Common Mistakes To Avoid When Constructing Your Steel Barn Building

Constructing a metal building isn’t a fun play. It involves a lot of intricate calculations, measurements, and precision. That’s why most metal dealers suggest that you leave the installation of large steel structures to the professionals. But that doesn’t mean you can just sit back.

Unfortunately, typical mistakes can be avoided if you prepare for pre-installation. So, let’s see what are those common mistakes and their potential solutions.

Following Mistakes You Must Avoid When Installing Steel Buildings

Not Complying With Local Building Codes

Almost every state in the United States has a local authority or HOA. They are responsible for ensuring that all structural construction in their jurisdiction area follows the said building codes and guidelines. This ensures the safety of people around, inside, and in the neighborhood.

Hence, it is necessary to follow all guidelines, or else your metal structure may get removed from your property.

Solution: International Building Codes (IBC) have set guidelines for all building constructions. You can also look into the local authority website for a guide. This will ensure that you are following all the rules.

Not Filing For A Permit

Permits are legal permission to start any construction work on your property. Failure to do so can lead to removing your structure or a fine.

Solution: You can go to your local county or city website. You can fill out the form, add your building details and personal information (owner’s info), and pay the fee there. After you file for a permit, an inspector will be assigned to see if you follow all the rules. A green signal from the inspector, and you will get approval.

Note that it may take 3-4 days or even weeks to get a permit.

Lousy Site Preparation

Not clearing the site can lead to a lot of trouble or even slow down the workflow of the construction team. Any obstruction at the installation site may result in accidents, damage to work, or stability of the whole structure.

Not leveling the site can lead to instability of the metal structure or the development of cracks in the foundation. It may lead to costly repair and replacement down the line.

Solution: Clean your installation site and level the ground. If you have chosen a concrete foundation, pour it a week before to let it cur. This will ensure that your base is ready for installation. We recommend getting a soil check to know which foundation best suits your location.

Incorrect Measurements

Buying your metal building before measuring your site is not a wise decision. You may get a bigger size that won’t fit your property nor comply with the local code, or you may buy a small size but of little use to you. So, what should you do?

Solution: Always get a rough measurement of your site before buying a steel building. We suggest that instead of measuring the size of the steel building, you measure the foundation as it will occupy most square footage.

Viking Barns has one of the best construction teams in America, which can help you decide which size will be best for your needs according to your lot, city/county, and budget. Call us now at (704) 579-6966.

Not Selecting the Right Structure

You have to choose the right size and the right type of metal building. That’s right. Let’s understand that with the help of an example. Suppose you want to install a two-car metal garage as a parking space for one car and a personal workshop for the remaining space. But you choose a dirt & gravel foundation with no insulation. What do you think is going to happen?

First, spending even an hour in an uninsulated garage during summer might bake you. Next, during the rainy season, water may seep into your garage, damaging your project.

Solution: “Building type = Purpose.” Keep a pin on that. Your usage purpose must define the metal structure type, its accessories, and other add-ons. You should opt for a concrete foundation with fiberglass insulation and passive vents in the case above.

Poor Safety Measures

Avoiding safety measures can lead to minor or even major accidents. This is especially true for the construction industry, as it has one of the highest levels of fatalities. If you are a DIY person, your passion for construction work must not come at the cost of compromising your health & safety. There are guidelines for the installation process that one must follow.

Solution: Safety must be the number one priority regardless of your construction work. Insurance is necessary for the construction team; for DIY enthusiasts, you must gather all safety tools, such as glasses, gloves, construction masks, and a first aid kit.

Installing Fasteners Incorrectly

Metal buildings are designed with precision. All raw materials, screws, nuts & bolts are meant for specific locations. Failure to assemble metal structures correctly can compromise the integrity of the entire building. Not just that, any missing screw or nut could lead to water leaks in a pre-engineered building.

Solution: Ensure all the raw materials arrive at your location on time before the construction process begins. If you are installing it yourself, re-check if all screws and nut bolts are correctly fastened to make sure they don’t come out or get loss.

We recommend you hire a professional team for installation. This way, your building will be installed and secured, and you may get a construction warranty.

Inadequate Insulation

No insulation can lead to water vapor retention. With time, this may lead to the formation of mold & mildew. This can lead to health issues for you and your loved ones. Insulation’s job is to create a layer that helps minimize condensation & moisture buildup. Hence, it is a necessary step when installing a metal building.

Solution: Identify which R-value will best suit your location. Then, find an insulation that fits your needs and budget. For a moderate climate, you can go with a fiberglass insulator, which is affordable and easy to install. If you live in an extremely rainy climate, try installing a vapor retarder.

No Clear Communication With Metal Dealer

Unclear communication with your metal builder can cause trouble and lead to misunderstanding. You may end up not being satisfied with the final result. So, what to do?

Solution: It is best to sit down with your metal dealer and discuss the required dimensions, types, and styles of your building.

At Viking Barns, we understand that clear communication with our client is crucial in getting a steel building that fits the client’s needs. We ensure that our designed structure aligns with your local building codes and you get the best quality steel.

What Are The Potential Uses Of A Metal Building?

Metals are strong, ductile, and can bear load without structural failure. This makes them ideal for a lot of uses. Some of them are listed below:

• Metal living quarters
• Warehouses
• Agricultural barns
• Personal/ commercial garages
• Cold storage
• Churches
• Commercial offices
• Backyard workshop
• Retail stores
• Agricultural buildings
• Man cave
• She shed
• Barndo
• Aviation hangar
• Manufacturing unit
• Bridges
• Workshop buildings

Get the Best Metal Deals With Viking Barns

We understand that heavy investment can be overwhelming sometimes. That’s why we have our best team available for you. Just call us at (704) 579-6966 today to order your dream metal building.

We offer 100% American-manufactured, high-quality steel to our customers. With our years of industry experience and thousands of happy customers, we assure you receive the best deal on metal barn buildings at a reasonable price. Why spend your hard-earned bucks on a dubious steel dealer when you have certified Viking Barns for you? Call us now for a free quote.