Like any construction project, the life of a steel building begins in someone’s mind. If it is a client’s idea, they may have a good concept of how it should look and will know exactly what they want it to contain. They will go to a specialist metal building manufacturer and outline what they want: what it’s for, how big it should be, and so on. Those early discussions can be both enlightening and beneficial for the client, because there could be advantages to choosing a steel structure that they didn’t know about. They may also be surprised at how attractive a steel building can look nowadays. While commercial premises are not famous for their beauty, it is good to have an appealing face in addition to a supremely practical interior.
The manufacturer will draw up an initial plan, and they and the client will work on it from there, changing this, improving that, redesigning, and tweaking.
Manufacturer vs Builder: What is the Difference?
But why are we talking about a manufacturer, rather than a builder? Because these buildings are largely prefabricated. They are made in parts and put together, like having a kit. There will be the frame, a collection of girders, which dictates the overall look and layout of the building, and a concrete slab will be created for the floor. Then it is just a case of assembling the walls and roof, using the interlocking panels. If this sounds simple, that’s because it is – and it is also relatively quick. The laborious processes of traditional bricks and mortar are totally put in the shade by the steel alternative.
What is the Life Expectancy of a Pre-engineered Steel Commercial Building?
Buildings don’t last forever. Commercial ones are not expected to last forever, because times change, and even if a building is occupied by one company throughout its lifespan, what goes on inside will change as technology marches on, fashions change, and the very nature of the occupant’s business develops. So, what is the life period of a steel commercial building? Roughly 50-100 years. It could be longer if it is properly maintained. Steel is naturally resilient. It is immensely strong, resistant to corrosion, isn’t badly affected by extreme temperatures, and is not the slightest bit interesting to termites and larger vermin. You can’t gouge out a nest in a piece of steel.
What is the Design Life of a Steel Building?
Getting back to the life cycle, 100 years is a good life period for a steel commercial building, and it starts with the design and the manufacture of the parts. In addition to any cutting and welding, many of those parts are pre-drilled and are the exact size, so once they have been delivered to the site, the assembly process is easy, and a skilled construction team can turn plans into reality very quickly. This, of course, is very important in business. A great idea only stays great if you can get it up and running fast enough.
The materials for the frame are delivered to the site and swiftly erected as the safe, stable basis for the building and from then on, it’s all systems go.
Internal work will take a little while, but again, if it has all been meticulously planned, it’s a simple job. There is also the matter of insulation to help maintain the ideal temperature and ensure low fuel bills. Insulation can also be of great benefit for the sound and ambience of the building. Modern acoustic materials and techniques can make even a cavernous space a more pleasant proposition than it once was.
As soon as all these factors are taken care of, you’ve got yourself a building ready to be pressed into service, and the rest of the life expectancy of a PEB (pre-engineered building) involves the occupant getting on with their business as the years roll by.
Call it prefabricated or pre-engineered, the fact is that this method of construction is ideal for all kinds of uses. While the most common purpose of a PEB used to be aircraft hangars (and it is still the number one choice for that), many other spheres of activity benefit from the provision of large, unencumbered open spaces. Factories, equestrian centers, health and fitness clubs, tennis schools… the list is endless. This is made possible by the strength of steel and the ability to build self-supporting roofs that don’t need pillars or columns in the way that many older buildings did. That creates freedom for animals, humans, forklift trucks, etc., to use the space for whatever it is they need.
From design to delivery and on to assembly and finishing. It’s a straightforward process if you do it with steel.
