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Carport vs Garage

April 15, 2019/in ACI, Blog, Buildings, Carports, Custom, Garage, Informative, News, Our Specialty, Product Reviews, Promotions, Questions, Standard, Steel Structures, Uncategorized /by clickgiant

If you’re only worried about sun, hail, or snow ruining your car’s paint job, a simple carport can do the job perfectly, but a garage can do a lot more. The full coverage is great for keeping your tools and other things safe as well. Both carports and garages come with benefits as well as disadvantages, and in the end the decision is all yours!

    Carports

A carport is a fully-open or semi-covered steel structure that attaches to your home or stands freely anywhere on your property. The number one reason to choose a carport instead of a garage is that it’s the more affordable way to protect your vehicles. But just because a carport is less expensive than a garage doesn’t mean it can’t look amazing, especially here with American Carports. We have a variety of details you can customize for your building, so you can make sure that your carport suits you perfectly. Other advantages that a carport has that a garage wouldn’t would be that they are much quicker and easier to build.

Parking your car in a carport will keep weather conditions from destroying its paint so quickly, and can also save it from blowing tree branches and hail during bad storms. The roof of a carport will also intercept falling tree sap.

A carport also has some disadvantages. An open structure like a carport isn’t very secure. A carport can’t protect your vehicles from animals or people, so all your belongings might be at risk for damage. Also, you can’t be completely protected from wind, rain and sun rays.

     Garages

Unlike a carport, a garage is a completely enclosed structure with walls, roofing, and an entrance that can be closed. A garage offers you more coverage, concealment, and protection for your vehicles, boats, or materials. Because a garage has four walls, it provides complete protection from sun, hail, rain and wind. Plus, it keeps animals out. With good door locks, your garage will be a secure place to store not only your cars but household overflow, tools and lawn equipment.

If your family grows and you need the space for an extra room, you might be able to convert your garage into “livable” space in the future. You can buy all kinds of shelves, cabinets, drawers and hooks designed specifically for garages, which typically are large enough for your parked cars plus some work and storage space.

The main disadvantage with a garage is the price, but with all the protection provided, it really might be worth it. Another disadvantage can be getting the permit for your unit. Since the building is fully enclosed, it requires more safety necessities. For that reason you would have to check with your city’s permits office for all of the rules and regulations.

 

Considering these differences, it’s really up to you to decide what you’re looking for. Hopefully we’ve helped you decide. You can definitely get started by calling today to speak with one of our sales representatives for a FREE quote! We will work with you until we find the perfect metal building for your needs. And we can always provide a free sketch along with your quote to help you visualize your project to the fullest. Don’t forget to ask about our financing options. We are now offering rent-to-own in all our service areas.

0 0 clickgiant https://i1.wp.com/americancarportsinc.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/ACI-Logo-Text_s-e1598451183583-300x82.png clickgiant2019-04-15 17:03:312020-10-19 13:16:21Carport vs Garage

Colusa Farm Show: 54th Annual Anniversary

February 6, 2019/in ACI, Blog, Events, Informative, Lifestyle, News, Our Specialty, Promotions, Steel Structures /by clickgiant

If you’re a farmer, love animals or just into agriculture, then this event will be fun and interesting for you. The Colusa Farm Show gathers farm equipment displays, materials, services, and vendors from all around the area in a single place for you. Recognized as the “Granddaddy of Farm Shows,” you definitely need to check it out. And while you’re there, come and say hi to your favorite steel manufacturer, American Carports! We’ll be joining the Colusa Farm Show on their 54th Annual Show. Find the main entrance and don’t forget to fill your ticket for a chance to win a prize!

 

0 0 clickgiant https://i1.wp.com/americancarportsinc.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/ACI-Logo-Text_s-e1598451183583-300x82.png clickgiant2019-02-06 21:15:272020-10-19 13:16:37Colusa Farm Show: 54th Annual Anniversary

Press Release: California Wildfire Donation

January 11, 2019/in ACI, Blog, News, News/Press, Steel Structures /by clickgiant

For: Donation 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

 

COLUSA, CA.- American Carports, purveyors of engineered certified carports and metal buildings, is pleased to announce that we are donating a portion of proceeds to the Shasta Regional Community Foundation. This means a lot to us, so the disaster the wildfires have caused is truly heartbreaking. The Shasta Regional Community Foundation will use this money to help where people need it the most, we are pleased to work with an organization such as this one and look forward to working together in the future.

In closing, we would like to send our heartfelt wishes to everyone affected by the wildfires.

The Carr Fire was a large wildfire that burned in Shasta and Trinity Counties in California, United States. The fire burned 229,651 acres before it was 100% contained late on August 30, 2018. The Carr Fire destroyed at least 1,077 homes while damaging 277 others and becoming seventh-largest wildfire recorded in modern California history. The Carr Fire cost over $1.659 billion in damages, including $1.5 billion in insured losses and more than $158.7 million in suppression costs. At its height, the fire engaged as many as 4,766 personnel from multiple agencies. The fire was reported on the afternoon of July 23, 2018, at the intersection of Highway 299 and Carr Powerhouse Road, in the Whiskeytown district of the Whiskeytown–Shasta–Trinity National Recreation Area. The fire was started when a flat tire on a vehicle caused the wheel’s rim to scrape against the asphalt, creating sparks that set off the fire. Eight people died in the fire, including three firefighters.

Info about the Shasta Regional Community Foundation

Founded in 2000, Shasta Regional Community Foundation is a tax-exempt charitable organization trying to make the quality of life better for all in the region. The Community Foundation services the region with permanent endowments, grantmaking and by providing community leadership.   They are Certified, National Standards for the U.S. and a member of the League of California Community Foundations.

We all can help you get more out of giving. Find out how:  https://www.shastarcf.org/ways-to-give

0 0 clickgiant https://i1.wp.com/americancarportsinc.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/ACI-Logo-Text_s-e1598451183583-300x82.png clickgiant2019-01-11 22:53:332020-10-19 13:16:47Press Release: California Wildfire Donation

Cut off Times

October 23, 2018/in ACI, Blog, Informative, Lifestyle, News, Steel Structures /by clickgiant

We are entering that time of the year again when the weather starts dropping, the snow starts coming and we make our cut off dates.

What are cut off dates?

They are the time frame where we will be halting delivery on units in certain regions.

Why cut off dates?

Because although we would love to take care of customers 365 days a year, it’s highly unlikely due to the weather variables that are far beyond our control.

When do we start delivering again?

We will start up in full steam in the spring delivering and installing new units.

What states have been cut off for 2018?

October 31 – Oregon, Nevada, Upper Northeast California.

 

We can’t wait to get started installing your buildings in the spring. Take care, everyone!

0 0 clickgiant https://i1.wp.com/americancarportsinc.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/ACI-Logo-Text_s-e1598451183583-300x82.png clickgiant2018-10-23 13:05:082020-10-19 13:17:08Cut off Times

Can a Steel Building Increase my Home Value?

September 18, 2018/in ACI, Blog, Informative, Lifestyle, News /by clickgiant

Lately, I’ve been seeing steel buildings increase in popularity because builders can use these durable, versatile, and flexible construction solutions for every application.

Not only have homeowners utilized steel buildings for residential purposes, but also builders have made additions to their existing properties. There’s no doubt that a steel building garage will increase the value of a home, but it’s also important to note that it will help raise the overall property value. In an article in Realtor Magazine, the official magazine of the National Association of Realtors, Peggy Patenaude, an agent with Prudential Howe & Doherty Realtors in Andover, Massachusetts, says that a garage definitely increases the value of a property if it’s in a mid-level or higher price range and in a cold climate.

Moreover, if a home doesn’t have one, it may prove to be a deal breaker. According to Patenaude, “I think a two-car attached or detached garage can add $30,000 to a home’s value; a one-car attached or detached garage may increase it by $15,000 to $20,000.” The author of the Realtor Magazine article spoke with real estate investor and author Grant Cardone, as well, whose company is based in Los Angeles. In the article, he says that having a garage is especially critical in this turbulent real estate market.

Yet Cardone goes on to comment that he’ll consider buying a house as an investment if it doesn’t have a garage, as long as there’s room to add it. “It was different four years ago because there was so much less inventory,” he says. But Cardone agrees that the investment is a good one. He mentions that the “average two-car garage will return the investment two to two-and-a-half times. It doesn’t mean you have to have one with polished or painted floors and other fancy amenities, but it does have to be clean and roomy. Adding some extra square footage doesn’t cost that much more with this type of construction.”

Steel buildings also utilize clear span framing, which provide open space without bulky trusses or internal columns. For many shoppers, the existence of a steel building garage is the factor that can convince them to purchase a home, so it’s almost always a valuable addition to your property. Still, that’s not always the case with buildings of traditional construction. While a brand new wooden pole barn will have good curb appeal, it can become difficult to maintain over the years. Steel doesn’t rot, warp, twist, or bend like wood does. Since wood is an organic material, over time it will decay when exposed to the elements. Do you want to replace boards or wooden components every few years? An old wooden building that hasn’t been regularly maintained actually could make your property worth less than having no structure on your property at all.

Another thing to think about: in many cases, banks, lenders, and appraisers in specific cities or counties don’t consider a pole barn a ”permanent structure” because of the lack of a foundation and the fact that the walls don’t always need to be secured to the ground with concrete or other permanent methods. Additionally, pole barns aren’t typically engineered to meet structural requirements, as they are more like an agricultural shed.

Pre-engineered metal buildings require proper foundations, which means these buildings are permanent structures. Structures with foundations, as they are considered permanent by most permitting offices and appraisers, typically help a property appreciate in value over time. Since some wooden structures and pole barns aren’t considered permanent structures, adding them won’t likely increase your property value. A steel building is engineered to stay safe, be functional, and hold its aesthetic value for decades. The steel building garage you decide to build today is going to look strikingly similar and would confer the same or more value to someone else in several decades—with little or no work from you. Even if you decide not to sell and pass your land on to a family member, you’re setting them up for future success right now. Isn’t that worth your investment?

 

0 0 clickgiant https://i1.wp.com/americancarportsinc.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/ACI-Logo-Text_s-e1598451183583-300x82.png clickgiant2018-09-18 09:46:202020-10-19 13:17:22Can a Steel Building Increase my Home Value?

Seismic Research

September 13, 2018/in ACI, Blog, Informative, Lifestyle, News /by clickgiant

Which of these two historical dates, March 22, 1957, or January 17, 1994, was significant for changes to seismic design in the United States?

The correct answer is January 17, 1994, when Northridge, California was hit with a magnitude-6.6 earthquake. But if you answered March 22, 1957, you get partial credit: that’s when Elvis Presley’s hit “All Shook Up” was released.

A 6.6 earthquake isn’t a monster temblor. This one was what seismologists call a shallow-origin thrust fault event, but one that happened to produce very high ground accelerations. The seismic engineering community was surprised to discover as a result that certain welded steel connections typically used in mid- and high-rise buildings, and thought to have excellent seismic resistance, were in fact susceptible to cracking. There weren’t any catastrophic failures, but an unprecedented federally sponsored research effort was launched to determine the cause of the cracks and to recommend new design practices. As a result, significant changes were eventually adopted to building codes that affected the seismic design of steel moment frames.

Metal building systems use steel moment frames in the transverse direction, perpendicular to the ridge. However, metal buildings use bolted end-plate connections instead of the welded steel connections that were found to have problems in Northridge. Despite this significant difference in connections, though, the building code changes were sweeping and affected all steel moment frames. Initially, the metal building industry focused on adapting to the changes, and the Metal Building Manufacturers Association (MBMA) contributed by developing a seismic design guide for metal buildings, published by the International Code Council, to help engineers and plan checkers apply the new seismic requirements to metal buildings.

However, as the new seismic design requirements and their philosophical basis came to be better understood, the industry took a closer look at their applicability to metal buildings. This article will discuss the objectives and status of the MBMA seismic research program that began in 2005 to address some of the post-Northridge code revisions and the associated limitations that were placed on light single-story frames.

Seismic Design of Buildings Using Steel Moment Frames

Modern seismic design focuses on providing structures with enough ductility to absorb and dissipate the massive energy produced by an earthquake. Ductility is a measure of how much rotation, or drift, a building can tolerate before starting to fail. There are three steel moment frame systems currently defined and permitted in the building codes for resisting seismic lateral loads. Each has a different design rule that specifies the anticipated amount of ductility, based primarily on the rotation expected at the beam-column connections.

The transverse steel moment frames used in metal building systems differ from the prototype steel frames evaluated in the post-Northridge research program. Metal building system frames are optimized to provide the strength required at each location on the frame. Therefore, the frames are composed of welded plates that are commonly web tapered, with the web thickness and flange size selected to optimize material along the length. The members are slenderer, with thinner flanges and webs than the hot-rolled steel shapes that are typically used in multi-tiered conventional steel construction. Metal building systems are primarily single-story gable frames and are either clear-span or use interior columns.

All the structural systems defined in the building code for carrying seismic lateral loads are assigned design rules. These rules, including the maximum building height, depend on the seismic design category, which includes the seismic hazard at that location and the inherent ductility that each system embodies. One of the motivating factors for MBMA to initiate this research effort was the height limits imposed in higher seismic areas. For example, the steel moment frames that are designed for the lowest ductility, called “ordinary moment frames,” are not permitted in higher seismic areas. However, an exception that was included specifically for metal buildings, which permits buildings with lighter roofs and walls to be used up to a height of 35 feet or 65 feet, depending on the weights and seismic risk. Metal buildings can comply in other ways by using a structural system other than an ordinary moment frame that has higher height limits, but these are not always economical solutions.

Until recently, these design rules were based on engineering judgment and experience, but the refinements made after the Northridge earthquake require a rigorous analysis based on a sophisticated evaluation of the predicted collapse of a suite of buildings when subjected to predefined earthquake ground motions. This analysis is known as FEMA P695, based on the report and recommendation developed through the Federal Emergency Management Agency.

In fact, metal building frames show little conventional ductility. A hot-rolled shape in a multi-tiered moment frame provides ductility by forming a plastic hinge at the location of highest stress—typically in a beam near the connection to a column. However, a more slender, built-up tapered member frame is governed by the buckling of a flange or web, or both, before a conventional plastic hinge is achieved. The location of the buckle is also typically away from the column in a metal building gable frame.

This research led to a design strategy that was seemed more appropriate for metal building frames. Instead of the ductile fuse concept, the design could be focused on making sure the moment frame remained elastic during the design earthquake. That is, an appropriate factor of safety would be used to verify that the stresses remained below the level that would produce inelastic behavior or buckles. This design philosophy was feasible for typical metal buildings with lighter steel-clad walls, but it would produce unreasonably heavy frames for metal buildings with mezzanines or heavier walls of concrete masonry or pre-cast tilt-up concrete, in which larger seismic forces are introduced due to their mass.

It is important to note that there are different approaches that can achieve the building code’s seismic performance objective, which is to prevent the collapse of a building during a design-level earthquake. The buckled flange or web is not considered a failure in seismic design as long as overall stability is maintained, but it is an indicator of the beginning of inelastic behavior.

The next phase of the research was undertaken to learn more about metal building performance using a full-scale shake table simulation. This is just as it sounds: a full-scale structure is erected on a base table that can be accelerated by large hydraulic rams programmed to shake exactly as the ground would during an actual earthquake. This testing was conducted at UCSD on the largest outdoor shake table facility in the world, as part of a government–industry partnership. Three metal buildings were tested that incorporated metal sidewalls, heavy concrete walls, and a heavily loaded mezzanine on one half of a building with a heavy concrete wall on the opposite side. The roofs were loaded with steel plates to represent additional weight used in the seismic design of each building.

The tests were quite revealing. Shake table tests of this nature are intended to reveal what magnitude of earthquake is needed to collapse a building; which, again, is what the codes are intended to prevent. The maximum considered earthquake (MCE) for this collapse-prevention requirement is defined in the code for specific sites as an earthquake that is expected to occur once in approximately 2,500 years. The MCE applied to each of the three metal building specimens could not collapse any of them, even the ones with heavy walls and a heavily loaded mezzanine. The building with lighter metal walls actually withstood an earthquake of twice the MCE magnitude, after which the tests were suspended because the capacity of the shake table hydraulics was reached.

The shake table results demonstrated that the three metal building specimens were capable of satisfying the code’s performance requirement of remaining standing through the MCE. As was discussed above, buckling was permissible as long as stability was maintained, and in fact buckling was witnessed in the tests; this was the mechanism that dissipated the energy of the earthquake, as opposed to the formation of plastic hinges.

It was determined that more cyclic loading tests of tapered members would be prudent, as that was a key to how the frames buckled during the shake table tests. The better we could understand how this buckling occurs under cyclic loading, the greater our confidence would be in the P695 evaluation and results. Therefore, a series of tests were performed at UCSD subjecting a partial frame of tapered members to a cyclic load in order to observe the buckling behavior.

Ten specimens were tested that included many construction details common to metal building systems, including flange splices, flange bolt holes, taper changes, and holes in the web.  It was found that the tapered members can undergo large cycles of loading of lateral torsional buckling without brittle failures, and that the common detailing in metal buildings does not negatively affect their behavior. These results were useful for calibrating the computer model that would be developed.

Computer Modeling of Shake Table Tests

The next step was to conduct the computer simulations required by the FEMA P695 protocol. This involves hundreds of metal buildings to encompass the range of sizes and configurations anticipated, and considers geographic locations where higher wind loads could govern building design, among other things. This is the stage at which one would include buildings of greater heights than the current limits in order to evaluate that important constraint. The computer simulations were based on our best understanding of the behavior of metal building frames, including what was learned during the shake table tests.

As mentioned above, the P695 procedure determines what earthquakes can cause the collapse of the building being evaluated. As with the hydraulic limitations preventing the actual collapse of the metal buildings on the shake table, modeling limitations prevented the UCSD researchers from collapsing a building in a computer simulation. In this case, the model used in the P695 analysis was too simple to capture the complex behaviors associated with various forms of buckling and inelasticity. In other words, we need a better analysis model that can go far beyond any of the existing models used in the evaluation of currently recognized seismic systems. That fact was known at the outset, but this was the only practical tool available. “Collapse” was restricted to and defined as the initiation of buckling: that is, flange local buckling, web local buckling, or lateral torsional buckling.

These modeling limitations would produce seismic design rules that were overly conservative and not consistent with the P695 protocol based on real collapse. The P695 studies were put on hold until more sophisticated modeling capabilities could be developed.

It became obvious that more sophisticated computer models would need to be developed in order to come closer to predicting the actual collapse of a metal building for a more advanced P695 evaluation. These would have to include the ability to predict the inelastic behavior—the nonlinear behavior beyond the first buckle. We know that metal building frames continue to carry increasing load after the first buckle appears, on the basis of the shake table tests, so we have to be able to accurately capture that in a computer simulation.

Dr. Ben Schafer and Dr. Cris Moen, at Johns Hopkins and Virginia Tech University respectively, are leading the effort to develop the most sophisticated computer model ever attempted of a metal building. They are using advanced finite element modeling to represent every piece of a metal building. This essentially means representing every member, brace, sheeting, bolt, etc. by a mathematical element (See Figure 1). These elements are defined with respect to both their material properties and their structural behavior at a basic level. Then they are all tied together with the appropriate glue and springs, or boundary conditions. The mass of all of the elements together is also included, so that when accelerations are imposed on the model to represent actual ground motions, the forces are generated just as they would be in an actual earthquake. Inelastic properties are included so that when a flange starts to buckle, the model is automatically updated to reflect the accompanying change in geometry and stiffness. The analysis then proceeds in an incremental fashion.

Other modeling considerations include initial imperfections and residual stresses. Initial imperfections need to be built into the model to reflect the fact that not all members are fabricated and erected perfectly. Conventional design assumes imperfections, and they are built into the design equations. However, finite element modeling has to address imperfections directly and build reasonable assumptions into the model. Residual stresses are stresses that are locked into members as a result of the steel production process, welding, or other constraints and need to be included in the overall evaluation of stresses in the members. Welds are also directly modeled as elements connecting, for example, flanges to webs.

The generation of all of the finite elements in a model of this fidelity—defining the properties and the location of every element in the model—could be a monumental task. Keep in mind that a single purlin might be defined by hundreds of elements representing the web, flanges, and lips segmented along the length (See Figure 2). The researchers have developed a way to automatically generate all the elements by inputting material information and the basic geometric layout of the building and members. This will be necessary as the P695 moves forward and hundreds of building models need to be generated and evaluated.

Modeling Progress

The finite element modeling has made great strides over the past twelve months. The automatic generators are simplifying the process of building the models. The first step in validating the finite element models was to try to replicate the cyclic test results of the tapered member frame sections. This verified that the model is capturing the nonlinear inelastic behavior of the tapered frame members with slender flanges and webs, which is essential to representing the entire moment frame action (See Photo 5).

The next step was to try to simulate the first shake table test of a metal building with light metal walls. This involved a dynamic analysis in which the finite element model is in motion, matching the deflections and accelerations imposed on the building by the shake table. The model did an excellent job in replicating the behavior of the actual building subjected to earthquake ground motion.

Work is almost complete on the verification of the model to the second shake table building, which had heavy concrete tilt-up walls. The third shake table building will be modeled to complete the verification process. The third building was unique with respect to the energy dissipation mechanism. Instead of a flange or lateral torsional buckle, the panel zone at the connection of the rafter to the column exhibited flexing and buckling. It will be important to demonstrate that the finite element model correlates well with this different type of initial failure.

The purpose of this major seismic research effort is to develop appropriate design rules for a typical metal building that uses tapered frame members. This would include height limitations based on the buildings evaluated to develop the rules, keeping in mind that no height limit might be appropriate for certain metal buildings in high seismic areas.

The shake table tests completed at UCSD provided invaluable data and observations on the actual behavior of three distinctly different metal buildings. The buildings performed exceptionally well, exceeding everyone’s expectations.

However, the task at hand is to develop a sophisticated computer model that can reproduce the behavior of those three tests. The building code and standards bodies require that a suite of metal buildings called archetypes, representing all the important parameters that can affect seismic behavior, be evaluated using FEMA P695. Design assumptions will be made to develop metal building archetypes, which will then be modeled. The computer models will be subjected to a predefined series of ground motions to see if they collapse. The procedure is iterative, so that a collapse will result in changes to the design rules, and the process will then be repeated.

MBMA and AISI are supporting this research effort, which began in 2005. We have had excellent researchers working with us on this journey. The completion of the P695 study and development of the design rules is the aim of the research, but it is only the beginning in terms of gaining acceptance and approval in the codes and standards. That process will be assisted by the inclusion of a peer review panel. We are fortunate to have had top academics and consultants serve on our peer review panel and provide reviews and guidance (See sidebar).

The fruits of this research will not only address the immediate need to develop appropriate seismic design rules for metal buildings, they will advance the state-of-the-art advanced finite element modeling in our industry. As computer power continues to evolve, we may expect advanced models to one day bridge the gap between research and the everyday design tools to take advantage of the inelastic reserve strength that we know is available and can now quantify.

  1. Lee Shoemaker, Ph.D., P.E., is director of research and engineering for the Metal Building Manufacturers Association, a position he has held for more than twenty years. He is responsible for the development and administration of the metal building industry’s research programs. To learn more, visit www.mbma.com.

Five academics and consultants have served as a peer review panel for the P695 study being undertaken by MBMA and AISI. They are:

Dr. Michael Engelhardt, University of Texas

Dr. Greg Deierlein, Stanford University

Dr. Tom Sabol, UCLA and Englelkirk & Sabol, Consulting Structural Engineers, Los Angeles

Dr. Don White, Georgia Tech University

Mark Saunders, Rutherford + Chekene, Consulting Engineers, San Francisco

0 0 clickgiant https://i1.wp.com/americancarportsinc.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/ACI-Logo-Text_s-e1598451183583-300x82.png clickgiant2018-09-13 09:25:532020-10-19 13:17:25Seismic Research

Installer Crews: Reasons behind installer shortages…

September 11, 2018/in ACI, Blog, News, Product Reviews, Promotions /by clickgiant

Do you need a hands-on job with great pay? American Carports, Inc. is always looking for subcontractors who are skilled in the installation of metal carports and buildings. We refer to our installation crews simply as “Installers” and immediately consider them to be part of the AC family!

Although our Installers receive great pay, experience, travel, and a secure job, there are several reasons why we have a shortage of knowledgeable and capable crews. Carport and metal building installation requires individuals who are able to work in extreme weather conditions and are also willing to travel and work away from home for long periods of time. As a subcontractor, you would have to provide your own vehicles, tools, and lodging and work on a commission basis. This field of work requires crews of at least 2-3 individuals and is considered dangerous due to sharp objects, high altitudes, etc. This work environment is fast-paced and requires a high and meticulous level of skill as well as excellent time management abilities. You must be able to pay attention to detail and solve problems on site. Additionally, you are the face of our company, so we expect great on-site customer service and communication skills. You must be able to deal with not only our satisfied customers, but also the unhappy ones. With this job comes great responsibility. You are the one in charge of making sure that you, your crew, and the company look their best! Customers tend to remember installer crews, often calling us to commend the great job they did.

Many have tried, but not many succeed. Remember, there is work, just not enough people willing to take the initiative. Not just anyone is cut out for this job, which is why we HIGHLY value the crews we currently have.

If you are interested and think you and your crew have the necessary set of skills, give us a call today  or visit us in person to apply!

 

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Ordering Steps

August 29, 2018/in ACI, Blog, News, Questions /by clickgiant

Need a metal building, but don’t know where to start? Here’s a quick overview…

Steps BEFORE purchasing a metal building:

  1. Call American Steel Carports to make sure we service your area at (866) 730-9865.
  2. Contact your city regarding permitting, codes, and what is and isn’t allowed.
  3. Measure or hire someone to measure the exact size of the unit you need. (Although we are highly skilled, we cannot guess the size of your vehicles and how much EXTRA room you will need for storage or other purposes.)
  4. After checking on permitting requirements and measuring, visit a local American Steel Carports dealer in your area. Call (866) 730-9865 to get info on local dealers.
  5. Choose your style of carport, RV cover, garage, lean-to, mini-storage, etc.
  6. Ask for the lead-time of installation for your area. (Make sure it works for you.)
  7. Place your order with a 10% deposit. IF needed, request and pay for plans.
  8. Pull Permit once plans are received.

Steps AFTER purchasing a metal building:

  1. Prep the site. Make sure the site is level.
  2. Mark all utility lines. (We are not liable for damage to unmarked lines.) Call #811 before you dig.
  3. Pour concrete if needed or required. Make sure to contact your dealer or ASC so that you can make sure you meet our concrete requirements.
  4. Clear the installation site of debris. (We can install over items at an additional cost and after it is cleared through management. Pictures and measurements of what we are installing over are required.)
  5. Wait for the arrival of your American Steel Carports building! (We are sure that you will be 100% satisfied with our product!)

 

If you need to make changes to your order, they cannot be done on-site. To make changes to your order, contact your local dealer or call (866) 730-9865 to speak to the representative for your state BEFORE your installation date. Changes could affect installation dates.

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Latest News

  • A TV (television) inside of a cold garage.Can You Leave a TV in a Cold Garage?January 31, 2023 - 8:53 am
  • Cute brown mouse outside that you probably don't want living in your garage.How to Keep Mice Out of Your GarageJanuary 30, 2023 - 8:48 am
  • How to Dehumidify a GarageJanuary 25, 2023 - 8:43 am
  • Close up view of a patio heater: the best way to heat a detached garageThe Best Way to Heat a Detached GarageJanuary 3, 2023 - 11:32 am
  • A laptop sitting at a work station inside of a garage: Attached vs Detached Garage: The Pros and ConsAttached vs. Detached Garage: Weighing the Pros and ConsDecember 30, 2022 - 11:28 am
  • Money, a notebook, and a calculator sitting on a table: Does a detached garage add to property taxes?Does a Detached Garage Add to Property Taxes?December 27, 2022 - 10:57 am
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Recent news

A TV (television) inside of a cold garage.
January 31, 2023

Can You Leave a TV in a Cold Garage?

Cute brown mouse outside that you probably don't want living in your garage.
January 30, 2023

How to Keep Mice Out of Your Garage

Contact us

1415 Clay St
Colusa, CA 95932
Phone: (530) 763-0051
Fax: (866) 730-5108

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