Remember when concrete, brick, and wood were pretty much your only choices for new buildings?  Well, things have changed.  Now, pre-engineered steel buildings offer a cost-effective alternative that's also durable, flexible, and can save you money in the long run.  If you're working with a tight budget, they're definitely worth exploring.

A pre-engineered steel building is a structural system with all the parts designed off-site. A fabricator will customize one based on your specific requirements, particularly your local codes, loads, and environmental factors. The components will be shipped to your construction site and ready to assemble and erect.

Pre-engineering has made it possible to quickly and accurately build metal buildings for any application — not just warehouses and factories but also churches, horse riding arenas, and even homes. But while they're a great option for many projects, they might not be right for everyone. This article breaks down the advantages and disadvantages of pre-engineered steel buildings so you can decide if they're the right fit for your needs.

Pros of pre-engineered metal structures

  • Low initial cost


Pre-engineering streamlines the assembly and erection process, potentially minimizing labor costs. Reputable fabricators supply custom anchor bolt patterns and assembly drawings to eliminate the guesswork from assembling the cut, numbered, and bolt-together components. Plus, they provide a step-by-step erection guide. You can assemble and erect some projects yourself or hire only a few people to help. This also means you can complete the project as soon as possible.

  • Durability



    As long as you get them from a trustworthy fabricator, pre-engineered metal buildings can withstand earthquakes, high winds, and heavy snowfall. And because they're non-combustible, they are unlikely to burn down quickly.




  • Versatility



    Metal building systems are versatile, with different framing systems to suit any application. Plus, they can be expanded down the road, allowing you to build up to add more floors or expand their width.

Cons of pre-engineered metal structures

Some pre-engineered metal structures leave no room for modifications, making them limited in design and load requirements. However, this can be mitigated by working with a fabricator who will work closely with you to fulfill your load and design requirements. Additionally, look for a metal building fabricator with structures that support all roof and wall configurations and exterior and interior features. This ensures your structure won't look like a warehouse or too industrial to your liking.

Experience the benefits

Building with metal will be a more rewarding experience when you work with a reputable and experienced fabricator like Armstrong Steel. Call 1-866-709-4631 to learn more about their pre-engineered metal buildings, or get a quote by clicking ‘Price My Building' on their website.

About the Author:

Armstrong Steel, established in 2006, is your premier source for exceptional pre-engineered steel construction solutions. Specializing in manufacturing pre-engineered metal buildings, they offer durable, easy-to-assemble structures with versatile interior design options. Covering a wide range of building types such as commercial, residential, garage, workshop, religious, agriculture, industrial, aviation, and more. As the leading American manufacturer of steel buildings, Armstrong Steel provides versatile, custom-designed solutions for all your construction needs.