Tag: American Steel

RV Carport Benefits

Summer has come to an end, and now we have put away our tubes, camping gear, and fishing equipment until next season. There’s just one thing left to cover: the most expensive toy you own, your RV. We at American Steel can provide the most affordable and durable solution for you, and I figured I would tell you a few of the benefits to using an American Steel RV cover.

1. Efficiency. American Steel carports and garages are engineered, certified structures that are delivered and installed on your building site. Steel buildings require about 2/3 the time of conventional construction.

2. Affordability. Because we own our manufacturing facilities, we can offer you fantastic value for your money. The construction costs for a steel building vs. conventional construction can be reduced by 60%.

3. The ability to go up to 18 feet high. Steel is lightweight but also one of the one of the strongest building materials available, with a very high strength-to-weight ratio. Steel garages are even lighter than wood!

4. Ease of maintenance. Steel buildings are a great option for any geographic area, with the ability to resist rain, snow, and high winds. Want to clean your building? Just spray it with soap, then with water from the hose or pressure washer.

5. Reduced fire danger. Because steel is non-combustible, your insurance costs can drop as much as 40% if your belongings are in a steel garage instead of a highly flammable wood structure.

6. Stronger than a hurricane. Steel buildings can withstand high winds and heavy snow and stay upright through earthquakes. Some of the world’s tallest buildings are made of steel because of its ability to meet strict wind and seismic requirements. The difference between steel and concrete is that concrete can shift and crack. Scientists also say that concrete can crumble under very strong wind. Steel, however, will bend slightly and move with the storm. Metal buildings are the only structures that usually survive intact through hurricanes.

Did you Know Insurance is Cheaper for a Steel Building?

It’s true. In fact, metal structures are one of the best options for your budget in many ways. You’ll save in terms of initial costs and long-term value, but there’s also more savings below the surface. While you’ll be hard-pressed to notice the differences between your steel structure and one constructed from traditional materials, your insurance company will. Enjoy the savings that come with your building being impervious to the leading causes of property damage.

Lower Risks for Worker Injury Lead to Lower Costs During Construction

The process of putting together a steel building is notably faster than for those made with other materials. Fewer people are required for the job, too. This results in big savings not only in labor, but also in insurance coverage. Smaller crews pay less for liability insurance, and lower overhead should lend itself to a smaller price per job. The speed of construction and smaller crew size are points you can use to negotiate better pricing with your contractor.

Lower Risks for Damage Lead to Lower Insurance Coverage

Insurance policies fluctuate in price based on many factors, including a structure’s location, age, risk of theft or damage, and value. Whether you have a cash value or replacement policy, you’ll find your rates are less for a metal structure. Why? Put simply, metal structures cost less to replace than properties made from wood or stone, and they present a much lower risk when it comes to ordinary damages.

According to insurance leaders, the top reasons for residential damage claims are:

  • Hail
  • Heavy winds
  • Water
  • Fire
  • Ice and snow loads

In addition, the average cost for termite damage every year is $3,000 per home. Those costs may or may not impact insurance rates, depending upon the type of policy you carry.

When reviewing each of the major dangers a typical structure faces, it becomes clear that many of those risks can be managed by building with steel.

Metal Roofs Typically Enjoy Class IV level UL 2218 Impact Resistance Testing

Metal roofs typically enjoy Class IV level UL 2218 Impact Resistance testing. They have the strength and resistance to withstand hail without pocking and without the type of damage that poses a risk to other areas of your building. They also don’t lose resistance over time like other types of roofing. You can trust your metal roof to look good and perform well for decades.

American steel buildings are also designed to withstand heavy winds. We use 100% red-iron steel beams known to resist winds traveling up to 170 mph. If you live in an area especially prone to harsh conditions, we can work together to make sure your structure is reinforced against damage. You can also speak to one of our sales professionals about our previous buildings that have stood up to the very worst weather.

Our buildings are resistant to water damage, as well. Unlike wooden structures or low-grade steel beams, our materials won’t rot in excessively moist conditions. You won’t have to deal with dangerous mold taking over your structure either. And because you’re dealing with a metal roof, you’ll have fewer worries about water leaks during storms.

Steel Buildings Decrease the Risks of Fire and Natural Disaster Damage

Fire is a major worry for most home and business owners, and you should ensure you have the appropriate smoke detectors and fire extinguishers in place. Your family or employees need to have a plan to get to safety in case a fire breaks out indoors. That said, the statistics don’t lie. You’re much less likely to have a fire in a steel building, as the walls and roofing of your structure aren’t combustible. Not only does this limit your structure’s losses during a fire, but it also makes it much less likely for a fire to spread.

Finally, property owners have to deal with snow and ice. In the South, this isn’t a major concern for obvious reasons. When there is frozen precipitation, it’s rarely enough to remain on the roof, let alone to create load concerns. What about customers who want to build in other areas? Peak steel buildings are built strong enough to withstand more ice and snow than you’ll probably ever see. Even so, we do have features useful in helpful in preventing ice and snow from building up on a roof. Talk to one of our experts about these or any other special concerns.

Insurance companies understand how resistant metal buildings are to the biggest risks to homes and businesses. If your policy covers termite or other pest damage, your savings should be that much greater. In any case, knowing about these risks  and the ways steel protects against them provides you with plenty of bargaining power.

Can a Steel Building Increase my Home Value?

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?

 

We got You Covered!

Still debating about getting a brand-new metal workshop for your toys? Don’t know exactly what you’re looking for? Get the right help in finding the right building for you.

Our metal workshops offer the protection, versatility, and durability that you need. We’re proud to say that all of our metal units are engineer-certified! This means that you won’t have to worry about your metal building not been able to withstand whatever is thrown at it.

It’s extremely recommendable to visit your local building department to get a permit before purchasing your metal unit; the local building department will tell you the exact requirements for your area. Whether your metal building needs to hold over 40 PSF snow loads or withstand winds of over 90 mph, American Carports will certify it.

This 30’W x 51’L x 12’H metal workshop is a perfect example of what we can do:

  • Fully Vertical
  • 3 – 10’x10′ Roll-Up Doors (on the side) .
  • 36″x80″ Walk-In Door (on the side)

Because this metal workshop is fully vertical, it allows natural elements such as dirt, water, and snow to slide off without the need for constant maintenance. Also, having your roll-up doors on the side can give you plenty of advantages when it comes to this type of building, since it’s cheaper to grow in length than in width.

You can customize your metal building, too! Give us a call and ask to speak with one of our sales representatives. The metal workshop of your dreams could be one call away!

Looking for a different style? Call us, and we will help you customize the metal building that suits you best. Financing available!

 

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

Steel is Superior and Here is Why

The steel buildings available from American Steel Carports can be used for a wide variety of purposes and can potentially offer greater benefits than you’ll find with virtually any other conventional construction material. Why choose steel? The advantages are numerous.

 

 

Steel Versus Other Building Materials

 

When looking at cost per square foot, steel will be comparable to wood and other conventional building materials for buildings larger than about 1,200 to 1,500 square feet. But even if you find that your steel building is a relatively larger initial investment, over the long run, your structure can be significantly less expensive to own and maintain.

 

Benefits of Steel Buildings

 

Low Maintenance – A steel building is easier to maintain and clean than structures made of wood or brick. And Heritage’s superior paint warranty guarantees against peeling, fading, chalking, or cracking.

 

Energy Efficient – Proper insulation can save money on heating and cooling costs. With the right insulation, animals or livestock can be housed in a steel building.

 

Durable – Steel buildings do not rot like wood and can stand up to constant use and strong weather conditions, including wind, rain, snow, and seismic events.

 

Pest Resistant – Metal is not susceptible to termites and other destructive pests.

 

Fire Retardant – Steel is not vulnerable to fire hazards.

 

Less Expensive to Insure – Because of its superior strength and durability, as well as its resistance to fire and other natural disasters, your insurance costs may be lower if you choose a steel building over one made with other materials.

 

Total Customization

 

All buildings from American Steel Carports are custom-designed from the ground up to meet the wants and needs of our customers.

Can a Steel Building Increase my Home Value?

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?

Prepare to not Make Mistakes

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.

Weather Delays

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.

Installer Shortage

The sign read, “Willing to travel, not weary of the road and best if single with no kids.”

 

That was from an old draft poster for the war. Well, the same could be said for the hard-working guys that install your unit. These determined guys spend a large amount of time on the road far from home and away from their families, and fighting the elements they might encounter while they drive to the installation site. We call them Installers.

 

There are a lot of moving parts in this business and the installers are a huge part of it. In fact, they’re one of the most important part of our business. We use an engineered certified construction technique that takes time and skill to master. With that being said, we cannot trust just anyone to build our metal structures.

 

 

If you are ever driving around and happen to see some guys hard at work on a shed in the sun, rain or even snow beating down just watch and appreciate them for a moment. It’s not the easiest job and well you know the rest: somebody must do it and why not the best?

 

All the pictures you’ve seen here on our website, our social media, and our blogs, are part of our installers who take their time to capture their work. You’re not only seeing another customer’s creation, but the quality, effort, and patience combined to erect that metal building.