Offering unique benefits, pre-engineered metal buildings are a cost-efficient alternative to conventional metal building applications. They can help ensure all local code and load requirements are met, streamline vendor management and optimize construction schedules to save time, money and hassle throughout the project. Read on for more on pre-engineered metal buildings and their distinct advantages.

What is a Pre-Engineered Metal Building?

Pre-engineered metal buildings are custom structures that consider local building code and load requirements, environmental factors and design customization requirements to ensure building longevity. The metal building manufacturer fabricates the steel building components (structural frame, metal roofing system and wall panels, and accessories) and then ships them to the construction site for erection by construction/installation personnel.

What Kinds of Buildings Can be Pre-Engineered?

Pre-engineered metal buildings are ideal for use in many applications and are becoming more and more popular across industries and geographies. For example, they can be designed as:

• Commercial and Industrial Structures
• Community and Recreational Buildings
• Steel Barns and Agricultural Housing Facilities
• Mini Storage Buildings
• Industrial and Recreational Storage, Workshops and Garages

Why Are Pre-Engineered Metal Buildings an Ideal Option?

Cost-Efficiency:

Dollar for dollar, pre-engineered metal buildings like those available from Heritage Building Systems are a better investment both upon purchase and throughout the building lifespan. Advances in manufacturing, design and erection have helped make the cost of pre-engineered steel buildings larger than 1,200-1,500 sq. ft. comparable to structures of the same sizes made of wood and other conventional building materials.

However, where steel has the edge is in the savings their unique features bring to the table. These savings include:

• Construction Site and Labor Savings: Pre-engineered metal building projects involve the steel manufacturer early in the design process. This alignment ensures accurate steel fabrication offsite, helping reduce labor needs and lower site costs during construction.
• Lower Heating and Cooling Costs: Proper insulation can help save on heating and cooling costs.
• Reduced Insurance Premiums: The strength and durability of steel—as well as its resistance to fire, wind and other elements that can cause structural damage—may help reduce insurance costs as compared to other building materials.
• Minimal Maintenance: in addition to requiring less standard maintenance, metal is not susceptible to termites and other destructive pests that can increase maintenance costs.

For more on the cost of steel buildings, see our recent blog post.

Time Savings:

More than most, general contractors and installation teams know how material availability can impact construction timing and labor scheduling. Sourcing a pre-engineered metal building from one manufacturer instead of buying individual components from several vendors can greatly improve the speed of building erection by ensuring:

• Streamlined vendor management
• Code-compliance of all provided materials
• Material accuracy and compatibility, as well as early connection selection
• Just-in-time manufacturing delivers all materials in time for construction
• Minimal site disruption
• Earlier access to the site for post-erection trades

Enhanced Customization and Design Flexibility:

Drafters and engineers can create custom designs to fit nearly any commercial, industrial, residential, storage or agricultural steel building project. Likewise, Heritage’s ability to customize both simple and complex metal structures gives you the flexibility to design your building to any width, length or height with a variety of available accessories and customization options, including:

• Numerous panel profiles with varying shape, texture and color options
• Robust roof options that include panels, facades & mansards, and canopies & purlin extensions
• Custom frame options (Clear Span, Modular, Single-Slope and Auxiliary)
• Wall products including steel panels, framed openings, partitions, inset endwalls, and masonry & stucco
• Accessories including:
  • Custom Trim
  • Insulation
  • Overhead, Roll-Up and Walk-Through Doors
  • Windows
  • Skylights and Wall Lights
  • Gutters and Downspouts
  • And more!

In addition, pre-engineered metal buildings are easy to expand, strengthen and remodel, providing opportunities for future customization after the initial build.

What Should You Expect from a Pre-Engineered Metal Building Manufacturer?

In addition to fabricating high-quality materials that meet design and aesthetic requirements, pre-engineered building manufacturers should also ensure all local/municipal codes and regulations are met. While manufacturers don’t typically unload or construct buildings, they can help quicken the on-site assembly process by providing:

• Detailed digital drawings for the building foundation engineer
• Pre-cut and numbered components that correspond to detailed assembly drawings
• Anchor bolt patterns
• Step-by-step building erection instructions
• Field services support for construction teams during the erection process

When you partner with a pre-engineered metal building manufacturer like Heritage, you should expect to benefit from several decades of experience in steel building customization, estimating and project delivery. To learn more about large and complex or small and simple pre-engineered metal buildings, reach out to your local Heritage Building Systems representative or request a quote.