Top 4 Most Common Steel Buildings

Steel structures can be built for many different purposes. There are numerous benefits steel can provide that other materials might not have. Steel structures are often affordable, durable, and versatile. So what types of buildings work well with steel materials? Here are 4 of the most common steel structures.

1. Agricultural Buildings
Steel can be a great building material for agricultural needs. A steel barn is great for protecting your livestock, crops, and your equipment. Steel barns are able to withstand harsh weather conditions, termites, and water leaks. With the longest life-span out of other materials, steel agricultural buildings can give you peace of mind when it comes to protecting your farm.

2. Churches
Surprisingly, steel churches have become a lot more popular throughout the last couples of decades. With steel structures requiring less build time and being affordable, steel churches are a great option for a new church or one that wants to expand. There are numerous customization options and a steeple can be easily added onto the structure. Steel can also be a great choice for implementing a recreational hall for your church.

3. Commercial Buildings
Commercial steel buildings can be a reliable solution for your business. With open floor plans, a steel structure can be great for customization. You’ll be able to tailor the building according to your business needs. As previously mentioned, steel buildings offer durability and will protect your business.

4. Workshops/Garages
If you’re looking for a commercial or residential workshop or garage, a steel building is a great option. Since the structure is fireproof, steel is a perfect choice for welding activities and other mechanical projects. In addition, a steel building’s open configuration can provide lots of space for your needs.

If you have any questions about steel building installers billings mt, welding billings mt, or welding bozeman mt, contact Iron Works Construction today!

What to Look for in a Welding Company

 

  1. A Strong Reputation

If you are in need of a welding company it is of utmost importance to first conduct research. Find reviews on the company and read through all of them. You want to choose a company that you will have full trust in. You don’t want to get yourself in a sticky situation, so it’s best to read others’ experiences with the company to see if it will be the right fit for you.

  1. They Have all the Tools Needed

Make sure that the company you want to work with carries all the necessary tools needed for the job. If not, they will not be able to complete the project that you are asking for. Ask all the questions you have beforehand to make sure you both are on the same page and there is no chance for confusion.

  1. Pride in their Work

You want to work with a company who takes their job seriously and takes pride in their work. You want to ensure that you are getting all your needs met. Also take note on how they communicate with you as the customer. Do they care about their customer relationships and are willing to give you all the necessary information? Or are they acting vague about what they do and can offer? If they are being unclear, this is not a good sign and you should find another welding company to work with.

  1. Level of Expertise

Companies that offer welding services may specialize in specific areas. You are going to want someone who has sufficient knowledge on the project you have in mind. This will help you find the perfect fit.

If you are looking for welding bozeman mt, welding billings mt, or Iron works company bozeman mt gives us a call!

Basics of Steel Building Construction

Looking into steel building installers Billings MT for your business, government, or personal project can feel intimidating if you don’t have any background. The seasoned experts at Iron Works Construction can walk you through the process more thoroughly, however, here are a few key components that will be helpful to have some familiarity with:

 

1. The Four Walls

Of course, each building has four walls. Within steel building construction, each of these four walls has a name- the front sidewall, left endwall, back sidewall, and right endwall. Each of these walls is regarded the same, throughout the build, no matter where you stand within the structure. Oftentimes, these are referred to as acronyms, such as FSW, for front sidewall.

 

2. Foundation and Anchor Bolt Drawings

Aside from the general building drawings, metal building installation Billings MT requires these two other sorts of drawings, as essential parts of the construction process. Foundation drawings are the designs for the foundation upon which your building will sit. These must be approved by a licensed engineer prior to obtaining a permit for your project. Anchor Bolt drawings specify where anchor bolts, the rods which attach the building to its foundation, will be placed. 

 

3. Weld-Up vs Bolt-Up

Weld-up building, or field-welding, is where steel frame members are welded together permanently. Each piece is attached with care and can be done so expertly by the team at Iron Works Construction, specializing in welding Billings MT. Prefabricated by a manufacturer, bolt-up construction requires no welding and instead consists of assembling the structure using bolts.

 

4. Typical Building Size 

Determining the size of your steel building will be one of the most important factors through this process, with first-time builders most frequently wishing they’d opted for additional square footage. There are no standard sizes for steel buildings, however, 30’x30’ is usually the smallest size built. Ultimately, each is designed according to the client’s vision and local codes. 


Approaching each project with a high level of care, passion, and attention to detail, the artisans at Iron Works Construction are the solution to your metal building installation needs in Billings MT.

Cost Efficiency of Steel Buildings

When it comes to new buildings it’s important to be mindful of your company’s budget, and building with steel specifically is one of the most cost-efficient ways to build. The price of buildings is more than just materials, it’s also time for planning, welding, and assembly, not to mention any unexpected costs that can come up. Steel is the number one choice for most offices, hangars, gymnasiums, and more. We’ll explain why steel buildings are better for your wallet in the long term. 

 

Metal buildings can be assembled in a factory, which ensures accuracy and saves on labor. With fabricated steel, there is less waste which means no wasted expense because it’s made according to the architectural plans. Erecting a steel building also saves time (and time is money), which means a faster and higher return on investment.

 

The maintenance cost of metal buildings is lower. These buildings can last up to 50 years or more with powder-coated paint finishes. They are also easy to clean and not prone to rusting, saving on exterior costs. Building with steel allows you to work within a controlled environment, meaning less room for error. There are no hidden costs when working with steel.

 

You also save in the long run because the structural integrity of steel buildings is greater than that of wood buildings. Wood tends to warp and bend, especially with inclement weather. Termites can also damage wood but not steel. Metal structures also reflect heat which keeps the building cooler by keeping solar heat out. The average cost of building with wood has gone up over the years, but metal has stayed steady.

 

Resale value for metal structures is also higher, meaning even after your company is done with the building you can sell for top dollar. The building’s steel could also be recycled, which provides an environmentally cautious option.

 

Using steel ultimately saves you money, while providing a sturdy structure. Hiring the right company is very important for your welding needs. If you have any questions about welding Bozeman MT, welding Billings MT, or steel building installers near me Billings MT, contact Iron Works Construction today!

How to Choose Steel Building Installers Billings MT

Steel buildings are a great option when looking to build on your commercial or residential property! While there are some people who have the tools and time to install their own steel building, that is not always the case for the majority of people. Many people would rather hire steel building installers Billings MT in order to get the job done right the first time because if the installation is not done properly, it can compromise the entire integrity of the building which could be a serious hazard.

While hiring someone to take care of this installation seems like a simple task, that is not always the case. You need to make sure you are hiring the right company to install your steel building for you. We have broken down the best way to find the right company for the job into three easy steps that will ensure you are hiring the right company for the job!

1. Experience

When you are looking for a company to install your steel building, there are a few different things that you should be looking for. While it is very important to make sure the company you are looking into hiring is licensed to build, their experience is just as important. A company that has been in business for many years and has completed numerous projects would be more qualified to handle the job and make sure it is done correctly. This is important because when dealing with installing steel buildings or welding Billings MT, you want someone who knows all the tips and tricks to do the job right and in a timely manner. There are many things that are learned on the job and a company with experience will know how to do it best! 

2. Reviews

Reviews, ratings, and references are one of the best ways to tell how a company performs. This is also another way of checking how much experience the company has and how well they did their job. You don’t want to hire someone who has done a lot of work but takes shortcuts in the process that can jeopardize your building. You can ask any installer for their list of references that you can contact in order to ensure that they have done quality work in the past. 

3. Bids and Contracts

Like you would do with anything you are spending money on, you want to make sure that you shop around when it comes to finding a steel building installer or for welding Bozeman MT. You want to compare the different bids with the different contracts being offered. While one company may offer it cheaper, they may also be leaving out some services that the other companies are including in their contract. This is why it is important to compare not only the price but the service that is being provided as well.

We hope this helps in your search for finding a steel building installer. If you have any questions about welding Billings MT, welding Bozeman MT, or steel building installers Billings MT, contact Iron Works Construction today!

The 4 Types of Welding Bozeman MT

When it comes to welding Bozeman MT, the different processes can be separated into four main categories. We want to share with you today these different processes in order to show how diverse welding can be!

Gas Metal Arc Welding (GMAW/MIG)

Gas Metal Arc Welding is also known as Metal Inert Gas or MIG welding. This process is one of the most popular in the construction and the automotive industry and is great for beginners who are just starting off. This type of welding is used on metals like copper aluminum, nickel, and stainless steel.

This welding process uses a thin, continuous wire as an electrode. As this wire is fed through the welding tool, it heats up and melts in order to form the weld bead. In this process, an electric arc is formed between the wire electrode and the metal you are welding.

Gas bottles must also be used in order to provide shielding gas while welding. This shielding gas is inert gas or gas mixture that protects against contamination.

Gas Tungsten Arc Welding (GTAW/TIG)

Similar to GMAW, Gas Tungsten Arc Welding uses an electric arc for welding as well as a shielding gas from an external gas supply. The key difference is that for GMAW the wire you are using as an electrode should be the same material as the metal you are welding and for GTAW, the electrode is made of tungsten.

This welding is used for automotive and also aerospace because tungsten is one of the toughest metals and it provides the highest-quality welds. However, this type of welding is more complex because the welder must use two hands, one to hold the torch and the other to feed the rod, and have extreme precision and skill.

Shielded Metal Arc Welding (SMAW)

Shielded Metal Arc Welding, also known as Stick welding, is often used for maintenance and repair, underwater pipelines, and construction because it is portable! The reason that this welding process got its name is that the consumable electrode covered in flux comes in the form of a “stick.”

As this stick begins to melt, it combines the metals by heating with an arc. The cover of the stick also melts and is able to shield the weld area from oxygen and other gases so that an external gas supply is not necessary.

While this process is portable, convenient, and simple to learn, it doesn’t produce the highest quality weld. Stick welds are typically less durable than other welds and are prone to cracks.

Flux-Cored Arc Welding (FCAW)

Flux-Cored Arc Welding is similar to Gas Metal Arc Welding in that it is simple to learn and it involves a continuous wire to be fed through. However, it is similar to the Shielded Metal Arc Welding because the flux covering provides a shield so that an external gas supply is not required. This process is mainly used in machining industries or by steel building installers Billings MT where thicker metals need to be welded.

We hoped you enjoyed learning the top welding processes. If you have any questions about welding Bozeman MT, welding Billings MT, or steel building installers Billings MT, contact Iron Works Construction today!

Top 5 Benefits of Steel Buildings

If you’re looking into constructing a new building, steel or metal buildings are the best way to go! Steel is usually around the same price point (if not cheaper) than wood and it is a great investment, especially if you live in a place like Bozeman, MT where the climate can be harsh.

Here are the top 5 benefits for using steel over wood and brick:

1. Durability
The great thing about steel is that it is extremely durable. It can withstand harsh weather conditions such as strong winds, heavy rain, and snow. In wet and humid conditions you don’t have to worry about wood rot or nail-pops. Also, when you hire professional steel building installers, they can apply a treatment that makes the metal anti-corrosive and rust-proof.

2. Low Maintenance
Another great thing about metal buildings is that they are very easy to maintain and clean. The welding company can infuse the metal with paint which won’t fade in the sun the way that normal paint does. Because steel is not prone to mold you don’t have to worry about damp-proofing either. You also avoid the expensive costs that are associated with dealing with termites and other pests that can live in wood.

3. Less Expensive
On average, people save about 30% when they build a metal building compared to a conventional one. Steel building installers can quickly construct your building which can save you on labor costs during construction. Due to its durability against natural disasters, insurance for the building is typically 40% cheaper as well! You can also save money on your energy bill due to the metal better insulating the building which allows you to use less heat and air conditioning. In mild climate areas, you may not even need a heater or air conditioner.

4. Customizable
Because the metal building doesn’t need support columns the way that wood buildings do, you are able to maximize and make the most out of the space that you have. You can also work with the welding company in order to make the building exactly the way that you want it. Once you have all of the pieces, steel building installers can quickly and easily put them together for you or you can put them together yourself using a forklift.

5. Longevity
The reason why metal building installation is the best way to go for constructing a new building is because of how long they last. Unlike wood, they are not affected by the elements such as sun, water, and debris. Another huge plus side is that they are non-combustible meaning they are not susceptible to fire hazards.

If you are looking for a new house, garage, warehouse, man-cave, she-shed, etc. make sure you consider a steel building first! It can save you a ton of money and a ton of hassle. Make sure to hire professional steel building installers such as Iron Works in Bozeman, MT.

If you have any questions about welding bozeman mt, metal building installation bozeman mt, or steel building installers bozeman mt contact Iron Works Construction today!

Preventing Welding Hazards

The act of welding Bozeman MT can bring hazardous situations. Learning to recognize these potential dangers is the best way to have a safe welding environment. Prior to starting any welding job, look out for these hazards to protect yourself!

Fire and Burn Hazards

When welding, you are exposing yourself to great amounts of heat and flames. Being aware of this and wearing the correct protective gear beforehand will help prevent any heat or flame related injury. The proper gloves, glothing, helmet and face protection will help prevent injury. Also, ensuring your clothing does not have any holes or damages prior to every use is very important. 

Electric Shock 

Welding puts you at risk of electric shock which can result in dangerous, life threatening injuries. Make sure not to weld in damp environments, wearing damp clothing or on metal flooring (highspeedtraining.co.uk). Making sure to check your welding leads or electric cables for damage is another great way to prevent injury from electric shock.

Noise Hazards

Welding exposes you to loud noises that can be damaging to your ears. Overexposure to this type of noise can cause permanent damage to your ears and hearing loss. Investing in the right type of earplugs or headgear can help prevent this.

Fumes and Gases

Overexposure to the fumes and gases that come with welding can also be damaging to one’s health. Exposure to these fumes and gases can cause lung cancer and issues with the respiratory system. Keeping your head away from the fumes and using a form of ventilation is the best way to combat this, (lincolnelectric.com). An exhaust system will remove fumes and gases from the area which you are working and prevent damages to your health.

Contact Iron Works Construction today to learn more about welding Bozeman MT, metal building installation Bozeman MT and steel building installers Bozeman MT.

Must-Have Welding Tools & Equipment

If you are just getting started with welding Bozeman MT, here are some essential items to get the job done safely and efficiently. 

The proper welding helmet

The welding helmet you must use is an auto-darkening welding helmet (makemoneywelding.com). These types of welding helmets allow you to easily see what you are welding while staying safe. This will also help to prevent welding errors or frustration that could arise when you first begin to weld.

The right clothing

For your own well being and safety, certain clothing must be worn when welding. This includes a jacket and pants made of flame-resistant material. It is also advised to make sure you are wearing something that covers your head such as a hat to protect yourself. Welding gloves are also absolutely necessary to protect your hands when welding. Thicker gloves will give you more protection while thinner gloves can give you better precision at times. 

Welding Clamps

You will need several welding clamps for any welding project. This is what will cause your welding to be secure, aligned and accurate!

Speed Square

A speed square is another necessary tool for any welding project. This tool helps with measuring your materials and ensuring you are working with the right angles or lines.

Fire extinguisher

Having a fire extinguisher handy when welding is very important for safety reasons. You are working with flames so it is a good idea to have an easy way to put out a fire if necessary. When welding there are lots of sparks and heat, which creates an environment where a fire could easily start. The best types of fire extinguishers for welding are usually combination extinguishers.

Contact Iron Works Construction today to talk to a professional or learn more about welding Bozeman MT, metal building installation Bozeman MT and steel building installers Bozeman MT.

Welding in Cold Weather

Welding Bozeman MT during the colder months can be a little more difficult than when it is warm out. Here are a few tips to find success when welding during the winter months. 

Fix Comfort Issues

The cold winter weather has a great affect on our comfort levels and can make certain tasks more difficult. The task of welding takes a lot of concentration and the quality of your weld can be affected by how comfortable you are when welding. Welding is no easy activity and takes a great amount of focus and skill. During these months make your comfort a priority when welding to avoid injuries and create the best quality weld to your ability

Understand the Difficulties

Educating yourself on what difficulties could arise when welding in the colder months is very important. This will ultimately prevent any issues that may arise. For example, metal is more likely to warp in the colder months and welding can easily crack. This can cause bitterness and take up your time. A way of preventing this would be to preheat your metal before welding with your torch. This will reduce stress and warping on the weld.

The Best Projects

Before starting any welding project during the winter time, it could be beneficial to know which ones are best to complete. It is best to choose a job that does not take too many steps that the weather could affect (theengineblock.com). High speed cooling can lead to cracks and damages. You should also try to remove any condensation or moisture from your metals before welding. Body work and patch panels are some examples which should be done during warmer seasons. 

To learn more about welding Bozeman MT, metal building installation Bozeman MT and steel building installers Bozeman MT, visit Iron Works Construction today!