Making an Informed Choice--Part 2
Aug
31
Written by:
8/31/2011 8:58 AM
Part One listed factors to consider in order to make an informed decision about which building will provide you with the best long-term value and performance. This week we will look at steel strength and what it means as you evaluate your options.
Quality, thickness (gauge) and total amount of steel are a significant influence on the safety and longevity of a building. Some manufacturers will use a thin, 14 gauge steel for their trusses which allows excessive flexing and buckling under relatively low forces.
When comparing manufacturers, ask for the following information:
- Diameter of each of the chords in the truss
- Diameter of the webs in the truss
- Gauge of steel used in each
- Total weight of structural steel in the building
This data will allow you to accurately compare the facts affecting steel strength.
In the next post I will explain how snow shedding qualities affect the design and strength of a building.