Nobody likes to have a tin-can-like and flimsy structure on their property. The good news is that structural steel is not only robust, sturdy, and long-lasting but also resistant to weather, pests, and fire. But what should we do about its dull appearance? Need not worry. There are plenty of metal building customization options that you can select based on your needs, local weather, and budget. Let’s take a look at some of them one by one.
Beyond The Basics: Innovative Customization Choices For Metal Structures
Exterior Customization
1. Size & Height
Choose the size of the metal prefab buildings that fit your purpose. A smaller structure may cost less, but soon, you will run out of space. If you have less space, opt for height. That way, you can create vertical storage to keep all supplies, tools, and equipment. You can invest in industrial shelving and clear bins to organize items.
Also, visit the local municipal office or website to learn about the necessary design integration for your steel building and the maximum size and height allowed.
2. Roof Types & Style
Regular and horizontal roof types are suitable for small to medium steel structures in moderate climatic conditions. We suggest getting a corrugated vertical steel roof panel for harsh weather or larger metal structures. It’s also easy to clean and more durable than others.
When it comes to steel buildings, you can choose from various roof styles, such as shingle, tile, shake, slate, standing seam, and corrugated. These styles differ in design and functionality.
3. Color Choices
These days, many metal builders offer dozens of color options. You can either pick one to match an existing building on your property or choose classic, timeless colors like black, white, or neutrals.
Colors not only affect aesthetics but also boost functionality. For instance, you can choose a light color for the roof to reflect sunlight and keep it cooler, or a dark color to absorb sunlight and keep it warmer. This will help regulate indoor temperature.
4. Lean-Tos
These are permanent metal awnings that can be installed on either the sides, front, or back of metal prefab buildings. They provide open, shaded space for a patio or deck, parking small vehicles, or keeping gardening tools.
A lean-to is made with a roof slanted towards the ground and one side attached to the main building. Two or more steel poles support the roof.
5. Exterior Siding
To boost the external appeal of your metal building, you can pick colored corrugated steel panels. They come with horizontal and vertical ridges. Choose one that complements your existing building. You can go ahead and add facades such as stucco or faux stone/ rock/ brick/ wood siding for structural appeal. We bet your neighbors are going to envy you.
6. Gutter With A Downspout
It carries rainwater and melting snow away from the foundation towards a deposition tank or area. This reduces the chances of water logging. You can collect this water and use it for gardening purposes. Install a gutter guard to avoid frequent cleaning.
Interior Customization
7. Flooring
Depending on the purpose of your metal building, there are various flooring options. You can leave it as leveled ground or asphalt for parking or choose concrete with finishing to create a livable space.
Some examples of steel building flooring are concrete, laminate, waterproof vinyl, nature stone, and wooden flooring.
8. Insulation
Insulation helps reduce condensation and moisture build-up inside a metal structure. It helps regulate temperature and lowers your energy bills. Some common insulators used in steel structures are:
| ✔ Fiberglass
✔ Rigid Board ✔ Insulated Panels (IMPs) ✔ Loose Fill |
✔ Reflective Foil
✔ Single/ Double Bubble ✔ Woven R17 |
Tip: Choose one with the correct R-value for maximum efficiency.
9. Ventilation
An adequate ventilation system maintains fresh airflow inside the building. It reduces humidity and the growth of mold & mildew. Ventilation also brings in natural lighting. There are two types of vents – passive/ natural and active/ mechanical.
Mechanical vents are suitable for closed spaces with buildings and trees around, but they need power to run, whereas natural vents run according to the speed and direction of the wind.
- Mechanical/ active vents include exhaust/ floor/ ceiling fans, inlets, AC, etc.
- Natural/ passive vents include louvers, turbine/ ridge/ gravity vents, etc.
10. Clear Span & Multi Span
Metal buildings can have two types of internal floor plan. Let’s see them one by one.
10.1 Clear Span
There are no internal columns, walls, or obstructions inside the metal structure. They give complete freedom to design floor plans. With clear span steel buildings, you get maximum usability out of the available square footage. These may cost slightly more than multi span buildings, but they are value for money.
10.2 Multi Span
These are also known as modular or single ridge structures. There are multiple internal columns that support the roof. The interior is divided into small sections that may not be suitable for installing large machinery or setting up a manufacturing unit.
11. Natural Lights
Natural light not only improves mood and creates a positive indoor environment but also reduces energy bills. It enhances the visual appeal and heat due to artificial lighting. Incorporate the following into your metal structure to increase natural lighting:
| ✔ Solar Tubes
✔ Skylights ✔ Roof Daylighting ✔ Ridge Lighting |
✔ Windows
✔ French Doors ✔ Clerestory Windows ✔ Translucent Panels |
12. Custom Interior
Your steel building can be of any shape and size. You can choose layouts such as square, rectangle, T-shape, or L-shape. Choose a layout that suits your primary purpose well.
Create a dedicated wall space for storage. You can install pegboards, racks, floating shelves, sturdy hooks, and other items here. If you need a workshop place or an office space, invest in a durable bench or folding desk.
Install partitions or walls to separate the living area from the storage area, workspace, etc. Depending on your needs, these partitions can be permanent or temporary.
Quality Construction, Endless Customization
All these customization options allow metal buildings to enhance their functionality and appeal. Customization allows you to create a one-of-a-kind structure, whether it is for a residential garage, carport, warehouse, agricultural, or commercial steel building. So, start your metal structure project by keeping all the above personalization in mind. You won’t necessarily need all of them to create a space that reflects you.
