Tips for Foundations for Steel Buildings

About the only thing that doesn’t come with the package when you buy steel buildings is the foundation. In most cases – there are rare exceptions – your steel building will need a foundation. Foundations for steel buildings run the gamut from pier foundations to fully dug basements with supporting walls. The type of foundation you need for your metal building will depend on a combination of factors, including the size and weight of the building and the building standards in the town or city where you’re erecting it.

Tips for Small Steel Buildings

Most small metal buildings will only require a concrete slab foundation. If you’re experienced in working with concrete and pouring concrete, you can probably do it yourself. Most experts, however, recommend that you hire a general contractor to pour the slab because of the importance of the foundation. If your foundation is uneven in any way, it will be far more difficult to get your shed to go up straight and even. For the typical 10 x 12 steel building, you’ll need a concrete slab about 8 inches deep. That will involve digging out the dirt, leveling the surface and building a framework for the pour. If you’re not familiar with doing this kind of work, it’s best to contract with a professional.

Foundations for Large Metal Buildings

If your steel building will be larger than about 10 x 12, your manufacturer can give you information about the depth of the concrete slab and any other considerations. In most cases, you’ll need to install special supports to handle the combined weight of the building and its contents. You’ll probably also need to build concrete walls to hold the concrete slab because a wood framework won’t be sturdy enough. In most cases, building a foundation for larger steel buildings is not a do-it-yourself job.

Pier Foundations for Small Steel Buildings

If your building codes allow for it, you may be able to erect a small steel building using a pier foundation. This is especially popular for buildings with dirt floors, such as animal shelters and carports, as opposed to garages. The purpose of the foundation is to provide a solid supporting base to which you can bolt your building frame. You’ll have the engineering diagrams for your steel building to tell you where the bolt supports have to be installed in the concrete. Measure out your building perimeter and dig post holes at least 18 inches deep at each support location. Pour concrete into the post holes, and insert the bolt supports in the concrete before it is completely hardened.

Choosing the right foundations for steel buildings is vitally important to the stability of the structure. Always make sure you check your local building codes before you make your choice.