Steel Buildings – Born From The Army Quonset Hut

Buildings that use steel components like beams, columns, and steel sheets to build structures instead of using traditional building materials like wood, concrete, bricks are known as steel buildings. Steel buildings are tough, resilient, economical and have aesthetic appeal. They are generally used to build warehouses, workshops, modern houses, storage sheds, garages, offices etc. Perforated sheets are often used in steel buildings as it reduces the cost and weight of the structure. Perforated sheets are also easier to bend and work into shapes.

The precursor of the modern steel building was a Quonset hut. This hut was developed during World War II to overcome housing crisis for soldiers on the field. It consisted of a foldable steel kit which could be easily assembled and disassembled. The sheets could be assembled by just a few soldiers overnight. The hut was 15 m long and 6 m wide. It provided protection against snow, rain, and sunlight. It was easy to carry and solved many logistic problems for the allies. The Quonset huts caught the imagination of civilians and are still used today to house vehicles, animals, as a storage shed or workshop, home businesses etc.

There are many advantages of steel buildings. They are stronger than wood, masonry, concrete structures hence they can withstand disasters like earthquakes, hurricanes, fires etc. Since they have prefabricated units they are simpler to join and the materials are recyclable.

Steel buildings come in various designs and patterns and are fully customizable. Steel buildings can withstand rigors of variable weather and superficially they cannot be distinguished from masonry houses or lumber houses. They are available in any color, with designer sidings, insulation, plumbing, roofs, etc. Steel buildings require very less assembly time and are much more economical than masonry and lumber houses. As they are durable even the property insurance is low on steel buildings.

Steel buildings can be ordered to a standard pattern or a customized pattern. However due care must be given for building codes. Building codes are rules that govern design of buildings and structures for safety purposes. They include safety exits, fire fighting equipment, strength, factor of safety, air circulation, washrooms, plumbing etc. They are usually taken care by the engineers or the architects. There are severe penalties for not adhering to building codes. Some people concerned about deforestation or allergic to chemical treated wood prefer steel buildings. Steel is a good conductor of heat hence steel buildings are generally not as energy efficient as other buildings. However they can be made energy efficient by proper insulation.

A lot of companies are selling steel buildings on the internet. Steel buildings are delivered and assembled on site by the installing company. It is prudent to read the contract documents carefully before purchasing. Contract documents detail the material, work involved, erection, maintenance support, time schedule, pricing information, delivery etc.

Steel buildings are known for their efficiency and functionality. There are improvements available like windows, skylights, wiring, insulation, interior partitions, cement foundations for permanent installation etc. Steel buildings are generally installed on farms, estates, orchards etc. Steel buildings can be used as storage facilities, showrooms, garages, boathouses, workshops, barns, temporary housings and permanent housings.