Consumer Frequently Asked Questions

Metal Building Solutions (MBOS) is an online showroom of completed metal-building projects.

Our network of dealers provides photos, building specifications, and project details from actual completed jobs. MBOS organizes this information into easy-to-view project pages so you can see what has already been built before deciding on your own building.

You can search completed projects by ZIP code, city, county, color, building type, and other features to find buildings that match what you are looking for.

When you find a project you like, you can request more information or use it as inspiration to design your own building.

• Who is responsible for permits and site preparation?
• What are the site requirements?
• Are delivery and installation included?
• What warranties apply to the frame, roof panels, paint, and rust-through?
• What happens if there are delays, damaged materials, or installation issues?
• Can you provide examples of completed buildings similar to mine?
• Is the building engineered for my location and local code requirements?
• Can you provide detail specifications of the building?
• What is the manufacturers order process.

The main difference is thickness. In metal roofing and siding, 26-gauge steel is thicker and stronger than 29-gauge steel. Many certified buildings use 26-gauge steel, depending on the manufacturer and engineering requirements.

The main difference is thickness and strength. 12-gauge steel tubing is thicker and stronger than 14-gauge tubing.

14-Guage tubing is typically 2.50 inches square.  While 12-Gauge tubing is 2.25 inches square.

Check with your dealer for detail specifications.

Rust warranties vary by manufacturer, but many offer approximately 10–15 years of coverage against rust-through on qualifying metal components.

Warranty coverage usually depends on proper maintenance. Keeping the metal clean, preventing standing water, and repairing scratches or damaged coatings can help protect the building and maintain warranty coverage.

Always review the specific manufacturer’s warranty, as coverage, exclusions, and maintenance requirements can vary.

Galvanized steel is steel that has been coated with zinc to help protect it from rust and corrosion. It is commonly used in many light-gauge metal buildings for framing, tubing, roofing, and siding.

Red iron is a heavier structural steel system, typically made from large I-beams or similar steel members that are coated with a red oxide primer. It is commonly used for larger commercial, industrial, agricultural, and clear-span buildings.

A vertical roof has metal panels and ribs that run from the peak of the roof down toward the sides of the building.

This design helps rain, snow, leaves, pine needles and debris slide off more easily. It also works well for longer buildings because the roof panels run with the slope instead of across the length of the building.

A regular roof is typically the most economical roof style and features traditional rounded eaves. Usually a length of 34-36 feet long is the maximum, unless you overlap on the roof.  This type of roof is mainly for Carports and RV Covers.

A single-slope roof has one roof surface that slopes in a single direction instead of meeting at a center peak.

This style is commonly used for lean-tos, covered storage areas, carports, and additions attached to another building. It can also be used as the main roof on some modern metal buildings.

The slope helps direct rain and water runoff to one side of the structure.

Perfect for farmland loafing sheds for livestock.

Barn-style roof with two slopes on each side, creating more interior height and a traditional barn appearance. Perfect for upstairs lofts and storage.

A concrete foundation is usually a good choice when the building will be used as a garage, workshop, commercial space, storage building, or other enclosed structure where you want a clean, durable floor.

Concrete can provide a solid, level base for the building and works well for anchoring the structure. It is especially useful when you plan to install vehicles, equipment, shelving, insulation, interior walls, or utilities.

The slab should be designed for the size and use of the building and meet local code or permit requirements. Before pouring concrete, confirm the required slab dimensions, thickness, footings, and anchor locations with your building dealer or installer.

Yes. Many metal buildings can be installed on gravel or compacted dirt, depending on the building type, anchoring system, and local code requirements.

The site still needs to be flat, level, well-drained, and properly compacted so the building has a stable base. Gravel is often preferred over bare dirt because it provides better drainage and helps reduce mud and erosion.

The site still needs to be flat, level, well-drained, and properly compacted so the building has a stable base. Asphalt is often preferred over bare dirt because it provides better drainage and helps reduce mud and erosion.

Before installation, confirm with your dealer or installer that the site surface and anchoring method are approved for your specific building.

“Flat and level” means the installation area has been properly prepared so the building can sit evenly without major slopes, dips, humps, or low spots.

The site should be level from side to side and end to end, with a solid surface that meets the installer’s requirements. An uneven site can cause problems with the building frame, doors, anchoring, and overall installation.  In some instances, the legs of the building can be cut to adjust for a small slope.

Before installation, ask your dealer what site-preparation tolerances are required for your specific building and foundation type.

Yes. Many metal-building dealers and manufacturers offer online 3D design tools that let you choose the building size, roof style, colors, doors, windows, lean-tos, and other options before you purchase.

These tools are a helpful way to visualize your building and experiment with different configurations. Final pricing, engineering, available options, and local code requirements should still be confirmed with the dealer before ordering.

Yes. Metal buildings can be insulated to help improve temperature control, comfort, and energy efficiency.

Common options include fiberglass insulation, spray foam, and rigid foam panels. The best choice depends on how the building will be used, your climate, and whether the building will be heated or cooled.

Yes. Many metal buildings can be customized with lean-tos, porches, extended roof sections, and additional bays to create more covered space or increase the usable area of the building.

These features are often used for vehicle parking, equipment storage, outdoor work areas, livestock cover, or added entrances.

It is best to include these options during the initial design so the building can be properly engineered and priced for the added structure.

Permit requirements vary by city, county, and local building authority. Some metal buildings may require a building permit, engineered drawings, site plans, or inspections before installation.

Requirements can also depend on the size of the building, how it will be used, the foundation type, and local wind or snow-load codes.

Before ordering your building, check with your local permitting office and ask your dealer what documents or engineering information they can provide.

Most manufacturers have permit assistance. 

The wind rating you need depends on where the building will be installed and the local building code requirements for that area.

Wind requirements can vary by ZIP code, city, county, building size, and exposure to high winds or storms. Some areas may require higher-rated buildings than others.

Check wind and other design hazards with the ASCE Hazard Tool. 

A snow load rating indicates how much weight from accumulated snow a building’s roof is designed to safely support.

The required snow load depends on the building’s location, local climate, roof design, and building codes. Areas that receive heavier snowfall generally require a higher snow-load rating.

A certified metal building is designed and engineered to meet specific structural requirements, such as wind speed, snow load, and local building codes. Certified buildings may include engineered drawings and documentation that can be used for permitting.  Some manufacturers add additional support beams, and additional anchoring with a longer warranty for a certified building.

A non-certified building may use similar materials and construction methods, but it is not supplied with engineering documentation verifying that it meets a specific local code or load requirement.

If you have questions about a project, building specifications, or how to connect with a participating dealer, contact Metal Building Solutions through our Contact page.

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