If you are planning a residential or commercial building project, one type of building you might consider is a red iron steel building. This guide will introduce you to red iron buildings, explaining what they are, what their benefits are, and how you can go about building one for your project.
What are Red Iron Buildings?
Red iron buildings are named for the recognizable rust color of their beams. If you have seen steel-framed buildings under construction in the past, no doubt you have come across these red frames.
These buildings go by a number of different names, including:
- Red iron metal buildings
- Red iron steel buildings
- Steel I-beam buildings
Wait … iron? Steel? Which one is it?
As it turns out, red iron buildings are actually made out of steel. But there is a coating of iron oxide alloys on top of the steel. As it is that iron oxide that gives the beams the red hue, many lay people believe that the beams are made out of iron. The purpose of the coating is to deflect precipitation, protecting the steel.
So, red iron steel buildings are mainly steel, but the iron oxide layer is very important. Thus, “red iron steel” is an accurate way to refer to them. “Red iron” on its own misses key information. Still, it is okay to call them that if you want.
Can You Build a Barndominium Out of Red Iron Steel?
Yes, you can build a barndominium using a red iron steel frame. In fact, red iron steel’s cost effectiveness combined with its quick, easy construction system makes it an ideal choice for a barndo. Once your barndo is built, you will have a sturdy, durable, long-lasting home that is suitable even for regions with harsh weather.
Remember, another advantage of red iron buildings is that they can feature spacious clear-span interiors. That is perfect for a event venue barndominium.
Why Choose a Red Iron For Your Barndominium Kit?
Here are some of the advantages of red iron metal buildings:
- A red iron building is cost-effective, since red iron is not expensive. It is also relatively quick and easy to build, which minimizes construction costs and saves you time.
- Red iron is durable. If you need a material that can stand up to heavy loads, this is a great option.
- The protective coating on red iron helps these buildings to be more weather-resistant, and resist corrosion.
- Like other types of metal used in construction, red iron resists pests, and is not combustible.
- The longevity of red iron buildings is excellent. Your structure should last you many decades.
- There are no support columns needed in a red iron building. That means that you can create clear-span spaces.
- Red iron is an eco-friendly option, because it uses less material than some other forms of metal building construction.
Are There Any Drawbacks?
While red iron steel offers some nice advantages, these types of buildings do have some drawbacks to consider as well.
- Compared to regular steel, red iron steel is heavier. So, moving it and assembling it is more taxing, and requires equipment you might not need for other types of steel structures.
- This is a less flexible form of steel beam construction than others, since you receive pre-assembled structures.
- While the iron oxide coating protects the steel, it does fade over time, which leads to the possibility of rust. The rust also may blend in and be hard to spot.
You will need to weigh the pros of red iron building construction against the cons, and figure out whether this is the right option for your project.
How Much Does It Cost to Build a Red Iron Building?
There is a range of possible costs for building a red iron steel building. Typically, you will pay around $20 per square foot at the lower end, or up to $44 per square foot at the upper end.
Keep in mind that the total finished cost for your structure will be higher, as it will need to include labor, finishing, etc. The cost we gave above is just for the metal building kit.
How to Build a Red Iron Building
Let’s say you do decide you want a red iron building such as a barndominium. How do you go about building one? Below, we walk you through the basic steps.
1. Choose a metal building company.
The first step is to pick a metal building company to work with. Choose one that has extensive experience with red iron metal buildings.
2. Plan the structure.
The next step is to figure out what you want. Decide on the size and shape of structure, as well as any details like the placement of doors and windows. Once you know what you require, you can look through building kit options and floor plans to find one that will suit your needs.
3. Apply for permits and financing.
To proceed with your project, you will need to apply for building permits from your local building department.
After you have your permits, you can apply for financing for your red iron steel building. Bring your permits and other project documents with you when you apply to give yourself the best chance at being approved.
Providing the most comprehensive documentation you can also improves your chances at an affordable interest rate on the loan, since you are giving evidence to the lender that your project is viable.
4. Prepare the site.
While you are doing the steps above, you can also work on getting the building site prepared. Here is what that will entail:
- Leveling: You may need to level the ground before you can begin construction.
- Removing obstacles: You might have to remove large obstacles like boulders from the site.
- Putting in utilities: Hopefully, utilities such as water, power and sewer are already present on the land you bought for your barndo. But if they are not, you will need to install them to meet zoning regulations. You also may have to add an access road if your land lacks one right now.
- Laying a foundation: Finally, a red iron steel building does require a foundation on which to rest. So, you will have to install an appropriate foundation before you can start erecting your building.
5. Order the building kit.
Once you have completed the steps above, you will be ready to order your red iron barndominium kit. By now, you should know what you want, so you can just place the order. You may have the opportunity to select some customization options as you are checking out. Make whatever payment is due upfront, and set up payments for any remaining installments.
6. Receive your red iron steel building kit.
When you order a red iron steel building kit, some prefabrication will take place at a factory. You will need to wait for this to be complete. After it is, the building company will ship the building kit to your site.
7. Complete assembly and finishing.
After the kit arrives, you can begin actually assembling your structure. This part of the process can be very fast and easy. For a simple, small red iron steel building, it is possible to erect the building within mere days. For a larger, more complex building, it may take weeks.
Keep in mind that after the framework, walls, floor, and roof are in place, there is additional work to be done. Doors and windows must be installed. Finishing must take place. These steps can take additional time, labor and expense.
Some metal building kit companies may connect you with contractors to use. In other cases, it may be up to you to select the contractor. Some people even serve as their own general contractors, and sub-contract out various aspects of the work.
Doing the latter can save you money, and it gives you the greatest level of control over the project. But just be aware that if you have no previous experience, it is easy to underestimate the work and time that goes into being a general contractor. So, if you lack that experience, it may still be more cost-effective to hire a general contractor to oversee your red iron building project.
Frequently Asked Questions About Red Iron Steel Buildings
To wrap up this post, here are answers to a couple of frequently asked questions about red iron buildings.
Q: Is red iron stronger than steel?
A: Actually, what we call “red iron” is steel. It is simply steel that features an iron oxide coating. By protecting the steel from corrosion, however, the iron oxide coating helps it to maintain its strength and durability over the lifetime of the structure.
Q: Does red iron rust?
A: Yes, it is possible for red iron to rust. One of the purposes of the iron oxide coating that gives it the red color is to prevent rust, however. So long as the coating remains in good condition, it will help protect the steel from the effects of moisture and precipitation.
Q: What gauge is red iron steel?
A: Red iron steel I-beams are available in a number of different gauges. Some common gauges for red iron I-beams include 12-gauge, 14-gauge and 15-gauge.
Now you know what red iron metal buildings are, and you are familiar with their advantages and drawbacks, as well as the basics of building one. Keep exploring our site to learn about other types of metal construction, or click below to visit our recommended builders.
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