Important Factors to Consider Before Investing in a Building

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Many companies will try to get you to buy a carport, but there are many things you should consider before doing so. We all have to put consideration to our location and weather when it comes to choosing a structure. Sometimes it will even require a little research. Here are four of the most important factors to consider before investing in a building.

1. Pricing

Plenty of people habitually price-check their purchases, especially if it’s a large purchase that will serve as an investment. An investment is something that will benefit us in the long run, not just immediately. It’s important to consider a budget or price range for these bigger purchases. It all depends on the features you need and how long it’s going to last. One way to feel less pressured when considering an investment is by looking at all the options available. Here at American Steel Carports, we have two options for purchasing buildings aside from payment in full: financing or the rent to own option.

2. Building Regulations

Some cities require a permit in order for installation. Sometimes this can cause problems, especially if you find out at the last minute. To prevent this situation, it’s important to know what are the requirements in your area prior to buying a unit. For a permit, you will need the specifics of your new building, which ASCI can supply for free. With some cities, you will need draws and calcs, and those do come with an additional charge separately from your building.

3. Stability

Stability is also another big factor to consider. When you make a purchase, quality should always be important. There is a chance that you might find some high-quality things available at cheaper prices, but for the most part, price is a good indicator of quality. It’s always better to stay on the safe side. Why buy something cheaper when the more expensive option will last twice as long? At ASCI, we provide two different types of materials and we will always suggest the best for you as our customer. All of our buildings are engineer-certified, so you can be certain that your building is made to last.

4. Meeting Your Needs

Do you know what exactly you’re looking for? It’s okay if you don’t. We understand that with all the different styles of buildings, sometimes it’s hard to decide. We have lots of options, so it all depends on what exactly you’re looking for. Protection for your car? A game room? A workshop? We have all of those!
Here are some of the features we provide that you can modify:
• Dimensions: Width x Length x Height
• Color: We provide 12 different colors at no extra charge.
• Roof type:
◦ Standard – this roof comes with the rounded corners on the ends
◦ A-frame Horizontal – sheet metal runs horizontally
◦ A-frame Vertical – panels run from the peak towards the sides. This is our sturdier roof that lets water, snow, or dirt run down the roof rather than piling up and potentially causing a collapse.

If you have any other questions about any of this information, call us at 866-730-9865 and get one of our professionals to help you.

Summer is Coming: Get Your Pool Area Ready

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Winter is finally on its way out, and we can hear Spring knocking. WThat means Summer will be here before you know it. Summer means something different to everyone, but one common denominator is the pool. It’s a meeting place and retreat from the cruel summer heat… The pool can be perfect for relaxing and stirring up laughter. It’s a great setting for a neighborhood celebration, birthdays, team parties, keeping the kids entertained, or gathering the adults for some grown-up conversation.

Now that we have the fun out of the way, let’s get down to business. There’s a lot that goes into the upkeep of a pool. There are all the tools needed for maintenance and repair, as well as chemicals, and the toy collection you have amassed.

We have the perfect idea for a pool house to keep the pool area more organized as well as the yard clean from party debris.

Our buildings work perfectly for smaller yards that still need the access and organization that a pool house brings. American Steel Carport buildings are completely customizable to fit any size needs. Since most pool houses can be wide open with a small room for changing, our open floor plan works perfectly.

Whether you need your pool house to be big enough to add a bar and host company, or you just want something to store tools, supplies, and toys, we can take care of you.

We’ve also mentioned in a previous blog that our carport cover is perfect for pool covers. They provide protection from leaves and other debris, as well as shade for those who want the heat but not the direct sunlight.  They also make it easy to swim during summer rain, which is great for people who depend on the pool for daily exercise or rehabilitation.

We would love to talk to you about your new pool house or pool cover! Feel free to call us at 866-730-9865 or online at Americansteelinc.com.

Some Things to Know About Steel Building Insulation

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We know that metal is a good conductor of cold and heat, and when temperature shifts inside or outside the metal building, water tends to condense on the metal sheets.

Insulation can be used to avoid the issue of water condensation. When heat transfers from the outside to the inside of a building, the insulation works as a barrier.  Additionally, by reducing the temperature of the metal, the insulation reduces condensation.

The definition of R-Value is “the capacity of an insulating material to resist heat flow. The higher the R-value, the greater the insulating power.”  (Webster Dictionary)

Types of Insulation:

There are various styles of insulation. We’ll look at some below while highlighting the benefits.

Loose Fill Insulation

Loose-fill insulation consists of small particles of fiber, foam, or other materials. The most common types of materials used for loose-fill insulation include cellulose, fiberglass, and mineral (rock or slag) wool. (1)

This type of insulation is installed by blowing it into tiny holes that persist in the walls. It is one of the most environmentally-friendly, and it is a good way to save money on utility expenses.

Blanket Insulation

Blanket insulation is the most common and widely available type of insulation. It comes in the form of batts or rolls. It consists of flexible fibers, most commonly fiberglass. You also can find batts and rolls made from mineral (rock and slag) wool, plastic fibers, and natural fibers, such as cotton and sheep’s wool.  (2)

This is mainly for recently installed buildings.  Large rolls are used to fill pre-cut gaps in buildings. It must be installed correctly or it won’t function properly.

Rigid Board Insulation

Rigid foam can be used in walls, roofs, and foundations, for retrofits or new construction. Most varieties of foam have a higher R-value per inch than fiberglass, cotton, or cellulose. Rigid foam sheets are sold in several thicknesses; most lumberyards carry insulation ranging from 1/2 in. to 2 in. thick. Thicker sheets (up to 6 in. thick) are usually available by special order. (3)

Spray Foam Insulation

Spray foam insulation is an insulation and air barrier material that seals walls, floors and ceiling cavities against air movement. It’s often used in spaces around electrical outlets and light fixtures, and also where walls meet windows and doors. (4)

 

(1) www.energy.gov/energysaver/weatherize/insulation/types-insulation

(2) www.daviddarling.info/encyclopedia/B/AE_blanket_insulation.html  

(3) www.greenbuildingadvisor.com/green-basics/rigid-foam-insulation

(4) https://www.retrofoamofmichigan.com/blog/spray-foam-insulation-what-its-made-of-how-it-works

Local Government

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It’s no secret that the government has a say in what people build on their own property, but what purpose does this serve? In short, the focus is on safe, livable neighborhoods and all-around public safety.

Regulations were put in place out of necessity, since many cities and towns in the US were burning down frequently in the early nineteenth century, including San Francisco, New York, Atlanta, Chicago, and more.

Around that time, governments both local and state stepped up and tried to prevent cities and towns from being so susceptible to fires. A starting point was to stop using cladding that was flammable in built-up sections. Standpipes were added to oversized buildings, and limits were placed on the height of buildings framed by wood while also requiring sprinkler systems.

Fire prevention isn’t the only goal; structurally-sound buildings that won’t collapse are just important. It would be terrible to think that a building might collapse while you are in it, or to see high rises losing pieces that fall to the streets below, causing damage or even worse, hurting someone.  This is why licensed engineers need to be involved and units are inspected and approved by the local government.

Public safety and fire prevention are the main objectives of building codes, but other priorities include making sure that buildings and units are accessible to people with and without disabilities, as well as energy efficiency.

Other regulations that cities and towns have put in place can affect building projects, such as bylaws and planning policies, as well as historical place restrictions zoning requirements.

Quality of life is an important focus for local governments. No one would want an animal farm next to a restaurant with patio seating, so local governments have restrictions on what can be built where.

Here are some other examples of things they look for:

  • Paint colors that are acceptable (Mostly in historic neighborhoods)
  • The distance a building can set back from the property border
  • Driveway size and location
  • Amount of parking spaces
  • Green space required as well as the amount of pavement allowed
  • Drainage requirements

It’s always a good idea to call the local planning department first and ask about any requirements when deciding to build a unit.

At first, these rules and regulations can seem overwhelming and confusing. However, most people realize in the end that they are only there to protect the public and provide a good quality of life. American Steel Carports will work with you to obtain your permits. We support a safe and productive quality of life for everyone.

 

 

Why a Metal Building Might be Perfect for You

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Have you noticed the high increase in demand for metal buildings around the country? Do you know the reason behind the increase? Stay tuned to this blog and learn why a metal building might perfect for your needs!

Modern and customized metal buildings, just like the ones American Steel Carports offers, are an alternative to almost any type of traditional building that we’ve seen in the past. For example, your classical wood barn can be replaced with a stronger, more affordable, and less dangerous material like steel.

AFFORDABILITY

Without going into a full analysis, if a product can last you for many years and protect your belongings from the natural elements, all for a low price, then you’re very likely to say yes to a new building, especially if it’s not going to hurt your budget. Metal buildings are quite affordable, compared to the cost of wood and red iron. One of the main reasons for this is the cost of transportation. Freight for wood and red iron is higher, and these materials also will take longer to install Unlike wood, the material in most of the panels (sheets) in metal buildings are recycled materials, and this cuts down on costs while still providing you with the same strength and durability.

According to Budget Homekits, there is no structural difference in strength between galvanized steel or red iron. The only difference is the coating. As the name states, red iron has a sprayed-on paint that creates a rusty-brown color. Red iron structures come with high installation costs. So, if you’re looking for a simple carport or a small garage or workshop, this might be a high-cost investment; red iron buildings are mostly used for big-budget projects like industrial buildings.

REDUCED INSURANCE COSTS

According to the insurance leaders, the top reasons for residential damage claims are hail, water, heavy winds, fire, and snow loads. Termites can also be an expensive source of damage, around $3000 per home. You might be able to save a considerable amount of money on your insurance by replacing your older buildings with steel ones. We also have another blog post that goes into more detail about how insurance is cheaper for a steel building.

EXPANDABILITY

Pretend for a moment that you’ve already got your metal carport delivered and installed by American Steel Inc., and now you’re thinking that it’d be better to enclose your carport and add a garage door to keep your vehicle fully indoors instead. Well, you’ll be glad to know that American Steel Carports can add onto your metal structure after it’s been installed. Please note that we can only make additions to metal buildings originally installed by American Steel Carports and that are no older than 3 years.

Are you ready to get started on your new metal building? Call us now at 866-730-9865 and let one of our experts help you find the right metal building for you! Don’t forget to follow us on all our social media for more information and images of new buildings installed weekly.

Disproving Myths About Metal Buildings

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  • Are steel buildings flimsy or weak? Are they inferior to other types of buildings?

 

  1. If your knowledge of metal buildings is based solely on old barns made of corrugated tin and rusty scrap metal, then I understand these concerns. However, all of our buildings are engineer certified and constructed with high-quality galvanized steel that is precision cut and can come with an up to 20-year warranty.

 

  • Metals buildings look like they’re noisy. Are they?

 

  1. Not at all! In fact, installation dramatically cuts noise. With drywall-style walls, you could have the same silence that one would expect from a traditional home but with lower energy costs.

 

  • Does my metal building have a greater chance of being struck by lightning?

 

  1. I’ll explain, and you’ll hopefully feel better about owning a steel structure. Metal is a conductor, but it is a positive conductor to the earth. Any energy from a rare lightning strike would be dispersed over the entire roof and then channeled into the ground, thereby avoiding the costly issues that you would encounter from a wooden structure in the same situation.

 

  • Do all metal buildings rust?

 

  1. In order to prevent rust, our metal is coated with Galvalume before leaving the factory. Rust becomes an issue only when the material is damaged or scratched or when field-cut edges are not sealed before being placed. However, regularly recoating damaged areas decreases the possibility of developing rust.

 

  • Will my internet, cell-phone service, or TV service be disrupted by a metal building?

 

  1. Absolutely not! Electromagnetic waves pass around timber and spread out as a result of passing through narrow apertures or across steel edges. Therefore, you’d have no more trouble operating than you would in any other building. For Wi-Fi, we have never heard of complications or lack of service due to a metal building.

What is Steel? (And Other Questions)

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                Steel is an alloy of iron and carbon containing less than 2% carbon and 1% manganese and small amounts of silicon, phosphorus, Sulphur, and oxygen. Steel is the world’s most important engineering and construction material. It is used in every aspect of our lives; in cars and construction products, refrigerators and washing machines, cargo ships and surgical scalpels.

Steel is produced via two main routes: the blast furnace-basic oxygen furnace (BF-BOF) route and electric arc furnace (EAF) route. Variations and combinations of production routes also exist.

The key difference between the routes is the type of raw materials they consume. For the BF-BOF route, these are predominantly iron ore, coal, and recycled steel, while the EAF route produces steel using mainly recycled steel and electricity. Depending on the plant configuration and availability of recycled steel, other sources of metallic iron such as direct-reduced iron (DRI) or hot metal can also be used in the EAF route.

About 75% of steel is produced using the BF-BOF route. First, iron ores are reduced to iron, also called hot metal or pig iron. Then the iron is converted to steel in the BOF. After casting and rolling, the steel is delivered as a coil, plate, sections or bars.

Steel made in an EAF uses electricity to melt recycled steel. Additives, such as alloys, are used to adjust to the desired chemical composition. Electrical energy can be supplemented with oxygen injected into the EAF. Downstream process stages, such as casting, reheating and rolling, are similar to those found in the BF-BOF route. About 25% of steel is produced via the EAF route.

Another steelmaking technology, the open hearth furnace (OHF), makes up about 0.4% of global steel production. The OHF process is very energy intensive and is in decline owing to its environmental and economic disadvantages. Check out our publication World Steel in Figures for more information.

Most steel products remain in use for decades before they can be recycled. Therefore, there is not enough recycled steel to meet growing demand using the EAF steelmaking method alone. Demand is met through a combined use of the BF-BOF and EAF production methods.

All of these production methods can use recycled steel scrap as an input. Most new steel contains recycled steel.

Steel is not a single product. There are more than 3,500 different grades of steel with many different physical, chemical, and environmental properties.

Approximately 75% of modern steels have been developed over the past 20 years. If the Eiffel Tower were to be rebuilt today, the engineers would only need one-third of the steel that was originally used.

Modern cars are built with new steels that are stronger but up to 35% lighter than in the past.

World crude steel production reached 1,689.4 million tonnes (Mt) for the year 2017. Check out our World Steel in Figures 2018 in our online bookshop for more information.

Smart manufacturing does not just mean having a smart factory.

It is a significant transformation in the way we source raw materials, manufacture, and market our products through horizontal and vertical supply chain integration. It is a profoundly customer-focused concept. This change is not a one-step process as there are obvious challenges of trust and data security to overcome between diverse parties in the supply chain. There are a number of examples of early adopters within the steel industry; especially in vertical integration within business segments where building blocks of smart factories are being put together.

Steel is very friendly to the environment. It is completely recyclable, possesses great durability, and, compared to other materials, requires relatively low amounts of energy to produce. Innovative lightweight steel construction (such as in automobile and rail vehicle construction) help to save energy and resources. The steel industry has made immense efforts to limit environmental pollution in the last decades. Producing one ton of steel today requires just 40% of the energy it did in 1960. Dust emissions have been reduced by even more.

Yes, very easily. Steel’s unique magnetic properties make it an easy material to recover from the waste stream to be recycled. The properties of steel remain unchanged no matter how many times the steel is recycled. The electric arc furnace (EAF) method of steel production can use exclusively recycled steel. Steel is the world’s most recycled material.

For more information on steel recycling, check out our blog titled: Steel – the surprising recycling champion, 19 March 2018.

It is not known who produced the first steel. Since 200 BC, many cultures have produced steel in one form or another. A British inventor, Henry Bessemer, is generally credited with the invention of the first technique to mass produce steel in the mid-1850s. Steel is still produced using technology based on the Bessemer Process of blowing air through molten pig iron to oxidize the material and separate impurities.

Many elements and materials go through chemical reactions with other elements. When steel comes into contact with water and oxygen there is a chemical reaction and the steel begins to revert to its original form – iron oxide.

In most modern steel applications this problem is easily overcome by coating. Many different coating materials can be applied to steel. Paint is used to coat cars and enamel is used on refrigerators and other domestic appliances. In other cases, elements such as nickel and chromium are added to make stainless steel, which can help prevent rust.

 

26 Gauge Upgrade

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Need the added durability for your carport or metal building? Aside from our 29-gauge (about 0.36mm thick) paneling American Steel Carports also offers an upgraded 26-gauge (about 0.48 mm thick) paneling at an additional price. 26-gauge paneling is a great option for those looking to have extra heavy-duty coverage from snowfall, ice, and hail. The extra thickness gives our customers a peace of mind during unforeseen weather. Whether it be our standard 29-gauge paneling or upgraded 26-gauge, rest assured that you will be getting the highest quality coverage at a great price! Don’t forget to ask for the various colors we offer on all our sheet panels and screws.  

Getting rid of Your Stuff can be Hard. We can Help.

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There are many reasons you could need storage, but one you may not have thought about is how clutter affects our lives. I recently read a report on how too much clutter can cause stress and anxiety, can create feelings of guilt (“I should start being more organized”) and can also lead one to feel embarrassed, especially when others drop by our homes or workspaces unexpectedly. As a psychologist and expert on the subject, Sherrie Bourg Carter explains in Psychology Today, “Messy homes and workspaces leave us feeling anxious, helpless, and overwhelmed. Yet, rarely is clutter recognized as a significant source of stress in our lives.”

Downsizing is another reason people would need storage. There is a national trend of people leaving larger houses for much smaller and more economic ones. The reasons vary, but most say they want to cash out equity to fund retirement, cut living costs with a smaller residence, or even move to a new location, possibly a rental.

According to HousingWire.com: “In fact, three out of four Baby Boomers answered they would downsize their home to lower ongoing costs and for the benefit from the equity. Another 67% said they would be willing to move to a less expensive location.”

So where does everything go when you don’t want to throw it away?

Are your kids leaving the house? Every year, 20 million kids enrolled in college, with a large amount of them leaving home. Therein lies the issue. We spend a long time creating and collecting memories, and it can be hard to just discard of these items when the kids leave home.

With American Steel, you don’t have to. American Steel makes buildings that are Strong, Versatile, and Built to Last.

Get the peace of mind, make your life less complicated, or secure those memories that mean so much. Give us a call at (866) 730-9865 or check us out online at americansteeleinc.com.

Standard vs. Triple Wide vs. Wide Span

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A metal building will always be a metal building, no matter what – aside from all of the customization we offer, such as enclosing your carport.

A metal carport is the main foundation of your metal garage. If you really think about it, the base and the roof are what make it a metal carport, so all we are doing is enclosing your carport and adding the openings or frame outs for the roll-up door that you want. The same goes for our agricultural buildings. The center unit is a metal carport, which is just adjacent to the lean-tos (also called wings); from then on, we just enclose the sides or ends according to your special needs. Interesting, isn’t it? However, the size of the structure is what will categorize your metal building or metal carport as a standard, triple wide, or wide span unit.

Standard Units

The confusion starts when the word “standard” comes in to play. On one of our metal buildings, this mostly refers to a particular roof style. It’s called standard because this roof option is included in the base price, unlike our other roof styles, which come with an additional price. However, in the carport industry vocabulary, “standard” is also a categorization of all metal units ranging from 12’ to 24’ in width. You might be thinking, aren’t your units categorized as carports or garages? Yes, technically – but that’s after the product is completed, and those subcategories are mainly just options. Another point to add is that there is no such thing as a limitation when it comes to length for standard units. Even a 12’ wide building can be 100’ long! But when it comes to height, there are a few restrictions that will apply. For example, the leg height of your metal building cannot exceed the width (e.g., 12’W x 31’L x 14’H). Why? Because your building will NOT be stable.

Triple Wide Units

This type of metal building ranges from 26’ to 30’ in width. These are big buildings that are typically used casually for workshops. Because of the size, is recommended to opt for our 12-gauge galvanized tubing (a.k.a. heavy duty). Aside from their size, these metal units still follow the same procedure and customization options regarding roof style, vertical sides or ends, roll-up doors, openings, and being installed on the ground or a concrete slab. As mention earlier, triple wide units don’t have a limit when it comes to length, and since the width starts at 26’, there are no restrictions when it comes to leg height taller than 12’. This type of building might be the one for you if you’re looking for something big, but also affordable without limitations. However, when it comes to even bigger units, things do change – which brings us to our last topic.

Wide Span Units

Now we’re talking about some big, big units. This type of huge metal unit ranges from 32’ to 80’ in width! Yes, we’re talking warehouse size! Let’s leave the size comparison to the side for a moment, shall we? The first thing you will notice about these big metal units is the siding. ALL of our wide span units run fully vertical, which means that they don’t allow a standard roof or horizontal siding. Another big change that you will notice is that our wide span units MUST be installed on concrete pads, concrete footings, or concrete piers. This is due to the size and weight of the unit. If this kind of metal unit is installed on the ground, due to the weight on all of its components, it will sink and won’t be sturdy. If you want to read a complete description of wide span units for more information, click here.

 

Now you know the difference between our categories of metal buildings. We hope this has enlightened you. If this definitely changed your mind and helped you figure out exactly what you want for your property, feel free to contact us today and let one of our sales representatives assist you with any questions or concerns!

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Do you have questions, comments, or concerns? Please contact us whether you’re a potential dealer, customer, or simply researching our product. We’re here to serve you.

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