Steel Building FAQs
Pre-sale Questions
What materials are used to make the structures?
The majority of components utilized in our frames are made of 2 1/4″ by 2 1/4″ galvanized steel tubing for 12 gauge buildings and 2 1/2″ by 2 1/2″ for 14 gauge buildings.
What methods are used to anchor the carports and garages?
There are three anchoring types. If the structure were to be mounted to a concrete pad or footing, then traditional concrete wedge anchors would be used. We offer a 30 inch rebar anchor that is intended for use when a structure is mounted directly to dirt or gravel surface. On our certified buildings, a helical mobile home anchor is used. On non-certified structures, these can be purchased as an optional item.
How long does it take from the time I place my order until the time the building is installed?
The majority of our installations are completed in 2-4 weeks!
What preparation should be completed before my building is installed?
Insure that the site designated for product installation is a flat and square surface. In order to provide you with affordable products, with quick installation, site preparation, as well as building permits, are the responsibility of the customer. The customer is responsible for any local permits, covenant searches, rights of way, set-back restrictions, etc.
Why should I consider a vertical roof versus a horizontal roof in my metal building?
As displayed on our carport and garage sections of the website, the ridges of the steel panels in a horizontal roof run parallel to the sides and ridge of the carport or garage. Water, snow, etc., will drain to the front and back of the building, towards the door openings. If the building is perfectly level, water will ten to pond on a horizontally installed roof. On a vertical roof, the ridges of the steel panels run from the top of the carport or garage to the sides. This roof configuration displaces water, snow, etc., much more efficiently and water will not pond on the roof. Water will also drain away from the door openings (unless the doors are installed on the sides of the carports or garages).
Building Specifications
What are the outside dimensions for concrete purposes?
If your building or carport is a 12×21, your outside dimensions are 12×20 because of 6″ overhang on each end of the roof. All regular and boxed eve buildings are this way. Vertical buildings however, do not have overhang.
What is the highest wind rating available for my building?
While 130mph is the standard wind rating, we offer a 145mph certification as well as 160mph for those hurricane frequent flyers!
How can I increase the strength of my building/carport?
USA STEEL offers a wide variety of strength components to ensure you have the strongest structure available. All of our structures include the required anchors whether Mobile Home Anchors or our Standard Concrete Anchors. We also make sure there are braces on every leg for added stability against wind. For our 5′-9′ Structures we provide 2′ braces, and for the 9′-12′ Structures, 3′ braces are required.
When installing a garage door, what leg height do I need?
If installing garage door centered on the end (width of building) the leg height can be the same height as the garage door. If installing two garage doors on the end (depending on width of building) the legs need to be 1 foot taller than the doors. If installing a garage door on the side (length of building) the legs need to be I foot taller than the door.
What is the center spacing of the frame legs/bows?
As a general rule, the spacing of the frame legs/bows are 4 feet or 5 feet on center.
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