Metal Building Kits

If you have experience laying concrete, you’ll already have the skills necessary to plan and lay your foundation. However, if you’re not familiar with this aspect of construction, you’ll likely want to hire professionals to handle this part of the job. In fact, most metal building manufacturers do not encourage laying your own concrete foundation. But if you’re going it alone, you’ll need to correctly measure your concrete slab and place the necessary stakes and tape to create your building footprint. Once that’s complete, you’ll build the concrete form to hold the liquid concrete material.

After completing this step, you’ll need to lay a gravel base and pack it down until it’s uniform, level, and at a minimum of 4” depth. Most foundations will also require reinforcement rods or ribbed steel bars that add an extra layer of strength to the concrete. You’ll need to place several of these across the span of your foundation and attach them using ties.

Once the rebar is in place, you’ll need to mist the gravel and rebar with water. Concrete will become stronger when exposed to this moisture during the curing process.

The next step will be to mix and pour the concrete. After this is complete, you’ll immediately need to cut your form stakes level with your frame and begin to level the surface of your concrete pad.

Now that the concrete is set, you’ll need to edge your concrete and finish the surface with a trowel, float, or brush. Once this process is finished, you’ll need to allow ample time for your concrete pad to set. During this timeframe, it’s beneficial to mist your concrete to ensure a cohesive bond. In most cases, the curing process will take several days.

Now that your concrete pad is in place, it’s time to lay the anchors. This will require you to measure and drill the pilot holes in both your concrete pad and your metal building foundation rails. Once properly measured, you’ll lay the base rails and attach them with the specialized bolts that are included with your metal building kit.

With your building’s base rails in place, your next step will be to install the framing, beginning with the vertical support columns. After erecting these, you’ll move across your building’s footprint, installing the metal trusses and horizontal support beams.

After the skeleton of your structure is complete, you’ll need to begin assembling the roofing and wall paneling using the components and fasteners that have been provided in your building kit.

Once the majority of the building is pitched, the last step will be to install the frames for windows, doors, and any accessories that may be included. If you’re using the windows and doors in your kit, this aspect should be pretty straightforward.