Pre-Engineered Metal Buildings (PEMB)

These structures have been growing in popularity for many reasons. They are cheaper and faster to construct than traditional building methods, they are more durable and require less maintenance, and they can be used for various applications. Pre-engineered metal buildings can also streamline vendor management and maximize construction schedules for the project. Before you can take advantage of all that a PEMB has to offer, you need to understand the basics of pre-engineered metal building design and construction.

In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about pre-engineered metal buildings, from their history and benefits to the different types of PEMBs available, and how to choose the right one for your project. By the end, you’ll have all the knowledge you need to make an informed decision.

What Are Pre-Engineered (Prefabricated) Metal Buildings (PEMBs)?

Pre-engineered metal buildings (PEMBs) are structures made from prefabricated parts that are assembled on site. PEMBs first became popular in the 1930s, when they were used for things like airplane hangars and grain storage facilities. Today, they are commonly used for various applications, including office buildings, warehouses, retail space, and manufacturing plants.

PEMBs are made up of three main parts: the primary framing (which includes the roof panels and wall panels), the secondary framing (which supports the primary framing), and the metal cladding (which covers the outside of the building). The primary framing is usually made out of steel, while the secondary framing and cladding can be made out of either steel or aluminum.

Compared to traditional building methods, PEMBs are cheaper, faster to construct, and more durable. They are also easier to maintain and can be used for various applications.

Advantages of Pre-Engineered Metal Buildings

There are many reasons why pre-engineered metal buildings have become so popular in recent years. Here are just a few:

Cost-Efficient

Of the many benefits realized with pre-engineered metal buildings, perhaps the most notable is that they are much cheaper to construct than traditional buildings. This is because the components are prefabricated off site, which saves labor costs.

Here is a breakdown of different cost-savings factors that are enabled by choosing a steel building:

• Labor and construction site savings- when using the pre-engineered metal building for a project, the client involves the manufacturer at the initial stage of design. This way, the manufacturer can develop the correct steel fabrications at an offsite location, effectively reducing the labor required and the construction site costs in general.
• Reduced heating and cooling cost- these fabrications are designed with proper insulation to help reduce the cost of heating and cooling.
• Low insurance premiums- most premiums are calculated based on the likelihood of damage. When it comes to steel buildings, they are generally resistant to wind, water, fire, and other elements that threaten their structural integrity. These qualities can effectively help to reduce the number of premiums paid compared to other conventional building materials.
• Lower maintenance costs- with a steel building, you don’t have to worry about paying too much in terms of maintenance costs. These buildings require lower standard maintenance compared to other materials. You also don’t have to worry about pest control since it is not susceptible to pests such as termites and other pests that could cause damage to the building’s structure.

Time Savings

PEMBs are also faster to construct. Once the components have been delivered to the construction site, they can be assembled relatively quickly. This is in contrast to traditional building methods, which often take months, or even years to complete.

Having all the materials in one place helps with timing the project and allocating duties to the workforce. By buying all your pre-engineered metal building components from one supplier, you can effectively improve the rate of building and finishing the installation. This is made possible through:

• A clear vendor management system.
• Material accuracy and compatibility, designed by the same manufacturer, all feature the correct measurements.
• Code compliance — all the materials are made with the building codes of the specific area in mind.
• Minimal site disruption.
• Timely delivery of all components before commencing the project.
• Early access to the site to set up the post-erection trades.

Reliability and Durability

Another major benefit of pre-engineered metal buildings is that they are more durable than traditional structures because they are made from steel, which is one of the strongest materials available. Steel buildings can withstand high winds and heavy snow loads, making them ideal for locations prone to extreme weather conditions.

Customizability

Pre-engineered metal buildings are versatile in nature. This means that the engineers and fabricators can play around with different designs to meet the customer’s needs. These designs can be customized to fit industrial, commercial, residential storage or Warehouse, or agricultural Steel-Buildings. Allied Steel has majored in manufacturing complex and straightforward metal fabrications that give room for flexibility. This way, you have a leeway when it comes to designing the building’s length, height, and width with the addition of accessories for better results. Some customizable qualities of PEMBs include:

• They can be designed to meet specific local code requirements.
• They can be designed with taller ceilings to accommodate tall racks and shelves.
• PEMBs can be outfitted with various doors, windows, roll-ups, and other features to suit the specific needs of the business.
• You can customize framing options featuring a clear span, modular auxiliary, and single-slope.
• Additionally, they can be designed with a variety of different roof styles. The most common roof style for PEMBs is the gable roof, but other options include the hip roof and the gambrel roof.

Sustainability

Finally, pre-engineered metal buildings are easier to maintain than traditional buildings. They do not require as much upkeep and can often last for decades with little to no maintenance.

Commercial Applications of Pre-Engineered Metal Buildings

PEMBs are commonly used for commercial applications, such as office buildings, warehouses, and retail spaces. They are a great choice for these types of applications, because they are faster to construct than traditional buildings and can be designed to meet specific local code requirements.

Steel buildings are also becoming increasingly popular for use in manufacturing plants. They are more durable than traditional buildings and can be outfitted with a variety of doors, windows, and other features to suit the specific needs of the business. PEMBs are still used for agricultural applications, such as grain storage facilities and livestock barns. With the increase in Bitcoin mining, many producers are turning to pre-engineered metal buildings to house their computer setups.

Types Of Buildings That Can Be Pre-Engineered

The pre-engineered construction process has numerous applications for commercial use. The concept behind pre-engineered buildings is rapidly gaining popularity amongst a wide variety of industries. Some of the structures that can be pre-engineered include:

• Community and recreational centers 
• Warehouses
• Barns and agricultural housing facilities 
• Industrial and commercial buildings 
• Garages, workshops, and recreational storage facilities
• Storage facilities
• Data mining facilities

Available Sizes for Pre-Engineered Metal Buildings

When it comes to pre-engineered metal buildings, there is no one-size-fits-all solution. They come in various sizes, making them suitable for a range of applications.

Components of Pre-Engineered Metal Buildings

Orientation

The orientation of your steel structure has the potential to have a significant impact on its energy efficiency. This is feasible, because you may work with the Sun rather than against it by properly orienting your facility. In other words, you can use the Sun’s heat during the winter months and avoid using it during the summer. You can significantly boost your energy efficiency and save a lot of money by taking just a little time and effort to position your metal construction correctly!

3 Unique Frame Types

There are three types of pre-engineered metal buildings: clear span, single slope, and multi-span.

1. Clear Span

Clear span pre-engineered metal buildings have no support beams or columns in the middle of the structure. This gives you a completely open floor plan that can be used for various purposes.

2. Single Slope

Single slope pre-engineered metal buildings have a sloped roof that allows snow and rain to run off easily. This is ideal for locations that receive a lot of precipitation.

3. Multi-Span

Multi-span pre-engineered metal buildings have more than one span, or support beam, in the middle of the structure. This gives you more flexibility in design and layout.

Metal Building Framed Openings

All window, door, and bay openings can be customized to meet your specific needs.

Panels

There are several different panel profiles available in a variety of shapes, colors, and textures.

Insulation

You can use conventional fiberglass insulation batts for insulation, or choose pre-built insulated panels for the walls and roof. Options include: Mesa Wall Panel, Smooth Wall Panel and Trapezoidal 3-Crown Standard Roof Panel.

The Cost of Pre-Engineered Metal Buildings: 5 Considerations

Steel buildings can be as unique or basic as you like, and the price will reflect this. The cost per square foot of your prefabricated steel structure will be determined by many factors, including size, building type, complexity of design placement, and even the cost of steel.

1. Building Design

When it comes to creating a metal structure, the first thing you’ll need to consider is how much space you’ll need for your application. You’ll need to communicate with your local authorities about how much space your building will require based on its occupancy category, how many people will occupy the area, and what equipment you’ll need to store. As the size of your facility grows, bulk pricing lowers the cost per square foot. For example, a 10,000-square-foot warehouse will cost less per square foot than a 300-square-foot shop because of bulk pricing.

2. The Price of Steel

Steel prices are influenced by various changing variables, including:

• Seasonal supply and demand fluctuations: Because iron ore is an important steel component, its price has an immediate impact on steel costs. The price of Iron ore fluctuates based on seasonal changes in production and mining activities.
• Supply and demand: Steel prices are determined by basic principles of supply and demand. When there is a lot of steel required, the supply decreases, causing the cost to rise.

3. Fuel Costs

The cost of transporting materials is also an important element that affects steel prices. Shipping costs are frequently determined by the price of fuel and the transport route. Oil and steel prices fluctuate in tandem.

4. Buying Power

Buying in bulk always saves money and is a direct factor in the final cost of a steel building. Large manufacturers have a distinct advantage, as they can make major purchases when the market is down, keeping their buildings more competitive than a small manufacturer.

5. Custom Features

The complexity of the design is a major consideration. A four-walled “box building” with a gabled roof costs far less than a custom-designed two-story school building. The more complex the architecture and the stricter the application’s requirements, the greater the cost.

What To Expect From A Pre-Engineered Metal Building Manufacturer

Pre-engineered steel building manufacturers design and produce structures that meet the clients’ aesthetic and design requirements while ensuring that all the local building codes and loading requirements are adhered to. Most manufacturers are not known for unloading or participating in construction projects. However, they can speed up the onsite installation process by offering:

• A detailed digital drawing of the building to the project’s foundation engineer.
• Numbered and pre-cut components that mirror the detailed digital drawings.
• They also provide anchor bolt patterns and a guide manual for the installation process.
• Field service support for your workforce during erection.

Partnering with pre-engineered metal companies such as Allied Steel Buildings, you should expect nothing short of world-class professionalism coupled with years of experience in customizing steel buildings, estimation, and project delivery.

Find the Ideal Pre-Engineered Metal Building for Your Project with Allied Steel Buildings

Allied Steel Buildings is a global leader in steel construction, creating solutions for every sector. Since 2003, we have completed more than 5,000 metal building projects in 64 countries. Contact us today for additional information, or a quote on your next project.

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