Metal Building Terminology You Should Know

  • 27 May 2020
  • Posted By Boss Buildings
Metal Building Terminology You Should Know

Metal buildings are by far some of the most cost-effective, customizable, versatile structures you can invest in, making them a fantastic option for just about any application.

When researching metal structures and considering a purchase, it is important to know the terminology associated with these great steel buildings.

Being familiar with metal building terminology can help you sort through the information, make an informed decision, and get all the features you need in a building (and none that you don’t). Boss Buildings provide the best prefab metal buildings in the United States and is happy to offer you unbeatable customer service, including guiding you through all the sometimes-confusing terminology you may stumble on.

Read on to discover some of the key metal building terminologies you should know!

Glossary of Metal Building Terminology

To help expand your knowledge of steel buildings and guide you toward the right features for your specific needs, we’ve put together the following glossary of metal building terminology. Check it out below!

  1. Anchor Bolts – These integral bolts fasten to members to the foundation of your building or another support piece.
  2. Architectural Drawings – Drawings that show the overall appearance of the building and its associated structures.
  3. Base Rails – Tubing that runs along the base and sides of the building, providing a place for the building’s legs to securely attach.
  4. Beam – A primary structural member of the frame that runs horizontally.
  5. Bow – Square tubing that is used to provide structure for the roof. This is what gives the roof its shape.
  6. Clear Span – A building that is open and free of internal supports.
  7. Column – A primary structural member of the frame that runs vertically.
  8. Eave – A line formed by the planes of the roof and wall meeting.
  9. Fastener – A clip, screw, or other fastening device used to attach panels to the frame or to each other.
  10. Foundation – The base or sub-structure of the building. The foundation supports the entire structure constructed on top of it.
  11. Gable Ends – Panels that reside below the roof and share the same shape as the bow.
  12. Galvanized – The process of coating steel with zinc to improve corrosion resistance.
  13. Headers – A horizontal piece of framing that is located above a frame opening (such as a door) to add strength.
  14. High-Strength Bolts – Defined as a bolt that has a strength of over 100,000 pounds per square inch.
  15. Insulation – Material that is used to reduce heat transfer. There are many varieties of insulation.
  16. Leg Braces/Corner Braces – Braces that are placed in the corners of your metal building to reinforce the structure and add strength. They vary in size based upon the height of your building.
  17. Panels – These make up the roofs and walls of your building, providing structural integrity, and protecting the interior.
  18. Purlins/Hat Channels – Located atop a vertical roof and at the ends of a structure, these channels are used to support panels associated with vertical roof systems.
  19. Ridge – This line is created by the opposing sides of a roof. It runs parallel with the building for the entirety of its length.
  20. Roof Slope/Pitch – The angle at which the roof surface runs. This is typically found by measuring vertical rise over horizontal run (usually per 12 units).
  21. Snow/Wind Load – This refers to the load exerted on a building from either snow accumulation (typically vertical) or blowing winds (typically horizontal).
  22. Trim – Metal, generally a light gauge, that is used to finish a building. It covers unsightly areas such as openings and where surfaces meet, creating a more desirable look.
  23. Tubing – Used in structural aspects of the building and available in multiple gauges.
  24. Truss – The use of three or more members as a single tension-carrying structure. Such structures act as beams.
  25. Wainscot – A material that is unique from the rest of the materials used in your metal building. It is used along the lower portion of a wall.

Boss Buildings – Your Metal Building Expert

This thorough list of metal building terms should give you an idea of the complexity and incredible engineering behind each and every high-quality building from Boss Buildings. For more about these and other terms, metal buildings in general, or the customization and ordering process, don’t delay—call today on (866) 687-5406.

Need Help? Let Our Experts Help You Through Your Decision.

No matter what type of building you want, Boss Buildings has a wide range of metal buildings for you. From start to finish, we make buying a steel building easy for our customers. If you're in the market to buy a metal building that can be easily customized and come at a low price, Boss Buildings is the company you've been looking for.

Need Help? Let Our Experts Help You Through Your Decision.