Melissa holds a Fine Arts degree in Environmental Design and an MA in Information Management. She's worked as a licensed interior designer, artist, database administrator and nightclub manager. A perpetual student, Melissa writes web content on a variety of topics--art, interior design, database design, culture, health and business. Her work with Demand Studios includes over 450 articles found on eHow and DIYChatRoom.com.
Overview
Modular building techniques have grown to include almost any style imaginable. One of the more popular styles is the pole building, reminiscent of live stock shelters and storage sheds found on farms of the early part of the twentieth century. Through the use of modular components and modern metal siding, or sheet siding, the economy of metal buildings makes them highly popular. Galvanized metal siding makes up the largest part of a metal building. How is it used and what maintenance techniques are needed to take car of a modular metal pole building?
What Are Pole Buildings?
Known as post-frame construction, pole barns or pole buildings, are a modern and modular version of original framers storage shelters or barns. Use for a wide variety of reasons, pole buildings are now manufactured in metal and assembled quickly. Although some pole building owners opt for a dirt floor many are now built with additional concrete floors. Pole buildings are economical and effective against tight budgets.
Components of Pole Buildings
Based on the use of pressure tested and treated posts, pole buildings utilize other construction techniques too. The pole building includes framing details that incorporate garage doors, windows, traditional entry doors, sliding doors and in some cases sky lights. However, the item that comprises the most square footage in any pole building is the siding. Both roofing and siding are made of the same steel siding.
Siding Choices
Steel siding is secured as a roof material by using a roofing system. Roofing systems will vary slightly from manufacturer to manufacturer as will the actual siding gauge, panel styles and color selection. Siding panels are used as walls and are attached across the outside pole structure. Here are some of the styles of panels available:
-Rib
-Crimp
-Vertical seam, also called a "standing seam"
-Snap-lock
Siding Maintenance
Steel siding is almost always galvanized or coated with galvalume in order to prevent rusting. This makes them virtually maintenance free. Siding is attached to the pole construction and requires no work on the part of the owner after installation. Finishes are fade resistant and do not require painting. Damage to the siding should be address with the manufacturer.
What To Look For
Construction of a metal pole building will vary from manufacturer to manufacturer. Look for separate of full warranties that address both construction and materials, especially the siding. Warranties should include fade and rust resistance. Make sure yours is a lifetime guarantee.
