Author: Hayden Brandt

Types of Metal Buildings

From gold rush cabins to WWII Quonset huts, Metal Buildings Oklahoma have a long history of innovation. They can span a great distance with minimal internal support beams, making them ideal for many structures.

Metal Buildings

They also provide more open space than traditional building materials do. This makes them perfect for storage facilities, community centers, and more.

Rigid frame metal buildings use a series of columns and beams to transfer shear and moment forces to the foundation. The rigid connections between the framing members allow them to withstand high wind loads and other extreme weather conditions, including heavy snowfall, torrential rains, raging fires, and low magnitude earthquakes. These structures also offer nearly unlimited interior space, which makes them ideal for agricultural and commercial uses.

Although they’re often compared to light-gauge steel tubing-framed buildings, rigid frames are a more substantial alternative. Because the metal in these buildings is stronger, they can support a greater amount of weight. Unlike other types of metal building kits, the components of a rigid-frame structure are precision-manufactured and engineered to specific tolerances. This allows for a clear-span design without adding extra support columns or structural modifications.

If you’re planning on installing service doors or windows in a rigid frame structure, it’s important to consider how the rod bracing will be located. This is because the location of these points cannot be moved on site without compromising the integrity of the structure. It’s also helpful to work with a knowledgeable Building Consultant during the design process in order to ensure that the location of the service openings does not interfere with the rod bracing.

Because they’re made of strong metal, rigid frame buildings are a smart choice for those who need to store and maintain valuable equipment. Agricultural industries are especially enthusiastic about these steel structures because they provide plenty of room to house large vehicles like combine harvesters and dairy equipment. Additionally, the construction material used in rigid-frame steel buildings is less prone to mold, mildew, and rot than wood framing.

Choosing the right type of metal building depends on several factors, including your budget, location, size, and purpose. When selecting a contractor, be sure to talk to them about the type of frame you’re interested in, as well as the materials and methods they use for building projects. It’s best to hire a commercial builder who’s familiar with these types of structures, rather than a residential contractor who may not understand the nuances and requirements of pre-engineered metal buildings.

Arch-Style

The arch-style metal building, also known as the Quonset Hut, is a durable and inexpensive option that can be customized to fit your needs. They are popular for garages and workshops, but can also be used as warehouses and industrial buildings. They are made from steel, which is incredibly strong and durable against harsh weather conditions.

They are non-combustible, which saves you on your energy costs and may help you lower your insurance premiums. These factors make arch-style buildings a smart investment for your home or business.

Like all pre-engineered buildings, the cost of a metal arch building depends on a number of factors. You’ll need to account for the cost of your building, land preparation (whether that’s a concrete slab or pier foundation), customization options, permit fees and the cost of construction. Luckily, many manufacturers offer on-site support to help you get your building up and running for as little money as possible.

The biggest difference between the arch-style and straight-wall models is their design. The curved walls of the Quonset structure mean that it is more suited to specific uses, while the straight walls of the straight-wall model are more versatile and suitable for a wider range of applications.

In recent years, arch-style buildings have become extremely popular in rural Canada. Their steel construction allows them to withstand extreme weather conditions, including heavy snow loads. Their durability makes them an excellent choice for farmers who want a safe place to store their crops and other goods.

Another major advantage of the Quonset is its clear-span interior. Since the arches are self-supporting, there is no need for interior columns, which means that you can have 100% of your building’s floor space for use. This feature is perfect for facilities that require plenty of room, such as indoor riding arenas or ice rinks.

The easiest way to find a great deal on an arch-style metal building is to look for specials from recommended suppliers. Often, they will have canceled orders that they can give you huge discounts on. All you have to do is tell them a bit about your needs and they will be able to suggest the right size and features for your building.

Quonset Hut

The quonset hut is one of the more well-known forms of prefabricated metal buildings. It is easy to recognize because of its distinctive curved roof, which earned it the nickname “hoop house.” Quonset huts are also flexible in terms of length and width, making them ideal for a variety of different purposes. They can be clad in just about any material and configured with numerous doors and windows. They are also lightweight, meaning they can be moved easily from one location to another.

During WWII, the United States Navy needed portable structures that could be shipped in pieces and assembled without skilled labor. The company George A. Fuller was approached to create a simple building that could be used for airstrip hangars, bakeries, barracks, chapels, isolation wards, latrines and much more. A Providence firm created a system for constructing the buildings from curved corrugated steel sheets, which were bolted together and secured with plywood ends. The huts were quickly shipped to far-flung military outposts. Reportedly, a team of ten men could set up an entire hut in one day.

Today, the buildings are still being used for various purposes, including warehouses, repair shops and even homes. They are typically located on farms and other rural locations, as well as in cities and towns. The buildings are inexpensive to purchase, and they can be a cost-effective way to expand or add storage space. The design of the building makes it easier to install electrical and plumbing systems, which can help reduce construction costs.

Although Quonset huts are durable, they do not provide the same level of durability as rigid-frame buildings. They can be affected by severe weather conditions, including heavy winds and snow. Those who are planning to use a Quonset hut for longer periods of time may want to consider adding insulation and other modifications. The structure’s rounded construction also means that there is less headspace than in rigid-frame buildings, which can be an issue for those who need ample storage space.

Fortunately, manufacturers are continually adapting their Quonset designs to offer more options. The Q-Model is a popular option that combines usable space with durability, while the A-Model offers a more traditional gable appearance. There are also straight-wall structures that resemble those of conventional modern buildings.

Metal Shed

Whether you’re looking for a place to store your lawnmower or the tools and equipment you use in the garden, a metal shed can be an ideal option. These buildings are relatively easy to assemble, durable, and affordable. They also offer a large amount of storage space. They also tend to have a lower profile than other types of sheds.

If you’re worried about the security of your shed, consider a model with an integrated steel floor and doors with heavy-duty framing. This can make the shed a lot harder to break into than its plastic or wooden counterparts. Some manufacturers even provide high-security features such as steel lock housings or three point locking mechanisms for an added level of protection.

The walls of a metal shed are typically made from sheet metal that has been ribbed or corrugated to increase their strength and resilience. The metal is often galvanised, which provides further corrosion resistance. This makes them suitable for outdoor use, even in harsh climates. If you live in an area prone to severe weather, look for a shed with a snow or wind load rating. These models will have heavier-duty framing and are usually more expensive.

While many metal sheds are supplied without a base or floor, some companies do offer optional bases for their products. These are designed to screw into the ground (augers) or bolt onto paving or concrete foundations. The lack of a floor can lead to problems with condensation and moisture in the soil, but this is easily remedied by installing vents in the roof.

As with all sheds, the maintenance of a metal shed requires some special care. Regular inspections can help prevent problems and catch them early, before they become more serious. Rust prevention is especially important, and touch-up paint is a good idea to seal any scratches or exposed areas. It’s also a good idea to regularly lubricate hardware, as this will prevent friction and keep it working smoothly.

The most common problem with metal sheds is leakage, particularly during storms. A well-maintained shed should have a drain to direct water away from the building. In addition, it’s a good idea to periodically check the roof for damage and repair any dents promptly. Ventilation is also important, as condensation can cause mold and mildew to grow inside the shed.

The Importance of Masonry Repair

Brick chimneys, concrete basements, cement driveways, and stone porches add curb appeal to homes and boost resale value. But they also require regular maintenance to stay beautiful and functional for decades.

When Charleston Masonry is neglected, damage can cause safety hazards and detract from property values. Rather than treating the symptom, it’s important to address the root issue to prevent costly and inconvenient repairs.

Cracked bricks can be an indicator of serious structural issues. They are only sometimes the result of foundation settlement but can also be caused by soil issues, so it is important to inspect your brickwork regularly. While cracks can be unsightly, the good news is that they are usually easy to repair. However, it is important to understand that simply filling in the cracks won’t solve the underlying problem. The best thing you can do to prevent the cracks from getting worse is to have them repaired as soon as you notice them.

Hairline and stair-step cracks are common and not necessarily something to worry about, especially if they haven’t become too deep or wide. This is often the result of thermal expansion and contraction, which causes the brick to expand and contract at different rates. However, if the cracks are deeper and wider, they could be a sign of serious foundation problems.

It is also important to check for spider web cracks, which radiate from a central point. These are also typically a result of thermal expansion and contraction but can be caused by settling or other structural issues with your home.

If you notice these types of cracks, you should have a masonry contractor check the situation and determine the cause of the cracks. This is a serious issue that needs to be addressed immediately, as it can lead to structural instability and potential flooding.

A masonry repair contractor should be able to resolve these issues by removing the affected bricks, stabilizing the foundation, and installing push piers if necessary. In addition, they can resurface your brick walls and apply a breathable sealant to help prevent future moisture damage.

Some products are available for repairing these cracks, including mortar repair caulk and masonry fillers. These are available in most hardware stores and can be used to fill the cracks. It is important to ensure that any excess mortar is cleaned from the surrounding bricks and is misted with water daily for three days to allow the repair to cure slowly. It is also a good idea to tarp the area to protect it from rain.

Mortar joints are the critical element that holds brick and stone masonry together. If mortar cracks or crumbles, it must be chiseled out and new mortar troweled in, a process known as repointing. This is a very important job that, when done poorly, will compromise the integrity and appearance of your masonry. A professional mason is the best choice for this type of work because they have the tools and experience to do it correctly without damaging the brick.

Cracks in mortar are normal, but they should be repaired as soon as they become visible. Leaving them unattended will worsen the problem, and it is often impossible to restore the original integrity of the masonry structure when damage becomes severe.

The primary causes of cracked mortar are exposure to adverse weather conditions, expansion and contraction due to changes in temperature, and general material deterioration over time. These factors are compounded when water seeps into the core of the masonry and freezes, expands, and thaws again in cycles that cause abrasion and corrosion.

Although mortar is designed to be weaker structurally than the masonry to which it bonds, mortar joints tend to crack in response to movement in a wall, as well as from natural expansion and contraction of the masonry units themselves. These cracks can be filled with a masonry patch, but only after the old damaged material is removed and the area is cleaned thoroughly. New mortar cannot be used to cover up the existing damage because it will only exacerbate the problems.

The first step is to scrape the old mortar from the horizontal (bed) joints. This can be done with a hand hammer and cold chisel or a utility chisel. Be sure to protect yourself with a dust mask and safety goggles, and use caution when using an angle grinder, which can damage the faces of bricks. Once the bed joint mortar is removed, it is necessary to clean out the vertical (head) joints as well. Again, it is best to use a utility chisel to avoid damaging the bricks. After cleaning the head joints, it is necessary to mist the wall with a hose until it is thoroughly damp and starts to drip. This is a crucial step because dry brick will suck the moisture out of the new mortar, preventing it from curing properly.

Although brick is a strong and durable building material, it is not indestructible. Over time, any masonry structure will deteriorate and eventually require masonry repair work. The timeline for masonry repairs varies depending on the severity of the issue. Still, regularly scheduled inspections and timely repair of small issues help preserve the structural integrity and aesthetic appeal of masonry buildings.

The best way to prevent masonry deterioration is through proper maintenance and regular inspections from a professional contractor. This will help to identify a small problem before it becomes an expensive and time-consuming problem to resolve. Regular masonry maintenance includes cleaning, tuckpointing, and repairing joints and cracks in masonry walls and facades.

Historic masonry buildings are prone to different problems than newer buildings, so it is important to hire a professional who has extensive experience working with landmark masonry materials and systems. Thoughtfully designed masonry repair and restoration projects can help to extend the life of historic masonry buildings for future generations.

Differential movement between masonry materials is a common cause of cracking. For example, concrete masonry tends to shrink when exposed to moisture, and clay brick masonry may expand. This differential movement can lead to the formation of shrinkage and control cracks in masonry walls.

In some cases, these cracks can be repaired with helical bar grouting or with a masonry crack stitching system. While these methods of repairing cracks in brick walls are effective, they should be used with a full structural engineer’s repair specification that addresses the source of wall movement.

Stair-step cracks in the wall in a diagonal pattern indicate more significant structural problems and should be addressed by a structural engineering professional. These cracks can cause serious damage to the building if not addressed quickly.

The difference between repairing and restoring masonry is that masonry repairs are limited to removing damaged mortar and bricks from the face of the structure and filling in any gaps. At the same time, restoration is a more involved process that involves replacing the existing masonry with new materials. This means a restoration project will usually take longer than a repair project, as the original building material must be returned to match the existing structure.

Efflorescence is the crystalline deposit of salts on masonry surfaces such as brick, concrete, sandstone paving, and stucco. This material has a white or gray tint and can look like powder. Efflorescence isn’t dangerous and can be easily cleaned, but it can indicate a moisture problem that needs to be addressed.

Masonry in contact with soil can absorb water-containing soluble salts. Through capillary action, this water rises within the masonry and deposits the salts on or on the surface. This problem is more likely to occur during rainy or winter months when water can more easily penetrate the masonry. It can also be caused by improper protection of masonry materials during construction, which allows moisture to enter the building.

Improper insulation of basement walls can also contribute to the development of efflorescence. This issue must be identified and rectified as soon as possible to prevent damage to the interior of a home and health problems for its inhabitants.

Efflorescence can be prevented by impregnating hydrophobic sealant on all exposed masonry. This will prevent the absorption of moisture that contributes to the development of salt deposits. It’s also a good idea to install capillary breaks, such as polyethylene sheeting between the soil and the building material, to minimize the transfer of water and reduce the potential for the formation of efflorescence.

The simplest method for removing efflorescence is to wash the surface and scrub it with a soft brush. However, only clean water should ensure the masonry is not damaged. Pressurized water can sometimes remove or dissolve the efflorescence, but the masonry must be dried off quickly afterward. Otherwise, the soluble salts will be re-absorbed into the host masonry and can later reappear as more efflorescence.

For more serious cases of efflorescence, muriatic acid can be applied to the masonry. This substance can be purchased from most hardware stores, but it’s important to wear protective clothing, including rubber gloves and a mask when applying it. Baking soda should be used after application to neutralize the acid and avoid further discoloration of the masonry.

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