There are many critics of pre-engineered steel buildings within the standard building industry, and still others from the private and public sectors. This discussion will address some of the myths surrounding the steel building industry.

Myth #1: Out-of-state steel building manufacturers can’t conform to local building codes.

Reality: Just because a steel building producer is hundreds of miles away from your building site does not mean that they can’t build components to meet local building requirements. Of course, there may be rare incidences of incompetent companies, but that is definitely not the norm. To remain healthy and competitive, most steel building producers hire proficient engineers or architects who understand which regions experience volatile weather patterns. These particular areas may endure elevated wind loads, weighty snow loads, critical seismic load difficulties, or a combination of these ingredients. It is the building buyer’s responsibility to provide local building regulations to the steel building supplier, so that the engineer can ensure all possible conditions are included in the support system design. Avoid engineering complications by ensuring that you provide as much information to the supplier as is available from your local building code office. Insufficient building loading is an entirely avoidable error ““ current building manufacturers create strong steel structures that can tolerate almost any climate condition.

Myth #2: A pre-engineered structure is not able to cope with extra building loading requests once the building is finished.

Reality: All-steel buildings are easily expandable, and increased building loading can be added at any time. However, to keep costs down, it is extremely important that you understand not only your immediate usage needs, but also any anticipated additions or expansions in the foreseeable future. One common addition to existing buildings is the attachment of an interior building crane to the interior ceiling. Or perhaps supplementary weighty cooling and heating assemblies need to be placed on the rooftop. Not surprisingly, these additions cost money. Have a clear vision for the future in mind and spend enough time on your initial structure design so that pre-planning for additional loading can be incorporated. This will save you money later when the need becomes reality.

Myth #3: Vast inconsistencies of steel grades and building quality exist between steel building manufacturers.

Reality: Granted, no two particular metal building manufacturers are created equal. The well-worn adage, “Buyer beware,” applies in this as in any industry. But if you do your research and carefully analyze prospective companies, you can easily avoid less qualified suppliers or brokers. The vast majority of metal building manufacturers avoid dubious procedures as well as the use of substandard grade materials. Any reputable manufacturer is motivated to stay abreast of new techniques and state-of-the-art industry advances.

To select the best company for your project, as a prospective building owner it is your responsibility to ascertain the total cost of the project including engineering, the quality of other projects completed by the prospective supplier, the warranty offered and the ability of the company to meet all of your design requirements. With a little research, you can be assured of finding a company that will build a strong and attractive structure that will house your business for a long, long time.