Cold-formed steel buildings are structures that use thin steel members that have been shaped at room temperature. The result is a durable, lightweight, cost-efficient building that can be used for nearly any imaginable purpose.  

On this page, we’ll talk more about cold-formed buildings and the advantages they can offer. When you are ready to get started designing and building a metal structure of your own, turn to our Build & Price tool, or contact us directly. The American Steel Carports, Inc. team would love to serve you! 

What Does Cold Formed Mean? 

Cold-formed steel is a term used to describe steel members like strips and sheets that are formed at room temperature. Rather than heating up the steel in order to change its shape, that work is done using rollers or presses without any heat being applied.  

It is possible to create countless different shapes and types of steel members using the cold-forming process. As it relates specifically to building components, options include forming C-channels, Z-channels, hat channels, and more.  

What Are the Advantages of Cold-Formed Steel Buildings? 

The strength and durability of cold-formed steel are two of the leading benefits of this approach. Steel members formed in this way are consistently sized, durable over time, and make for an easy construction process.  

You’ll also appreciate the affordable nature of cold-formed steel buildings. With modest prices on the components, the finished building will cost far less than if you used something like wood. And, since steel can be recycled, this is considered a sustainable option that should be appealing if you want to make sure your new building is kind to the environment.  

Are There Any Limitations with Cold-Formed Steels? 

There are very few limits on what can be accomplished with cold-formed steel. One point to note is the way steel conducts heat and cold. Since it is such an efficient conductor, you may find that the inside of the building quickly gets hot or cold, depending on the time of year. Of course, that issue can easily be rectified by adding quality insulation to your building at the time of construction.  

It’s also possible for low-quality steel buildings to have issues with deformation over time, leading to a shorter-than-expected lifespan. This is why it’s so important to work with a proven, trusted partner like American Steel Carports, Inc. With us on your side, you can be sure the building you receive will meet the highest of quality standards and will perform perfectly for years to come.  

What Are the Common Uses of Cold-Formed Steel Structures? 

The potential uses for a cold-formed steel structure are really only limited by your imagination. Some of the countless possibilities include those listed below – 

• Garages and workshops 
• Agricultural buildings like barns, feed rooms, and equipment sheds 
• Light commercial or retail buildings 
• Backyard sheds 

Build a Custom Steel Building

Creating a new metal building might seem intimidating, but it’s actually quite approachable. That’s especially true when you have the experts at American Steel Carports, Inc. on your side. To get started on this exciting project, contact us now for more information. Put the wheels in motion today, and your new building will be a reality sooner rather than later! 

 

Frequently Asked Questions 

Is cold-formed steel more expensive than wood framing? 

While the per-pound cost of the material can be higher, when you add in all of the other factors that go into creating a building, the overall expense of a cold-formed steel building is typically lower than it would be with wood framing.  

How tall or wide can a cold-formed steel building go? 

There isn’t any specific limit on the size of these types of buildings. As long as the building is properly engineered to stay within the limits of the material, which it will be if you work with American Steel Carports, Inc., you can create many different types of structures.  

Is it possible to insulate a cold-formed steel building? 

Absolutely. Adding insulation to a cold-formed steel building is an easy process that can make the interior of the space far more comfortable throughout the year. You may choose to insulate your building right from the start, or you can go back and add this feature later on.  

Are cold-formed steel buildings considered sustainable? 

Yes, steel is an excellent building material from a sustainability standpoint. The processes involved in creating these buildings tend to generate less waste than the alternatives, and the durability of quality steel structures means they won’t have to be replaced anytime soon.