When planning your Steel Building project, one of the requirements for a successful project involves picking the construction type that bests suits your needs.
In many cases, Red-iron construction is ideal for the construction of Steel Buildings. Red-iron construction is a commonly used term for industrial grade steel that exceeds the needs of most small to mid-sized projects. The most common shape of Red-Iron Steel is the I-Beam style. Red Iron provides incredible strength and durability for large projects that require long spans, tall heights above 20’ and heavy loads. It is strong, cost-effective for large structures and offers clear spaces. Red-iron is also the best option if you are planning to add lofts, mezzanines or second floors, as well as hanging heavy equipment, like cranes from the building. Its strength is almost unparalleled, especially during construction, as it can handle more weight, making it possible for the builder to use fewer materials on the job. It is made to resist rusting over the life of its usefulness. The coating on the steel is an iron oxide which creates a barrier that prevents water from having contact with the steel. The iron oxide gives the steel it’s unique red color, which gives way to the name Red-Iron.
If your project does not require this level of detail, steel is still a great option as it is manufactured in many different forms. Since steel is one of the most sustainable building materials in the world, it can constantly be recycled and reproduced to the same high-quality used in construction. Unlike wood, steel is more resilient to weather fluctuations, storms and is naturally fire resistant as the material is non-combustible. This makes it an especially smart choice when constructing outdoor buildings such as commercial buildings, barns, workshops, RV garages, and Agriculture Equipment Shelters. Steel is favored as one of the best building materials of endurance. A major factor is its ability to resist decay and insects. Termites are a natural enemy of any wooden structure, forming colonies in the wood that eat away at the structure until it literally crumbles. With a steel structure, termites are unable to chip away at the building structure.
For small to medium size projects, (approximately 4,000 square feet or less), Steel Tube is a better option since the design is more space efficient while still being strong enough for most uses. Although called steel tube, it can come in the form of round, square or rectangle. Its versatility lends it to a range of applications in different structures. Steel tubing is widely used in industrial and domestic settings. It is valued for its strength and ability to withstand extreme temperatures, pressure, and destructive elements. Steel tube has all the longevity benefits of Red-Iron without the extreme weight, material cost, and necessary engineering.
Steel Tube construction has added flexibility during construction as the uprights are typically spaced 4′ on center. This allows you to attach interior walls directly to them without the need to build false walls. This helps your project because this saves construction costs on the overall project. Typically there is also less foundation work involved saving on concrete and foundation costs. Both Red-Iron and Steel Tube are great solutions. The option you choose will be up to you and your needs.
