How big of a metal building are you in the market for?

That's one of the first questions prospective steel building clients should ask themselves. Because the durability and low costs of these structures isn't an issue, you should focus on the actual design dimensions. Here is an overview of those options:

Height
There are two aspects to the height of a metal building: overall height, measured on the outside, and interior clearance. The overall height may be regulated by zoning laws, but the clearance height will usually have more of an impact on personalized decisions.

Beginning with the low end, 10' clearance is plenty for many applications. Heights of up to 30' can accommodate extensive warehouse shelving systems, heavy construction vehicles and tractor-trailers - but, as you might expect, you'll pay more for additional clearance.

Roof
Rigid frame metal buildings offer multiple several types of roofs. "Single slope" construction starts with one side wall higher than the other; the roof simply slants from the high wall to the lower. "Peaked" or "gable" roofs have a more traditional peak, with the roof running down to both sides.

We can help you choose the pitch of your roof, as well. Pitch is usually expressed as a ratio: 1:12 is the flattest type of roof, rising 1" for every 12" of width. 4:12 is usually the steepest pitch available for general steel building structures. Increased pitch provides you with more interior clearance, helps improve the building's ability to shed rain and snow, and can result in a better looking building - but it also increases costs.

Arch style buildings have no distinction between roof and walls. Their curved sides act as both at the same time. Some arch style steel buildings come to more of a point at the top, while others are uniformly curved, but generally they have fewer options than rigid frame buildings.

Extras
Unless your plan is for is an unoccupied metal storage building, you'll need insulation. The same rating system used in residential construction is used for commercial steel buildings: R-7 is equivalent to 2" of insulation, and R-19 is 6".

Another option of add-ons for your metal building are cosmetic. At a minimum, you'll be able to choose the exterior color. If appearance is important, you can choose more expensive finishing options such as complete façades of wood, brick, or stucco. These options are less common, but very important to some buyers. Interior walls or partitions to make offices are built by your construction contractors, not the steel building manufacturer.