Tubular or Red Iron?
Here at WolfSteel we build Red Iron and Tubular buildings. Which one is the best option for you?
This will depend on the Building Use of your Texas Metal Building which will categorize your Metal Building into Category I, II, and III. If you are simply using it for storage or as a workshop, then Category I will be sufficient. If it will be for residential living, commercial use, or a church, then your metal building should be designed for Category II or Category III.
You are probably confused right now right? No worries, we will cover this unique topic and the fundamentals of engineering and design – both of which you will rarely be asked about when you’re shopping. At the end of this article, you will feel confident in your choice.
Let’s dive right into it!
Is texas Still Considered the Wild, Wild West?
In Texas, we like to call it the Wild Wild West (internally).
Since I, Adbeel, come from a background of building in Michigan it is very different than it is here in Texas…Let me elaborate further.
In Michigan, every contractor needs a license to build no matter what trade, but especially metal buildings. If you build without a license you can be penalized with hefty fines and/or jail time. Every project over 200 sq ft requires a building permit no matter if it is simply being used as an accessory building.
In Texas, this is not the case, you do not need a license to pour concrete nor build a metal building. Your next door neighbor can pick up a drill and say “I am a contractor”.
Around 85-90% of Metal Building projects do not need a building permit.
For that reason, in the Texas Metal Building market you have certain building options at your disposal with various price points. At WolfSteel Buildings we offer 3 different options.
The Three Options
Tubular Metal Buildings
Weld Up Red Iron Metal Buildings
Bolt Up Red Iron Metal Buildings (PEMB)
Which is the best for you according to Architects and Engineers?
This will all depend on the use of of your building.
Engineers will classify your structure as the following:
Architects and Engineers need to understand the full scope of your project to set a specific design criteria for your Metal Building System. This incorporates the use of the building (risk category) and design loads needed such as wind loads and snow loads.
Now, how do we best recommend which Metal Building option is best for you?
Tubular Metal Buildings
99% of the Tubular Buildings that are offered in the market are based on generic engineer plans in the industry that is standard engineering for Category I which is for storage, workshop, or garage use.
If you purchase a building 32’ wide or greater, they are typically standard engineered for Category II which can be used for residential or small commercial purposes.
Weld Up Red Iron Metal Buildings
95% or more of the Weld Up Red Iron Buildings are non-engineered with no engineer plans behind each project.
The construction comes from knowledge passed through generations or the industry network of what has been tested throughout the years.
Weld Up Buildings are commonly used for Category I which is for storage, workshop, or garage use.
Recent years, the rise of “ Barndominiums” has risen and the use of Weld Up Buildings for Barndominiums has spiked in popularity in Texas.
Weld Up Engineer Plans are available to purchase with certain engineering firms but clients must purchase them separately and not typically offered by your local contractor.
Bolt-Up Red Iron Metal Buildings
Also commonly known as pre-engineered metal buildings (PEMB).
These structures are all custom designed and pre-engineered for your use and for all risk categories whether that be storage, garage, residential, or commercial.
Each building comes with a set of engineer stamped plans specifically for your project.
PEMB Metal Buildings are the most popular option for commercial use.
What does WolfSteel Think?
As we mentioned, Texas is the Wild Wild West.
There are minimal restrictions on construction outside of commercial use.
It is important for you, as a consumer, to choose what gives you peace of mind.
If you are to build for Risk Category I which is storage, garage, or workshop use, then all three options are great options.
If you are to build for Risk Category II which is residential or commercial, WolfSteel recommends any option as long as you get a set of engineer plans for your building and foundation.
However keep in mind, an engineered building and engineered foundation will come at an additional cost for the engineer plans and additional reinforcement that comes with your engineered project.
Many Texans still build residential homes with Tubular Metal Buildings and Weld Up Metal Buildings without engineer plans for Risk Category II and they have weathered the Texas storms. At the end of the day, as an engineer friend once told me, it is all based on the risk you are willing to take.
Want to learn more on the pricing differences between Tubular, Red Iron Weld Ups, and Pre-Engineered Red Iron Bolt Ups? Check out our popular YouTube Video