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Steel Buildings
Welcome to the UK’s number one guide to steel buildings.
Steel’s popularity has exploded in the last decade. More and more businesses are waking up to the fact that steel buildings are cheaper, more durable, easier to construct, and more environmentally friendly than traditional materials such as brick and wood.
But is a steel building right for your business?
Steel buildings are versatile structures, which can be used by a huge range of industries to fulfil a variety of purposes.
As a building material steel offers numerous benefits. It is resistant to weather and fire, and it is also less hospitable for insects and vermin, which makes it an excellent choice both as a temporary or permanent option.
We've outlined all you need to know about steel building options in this article. Read on to learn if a steel building is right for your business needs. Or, to compare steel building price quotes, just complete the form at the top of the page.
Approved Index's quote comparison service is free, quick and easy, and it could save you as much as 40% on your purchase and construction costs.
What Are Steel Buildings?
What Are Steel Buildings?
Steel buildings are quite simply buildings or structures made of steel. Some of the most famous steel structures around the globe include; The Golden Gate Bridge, The Beijing Olympic Stadium and the world’s tallest building - The Burj Khalifa in Dubai.
Steel is an extremely versatile material which is used in a variety of structures; from bridges to offices and commercial buildings.
For new builds, steel is used for the frame of the construction, and gives the building excellent tensile strength, ductility and security.
You can also choose to use steel to cover the outside of the frame. Steel cladding ensures building contents - whether that be goods, equipment or staff – will be as safe from the elements as possible. Using brick or timber to clad the outside of the steel frame is also possible, but reduces the resilience of the building and increases construction time.
Suitable for a range of purposes, steel constructions are popping up all around the UK. Even residential developers are now choosing to build with steel instead of brick for a variety of projects.
What Are Steel Buildings Used For?
Steel buildings are now the number one choice for many businesses and contractors. Their cost-effective design and suitability for a range of purposes makes them an attractive option for the following types of structures:
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Steel Building Features
Steel Building Features
Steel buildings can be built to include a number of features. Some of these features will be structural, and others will be designed for aesthetic purposes.
The table below outlines some of these features that businesses can take advantage of:
| Feature | Example | Specification |
|---|---|---|
| Arch Design |  |
|
| Portal Frame |  |
|
| Single Slope |  |
|
| Steel Roof |  |
|
| Doors |  |
|
| Cladding |  |
|
There are also a range of other options available to ensure that your steel building is fit for purpose, such as:
- Partition walls
- Mezzanine floors
- Suspended ceilings
- Open bays
- Facades
If building design isn’t your main concern, but time is, consider a prefabricated steel building. These are pre-engineered structures, ready to be erected in the quickest time possible.
The Benefits of Steel Buildings
Here are just a few reasons why you should consider using steel for your business:
- Cost effective - you can even buy second-hand
- Durable - steel won’t buckle, splinter or rot
- Resistant to weather and fire
- Less hospitable for insects and vermin
- Easy to erect
- Flexible - interior walls made of steel can be changed or repositioned
- Designed to exact specifications if necessary
- Beauty - steel buildings are stylish and modern
- Sustainable - lightweight, easy to transport and can be recycled
Keep scrolling down to find answers for many frequently asked questions about steel buildings.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I Need A Steel Building?
If you are looking to construct a new work or storage space then you might want to consider steel as a material. Although it is a much newer option than traditional materials like brick or timber, it has quickly become popular in a range of industries simply because it is versatile, cost-effective and durable.
As a business owner, one of the main considerations for you will be specification. Most new-builds are unique in at least one aspect and fortunately, steel buildings are easily customisable and able to match custom specifications.
Will I Need An Architect?
It isn’t usually necessary to employ an architect when buying a steel building. Your suppliers can take care of the entire design process in most cases. Steel buildings can be flat-packed and shipped, and the company should erect it for you.
If you are looking to construct a particularly complex or sophisticated building, your company headquarters for example, then you might hire an architect. However, in most cases, the design process will be taken care of by the supplier you work with.
Will I Need Planning Permission?
As the majority of steel buildings are intended to be permanent, you’ll probably need planning permission. To get this, you need to:
- Contact your local authority to obtain planning permission
- Ask your steel building supplier for the designs, plans and drawings that are required by the council
Local steel suppliers will have probably dealt with your local council before. In which case, they’ll be able to offer guidelines and help to get you through this process as easily as possible.
Will I Need To Prepare The Building Site?
In practical terms, the answer to this question is yes. As with any other type of building, you will need to ensure that the site is in the right condition. This might include clearance, groundwork or building foundations.
Whether your business is required to organise this preparation will depend on the supplier. Most steel building suppliers in the UK will offer full project management, which includes groundwork and site preparation.
If you use a different supplier for the site preparation, it will have to comply with standards set by the construction team.
How Long Does It Take To Order & Install A Steel Building?
Depending on the supplier and your specifications, it will take around 8-12 weeks for the steel building components to be delivered. It will then take about 3 weeks to erect, but this can vary with the complexity of the structure.
What Sort Of Cladding Will I Need?
As with many other features, the sort of cladding you require will depend on the proposed function of the building.
A storage building will normally need to be built with weather-resistant and durable cladding. However, an office building will normally require cavity insulation. We recommend speaking to your supplier - they can then offer guidance on the sort of cladding you’ll need.
Can I Customise My Steel Buildings?
In short - yes! You can add doors, different cladding, colours, walls, gutters and more to truly make the building your own.
Alternatively, you can opt for a pre-determined uniform design, such as a portal frame building, to make assembly even quicker and easier.
Are Steel Buildings Environmentally Friendly?
Steel is 100% sustainable and can be recycled. Around 40% of steel used nowadays is recycled.
Compare Steel Building Quotes
Compare Steel Building Quotes
The information on this page should give you an idea for the requirements and features to consider when looking into steel building construction. For more specific information tailored to your business and location, take advantage of Approved Index’s extensive database and use the form at the top of this page. We will match your requirements with up to four recommended suppliers who best suit your needs, and our advisors can help you to get the best deal.
Approved Index’s service provides no-obligation price quotes, completely free, and could save you as much as 40% on your purchase and construction costs.
Further Reading
Top Steel Buildings Articles
Additional Steel Buildings Articles
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