Metal Building Erection: Why Professional Installers May Be the Answer You Need?

Even though there are numerous sources that will tell you how easy it is to save money by choosing a DIY metal building project, there are very few that will truly explain the commitment and risks of do-it-yourself metal building erection. Before you choose to go down this path, you should take a look at what’s required to have a successful DIY steel building installation.

Steel Building Erection Mishaps Caused by DIYers

A do-it-yourself approach to erecting a steel building works great for carports, barns, workshops, garages, and other basic building styles. But when things start to get more complex, it may be worth it to invest in an experienced, professional installation crew. We’ve listed a few of the many risks that come with DIY metal building installations below.

• Improper Site Preparation – We understand how exciting it can be to install your own steel building, but don’t get in too much of a hurry and forget about your site preparation. After you’ve chosen the perfect site, you should have the land cleared of all debris and vegetation and leveled. You should also have adequate access ways for your vehicles and equipment. If the site isn’t cleared properly, there will be no room to unload or move parts and equipment; this can eventually create a safety issue. Not the best start to your metal building installation.
• Avoiding Instructions – Believe it or not, there are some business and homeowners who believe they know everything they need to about installing steel buildings. Or at least enough to not need the instructions. But despite popular belief, the instructions are there for an important purpose – to ensure you assemble your structure properly. There is no “cookie-cutter” construction for buildings; with such a large variety of building codes and requirements to be met, no two building plans will be alike.
• Not Following Safety Protocols – Did you know that the construction industry is one of the top leaders in job-related injuries and fatalities? Crazy, right? But in most every one of these cases, the outcome could have easily been avoided by following all protocols and using proper safety equipment.
• Unloading Without a Telescopic Lift (If Needed) – You’ve already made it this far – don’t jeopardize your investment by increasing the risk of damaging your unit. There isn’t a good way to move steel components without the proper equipment, so if you plan to install a metal structure yourself, you should be sure you have the right equipment ready. Attempting to move these components without the proper telescopic lift risks the structural integrity of your building as well as the safety of yourself and those around you. Another important safety tip to remember is to not stand beneath a load of steel being lifted. You aren’t a cartoon character; you won’t bounce back to life.
• Cutting Steel Building Components – This should never be a consideration. Pre-engineered steel buildings are designed and fabricated for a specific purpose and function. Each component is made to be the right size and shape, making on-site modifications a big no-no! By doing this, you’re not only risking the integrity of your unit, but you’re creating areas of possible oxidation and rust. If the modification is a must, give your manufacturer a call and see when they can take care of the problem.
• Not Bracing Your Rigid Frames – We completely understand what you’re going through – you’re tired, your back is hurting, and you just want to go home and lay in your own bed. But before you leave, you need to brace every rigid frame in your building. If you skip this important step, you could risk damaging the frame and other important components. Keep in mind, every piece should be braced and supported before you call it quits for the day.
• Incorrectly Installing Fasteners – Installing fasteners correctly is a crucial step for having a stable roof. They aren’t difficult to install, but you need to make sure you drive them in tightly and seal them against the washer. Use the correct tools and never over-tighten or under-tighten the fasteners. And since all the holes are pre-drilled during manufacturing, don’t pull a step #5 and try to drill new ones.

So, What Do You Think Now?

Metal building isn’t as difficult a process as most people assume, but that doesn’t mean its mistake-proof either. By not taking the right measurements beforehand and using the proper equipment, your DIY installation may result in disaster. If you’ve become worried about your steel building installation after reading the possible mishaps, there’s no need to worry! You can always choose to have one of our professional crews come in and assemble the steel building for you. And while you may not be able to brag to your friends that you installed it yourself, there are many benefits to having one of our crews do it for you. Take a look below to read more about the benefits:

• Convenient – By having a professional crew come in and install your structure for you, you can have peace of mind knowing your time and money won’t be wasted. This also allows you to continue with your day-to-day life while the experts complete your steel building project.
• It Will Be Done Right – When you opt to have a group of experts assemble your structure, you can also rest assured that it will be done the right way in a timely manner. As long as you completed all your site preparation and the weather is permitting, you shouldn’t have any problems throughout the installation process.
• Decreased Time Commitment – We understand how hectic can get sometimes, making it harder to commit to a complete DIY project. But with a professional crew installing the structure for you, you can focus your attention back to your family or business.
• Have Easy Access to Required Equipment – One of the first questions customers tend to ask while planning their steel building installation is if there will be additional fees for equipment rentals. Depending on the manufacturer who will be installing your structure, you may not have to worry about this!

Are You Looking to Erect Your Steel Building Without a Hitch? Contact Us Today!

Metal building installation is a pretty straightforward process, but one that requires a precise amount of attention and careful planning. When in doubt, it’s okay to contact a professional steel building manufacturer for assistance during the assembly process. Feel free to reach out to one of our friendly building specialists today at (888) 384-3936.