Author: clickgiant

Prepare to not Make Mistakes

Posted on July 19, 2018 by - Blog, News/Press, Product Reviews, Questions

Imagine that you’re making a significant purchase. What if someone stepped in to tell you about all the things that could go wrong when making it?

 

Granted, American Steel Carports will certainly help you avoid problems, but sometimes we come across customers who decide to start the process before consulting a professional.

 

This is when customers find themselves in a situation that becomes difficult to correct, even for the professionals at American Steel. Here are three of the most common blunders customers make, so hopefully you know how to avoid them.

 

1. Prepare the foundation before you get the plans.

 

Many times customers decide they want a building of a certain size and try to speed up the process by pouring concrete before engineered drawings have been provided. However, a steel building isn’t a typical box that just sits on top of a concrete slab. Remember, this building is going to be subjected to wind and weather loads. Engineers and detailers consider your specific geographic area when they finalize foundation and building designs. In addition, you shouldn’t pour with preliminary anchor bolt patterns. Don’t pour your concrete before you have your plans—it’s a HUGE blunder!

 

2. Never take a delivery of a steel building before you have the proper permits.

 

Remember, each steel building is engineered specifically for its job site location, so it’s not like you can easily erect it somewhere else. The way to avoid oversights is to pay for permit drawings ahead of time—a small percentage of the total cost of the building. This also locks in your steel price, so when you’re ready for fabrication, any increase in the price of steel won’t affect you. It is significantly less expensive to make changes that will pass the permitting process at the drawing stage. If you wait until you’re at the fabrication and delivery stages, you run the risk of making a mistake.

 

3. Work with an in-house detailing team.

 

The benefit of an in-house detailing team is two-fold. First, it allows you to make changes or adjustments to your plan based on your changing needs or wants, on alterations to the structural code of your area, or even on budget demands—and it allows you to make these changes in hours or days rather than weeks. Time is of the essence with building. Steel prices may change, weather can change with the seasons (allowing only certain times to build), and contractors may change their quotes based on how long it takes to complete a project. The other benefit is that when it comes time for erection, you’re going to want to be able to speak with a professional in case you have problems or questions. Who better to speak with than the person who actually engineered the building? No one knows your building as well. An in-house engineering department allows you to have direct access to the detailer or engineer.

 

The steel building process is relatively easy—when you do it the right way.

Steel Metal Garage

Posted on July 18, 2018 by - Blog, Promotions, Questions

Allow your metal building to withstand all seasons with no problem at all!

When it comes to protection for your vehicle, there are many factors to consider before purchasing a metal garage. Depending on where you live, some factors will include snow loads, heavy rain, strong winds, etc. Lucky for you, American Carports builds nothing but engineer-certified metal buildings.

Our A-frame vertical roof is the strongest of all. This option is engineered to allow snow, dirt, and rain to slide off without any difficulty. The ribs on the panels run from the peak of the roof toward the eaves. Hat channels are also added to further support the vertically running metal sheets. Remember that this roof style comes with a 6” overhang around the carport/garage, blocking a high percentage of precipitation from entering the unit.

Take a look at this 18’W x 26’L x 9’H in 14-Gauge metal building:

  • • A-Frame Vertical Roof
  • • 9’x7′ Roll-Up Door
  • • Walk-In Door (side)

This metal building has our vertical roof with horizontal sides and ends and is rocking our pebble beige and earth brown colors. This building also has our 90-mph wind warranty, which becomes available when our customers purchase all of the required anchors.

Remember that American Carports DOES NOT offer any concrete work, so the ground surface must be level before we can install your metal building.

Does it snow frequently in your area? Give us a call and let one of our sales representatives help you customize your metal building by adding extra reinforcement. Not sure what your building will look like? We can provide you with a sketch for visual purposes so that we’re on the same page according to your expectations. Remember, this is your building, your creation—and we want to deliver the best experience possible with our company.

Anchors: What You Need to Know

Posted on July 17, 2018 by - Blog, News/Press, Questions

American Carports uses 4 types of anchors or tie-downs when installing your carport. Rebar anchors (pin anchors) are used for standard installation on ground, gravel, clay, or sand. We also offer asphalt anchors, concrete anchors, and mobile home anchors (MHA) as an upgrade option for ground installation.

 

 

Installation:

 

Standard rebar anchors measure approximately 36” and are hammered through the base rail and into the ground. They are what is commonly used for ground installations, but many customers like to upgrade to mobile home anchors for the extra durability. Unlike rebar anchors, MHA (30”) are screwed into the ground and latched to the side of the base rail with a bolt. Mobile home anchors can also be added to your unit to give you an extra wind warranty. The suggested amount of mobile home anchors would have to be purchased to ensure the wind warranty, however.

 

Asphalt anchors are also latched onto the side of the base rail with a bolt and are approximately 30”. Concrete anchors are installed like rebar anchors, drilled through the base rail and into the concrete. Asphalt and concrete anchors can also guarantee the wind warranty when the suggested amount is purchased. The wind warranty is optional.

 

 

Concrete Slab:

 

When having concrete anchors installed, you have the option to also purchase L-Brackets, which will ensure that we do not chip the edge of your slab if you choose to make the building flush with the concrete. If you allow a lip of 3” or more of slab around the building, L-Brackets are not necessary. For more information on slab requirements, please contact us!

 

 

Site Readiness:

 

Anchoring is an essential part of carport installation, so having a level site is crucial. We suggest that the slope difference be no greater than 3 inches. Our installers can refuse to install on unlevel ground. To ensure everyone’s safety and per company policy, our installers will not install a carport or metal building unless they can ensure that it is properly anchored. We only install on ground, gravel, asphalt, and concrete. We do not anchor to railroad ties, cinderblock, storage containers, floating docks, or brick. Please contact our main office to inquire about installation on surfaces other than what was mentioned above.

 

You can always refer to our contract or contact us for further information on choosing the best anchors for your building and site installation.

Fully Vertical, Fully Insulated

Posted on July 16, 2018 by - Blog, Product Reviews

Our metal buildings offer great protection when it comes to inclement weather. The versatility of steel allows us to transform and shape your building according to your desired specifications and needs.

Despite the versatility of our buildings, however, one other option that we offer is insulation. Insulation can be a little pricey—but, in the end, it’s your belongings that are getting protected from the harsh weather conditions. Please be aware that insulation can only be installed on vertical metal buildings. That means that if you need your building to be fully insulated, the whole building must be vertical (siding). To learn more about our insulation please click here.

Take a look at this 24’W x 36’L x 9’H metal building that’s fully insulated:

•Fully Vertical

• Fully Insulated

• Three 9’x7′ Roll-Up Doors (two on the front end, and one on the side)

• 36″ x 84″ Heavy Duty Door (on the side)

• Concrete Anchors

• Welded “L” Brackets

*Interior designs may vary by state or region. The above design is effective for only a 30 PSF (ground snow load) and may require additional trusses to meet local codes. Additionally, lateral support might be required based on wind loads.

Since the slab is the same size as the metal building, we needed to include an “L” bracket to anchor the building without chipping the edge of the slab. Those come with an additional price.

There are endless ways to customize your metal building. If you have a sketch of what you’re picturing, our experts will work around the measurements and features in order to meet your needs. And with 12 different colors to choose from, you can add your own personal touch at no additional charge.

*Disclaimer: Prices are subject to change at any time without notice. Please contact our sales department for our latest prices.*

9 Reasons Why You Should Get An Agricultural Metal Barn

Posted on July 12, 2018 by - Blog, News/Press, Questions

Are you a farmer? Perhaps you’re an avid hunter? Or maybe an animal lover?

 

When you decide on purchasing a metal carport you are setting yourself up with many opportunities. Whether you need extra space for your animals and tools, a steel agricultural building is the way to go.

 

   • Live out in the country? Our agricultural barns are composed of 3 sections. Each compartment can be used to separate livestock from tools and feed all within one spacious unit. Choose from our Standard, A-Frame Vertical, A-Frame Horizontal, and Hexagon styles.

 

   • Maybe you live in the suburbs, and need that extra storage. With an agricultural building you can store your recreational vehicle, fishing boat, gator, or four-wheeler.

 

   • Because most steel structures are prefabricated, you save time and money. Orders are manufactured at our factory where they are then delivered and installed on-site within a matter of hours. Most importantly, pre-fabricated units can withstand a high degree of strength regarding animal kicks.

 

   • Steel is also easy to work with, giving you the liberty to choose what size and shape you desire with no limits as with wood. You can add horse stalls, shelves, kitchen counters, or sinks to make your unit more resourceful.

 

   • Quality is another aspect that makes steel the best choice for agricultural buildings. Steel carports are effective as the manufacturer it came from. The average lifespan depends on the quality of the parts a company uses for their units.

 

   • Your livestock, tools, and crops will be protected against nature’s unpredictable weather. A sturdy well-made carport will last an average of 25-30 years.

 

   • There’s more than what meets the eye. Steel carports, in general, are energy efficient. This means you won’t have to worry nor waste money on electric garage openers, excessive lighting, and other utilities. Steel units are well ventilated and provide shade for your equipment and livestock, and hunting gear. Your livestock can rest with the adequate ventilation.

 

   • With an agricultural metal barn, you can have a peace of mind knowing you are using the most recyclable material in the world. You can always sell your steel for scrap when it is no longer useful to you.

 

   • Maybe you want skylights instead of electric lights, or need an extra window – these metal barns can be customized to fit your necessities. We also offer hexagon buildings and loafing sheds apart from our agricultural metal barns.

 

With our Engineer Certified barns, you acquire units strong enough to withstand vicious winds, heavy snow loads, hail, and other elements. We offer high quality products for a great price with many different warranty packages to choose from. Furthermore, you can supplement additional accessories to reinforce your product. Options include  90+ mph wind warranty, solar air vents, and colored screws.

 

Walking down the gravel road that leads straight to your Barn Red and White-trimmed carport, you begin to hear the restlessness of your pets as they await your presence. A fresh passing of air replaces the beating heat as you enter the spacious barn. Scents of freshly-cut hay and feed mixes with the sweet scent of your horse’s apple wafers as you rip open the bag. You look up and see sun beams gleaming through the barn’s skylights down onto the hazy environment.

 

 

We have been in business for over 15 years and we proudly stand behind the fact that our buildings are strong, versatile, and built to last.  Contact us today for a free quote.

Metal Storage Building

Posted on July 11, 2018 by - Blog, Product Reviews

Looking for an affordable, strong, and well-built storage room? If the answer is yes, then American Carports is your choice!

 

Our company has over 20 years of experience specializing in the carport industry. In other words, we know how to deliver a great experience when it comes to metal buildings. Whether you’re looking for a barn, a storage room, a mini-storage unit, or even a big workshop, American Carports will be there to make sure that all of your needs and expectations are satisfied.

 

Remember that the buildings we post are just live examples of our customers’ creations and ideas. The dimensions and features such as doors, windows, colors, etc. can always be changed according to your needs and specifications. Another important fact to keep in mind is that concrete pads are always optional according to the type of building. If a building exceeds 30 feet in width, then it’s necessary to have a concrete pad, but anything below that can be installed on the ground or asphalt.

 

Take this 20’W x 21’L x 8’H storage building as an example:

 

 

This metal storage building is rocking our pewter gray color. It also has a 10’ x 8’ roll-up door and a walk-in door on the side, and it comes with our 90-mph wind warranty when all of the required concrete anchors are purchased.

 

We have a variety of buildings and designs for you to choose from. Have additional questions? Give us a call! Let one of our sales representatives assist you with any questions you may have.

 

*Disclaimer: Prices are subject to change at any time without notice. Please contact our sales department for our latest prices.*

Weather Delays

Posted on July 10, 2018 by - Blog, News/Press, Questions

In this business, the longer it takes to complete a project, the more time it’ll be before the next one can get started. Setting back the completion date isn’t something most contractors want to do, but sometimes it’s inevitable. However, it is possible to plan for delays so that they’re less detrimental to the project and its timeline. Checking with your local building department or code enforcement for local codes can expedite the process too.

 

Setbacks are often caused by factors outside a contractor’s control. For instance, weather conditions can affect a construction timeline. Depending on the location, spring can bring rainy weather and be followed by the dry heat of summer. Fall and winter can bring cooler temperatures, snow, and ice. Each of these can be harmful to materials and machinery and can cause safety hazards to workers on site.

 

Any sort of outdoor work is made more difficult by rain, and rainy and wet conditions are a frequent reason for contractors to request additional time on a project. Rain can cause myriad problems for people working on construction. Mud can be not only a nuisance, but a safety hazard for anyone driving off a muddy site or for drivers who must share the road with an excessively muddy vehicle. But this can be avoided by using gravel or rock as a base and properly grading the land ahead of time.

 

Thunderstorms can cause even more damage to a site. And they often come with high winds that can disorganize a job site at best and destroy materials at worst. The hail that accompanies thunderstorms creates another major concern, as it has been known to dent and even break materials like sheet metal and glass.

 

Spring’s showers might dry up when the summer months come around, but that doesn’t mean there aren’t any more risks for the work site. Hot and dry weather brings its own set of problems. Extreme heat can cause health problems to workers, and if they seek relief by removing protections like hard hats and safety glasses, they could put themselves at risk of injury.

 

Autumn and winter bring cold weather that can have a negative impact as well. The equipment finance advisor noted that mortar and grout can be most affected by cold weather. When they get too cold, they cannot properly absorb moisture, and this makes them weaker and less resistant to water.

 

Cold weather affects workers too. They need to wear additional layers when working outdoors, and these layers restrict their movement and their ability to handle items carefully. Muscles and joints are also less flexible when cold, which could put workers at greater risk of injury.

 

Inclement weather can’t be avoided or prevented. In most cases, though, it can be predicted with fair accuracy. If you know that your site is at risk of any of these adverse weather conditions, take precautions to protect your equipment, materials, site, and workers

 

Mobile Mini also provides mobile offices. These can be used as a places for contractors to store important information about the site, or as a refuge for employees to escape the hot sun or the cold air.

Steel Garage for 2 Vehicles

Posted on July 9, 2018 by - ACI, Blog, Customer Builds, Product Reviews

Purchasing a metal garage may seem boring and complicated, but it doesn’t have to be. The number one reason why it might seem complicated is if you don’t know the dimensions that you’re looking for. It’s important to ask for a large amount of space in order to keep your vehicles protected; this will become handy in the future in case you want to use the extra space to store other belongings.

 

Our top priorities are to make sure that our customers get their metal garages at a lower price and ensure that their metal buildings meet their demands and expectations. As always, we can recommend sizes or features that will suit your needs, such as windows, walk-in doors, or even insulation if possible.

 

Since we’re talking about metal garages, why not look at this 24’W x 31’L x 10’H:

 

• A-Frame Vertical Roof

• Horizontal Sides and Ends

• Two 10’x8′  Roll-Up Doors (on the side)

• 36″x80″ Walk-In Door

• Four Windows (30″x30″)

• Concrete Anchors

 

 

This metal garage is very uniform and steady, rocking our pebble beige and barn red colors. Also, placing the roll-up doors on the side makes this a better option because it is cheaper to grow in length than in width.

 

Do you have something in mind? Give us a call! Ask to speak with a sales representative. Our experts will help you customize your unit in whatever way you want. Also, don’t forget to ask about our financing options.

 

*Disclaimer: Prices are subject to change at any time without notice. Please contact our sales department for our latest prices.*

Warranties That Make The Grade

Posted on July 5, 2018 by - Blog, News/Press, Questions

Have you ever heard those scary stories from a neighbor or friend about a carport structure collapsing or even completely blowing away? This sure can be intimidating. There are many ways, however, for you to protect your structure and ensure that it is “built to last.”

 

American Carports certifies all of its steel structures and offers a one-year, four-season workmanship warranty* on your steel buildings. Unbelievably, that is just the standard warranty. Pretty great, huh? Our engineers have a plan in place to certify all of your building needs. From basic carports to our triple-wide steel warehouses, be assured that we can offer you the best warranties available and assist you with any information that you need.

 

Did you know that, when you upgrade your building’s frame from our standard 2.5”, 14-gauge galvanized steel to our 2¼”, 12-gauge steel material, your one-year standard warranty will be combined with a 20-year limited warranty** on frame rusting? That sounds expensive, you say. American Carports, however, offers its customers the best of the best at a price that still meets most budgets. Our 12-gauge price options vary depending on the unit’s size and, in most cases, are very similar in cost. Be sure to compare the differences when placing your order.

 

Do you get a lot of snow? No worries—American Carports has you covered. For heavier snow-load capacities, customers can purchase additional truss and bracing. You also have the ability to choose from a variety of roof options, such as the A-frame vertical or the A-frame horizontal. Our engineers know just what it takes to ensure that your unit has the proper snow load to meet your city code.

 

They don’t call Chicago the windy city for nothing. For those customers who live in high-wind areas, American Carports offers several anchoring options, including (but not limited to) mobile home, asphalt, and cement anchors. No matter where you are located, be sure to ask about our 90 mph wind warranty.*** Our sales team will help you to determine which type of anchoring system you need. Is your area not very windy at all? Still, you don’t want to be blown away! American Carports will hold it down, as all of our units come with our standard rebar anchors at no additional charge.

 

Needless to say, American Carports makes the grade, scoring 100% when it comes to offering its customers the quality and protection that they deserve. Be sure to explore all of your warranty options with one of our educated sales reps. At American Carports, your visions are unbounded and will surely be “built to last.”

 

Check our Features Page for more information on our Warranties

 

*Four-season workmanship warranty: American Carports warrants for a period of 1 year from the date of complete installation against defects in workmanship, assuming normal user care and maintenance. See contract for more details.

**12-gauge tubing: 2-1/4” 20-year limited warranty on rust throughout framing, assuming normal user care and maintenance. See contract for more details.

***90 mph wind warranty: Valid with a qualifying anchoring system. See contract for more details.