PRIMARY FRAMING

MAINFRAMES TYPES

The obvious feature of all United steel buildings are the rigid mainframes of our buildings. Made from either a hot rolled (molten steel through a mold) or built-up process (welding together steel plates. All frames can either have tapered columns or straight columns. Clearspan frames allow for maximum use of interior space. To reduce cost in heavy snow load areas or when in need of an extremely large building interior columns can be used. Interior columns help support the main rafters and reduce the thickness of the beam. Mainframes can be gable symmetrical, unsymmetrical, single slope, and some cases a lean-to frame is used to add on to an existing structure or to a new building. United steel building's pricing generator offers the most common type of mainframe (gable symmetrical). We can design and fabricate any frame type that exists so if what you need is not offered on our steel building price generator please fill out the SPECIAL QUOTE FORM.

ENDWALL TYPES

A bearing frame (post & beam) endwall is our standard endwall condition. The endwall columns are typically red iron cee channels. Interior columns can be adjusted to accommodate framed openings. Other types of endwalls are expandable & nonexpandable. Both use mainframes rather than cee's and are similar except nonexpandable endwalls cannot be used for future expansion. Our steel building price generator uses bearing frame endwalls as a default since it is most common and cost effective. If you desire an alternative endwall design please use our SPECIAL QUOTE FORM.

SECONDARY FRAMING

PURLINS, GIRTS, & EAVE STRUTS

Secondary framing members are those that join the primary framing together to form bays, support wall & roof panels, and transfer loads to the mainframes. Purlins attach to the main rafters and support the roof panels. Girts attach to the main rafters and support the wall panels. Eave struts are attached to the outside eave of the building and serve as a bearing point for ending roof and wall sheets. All purlins & girts come in varies gauges, depths, and spacing depending on load requirements. Our steel building pricing generator will configure all purlin & girt spacing/depth for the user. If you require an alternative spacing/depth please use our SPECIAL QUOTE FORM.

BRACING

In addition to the primary and secondary framing, extra bracing may be added due to load requirements. The most common methods of bracing are diaphragm action, rod or cable bracing, fixed base, or portal frames. Diaphragm action relies solely on the wall & roof panels, when properly installed, to transfer lateral wind and snow loads to the foundation. Rod or cable bracing is the primary alternative to diaphragm action in which rods or cables are attached to the frames between bays to transfer the loads to the foundation. Finally fixed bases or portal frames are used when additional bracing is required, but there is a need for open bays. Also flange bracing is used within the roof system to prevent purlins and mainframes from buckling under heavy loads. Our building price generator will take into consideration loads and openings to determine the proper bracing. If additional or special bracing is required please fill out the SPECIAL QUOTE FORM.

Bay Spacing

The spacing between the mainframes (labeled MF) is considered a "bay". In the illustration below, the 100' long building layout is broken up into 4 bays @ 25'. Each Mainframe carries the load of a "half bay" on either side. The endwalls (labeled EW) support only 1 half bay. Bays are typically between 20'-25' depending on the size of the building. In the example below the bays could be configured 5 @ 20', but adding another mainframe may be less economical due to added steel. On the other hand bays over 25' cause the size of the mainframe to increase. Our steel building price generator will allow for the most economical bay spacing. If specific bay spacing is required please fill out the SPECIAL QUOTE FORM.

ROOF & WALL COVERING

PANEL TYPES

"PBR" panels or purlin bearing are the most economical and commonly used panel type. The under lapping panel has an extended leg for better support. The extension allows for easy alignment and stronger screw attachment. "PBR" panels also give better reinforcement during the erection process helping to prevent workers from damaging them when walking on the roof. Our steel building price generator uses "PBR" panels for all roof and wall applications. If an alternate panel type is needed please fill out the SPECIAL QUOTE FORM.

Gauge: 29, 26, 24, 22.

Length: Cut to length of walls or either roof side.

Width: 36"

Depth: 1 1/4"

Finish: All Colors/Galvalume

Uses: Walls, Roofs, Liner, Soffit

"PBA" panel is basically a reverse panel, though rib sizes do differ from the "PBR". When installed it produces a smoother surface that is more appealing to the eye and also helps to semi-conceal the fasteners. The downside to this panel is the additional bracing that must be added due to the elimination of diaphragm action because of less girt contact.

Gauge: 26, 24

Length: Cut to length of walls or either roof side.

Width: 36"

Depth: 1 1/8"

Finish: All Colors/Galvalume

Uses: Walls

"PBU" panels or utility panels are most commonly used for patitions or soffits due to ease of installation and shallower ribs. The ribs of the "PBU" panel are at 6" intervals.

Gauge: 29, 26, 24, 22

Length: Cut to length of walls or either roof side.

Width: 36"

Depth: 3/4"

Finish: White/Galvalume

Uses: Liner, Partitions, Soffits, Walls

FASTENERS

Due to relentless exposure to the elements including direct sun, rain, and snow, the roof system of any steel building is the most vulnerable to rust. Though the typical galvalume finish on the roof panels prevents rusting, the problem can occur if low grade fasteners are used. When the fasteners are applied to the roof sheets they penetrate the finish causing a direct metal to metal contact. By using upgraded "long life" fasteners on all of our buildings we have helped to eliminate this risk. The zinc aluminum alloy head does not rust and the flare design creates maximum seal and moisture resistance. If an alternative fastener type is needed please fill out the SPECIAL QUOTE FORM.

BASE CONDITIONS

Description

Every steel building is equipped with a steel member that runs the entire perimeter of the building at or near the foundation called the "base condition". The "base condition" serves as a connection point for the bottom of the wall sheeting. Wall sheeting typically runs past the outside of the foundation and with the proper base condition will prevent pests, water, & outside elements from entering the base of the building. Three of the most common types of base conditions are "base angle", "base girt", & "base channel". Our steel building pricing generator uses "base angle" as the standard condition. If an alternative "base condition" is required please fill out the SPECIAL QUOTE FORM.

TRIM & GUTTER

TRIM

Steel building trim includes the eave trim, rake trim, corner trim, all flashing for openings, and the ridge cap. These members create the finished look of the building. They also complete the transition between the main panels. Eave trim completes the transition from wall to roof panel on the sidewalls. Rake trim completes the transition from wall to roof panel on the endwalls. Corner trim completes the transition at all corners of the building between endwall & sidewall panels. All framed opening flashing for doors & windows completes the unfinished look of the opening and hides all framing members. Quality trim packages can enhance the look of any steel building by mixing colors. Our steel building pricing generator will include all trim with final pricing with optional color choices. If any specialty trim is required please fill out the SPECIAL QUOTE FORM.

Ridge Cap

The ridge cap is considered a trim member because it completes the transition of roof panels at the peak of the building. Using a die casting method all ridge caps are formed for each specific building. The profile matches the roof panels and pitch for easy installation. Ridge caps also aid in leak prevention and keeping pests out. Our steel building pricing program will include the proper ridge cap needed for any quoted building.

ROOF EXTENSIONS

ROOF CANOPIES

Roof canopies provide shelter to areas that require open access as in a loading dock, help to eliminate water runoff for doorways and walkways, and add more visual appeal by breaking up the "boxed" look of the overall structure. Overhangs can be placed at the eave or below the eave depending on customer needs. Other types of canopies that can accomplish this are facades or mansards. These canopies are seen on many office buildings and serve to add more visual appeal, hide the roof line, & provide a space for signage. Our steel building price generator does not give an option to add roof extensions, but can easily be added by filling out the SPECIAL QUOTE FORM.

ACCESSORIES

GUTTERS & DOWNSPOUTS

Gutters and downspouts are considered an accessory, but they also form a type of finished trim to the outside eaves of any steel building. Gutters and downspouts are highly recommended on all steel buildings except in heavy snow load areas. They prevent the water from splashing over the eave and channel it away from windows and openings. They also prevent the water from gathering at the base of the building. Using our steel building price generator you can choose the optional accessory of gutters and downspouts.

WALK DOORS

Walk doors are used to access or exit the building by individuals. Typical sizes of walk doors are 3x7 & 6x7. They are made from 20 gauge galvanized steel with a sound resistant filler. All doors are provided with framing, trim, weather stripping, and lockset. Some types of walk doors have a square or narrow lite window for convenience. Our steel building price generator provides options for all types of walk doors.

WINDOWS

Windows create a way to bring natural light and air into a steel building. Our steel building pricing generator provides many options for size & type. All pricing includes aluminum window frames, glass, and flashing. All windows are pre-framed for easy installation.

Vents

Ventilation is an extremely important need for a steel building due to condensation and heat transfer. For uses such as automotive, proper venting keeps harmful fumes from accumulating within the building. Three of the most common forms of venting are ridge vents, circular vents, and louver vents. All projects are different and the type of vent needed is really up to the customer. All ridge vents and circular vents include dampers, bird screens, and operator kits.

SKYLIGHT PANELS

Skylight panels provide natural light for the building in an economical way. Standard skylight panels are plastic formed to the same style as the roof or wall panels. Typically they are 3'x10' and come complete with all the necessary attachment screws, fillers, and caulk to prevent leakage. Our steel building pricing generator includes options for skylight panels.

INSULATION PACKAGES

Insulating a building helps to prevent condensation, establish temperature control, and reduces noise. Our insulation is commercial grade fiberglass blanket that is laminated to a protective vinyl barrier facing. It is available for roof and walls in 3" (R10), 4" (R13), & 6" (R19). Our steel building pricing generator gives options on a variety of thicknesses.

ROLL UP / OVERHEAD DOORS

ROLL UP DOORS

This type of door is a commercial grade 26 gauge steel curtain that rolls up into a cylinder. It is the most common type of door for steel buildings. Includes all tracking, torsion springs, chain operator kits, and a 10 gauge slide bolt. Roll up doors can be insulated or non-insulated. Our steel building price generator provides a variety of sizes & types of roll up doors.

OVERHEAD DOORS

Also referred to as sectional door, overhead doors work in a similar way to a standard garage door. The door is broken into sections that run on a track into the building. This sometimes is inconvenient because when the door is open headroom is lost inside the building. The panels are 25 gauge standard and include all tracking, torsion springs, hardware, & inside slide lock. Sectional doors can also come insulated or non-insulated. Our steel building price generator provides a variety of sizes & types of overhead doors.