Metal buildings are becoming a popular choice in the commercial sector. They provide high durability and a healthy indoor environment for work. Let’s see some of the advantages of steel buildings that set them apart from traditional materials.
| High load bearing capacity | Termite resistant | Low maintenance |
| Pest proof | Regulate temperature* | Structural durability |
| Sustainable | All-weather resistant | Fire resistant* |
| Energy efficient | Non-porous & inorganic material | |
[*with insulation]
Note: You can even get engineer-certified steel buildings that can withstand high-speed winds, heavy snow loads, and hail storms.
Applications Of Metal Buildings In the Commercial Sector
Here are some common use cases of steel buildings in commercial settings. Businesses often rely on metal structures to reduce monthly operational costs such as maintenance, re-painting, and re-coating. This cost affects the overall profitability.
With metal, one can also design a structure that is energy efficient. Not only do you get low energy bills, but you can also take advantage of tax credits. Alternatively, you can install solar panels to reduce dependency on the grid.
That said, here are some interesting uses of metal commercial buildings. Let’s examine them more thoroughly.
1. Warehouse
Warehouses are usually large buildings. Hence, monthly upkeep will waste time, money, and other business resources. Metal structures are excellent for warehouses as upkeep is low, and with steel, you can go as wide as 300 feet without any internal support column.
This gives you freedom for interior design. Further, you can design metal buildings up to 80 feet tall or even more. For details, contact your metal dealer. Steel structures don’t have complicated designs.
You can install large & wide doors and windows without extra supporting panels. This is not possible with any traditional structure without add-ons.
2. Manufacturing Unit
Manufacturing facilities need large, obstruction-free spaces for setting up production lines and packaging machines. You can create a section within a metal structure where you can add a computer to monitor the accurate functioning of these machines.
You can effectively pack and transfer goods from the manufacturing area to storage. Now, you may think that rusting metal can harm products and goods. Well, that’s a common myth surrounding metal. But that is far from the reality. Not all metal rusts.
Only iron and its alloys do. Next, steel is made rust-resistant by galvanizing it. A recent development in this area is weathering steel. It develops a rust-like patina that prevents corrosion. Therefore, businesses do not need to spend money on frequent repairs and replacements or worry about spoiled products due to termites and molds.
3. Retail Store | Factory Outlet
Many businesses, such as shoes, fashion, and other goods, prefer to open a factory outlet where they can sell items directly from the factory to the customer. This helps them sell products at a lower price and get buyer feedback. With a metal structure, you can get maximum carpet area to open a shop and place items for customers to browse and buy.
You can create a section at the back end and install a mezzanine floor to store inventory. This way, you don’t need to make a trip to the manufacturing unit to load the product. Metal buildings let you create a small buffer space so you never run out of stock.
4. Automobile Shop
Steel commercial buildings can be used as garages, car washes, workshops, car showrooms, and manufacturing areas. Whether you want to open a shop for repairing and washing vehicles or a showroom to sell cars, the metal structure will provide ample space for car maneuvering and storage.
5. Restaurant
Restaurants must adhere to safety, hygiene, and laws; otherwise, they may be fined or, worse, shut down. Profitability is thin, so efficiency is of the utmost importance. Steel commercial buildings can achieve front- and back-end efficiency. You can even add ambiance and aesthetics to attract customers.
Tip: You can install a lean-to for customers to enjoy coffee outside. A metal lean-to will add extra space without breaking your budget.
Now, you may think metal structures are flimsy. But that is not true. Usually, aluminum panels are flexible but not used in large metal buildings anyway. The larger commercial building constructions have 12 or 14-gauge steel frames and 24 or 26-gauge panels. These are thick and can resist daily wear and tear, so your customers remain safe inside.
6. Churches
Churches in the US are classified as commercial buildings. They are supposed to hold a large audience and have ample space for offering prayers. Metal structures are quick to install and require less labor. You can create large spaces that can accommodate benches in rows and columns for people to join in large groups and offer a warm, welcoming space for worship.
7. Office Space
Steel buildings do not emit toxic fumes and other harmful stuff that can cause health issues. Your employees are safe and healthy. It has been found that a healthy and green environment increases productivity. An additional lean-to can provide space for office employees to park cars in the shade or as a lunch break area where they can sit and enjoy snacks.
Metal buildings can also be used as government buildings. They are fast to install, so the government can start operations early and require less manpower, saving money on extensive labor costs. Public-funded schools can also benefit from steel school buildings to increase their student capacity and provide room for extracurricular activities.
Agribusiness also uses steel buildings such as carports, garages, or barns to increase their revenue and decrease upkeep costs. You can find metal structures such as dairy barns, loafing sheds, livestock shelters, etc.
To Summarize The Above
As you can see, metal commercial buildings have a wide range of applications. You, too, can take advantage of steel structures by installing one for your business. Always buy quality steel for long-lasting performance and less maintenance. Compare quotes from various metal dealers and choose one that fits your needs and budget.