Steel Buildings: FAQs and Misconceptions
Whether you need a space for storage, a garage, manufacturing facility, workshop, barn or retail outlet, a steel frame building can be a fast and economical way of providing a strong, secure and low maintenance structure to meet your needs.
With hundreds of steel building suppliers throughout the country providing a wide range of building types and services, procuring a steel building can be an intimidating prospect.
To help demystify the process and boost your confidence when approaching steel building suppliers, we’ve here assembled a list of FAQs and common misconceptions about purchasing steel buildings.
Are steel buildings only for agricultural or industrial use?
No. Steel buildings are popular in these sectors because they are quick to erect and cheap compared to other alternatives. As such, they are suitable for any application where these factors are more important than aesthetic appeal. These include smaller workshops, garages, stables, retail outlets, sports clubs, boat sheds and aircraft hangers.
Will I need an architect?
The reason steel buildings are cheap and easy to erect is that they are usually based on a portal frame. In other words, they have a constant cross section of columns and rafters with a pitched roof and are made up of a number of ‘bays’ depending on their length. While this means that there isn’t much variety among steel building designs it also means that they require very little planning - their construction and installation is very standard. A steel building supplier will be able to take care of all the design work for you. You’ll be able to choose types and number of doors, skylights, cladding type, insulation etc.
Will I need planning permission?
Steel buildings are intended as permanent structures, so it is very likely that you will. Check with your local authority. A steel building supplier will usually be able to provide plans and drawings to help you through the planning process.
Will I need to prepare the site?
Most steel building suppliers will offer full project management services including site surveys and necessary groundwork. If you are confident that you can erect the structure yourself then you don’t have to take advantage of these services but for the unqualified and the novice they are essential.
What kind of cladding will I need?
That depends on the size of your steel building and what you’ll be using it for. Larger structures usually have masonry work on the lower section of the walls for added stability. A building in which people will be working or animals living will probably need cavity insulation. A roof and walls with anti-condensation coating may be necessary for warehouses or industrial facilities.
Can I get a steel extension to an existing building?
In all likelihood you can. Have a steel building supplier assess your building for suitability. A lean-to can also provide extra space, obviously with a lower ceiling.
At what point does a shed become a steel building?
If you’re looking for a structure that measures 8m by 4m or larger then you’ll need to go to a steel building supplier.
Common Misconceptions about Steel Buildings
- I live in a remote location; I probably can’t get a steel building installed here.
It’s worth checking. There are very few parts of the UK that aren’t covered by a steel building supplier.
- Steel buildings are ugly. Eurgh.
What a nice shiny steel framed building clad in lovely red brickwork and with a glass front?
- A steel building will rust away in no time.
Steel buildings are available with galvanised metalwork and a variety of high quality paints and primers to increase the lifespan and improve appearance.
- My current steel building will need replacing.
Quite often an existing structure, though it looks dilapidated, will still have structural integrity and may just need its ‘skin’ replaced. It may be a good idea to have a supplier assess your building before tearing it down.
