How to Buy A Metal Building - Vulcan Buildings (2023)

Step 1

Determining Your Needs

Common Use of Metal Buildings

When choosing a building, consider factors such as the climate in your area, the size of the building needed, and the intended use of the building.

Here are some common uses:
Agricultural
-Barns
-Livestock Shelters
Commercial
-Warehouses
-Storage Facilities
-Workshops
Residential
-Carports
-Car Garages
-Self-Storage
-Sheds
-RV & Boat Covers
-Barndominiums
-Plus Custom Built!

Step 2

Selecting Your Metal Building

Selecting the correct building is crucial for a successful installation. The purpose of a metal building is to provide a versatile and functional covered space for various uses while providing protection from harsh weather conditions such as heavy snow loads, high winds, and extreme temperatures.

Agricultural Use

Barns
Metal Barns are resistant to pests, rot, and decay, which can be common issues in traditional wood-built agricultural structures.

Livestock Shelters
Our Livestock Shelters are known for their durability and can withstand the harsh environmental conditions typically encountered in agricultural settings, including exposure to moisture, UV rays, and extreme weather.

Commercial Use

They can be designed to accommodate various configurations, such as wide clear spans, high ceilings, and large door openings, making them suitable for a wide range of commercial uses, from retail stores to warehouses, factories, airplane hangers, and more.

Warehouses
They offer durability, versatility, quick construction, affordability, low maintenance, and energy efficiency, making them a smart investment for any business owner.

Storage Facilities
One of the key benefits of using a metal building for a storage facility is their low maintenance requirements with options for multiple levels, climate control, and security features.

Workshops
As energy costs continue to rise, this can be a significant advantage for commercial workshop owners looking to save money on their utility bills while maximizing their return on investment.

Residential Use

They are energy-efficient and can be built to meet or exceed local building codes, which can save homeowners money on utility bills and insurance premiums. They can be used for a variety of purposes, including garages, storage sheds, RV & Boat Covers, and even Homes or Cabins.

Carports
Carports are durable and long-lasting, making them a reliable choice for protecting vehicles from the elements in a variety of sizes, shapes, and colors to match home and surrounding landscape.

Car Garages
A car garage is an essential addition to any residential property, providing a safe and secure space to store vehicles, equipment, and other valuables.

Self-Storage
Self-storage units are an excellent choice for residential use as they offer a secure place to store personal belongings, seasonal items, or excess clutter, providing extra space and peace of mind.

Sheds
Sheds are a great choice for residential use as they provide extra storage space for outdoor equipment, tools, and other belongings. Metal sheds are durable, low-maintenance, and can be customized to fit specific size and design requirements.

RV & Boat Covers
RV & Boat Covers are an excellent choice for residential use as they protect RVs and other vehicles from the weather and sun damage, extending their lifespan.

Barndominiums
Barndominiums are a great choice for residential use due to their durability, versatility, and affordability. They offer ample space for living and storage while providing a unique and modern aesthetic.

Step 3

What is a Metal Building?

Metal buildings are commonly used for a wide range of applications such as commercial, industrial, agricultural, and residential purposes. They can be designed and customized to meet a variety of specific needs, such as warehouses, workshops, storage facilities, garages, airplane hangars, and even homes. Metal buildings are known for their strength, durability, affordability, and ease of construction.

They are often made with recycled materials and can be recycled at the end of their useful life. Additionally, metal buildings can be designed to be energy-efficient, with features such as insulated walls and roofs, solar panels, and energy-efficient lighting. This makes them a good choice for environmentally-conscious home owners and businesses.

Metal Framing

Let’s start with the framing. We carry 2 different types of framing options for our buildings:
Our Heavy-Duty Frame (12 Gauge) option measures at 2 ¼” x2 ¼” in diameter with a wall thickness of .105 inches. It is the strongest option available for our metal buildings. The 12-Gauge framing is more useful in areas with frequent and heavy snow and high winds.

Our Standard Frame (14 Gauge) option measures at 2 ½” x 2½” in diameter with a wall thickness of .075 inches. The 14-Gauge frame is more cost-effective and are recommended in areas with a mild climate.

Building Components

It is important for you to feel knowledgeable during the buying process. Every component in your new metal building is important. Please take a few minutes to help familiarize yourself with some of the vital components that go into each Vulcan Metal Building.

Roof
Your roof is the cornerstone of your building. Its design is crucial when determining your needs.

Trim
It gives your building the finishing touch, also keeps the weather at bay by sealing the roof and walls.

Sidewalls
If security is priority, we do recommend an enclosed building. Adding sidewalls to your building is easy and convenient for peace of mind.

Add-ons
Are a great way to accommodate for any features needed for your building, such as roll-up doors, windows. You name it, we got it.

Steel Panels
From the roof to the siding and all the trim surrounding. We use Energy Star® label 29 Gauge Steel Sheet Panels available in 14 different colors.

Braces
Best way to secure each corner of the building without breaking the bank.

Hat Channels
Are used to secure down all metal panels on a vertical roof and/or vertical sidewalls.

Leg Post
Are vertically installed, connecting the trusses to the baserails.

Trusses
Typically a single piece of square tubing bent to shape to make the roof of the building.

Baserail
The square tubing along the base and sides of the building onto which the legs are attached.

Step 4

Purchasing Your Metal Building

Before any foundation is poured, any colors are picked, or any permission is granted from your significant other, we must first determine the dimensions of the building.

Determining Dimensions

Roof Length
The roof length will vary from building to building. Round and A-Frame Horizontal buildings have a 6 inch overhang on both ends. All A-frame Vertical buildings are flush with the length of baserails.

Baserail Length
The length of the entire baserail. The longest single baserail that we manufacture is 25 feet long.

Clearance Height
Clearance of the inside of the building, measuring from foundation to truss.

Building Width
This measurement is taken from outside to outside of baserails, our maximum clearance is 60 feet.

Eave Height
Height of the total measurement of the leg/post connected to the baserail. The total measurement is going to include the height of the baserail and the leg/post, max height is 20 feet.

Peak Height
Height of the building at its highest point. This measurement is to be taken from the outside.

Determining Enclosed Walls

It’s very important to know where the placement of the walk-in doors, windows, roll-up doors, etc. will be installed to prevent any issues. Therefore, we recommend to always be sure where you want each item to be located.

Please click here to draw all add-on placements.

Be sure to review your add-on placements before finalizing any customer order(s).

Determining Roof Style

Starting from top to bottom, it’s very important to select the correct roof style needed for the right job.

Round
Our Round Roof Style is the most affordable and convenient selection.

A-frame Horizontal
Our A-frame Horizontal Roof Style is a good choice for a blend of affordability and durability.

A-frame Vertical
Our A-frame Vertical Roof Style is the most durable and effective available.

Determining Add-ons

Insulation
Our insulation is a great way to reduce condensation and utility bill expenses.

Windows
We carry 2 sizes:
-24″ x 30″ Window
-30″ x 30″ Window

Walk-in Doors
Our 36″ x 80″ doors provide a secure entry into your steel building.

Roll-up Doors
We offer sizes from:
-6′ x 7′
-8’x 8′
-9′ x 8′
-10′ x 10′
-12′ x 12′
-14′ x 14′

Frame-outs
Just want the opening? No problem. We got solutions for it all.

Lean-to
A Lean-to is an extension of a building that is attached to the out sidewalls of a preexisting building.

Step 5

Financing Options

Heartland
-No Credit, Bad Credit – OK!
-No Penalty for Early Purchase
-90 Days Same As Cash
-24, 36, 48, and 60 Month Contracts up to $20,000
-No Credit Check!

RTO National
-Financing available up to $20,000
-Up to $15,000 in financing without a credit check; Up to $20,000 in financing with a credit check, depending on score
-Up to 60 month term
-No early payoff penalty

GreenSky
-Up to 84 month term
-Flexible financing options
-Low APR rates
-Most Affordable Finance Offered
-Approval Within Minutes
-13.99 % APR
-Finance $2,000up to $55,000

Step 6

Preparing for Installation

Being prepared is extremely important, click on our to view our requirements that may be useful when preparing for installation.

Required preparation for installation of a metal building includes: obtaining necessary permits, preparing the foundation, and arranging for delivery and installation services.

Utilities such as electricity, water, and sewage should also be considered and planned for before installation.

Clearing the site is an important step in preparing for metal building installation. The site should be leveled, free of debris and obstructions, and
accessible for heavy equipment. It’s also important to consider the placement of the building in relation to other structures and any zoning or code requirements.

Once the site is prepared and cleared, the metal building is ready for installation. The installation process will vary depending on the type and size of the building.

Inside Finish
For the Inside Finish, the slab size is equal to the building frame dimensions PLUS 1″ (1/2″ all the way around), the 1/2″ should be done with a 1/4″slope away from your building. By applying a concrete sealant around the baserail of your garage, this will help prevent water from seeping in and therefore providing full protection.

Edge Finish
For the Edge Finish, the slab size is equal to the building frame dimensions. This option allows the siding to overhang the foundation which effectively prevents water from flowing under the walls. Unfortunately, the concrete wedge anchors can chip the edge of your concrete. For alternative anchoring options, please feel free to contact us.

To prevent water from entering, you can slope the ledge, so the outside edge is ¾” lower than the top of the slab. As a substitute, you can lower the whole ledge by ¾”.

When pouring your slab for your frame you can form a sloped or lowered ledge by placing six-inch boards inside the form boards, ¾” of an inch lower than where the top of the slab will be.

Step 7

Delivery and Installation

Our scheduling department will discuss your installation date prior to delivery. Additional fees may accrue due to insufficient site preparation, such as an unleveled site. We highly recommend concrete foundations for all buildings.

Our installation sub-contractors drive a truck pulling a 36-40 foot trailer, which means maneuvering into small, narrow, or steep driveways may not be possible.

Installation duration varies based on the size and foundation of the building. Please view our Preparation List to ensure a proper site preparation.

When a building that is 30ft. wide and over, contains sidewalls of 13ft. and higher, and/or contains roll-up door(s) starting at 12ft. x 12ft. and larger, the buyer must provide a lift (telehandler) on-site for a safe and successful installation.

Step 8

Maintenance

To maintain the quality and appearance of a metal building, it is recommended to perform occasional cleaning to remove dirt and debris that may accumulate over time. This can be done using a pressure washer or a soft-bristled brush with a mild soap solution. It is also important to inspect the building regularly for any signs of wear or damage and to address any issues promptly to prevent further damage.

Additionally, we offer warranties that cover any defects or issues that may arise, which provides peace of mind and added protection for the building owner. Overall, metal buildings are a low-maintenance option that provides durability and longevity, making them a great investment for various applications.