cost less up front, but bolt-up steel building tend to cost less long term. Bolt-up structures go up much quicker than weld-up buildings. Oftentimes, a homeowner or business owner can put up the structure themselves without a contractor. If you needed to make changes, expand or replace parts of your steel building, weld-up makes this more difficult as you would have to cut out a part of the building. It is easier to change out the primary and secondary framing on bolt-up structures. Our vote is for a bolt-up metal building in place of a weld-up building.
 
Contact Heritage today and let us help with your bolt-up steel building for your next project!