What’s the first thing that people look for when buying a building? It’s square footage. But, in general, this square footage includes all internal walls and support columns. That makes the actual usable area less than what was previously, though. Here comes clear span steel building. It can be designed for personal and commercial use.

 

But what is it, how is it made, and what are its pros and cons? This blog will discuss these questions. Come and see for yourself.

What Is A Clear Span Metal Building?

Simply put, clear-span structures have no internal support columns. They give the maximum carpet area for available square footage. With a clear span, you can get up to 300 ft. wide steel buildings with open floors.

How Is It Designed?

These buildings are designed with build-up steel frames and use heavy overhead support rafters rather than vertical pillars for structural support. The walls and beams carry the weight of the entire roof. That being said, let’s examine the pros and cons of a clear span to understand its benefits.

Pros Of Clear Span Steel Structure

You can build a clear span steel structure with galvanized steel that is resistant to rust, weathering, or corrosion. With that, let’s see some advantages of these structures:

Use Of Maximum Square Footage

No internal support columns mean you get the most out of your square footage. That implies you get maximum use of the available sq. ft. of your building.

No Obstructing Columns

What happens when you have the liberty to remove all supporting beams from your structures indoors? You get a spacious interior with a more usable interior area. Combine it with high ceilings, and you can install various racks and shelves where objects can be stacked on top of each other.

Freedom To Design Floor Plan

With the complete freedom to plan your floor plan, you can create sub-sections or install a mezzanine floor to increase the use of available space. Isn’t that great?

Best Acoustics

With clear span structures, you can get exceptional acoustics. Further, by adding sound-absorbing walls, you can reduce noise transfer. This will serve great for people who want to have a dedicated place for workshops, manufacturing units, and a soundstage for entertainment.

Low Upkeep

Just like any other steel building, clear span metal structures are also low maintenance. You can wash them with a garden hose or pressure wash them with mild detergent annually. Any minor rusting can be fixed with the help of sandpaper, primer, and metal paint.

Cons Of Clear Span Metal Structure

Cost

For example, a 30 ft. wide x 60 ft. long x 12 ft. high clear span metal building will cost approximately $28,090, whereas a similar size metal building will cost around $24,600.

Yes, you are paying a little extra, but you also get more carpet area compared to a structure with interior support columns.

Width Limitation

You can design a clear span up to 300 ft. wide. This number will, however, vary for locations with extreme weather conditions. However, the good news is that in most cases, clear span steel structures can be used easily for residential, agricultural, or industrial purposes.

Concrete Foundation Becomes A Must

It is likely that you will need a concrete slab for clear span structures. For carports, it can be concrete along the perimeter of the building that will anchor sidewalls & posts to the ground. The foundation can be as deep as 8 to 12 ft.

 

You must know that a well-constructed concrete slab will add to the strength, stability, and longevity of your clear span metal building.

How Versatile Are Clear Span Steel Buildings?

 

There is not one way but many in which clear span metal buildings can be used. Have a look at some of the examples below for reference.

Residential Use:

• Large garages for car parking and maintenance
• Metal barndominium
• Large metal shed serving as a multi-functional space

Agricultural Use:

• Parking farm truck, tractor, pickup truck, harvester, ATV, RTV, UTV, cultipackers, or planter.
• Sheltering livestock such as horses, dairy cattle, chickens, goats, or Angus.
• Storage for crops, grains, hay bales, or feed.

Commercial Use:

• Event venue for weddings, parties, churches, or community services.
• Indoor sports area for gymnasiums, pools, riding arenas, or practicing baseball.
• Business uses such as office space, retail stores, factory outlets, e-commerce logistics, cold storage, or warehouses.

Tips To Consider Before Buying Clear Span Steel Building

Certified Metal Builder

Always get metal structures from a reputed and experienced seller. Not only do you get good quality but also durable material.

Certified Steel

If you have an option to choose certified steel, go for it. Yes, they may cost you a little more than a non-certified one, but they will be resilient to most of the conditions presented before them.

Local Codes & Guidelines

Your local building codes, local zoning laws, and HOAs are there for a reason. They imply rules and restrictions on design elements to ensure you & your neighbor’s safety. So, complying with them is a must.

File For The Permit

Regardless of what material you use and what type of building you want to build on your lot, a permit is legal permission to begin construction. Failure to secure a permit can lead to trouble in the future. If you are unsure, you can always visit your local authority office to know more.

See What’s Included In The Package

Not just the raw materials, but you also have to pay for other expenses such as:

• Foundation cost
• Labor charges
• Installation cost
• HAVC installation
• Electricity
• Plumbing

These are the basis for any building. You can ask your metal dealer what is included in your package. Some offer free shipping, while others may provide delivery & installation included in the final price. In addition, do not forget to ask about any warranty on material and workmanship.

Now That We Have Reached The End

When investing in your dream building, do not overlook the usable space you get out of the square footage you buy. A clear span metal building gives you maximum area compared to a wooden structure. Further, clear span becomes challenging with wood and sometimes even impossible as its load-bearing capability per sq. ft. is less than steel’s.

Whether for residential or business use, a clear span is the best choice. It offers long-lasting durability, lower maintenance, and resistance to elements.