In addition to commercial and metal storage buildings, churches have become one of the more common steel building uses in America.

For those thinking of building or renovating a church, there are more construction choices and options than ever before.

Advances in techniques and materials allow structures not imaginable a century ago, resulting in virtually no limit on custom facilities.

A dearth of pre-designed, pre-engineered options necessitate comparing options and trying to judge quality and metal building prices.

It is not surprising, though, that one of the most popular options for church builders in America is steel frame building construction. The reasons why this is chosen so often are manifold.

One of the best features of the steel frame building system is the roof, says Michael Round, V.P. of sales for CECO Building Systems, in Columbus, Miss. "The roof is integrated with the structure that supports it, with impenetrable seams designed to keep any moisture out."

A prefabricated metal building roofing system is economical, maintenance free, and long lasting — it carries up to a 25-year warranty.

Such a roofing system is also good at reflecting sun and ultraviolet rays without heating the roof, and has spurred a movement among leading environmental advocates called the 'Cool Roof' programs.

-- It's been found that roofing that absorbs heat, rather than reflects it, wears out quicker and allows more heat inside the building.
-- The additional heat load thus requires larger air conditioning units and more energy to keep the building cool in hot weather.

A steel building frame is necessary to support a roof, but the starkness of this material need not show, which is another huge benefit.

"The steel frame can integrate with all kinds of other wall materials, including concrete, brick, wood, metal, and glass," says Jeff Saunders, V.P. of national sales and marketing at CECO.

"This is done to give a pleasing architectural look to the outside of the church, while supportive strength is concealed within. As far as the interior, you can do anything cosmetic. There is no design limit."

One of the benefits of this is that steel frame design offers a clear, wide span, with no need for posts or columns every 25 feet or so.

The wider the span, the more stresses there typically are. But a metal building can accommodate these spans economically and easily - ideal in situations in which you want a long, clear span for the sanctuary.