The framing system in a pre-engineered metal building includes rigid steel columns, rafters, purlins, and girts that form the structural skeleton of the building. These engineered components provide strength, stability, and flexibility, with frame types like clear span, single slope, and multi-span designed for different building sizes and uses.
What Is a PEMB Framing System?
The framing system is one of the key components of a pre-engineered metal building (PEMB) that comprises essentially the skeletal structure of the building. It includes both primary members, like rigid steel columns and rafters, and secondary members, such as purlins (which run across the roof) and girts (which support the walls). Together, these components form a load-bearing grid that provides the building with both vertical and lateral support.
The primary framing members do the heavy lifting…literally. These steel components are engineered to handle the bulk of the building’s structural load, including roof weight, wind forces, and any snow or equipment loads. The secondary members serve a supportive role, tying everything together and offering stability while also providing surfaces for attaching insulation, panels, and other finish materials.
One of the reasons steel buildings are so durable is that every element of the frame is designed specifically for the building’s dimensions, orientation, and intended use. This engineered precision is a big part of what sets PEMBs apart from traditional construction.
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Flexibility in Frame Design
Not all building needs are the same, and the framing system of a PEMB reflects that. One of the greatest advantages of choosing a metal building is the range of frame styles available, each suited to a different application. That means whether you need an open space to store heavy machinery or a long structure to expand your warehouse, there’s a frame solution that fits.
Clear Span Frames
Clear span framing is one of the most popular options for PEMBs, and for good reason. These frames eliminate the need for interior support columns, allowing for completely open floor space. This is especially useful in structures like warehouses, gymnasiums, aircraft hangars, and distribution centers, where unobstructed movement and layout flexibility are essential.
With clear span steel buildings, you have the freedom to place equipment, storage, or seating wherever you want, without having to work around interior posts.
Single Slope Frames
A single slope frame features one wall that’s higher than the other, creating a slanted roofline. This design is often used for lean-tos, storage sheds, or add-on structures, and it’s great for optimizing drainage or solar panel placement. If you’re planning an expansion or a smaller side structure, single slope framing is a simple, cost-effective solution.
It’s also a smart option when you’re building next to an existing structure and want a seamless connection without compromising load support or weather protection.
Multi-Span Frames
When you’re building big, really big, multi-span frames come into play. These systems include interior columns to support a wider roof span, making them ideal for massive buildings like manufacturing plants, arenas, or large commercial facilities. The use of internal supports helps manage weight and materials more efficiently, reducing overall costs while maintaining structural integrity.
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Why Framing Matters
The framing system of your metal building doesn’t just define the shape. It impacts every aspect of the building’s function and longevity. A properly engineered frame ensures that your structure can handle heavy loads, resist harsh weather, and adapt to future modifications. It also plays a crucial role in energy efficiency, as framing choices can affect insulation options, daylighting opportunities, and air sealing.
Because every PEMB is custom-engineered, you’re not locked into a one-size-fits-all solution. Instead, the frame is selected and designed based on your specific location, use case, and operational needs, giving you a building that works better from the ground up.
Built for Strength, Designed for Flexibility
At the end of the day, the framing system is what gives steel buildings their unmatched combination of strength, flexibility, and cost efficiency. Whether you’re building a small retail shop, a sprawling warehouse, or a multi-use community center, the right frame design sets the foundation for everything that follows.
Understanding your framing options is the first step in building smarter. And with a trusted steel building partner by your side, you’ll be able to create a structure that’s not only built to last, but also built to meet your unique goals, from the inside out.
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Our team can help you choose the right framing system for your goals, budget, and site requirements. Let us show you how steel buildings deliver more than just structure. They deliver long-term peace of mind.