The process of erecting a metal building can be seemingly tedious and confusing at times. However, knowing and completing each step is essential to the assembly of your metal building. If you’re deciding to purchase a turnkey metal building, it’s a great idea to be familiar with the steps involved in erecting it.
Erecting your own steel building can actually be quite simple when you have prior building knowledge. Either way, it is still a hefty task and can be very difficult if you don’t know what you’re doing. Be sure to follow the safety guidelines associated with erecting your building and follow these steps for a less complicated approach.
Step 1: Look Over The Instructions
Before starting construction, be sure to look at your building drawings and instructions to get a better idea of how each part will go together. You should be referring to the instructions throughout the entire process as well.
Step 2: The Foundation
The foundation is one of the most important elements of erecting your metal building. Make sure the surface where your slab of cement will go is completely flat so that the bolts will be easily found. View the instructions to find out where your anchor bolts will go.
Be sure to measure your slab from the center of each bolt and between your anchor bolts then compare those measurements to make sure they are even.
To make sure the slab is the correct dimensions measure from the top left of the slab to the bottom right and then the top right to the bottom left. If these two measurements are equal then your cement slab is a proper shape. This is a great tip to catch any problems early so they may be easily corrected.
Also, be sure to make sure you have the correct amount of nuts and washers and before beginning construction.
Step 3: The Frame
The first part of the framing process begins with the I-Beam columns and the rafters. As these buildings are “pre-engineered,” all of the pieces will be pre-cut, punched, and welded for you. These beams are going to be the heaviest and most essential pieces to the construction of your metal building.
Before attaching your columns, make sure your bolts are free of any concrete and properly placed. Always work from the middle bay outward and make sure each pillar is level before proceeding. Once you have all four columns of the center frame standing, you will then want to install the sidewall girts at 7’ 6”. Then you may begin assembling and connecting the rafters for each section in the same sequence.
Step 4: Girts, Purlins, and Framed Openings
Once you get the main frameworks up, you can then start to add the rafter frames, eave struts, purlins, and remaining wall girts that give more support to the walls and roof. Install and leave temporary bracing to keep the frame in place until you’ve completed sheeting the walls in the next step.
Since shoot-in anchors are not strong enough you will want to use nail pins or sleeve anchors. Then continue following your instructions to install the building accessories. Attach the jamb and header trim to the framed openings with pop rivets before you start installing the walls and roof.
Step 5: Roof and Walls
By this point, most of the framing should be completed. From here you can start to focus on the insulation, walls, and roof sheeting. Simply screw the sheeting into the frame using the fasteners. The longer fasteners with smaller threads connect your panels to the frame. The shorter fasteners with larger threads, called stitch screws, connect panels to one another.
While Installing the fiberglass make sure you wear proper safety attire such as a mask and trim away any extra. Be sure to leave the vinyl facing alone. Then fold the access vinyl back over the fiberglass to create a moisture barrier at the edge of your building. This will serve as insulation and keep moisture out of your building.
After the walls are done, you can focus on the roof panels, where you can also remember to include the weather stripping. So the same thing with the fiberglass as you did with the walls and seal each sheet with a closure strip to create a watertight barrier. To attach the bottom of the closure strip to the eave strut just outside the double-sided tape use mastic sealer tape.
Run sealer over the top of the closure strip in order to attach the roof sheet to it. Leave the protective paper strip on the mastic until you’re ready to install the next sheet. Be careful not to let insulation be caught between the roof sheets and the closure strip. Once you peel the protective paper strip back you may install the next sheet.
Step 6: Aesthetics
The last step in erecting your metal building is adding all of the bells and whistles. This would include any of the trim, gutters, accessories, and other metal building design options that you purchased. You may also want to use double-sided tape and clamp pliers to hold the parts together while you install them if needed. The trim will not only allow your building to look finished, but it will also help to keep the building free of leaks. Lastly, you will add any doors, windows, and vents. And at last, your building will be complete.
In the meantime, take a look at our completed jobs you never know where you will get inspiration for your metal building.
Contact Champion Buildings For Help With Your Metal Building Project!
If you are looking into purchasing a metal building and/or if you’d rather not erect your metal building by yourself, we offer all-in-one metal building services. During this process, you just have to select the building you want and where it should go. Call us at (800) 942-6812 or fill out the form below to get started!