Steel Building Talk

Steel I-Beam framing construction surpasses in popularity all other steel building design options available today. Consumers often inquire about the advantages of I-Beam construction and Galvalume® roofs when compared to an open web truss design. Most quality steel building manufacturers or suppliers provide strong and durable Galvalume ® roofs. These typically consist of a steel roof coating comprised of 55% aluminum, 44% zinc, and 1% silicon. Aluminum is a key factor here as it is highly rust resistant. There are also very substantial warranties provided with Galvalume® roofs and, in most cases, these provide at least a 20-year rust through perforation warranty. A roof panel with a hole in it will be replaced by the factory. Galvalume® roofs require very little maintenance. Galvalume® roofs retain their luster over many years; they will not dull; and there is never a need to paint or patch your roof. Open web truss designed buildings offer substantially reduced guarantees on their roofs. They sometimes utilize only a zinc coating. This coating process has a tendency to oxidize, darken in color, and is also susceptible to rust.

Most quality steel building companies will supply only a stainless steel capped fastener which has a substantial warranty and will not rust. Stainless steel does not tarnish or darken in color. This helps to maintain the appearance and integrity of your steel roof. Some open web truss provider companies use a zinc fastener which will rust over time; however, other companies employ an alloy head which will not rust but will darken in color and detract from the roof’s appearance.

Quality steel building suppliers will use roof panels that are made of heavy duty and durable 26 gauge Galvalume®. This is a strong and hard roof and will easily support someone walking on it. With open web truss designs, some companies will use only a lighter gauge steel such as 29 gauge. This steel is over 30% lighter than 26 gauge steel and is not as strong or durable.

Steel building companies that supply I-Beam framing usually provide a roof that has at least a 1 ¼” depth to the corrugation in the sheeting. The depth of the corrugation in a steel roof adds a lot to its inherent strength. Companies using open web truss design use only a 5/8″ depth to the corrugations on their roofs. This is about half the depth of a Galvalume® roof and, by definition, less strong.

Sheets on the roof overlap at each bay with I-Beam framed buildings using Galvalume® roofs. The overlapping prevents water from backing up and entering the building. This prevents leaks and provides for a dry interior. This purlin braced roof system is very strong and prevents the roof sheeting from bending or cracking. Open web truss designed roofs use an “R” panel roof that does not have good overlap integrity. Leaks are likely to develop, as the water will back up into the building. Shorter overlaps also reduce the strength of the roof. Choose your roof wisely when purchasing your next building and make sure you research your options carefully. A substandard roof will cause many problems in the future and cost you a great deal of money in maintenance over time.