Before Your Purchase
- Study Your Building Erection Site: Mark where the intended building shall stand. This helps you to get clear about the dimensions of the building you want to purchase. Take into consideration where large door openings and entryways will be located. Find out required proximity to utility mains, and make final decisions about building size and orientation. Leave ample space for needed surrounding walkways, parking and traffic.
- Check Code Requirements: Many building departments will have some code standards that must be met. Neglecting this step can result in a great deal of unneeded future expenses if building modifications are deemed necessary after-the-fact.
Basic Building Erection Steps
Step #1 – Foundation
Most building fabricators send out anchor bolt plans with needed settings within three weeks of your building purchase. A complete erection manual is generally delivered with building materials. Always review these materials before installing your building. You will have plenty of time to check the accuracy of anchor bolt sizes and create a template for location. Foundation Plan Engineers can use these directions to plan your concrete needs.
If you do not have experience pouring a foundation for a steel building, it would be wise to utilize an experienced certified foundation contractor.
NOTE: Anchor Bolts are not included with building purchase.
Step #2 – Organize Delivered Building Materials
If you feel you have general construction experience and your steel building kit is not large, you may want to have a go at erecting your own steel building. Many people have saved themselves considerable steel building costs doing their project with a few friends or family members; however, if your building is complex or there are strict code regulations in your area, it is best to hire a certified erector.
It is standard practice for suppliers to provide a complete erection manual with delivered building materials. Please refer to these guidelines for a successful building install.
In order to work most effectively, lay out materials around the foundation, such that parts are near the location intended for install. You will move columns and rafters with your crane from your layout into their permanent locations. Metal roof and wall sheeting are best kept on wood blocks to avoid ground debris and moisture. Place these bundles as close as possible to where they will be installed. Lay out trims, accessories and insulation out of the way of crane traffic. These items will be the last items installed.
Step #3 – Main Frames, Purlins, and Girts
You will stand your main frame and rafters into place first. These members should be pre-cut, punched and welded by your fabricator for simple install. Use your crane for their movement and placement. They will bolt together and be fastened to your foundation. Following the main frames erection, you will install your secondary members (purlins and girts). Your erection manual will walk you through the numbered parts and sequence.
Step #4 – Framed Openings
During installation of girts you will coordinate framed openings install. Framed openings are designed for your large door locations, as well as any walk door and window framing requirements.
Step #5 – Roof & Wall Sheeting
After framing has been erected, roof and wall sheeting can be installed. Keep in mind that insualtion is easiest to install at this time since it is sandwiched between frames and sheeting. Beginning with wall sheeting,screw the sheeting into the frames with the fasteners supplied. The same process is used for roof sheeting. Fasteners should be snug. Weather stripping is provided and can now be applied between the panels.
Step #6 – Installing Accessories
Windows, walk doors, roof vents and louvers will be installed along with gutter systems and trim. These are all beautiful finishing touches which also serve to protect and seal your building.