Getting a Metal Carport/Building installed!
Updated: Aug 3, 2021
Here we discuss the do's and don'ts of getting a metal structure installed.
Decide on the Metal Structure Size
How big or small you want your metal structure to be is one of the primary decisions that you’ll need to make. You could need the metal structure for pet projects, to run a home-based business, or store massive machinery. Whatever you use the structure for make sure you consider expansion!
Check the Location and Space Available
Installing a metal structure naturally requires a considerable amount of space on your property, so be sure that there’s sufficient room for the unit. Leave room for installation! Manufacturers are strict on room for the installers to safely work around your structure. Most require a minimum of 3 feet.
Leveling the Installation Site
The ground area where you want to install your metal structure must be cleared of debris, materials and more importantly, leveled. If you want to build a certified metal structure then the area should be leveled to within 3 inches front to back and side to side.
Making the site easily reachable and accessible for the installation team is extremely important. If the team is unable to access the installation site easily because of huge distance between the site and the truck, this would mean extra time for finishing the installation work and would incur extra service charges.
Evaluate the Metal Structure for Local Weather Resistance
Your metal structure, which is going to become a work haven for you once you start using it, should have a sustainable value even in the face of inclement weather. A wide variety of metal structures to choose from, so you can easily find a style that has the natural potential to with stand your local weather conditions.
Roof Style
Your metal structure would be incomplete without a sturdy roof. We’re going to look at the three key roof styles that you can choose from. While you can get a certification of structural integrity for all of these styles, the best choice among these three would ultimately depend on your own custom needs. You should select a roof style keeping in mind your needs and the climate conditions in your area.
Check Your Personal Needs for Customization
You can request to make custom changes on the metal structure roof, walls, doors, etc. You can even request installation of garage doors in your metal structure for greater convivence.
Changing the bottom 3 feet of the walls is extremely popular. you can add rock like the pictured. Or you can change the wall panel orientation from horizontal to vertical and the color.
STEEL GAUGE FRAMING
Deciding the steel gauge framing for your metal structure will have a direct impact on the overall strength of your metal structure. So whether you go with a 14-gauge steel framing or 12-gauge steel framing, know that ultimately you are deciding how strong you want your metal structure to be. Your decision would majorly depend on how extreme weather conditions in your area can get, because you naturally want a stronger steel when you know the conditions can get pretty rough.
The 14-gauge steel tubing is 2 ½” x 2 ½”. On the other hand, the 12-gauge steel is 2 ¼ ” x 2 ¼”. As evident, 12-gauge steel is thicker, and thus stronger, more enduring, and with a higher wind and snow bearing capacity, than 14-gauge steel. If extreme climate isn’t an issue where you live, then you can go with the industry standard 14-gauge steel framing. But if heavy rains, winds, or snow is an issue for your region, or if you plan to build your metal structure 10′ or taller, then 12-gauge steel framing is your best bet. Both 14-gauge steel and 12-gauge steel are structurally safe and sound for use. In fact, both of these options are capable of clearing any certification requirements. It’s only that certain areas need a greater assurance of safety than others because of their severe climate nature.
Concrete Pads
Concrete requirements can vary by manufacturer. Some manufacturers will require the dimensions of the concrete pad and of the building frame must be exactly the same. Example: a building that is 18'wide x 21'long, would require a concrete pad 18'x21'.
Some may require a 3"-4" lip around the outside of your sized structure. Example: a building that is 18'wide x 21'long, would require a concrete pad 21'x24'.
A solid reason to go larger with the concrete pad is for the anchoring of the base rail.
If your pad was the same as the structure, when the anchors are drilled through the base-rail into the concrete, nd sometimes the edge of the concrete can bust or blow out.
Another important requirement for a concrete pad is that its shape should be square, with the dimension across corners, across each diagonal, as same. The requirements for concrete pads varies from region to region depending upon the climate and other conditions prevalent in the region. So you need to check in with your respective zoning and building departments for more details on these requirements.