Overview
Metal buildings are quick to construct and make great buildings for just about any purpose. When built on a concrete slab they make wonderful machine shops, workshops, and even barns with easy to clean surfaces that won't wear from the constant pawing or pressure of large animals. Metal buildings built on concrete slabs are more durable than wood because they don't require as much maintenance and are not as prone to weather damage. Depending on the size of the building it can be usually be erected in one to two weeks by a professional construction crew, or you can chose to purchase a kit and put it up yourself.
Cost of Metal Buildins on Concrete
According to "Buyer's Zone" you can get a 24 by 40 foot metal building on a 4-inch concrete slab for $11,250, making it a much more cost effective method of construction than standard wood frame buildings.
Benefits of Concrete Slabs
Concrete lasts a long time and provides a firm footing for livestock, or a place to park automobiles, trucks, or farm equipment.
Desired Size of Concrete Foundation Slabs
Plan your concrete slab to be at least 4 inches larger than the building you wish to construct on it to avoid shifting or cracking and to improve drainage.
When to Pour Your Concrete
Have your concrete slab poured about a week prior to construction of your metal building so it has had ample time to set.
Thickness Of Concrete Slabs
Order (or pour if you are creating your own slab) the concrete slab to be at least 4 inches thick for lightweight use like a workshop, or automobile garage. For heavy use such as livestock or trucks and tractor storage a 6 inch thickness is advisable.
Planning and Local Laws
Check your local zoning laws regarding the need for footings to prevent your building from shifting. These regulations vary from state to state and even city to city. Your site may have to be evaluated by a building inspector to determine the proper footings or depth of such footings and then given the go-ahead for a building permit. Even if your local zoning department has no regulations if your building site is silt or sandy soils you should plan on having concrete footers dug in to provide a more stable base.
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