To most, a metal commercial building is exactly that — a steel structure whose purpose is to house a commercial enterprise of one kind or another.

 

But is there more to know beyond that? At the end of the day, a metal commercial building is just a metal commercial building, right? Well, yes and no. There was a time when metal buildings were strictly seen as structures meant for the commercial world. However, in the last few decades, strides have been made with technology, materials, and construction best practices to make metal buildings common in all walks of life including residential use.

 

This, of course, leads one to the first big FAQ about the metal commercial building — are these structures safe? First and foremost, it is important to remember that the steel in metal commercial buildings is strong. Depending on the type of commercial application, the structure is made to maintain the weight of people as well as the machinery/equipment specific to that industry.

 

Fire safety and code compliance are always top of mind during the construction of any structure. The safety of everyone inside, as well as the protection of as much physical collateral as possible, can make for a design challenge. That is, of course, unless you are building with steel. Now, this isn’t to say that steel is fireproof or that it isn’t impacted by exposure to fire. However, the level of fire resistance it allows for can give opportunities for personnel to evacuate areas so that the fire can be suppressed.

 

Other frequently asked questions about metal commercial buildings include:

 

Is there a need to have a permit with the city/county/state?

How easy is a prospective metal commercial building to retrofit?

What kind of lead time is involved in acquiring a metal commercial building?

Are there more pros than cons regarding in-house manufacturing?

How much do metal commercial buildings cost?

Are there limits to levels of customization?

Are there any steps to be taken prior to installation?

 

A final metal commercial building FAQ worth considering has to do with what options are availalbe. This is where working with the right manufacturer/supplier makes a difference. This is where the Mueller, Inc. difference shines through. Our years of experience, network of locations, and dedication to state-of-the-art technology are just some of the reasons we can help you figure out what the next step should be in your metal commercial building journey.

Contact the pros here at Mueller, Inc. today and see what has made us a mainstay in the metal commercial building industry for nearly a century.