Tubular Metal Building | WolfSteel Buildings
One of the biggest advantages of tubular metal buildings is their exceptional versatility in terms of sizing. However, this flexibility comes with the drawback that even the slightest changes in design can significantly impact the overall pricing.
To guide you with your metal building projects, here is our list of the Top 5 Factors Affecting the Cost of Tubular Metal Buildings. Knowing these factors will empower you to plan your metal building project with knowledge and confidence.
Width
First on our list is the Tubular Metal Building’s Width.
The width of your tubular metal building is a fundamental factor influencing its cost.
The complexity of the building’s structural components rises as the building’s width increases. As the clear span increases, additional reinforced trusses are needed to maintain structural integrity. This results in a noticeable price increase.
For instance, there may be a 25–35% price increase when going from a 30-foot width to a 31-foot width. This is due to the need for reinforced trusses designed as commercial web welded trussing. Keep in mind that wider structures may also require equipment rentals for truss assembly.
Roof Style
Next on our list is the style of the roof.
The roofing style you choose plays a significant role in both the aesthetics and the cost of your Texas metal building.
There are three primary roof styles: Standard, A-Frame Horizontal, and A-Frame Vertical.
Standard Roof Style
The standard roof style is the most cost-effective, with rounded corners and horizontal panel orientation.
WolfSteel Buildings does not hold any rights over the pictures shown in standard roof style.
The A-Frame Horizontal roofs share similar aesthetics with A-Frame Vertical. Both A-Frame variations present a residential aesthetic; the key contrast lies in panel orientation
A-Frame Horizontal
A-Frame Horizontal showcases panels that run horizontally, contributing to its unique appearance.
WolfSteel Buildings does not hold any rights over the pictures shown in A-Frame horizontal roof style.
A-Frame Vertical
The A-Frame Vertical design features panels that run vertically.
Hat channels inclusion are another distinctive feature of the A-Frame Vertical roof. These purlins are positioned from the front to the back of the roof and serve as foundational points.
The hat channels are strategically placed to facilitate the secure attachment of vertical panels. This extra layer of structural integrity creates a distinctive checkerboard pattern on the roof.
This additional element not only grants it the industry’s most robust roof but also contributes to its higher cost.
The A-Frame Vertical roof style allows debris, leaves, and snow to slide off the roof easily due to its panel orientation. It adds an additional 5 PSF to the roof.
Horizontal Wall Paneling vs Vertical Wall Paneling
Also on our list is the orientation of the panels.
Horizontal and vertical orientations for wall panels each have their unique benefits.
Horizontal Panel
The ridges on the horizontal panel run from front to back or gable end to gable end. These panels are set up with their long edge parallel to the ground. This installation method can be simpler and quicker, requiring fewer fasteners and seams for assembly.
Standard horizontal wall panels are common for buildings under 30 feet in width.
Vertical Panel
Vertical panels have ridges running from top to bottom and are installed with their long edge oriented vertically along the wall. This makes them particularly suitable for metal buildings located in regions prone to heavy rainfall or snowfall, as this configuration allows water and snow to efficiently run off, diminishing the chances of potential rust.
Here at WolfSteel Buildings, vertical panels can be chosen as an upgrade providing increased rigidity due to strategically placed girts. These vertical girts help prevent buckling during high winds and give your Texas metal building added stability.
While both panel orientations meet local codes, vertical panels may come at a slightly higher cost due to additional material with the girts and more labor involved which ultimately leads to additional strength.
Roll-Up Doors vs Overhead Doors
Furthermore, the type of door you select affects both the functionality and price of your tubular metal building.
Roll-Up Doors, composed of 18-gauge steel, are ideal for storage or non-insulated commercial buildings.
Overhead Sectional Doors are suitable for insulated structures, providing airtight seals and insulation options.
Roll-Up Doors are generally more cost-effective due to bulk purchasing, while the price of overhead sectional doors, especially larger sizes, can be significantly higher.
Here is a chart with some difference in pricing:
Height
Lastly, the height of a tubular metal building, especially in areas prone to strong winds like Texas, has implications for both cost and structural integrity. Whenever you are getting a Texas tubular metal building with a width of 30 feet or less, for heights up to 12 feet, the price increase remains consistent.
However, when surpassing this height, costs rise substantially due to the need for additional reinforcement. In Texas, where wind resistance is a priority, taller buildings require double-leg construction with wider columns, leading to higher material and labor costs.
What does WolfSteel Think?
- WolfSteel Buildings recommends considering opting for a longer rather than a wider tubular metal building for a more cost-effective solution. However, the decision ultimately depends on the intended purpose of the Texas metal building.
- The A-Frame Vertical is the strongest roof style offered in the industry. With these, WolfSteel Buildings exclusively offer the A-Frame Vertical Roof on all our Tubular Texas Metal Building projects. This commitment to quality ensures that your Texas metal building not only looks stunning but also stands up to the test of time, providing you with a reliable and visually appealing structure.
- In terms of pricing, Horizontal walls prove to be more cost-effective. This is due to the fact that the installation of vertical panels demands extra materials and involves a higher degree of labor compared to the straightforward process of horizontal installation.
- At WolfSteel Buildings, we strongly advise taking the height factor into careful consideration when planning a tubular metal building that exceeds 13 feet in height.
This price difference stems from the construction approach: for structures up to 12 feet tall, a single leg, consisting of a one single 2.5×2.5 inch tube every 5 feet, is employed.
However, once the metal building reaches 13 feet or 14 feet in height, we automatically implement a double-leg strategy. This entails welding two 2.5×2.5” tubes together to form a consolidated 5” column. When the height extends to 15 feet or more, we take the approach of using two welded tubes with a spacer in between, creating a robust 7.5” column.
This method is rooted in the principle that wider columns offer heightened lateral resistance, contributing to the building’s overall stability.
Acquiring a Texas metal building is no different from any other purchase; you need to carefully consider various factors that influence its cost.
Do check out the below video where these factors where thoroughly discussed.
It is important for you to assess your needs, prioritize them, and find the right balance between customization, quality, and budget. Consulting with experienced metal building professionals, such as WolfSteel Buildings, may provide significant support and help you understand the numerous factors involved.
If you have any questions about our Texas metal building projects or want to start your turnkey project, don’t hesitate to visit our website or give us a call at 844-941-0999.