Doors for Framed Openings:
There are a variety of different types of doors and door mechanisms available for use in framed openings. Sliding doors are one such economical large-door solution. For certain applications, mechanized overhead doors are particularly convenient, especially when combined with a remote control system.
Walk-Doors:
Necessary for most steel buildings, walk doors are typically self-framing, meaning that they can be installed anywhere they will not be blocked by column placement or by cable bracing. For this reason, you need not account for walk-doors when you are specifying the number of framed openings you wants in your building. In selecting you walk-doors, half-glass doors may be chosen to let more light into the building.
Windows:
Windows provide a building with both light and ventilation. They also contribute to its ambience and atmosphere. Like walk-doors, metal building systems windows are self-framing, and field-located, so they can go anywhere that isn’t blocked by bracing or a column. Manufacturers typically offer both insulated (aka: “thermal”) and un-insulated models, in a range of standard sizes. If you plan on heating and cooling your building, it pays in the long run to opt for “thermals.”
Skylights:
Skylights are an excellent way to add natural light to a building, while also boosting its energy efficiency. In metal building systems, skylights are typically produced by substituting translucent fiberglass or polycarbonate panels for the steel roofing panels. Some manufacturers call these “rooflights.” Translucent panels can also be used on the walls to achieve “walllights.” Skylights are typically positioned on either side of the peak of the roof, which is why they are often sold in twos. To get a sense of how many to put in a steel buildings, manufacturers will look at the number of bays (spaces between frame columns) a building has. “Poly” panel-lights are used when something stronger than fiberglass is required.
Ventilation:
Ventilation minimizes condensation (very important in steel buildings), helps to keep the air in a building fresh, and plays a significant role in the regulation of temperature, keeping a building cool during the warmer seasons. To ensure sufficient ventilation throughout the entire structure, it is best to combine more than one type of ventilation device, and move air between them, achieving what is known as Cross ventilation.
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| Wall Louver | Ridge Vent | Gravity Vent | Turbine Vent |
Gutters, Elbows, and DownspoutsOften used as the sole source of ventilation in very small steel buildings, strategically placed wall louvers will optimally be used in conjunction with one of the other ventilation devices pictured above. Ridge vents, which sit on the peak of the roof, are particularly effective at minimizing condensation. According to one manufacturer, every 10’ ridge vent will adequately ventilate 2400 square feet of building, if it is not receiving heavy human or animal traffic. For aesthetic reasons, one may wish to select a “low profile” ridge vent, which stands lower off the roof. Gravity vents and turbine vents provide inexpensive low-level air flow. Building manufacturer have formulas to calculate the amount of ventilation required given the size, structure, and function of a building, and they are happy to assist you in selecting the best device, or combination of devices for the job.
Gutters keep the sides of a building clean, and allow you control over the path of roof runoff, so as to prevent the pooling of water around doors, parking areas, etc. Like trim, gutters and downspouts also contribute to the overall aesthetics of a building. Of course, with arched buildings these are not an option.
