Contractor Services

Top Benefits of Choosing Steel for Your Building Projects

Steel Buildings Oklahoma offer many benefits for commercial, industrial and residential applications. They are customizable, durable and can be built quickly, allowing for faster occupancy and saving money on construction costs.

Steel

Frame columns support the back and front walls of a steel building, connecting to eave rafters above. They also provide framed openings for doors and windows.

Steel is known as one of the strongest construction materials. Its strength gives steel buildings durability and helps them stand up to natural disasters. It also makes them less likely to be damaged by lightning. When a steel building is struck by lightning, the electricity is dissipated and not concentrated at a single point. Steel is also less susceptible to rust, mold and mildew that can cause damage over time.

Steel buildings are constructed using pre-engineered components and can be built at a much faster pace than traditional buildings. This type of construction allows for more flexibility in design and layout, making it ideal for a variety of applications. Steel buildings are also more durable and can withstand greater loads than wood or concrete structures.

The first step in constructing a steel building is preparing the foundation. This can be done by pouring a concrete slab or pier/beam foundation, depending on the type of building. Once the foundation is prepared, the pre-engineered steel components are brought to the building site and assembled. These components include frame columns, end wall rafters, and eave struts. The eave struts provide structural support for the front and back of the building, while the end wall rafters connect to the frame columns above.

Steel buildings are often easier to assemble than wood-framed buildings, as all framing is measured, cut with a saw and connected with self-drilling screws. This type of construction can save a great deal of money and time, and it provides the added benefit of allowing for more floor plan options in the future. When choosing a steel building, be sure to consider the purpose of the building and its location, as these factors will help determine the size of your structure.

Durability

The durability of steel buildings comes from the precision engineering that goes into the building’s design. The blueprints are created using advanced software to optimize the structural integrity of the building, making it able to stand up to the forces that may be put on the structure throughout its lifetime. This makes metal buildings a great choice for warehouses, storage sheds, workshops and more. They’re fire-resistant, immune to wood rot and less vulnerable to pests than other types of structures.

Another aspect of their durability is the strength of the steel construction materials used. Unlike other framing materials, steel is inorganic and doesn’t absorb moisture content. This eliminates or significantly reduces rusting and mold issues, which can otherwise degrade the integrity of the building. Additionally, steel’s dimensional stability allows it to hold up in all directions, while other materials can expand and shrink, which can lead to long-term structural problems.

While the durability of steel buildings is a huge draw for many potential buyers, it’s important to know that they do require regular maintenance. To prevent the growth of fungus, mold and rust on the walls, regular cleanings should be performed. A low-pressure power wash, store-bought power washer cleaner or warm water with detergent works well for this purpose. It’s also important to immediately address any damage that occurs on the exterior of the building. This will help to protect the structural integrity of the building and keep it looking its best for years to come.

By following these simple maintenance tips, owners can ensure their steel building is in good condition for as long as they own it. They don’t require the massive upkeep that some other types of buildings do, but they still need to be supported and preserved.

Recyclability

In the construction industry, it’s important to use building materials that can be recycled and that help reduce environmental impact. Steel is the perfect material for this, and many of the buildings constructed using it are known to be eco-friendly.

Steel buildings are constructed with fewer resources than traditional brick or wood structures, and their construction times are often faster. This is because the pre-engineered components are designed to be easy to assemble on-site, reducing labor costs and overall project timelines.

It takes more than 20 years for a single tree to grow enough to be harvested again for lumber, but steel can be used again and again without losing its strength. It also requires less energy to mill than other metals, so it’s more sustainable.

Most pre-engineered steel structures are designed to be eco-friendly, and many of them can easily be upgraded or expanded. They’re an excellent choice for self-storage facilities, for example, as people are increasingly looking to store their personal belongings in a safe and secure environment.

Moreover, it’s important to choose a contractor that’s experienced in working with pre-engineered steel structures. Look for a company with an impressive portfolio of past projects and be sure to ask for references. This will give you insight into the contractor’s reliability, level of experience and commitment to customer service.

Steel buildings are also incredibly eco-friendly, as they’re 100% recyclable. The steel used to make a new metal building can be reused countless times without losing its strength, making it the most recyclable building material on the planet. LGS framing, for instance, contains a minimum of 25% recycled steel. This makes it an eco-friendly option that’s recognized as such by the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) green point system.

Energy Efficiency

Steel is a natural insulator, keeping heat inside during the winter and cutting energy costs in the summer. In addition, the straight framing commonly used in steel buildings eliminates sagging and warping over time, further increasing energy efficiency. Finally, a steel building is less susceptible to damage from fires and floods than other types of buildings, further decreasing the need for repairs or replacement.

The energy efficiency of steel buildings is increased by several factors, including the use of high-quality insulation materials, efficient ventilation systems, and daylighting solutions. These innovations in construction technology and design can significantly reduce the demand for energy-intensive heating and cooling, resulting in significant cost savings over the lifetime of the building.

Many of these energy-efficient features can be added to existing steel buildings. For example, adding ridge vents to the roof of a steel building can improve air circulation, lowering indoor temperatures and reducing reliance on HVAC systems. Similarly, adding skylights and windows can improve natural lighting, minimizing the need for artificial lighting during the day.

Adding solar panels can further reduce a building’s reliance on traditional energy sources, reducing carbon emissions and saving on electricity bills. Additionally, wind energy systems can be installed in windy locations to supplement energy needs.

Energy efficiency can also be improved with regular maintenance of steel buildings, such as inspecting and repairing HVAC systems to ensure they are properly sized for the space and keeping up with maintenance tasks like cleaning the coils and replacing filters. In addition, a reflective coating on the outside of the building can help to reduce sun exposure and keep the interior of the building cooler in the summer.

Flexibility

Steel buildings are flexible enough to accommodate a wide range of purposes. They are easy to customize and provide plenty of space for all types of manufacturing operations. They are also suitable for warehouses, office buildings, retail spaces, and more. In addition, they can be adapted to fit specific needs and meet environmental standards. They are easy to transport and can be constructed on any site.

When designing a steel building, it is important to plan ahead and prepare for all the steps involved in construction. This will ensure a smooth and efficient project. It is also important to choose a contractor with experience in metal building construction. Ask contractors about the projects they have completed and look for online reviews. These will give you an idea of their reliability and quality of work.

Another important factor in building a steel building is choosing the facade. Some communities have strict building codes that you must adhere to, while others may require a specific color or materials. Depending on the location, you can choose between brick, masonry block, curtain walls, or metal panels. It is also important to consider the weather conditions in your area and plan accordingly.

Many businesses are looking for flexibility in their commercial space. They need to be able to accommodate changing customer demands, as well as expand when necessary. Steel buildings are a great option for businesses that need to change their interiors frequently.

Since steel buildings are easy to assemble and can be built in less time than traditional building, they are a good choice for construction companies that need to meet deadlines. They are also easier to relocate than conventional buildings, making them an ideal solution for expanding business operations.

Contractor Services

Which Foundation Repair Method is Right For Your Home?

There are many options when it comes to foundation repair, but not all methods are created equal. It is important to know which method to choose and when to choose it, so you can get your house back to its original state and prevent further damage.

Foundation Repair

Detecting foundation issues early can save you money and ensure the stability of your home.

If you’ve noticed cracks in your home’s foundation, it’s important to act fast. Depending on the severity of the crack, it may be structural or non-structural, and either way, you need to call a professional right away to assess the issue and provide appropriate solutions.

Some signs of a foundation problem are fairly obvious: doors or windows that no longer open or close easily, water intrusion in the basement following heavy rain, cracks developing in basement walls, or gaps forming between the foundation and trim work around windows and doors. But even if these signs don’t seem like big problems, it’s essential to have a professional inspect the area, as they could be an early indicator of bigger issues to come.

Several different methods exist for crack repair, with some offering a DIY-friendly solution for smaller issues and others requiring more extensive excavation and construction to stabilize the foundation. Masonry patching kits are available at hardware stores, featuring concrete cement, vinyl concrete, epoxies, or polyurethane foam, and are used to fill in cracks and prevent them from widening.

Steel piers, also known as push piers, are made of hollow steel pipes that are pushed into the ground under your home until they reach load-bearing soil. The steel piers then lift and support the foundation, relieving stress on the structure and stopping further movement or settlement.

Slab Foundation Repair is another common type of foundation repair, and involves strengthening and stabilizing the concrete slab upon which your house sits. This technique can include helical or steel piers, concrete underpinning, and adding or replacing pier stacks.

Waterproofing is a crucial component of many foundation repair techniques. Using coatings, membranes, or sealants, waterproofing creates a barrier against water penetration that can damage and deteriorate the foundation and other building materials. This can help prevent problems such as basement flooding, mold growth, and rot of wood beams that are used in a foundation. In some cases, waterproofing is a necessary step before performing more invasive repair methods.

Concrete Piers

Foundation repair contractors use concrete piers to help stabilize sagging, sinking, and tilting slab-on-grade foundations. They can also help with a wide range of problems that arise from poor soil conditions, like expansive clay, freezing temperatures, shifting soil subsidence, or even earthquakes.

These foundation repair techniques involve digging a hole below the home, installing the piers, and then pumping in a concrete slurry or dense foam to fill the space around them. This restores the original structural integrity of the slab, allowing it to support the structure above it. In many cases, this is a more affordable option for homeowners than replacing the entire slab foundation.

A popular method of repairing slab-on-grade foundations is to add a concrete pier to the structure and then pour a new section of foundation beneath it. This allows for more effective load distribution and helps to prevent future damage to the foundation. This is a popular choice for homeowners who want to keep their property’s value high and avoid costly repairs.

Concrete piers are highly durable and resist corrosion. They can withstand high loads and environmental pressures, and they are often less expensive than steel piers. They can come in a variety of shapes and sizes, and they can be constructed for specific load requirements or soil conditions.

Contractors can install a variety of different types of concrete piers, including helical and push piers. Helix piers are screw-shaped, and they can be drilled into the earth until they reach bedrock or another strong support point. Push piers are hollow, steel pipes that are pushed into the ground under the foundation to lift and stabilize it.

Regardless of the type of piers used, they can be inserted quickly and easily, making them an attractive solution for many homeowners who are dealing with foundation problems. The cost is usually less than a full replacement, and it typically takes no more than a day to complete this type of foundation repair.

If you’re dealing with foundation issues, it is important to contact a professional as soon as possible to receive prompt and effective repair services. Foundation repair can save your property from extensive damage and ensure it remains safe for years to come, and it may increase its resale value as well.

Steel Piers

A highly-effective method, steel piers transfer the weight of the foundation to stable soil layers or bedrock below the surface. This can be an excellent solution for addressing problems with your foundation that have resulted in a sinking, shifting or leaning house. They are also less prone to soil movement than concrete and helical piers. However, they do tend to be a more expensive option due to the cost of manufacturing and installation equipment.

To install these piers, our crew digs small holes in the ground near your foundation and then uses a hydraulic tool to push steel pipe segments vertically into the earth until they reach a solid load-bearing stratum below the surface. This process is typically faster and more effective than other foundation repair techniques.

The key to the success of this technique lies in its ability to transfer weight to a more stable subsurface than concrete or helical piers, which require a bracket system to support their loads. Unfortunately, this type of indirect support can lead to angular issues, compromising structural integrity and long-term stability.

Another advantage of steel piers is their greater depth tolerance. They can be driven up to 75 feet into the earth, making them ideal for dealing with expansive soils. They are also more resilient to shifts in the soil, preventing future damage and providing better long-term stability.

One of the primary disadvantages of steel piers is their tendency to rust over time. While this issue can be addressed by proper maintenance, it may be a concern for some property owners. Additionally, steel piers can be more difficult to install than other concrete repair methods, resulting in a longer project timeline.

For those looking for a more durable and affordable alternative to concrete piers, we recommend the Cable Lock(tm) ST Plus system. This technique combines the durability of steel with the gripping power of concrete to provide a high-quality, long-term foundation repair solution. To learn more about how this system can help your home or business, contact us today. We can answer any questions you have and determine if this is the best foundation repair method for your unique needs.

Epoxy Injections

While epoxy crack injection is an exceptional foundation repair technique, it may not be appropriate for all situations. If the soil shifts or erodes significantly, other methods such as slab jacking or helical piling may be required to stabilize and support your structure. However, for simpler cracks in your foundation or other concrete structure, an epoxy injection is a very effective and economical option.

Before applying the crack epoxy, all surfaces to receive paste-over should be thoroughly cleaned. All dirt should be brushed off the surface and any oil, grease or other contaminant should be removed using clean compressed air. If there is moisture trickling from the surface or around injection ports, this must be addressed before proceeding as it will impact the performance of the epoxy injection.

The injection process begins with the installation of injection ports in the area of the structural crack. Once the injection ports are in place, a mixture of epoxy resins is injected into the structural crack. A lower viscosity epoxy is used for small cracks and a higher viscosity epoxy is used for larger structural cracks.

As the epoxy penetrates the crack, it expands and fills it. This not only seals the crack but also reinforces the concrete structure to prevent further damage from occurring. When correctly executed, an epoxy injection can effectively weld the concrete structure together and restore the strength of the concrete that was lost through the crack.

Epoxy crack injection repairs are very time efficient and require minimal disruption to the surrounding environment, making them an ideal solution for both residential and commercial properties that need to minimize downtime during repair. Additionally, an epoxy crack injection is a very long-lasting solution that can greatly reduce the need for frequent and costly maintenance.

If you would like to learn more about our epoxy crack injection services, contact us for more information. We can help you decide which solution is the best choice for your unique situation. We can provide a detailed inspection and evaluation of your structural damage, recommend the best course of action and outline the cost-effectiveness of our services.