Heat Transfer

Effectively controlling temperature in a steel building requires insulation to be present along exterior walls and roof. When a temperature differential is present in an enclosed steel building, heat will work from warmer areas to colder areas until the temperature in the building has stabilized. At the point of thermal stabilization, the cooler (and heavier) air will be present at lower elevations and warmer air will be present at the roofline. The function of insulation is to help stabilize air temperature at more desirable levels. When it is hot outside, preventing heat from transferring into the building is the goal, and of course in the winter we want heat to remain inside.

Heat transfer occurs in three ways:

Conduction : Occurs in a solid or liquid when heat from one object is transferred by touch to another object. An example of this occurs when a pot on a stove will heat up by conductive heat transfer from an electric coil.

Convection : Occurs with the physical movement of air. There are two types of convectional heat movement. The first is natural, where hot air rises displacing the cold air and moving it down. The second type is forced or mechanical convection. This occurs when an object, like a fan, physically moves or "forces" the air to move.

Radiation : Occurs when an object is warmer or hotter than the air around it. For example, the sun, which is hotter than everything around it, radiates heat waves that travel through the air and is either absorbed by or reflected by the surface it comes in contact with.

ABOUT US

COMMITMENT - Our Company's vision is "to maintain a leading-edge in the design, engineering, fabrication and delivery of the highest quality steel buildings in the industry." We are deeply committed to providing you with this service as a means of achieving our vision.

VALUE - Low initial cost does not always provide the best value. It is just a small part of the picture. The values inherent in our designs assist in the ease of construction of the project but more importantly we provide a well-documented system that is easy to maintain. Much of the value we bring lies in the details. There is a true ART to engineering and design that provides added value to the Owner.

EXPERIENCE - With over 8 years in the manufacturing business and key staff members with many more years in engineering, we have the requisite experience. Major hardware and accessory suppliers have reviewed our capabilities and recognize us as leaders in our field. Many of our projects involve very difficult project constraints. Dealing with these issues and tight project schedules is the trademark of our success.

PROJECT METHODOLOGY - The success of a project lies in the talent of the design team and in the execution of the project. We first provide a strong project team, backed up with a well-defined and proven project execution methodology. Our project methodology has evolved over the years as we have executed numerous projects. It begins with our proposal document and extends through project documents, design sequence, system testing, acceptance documents and to the final delivery of our building system. The key to our methodology is communication. We strongly believe in defining what we are providing and expanding this initial definition as the project continues.

QUALITY - In engineering, quality relates to the designs we produce and the timing in project execution. Our goal for design is to provide a superior level of detail in documentation. We strive for uniformity of design, providing details often left out by others and keeping systems simple. The key to being on time is project execution. First, a well-defined project methodology is needed to set the planning framework. Second, understanding of the Owner's needs is paramount. Finally, our years of experience in the execution of critical projects have given us an essential edge over our competitors. Key members of our staff have up to thirty-five years of experience in project engineering and execution.

On The Farm

I don't know of any farm operation that could get buy without barns for equipment storage, feed storage or any other general warehousing needs. Many older farms are now removing old wooden structures and replacing their old buildings with new steel structures. While the old antique tractor may look good in front of the old barn, many are weary of storing precious items in an old rotten structure. Steel is stronger, straighter and will last eons longer than wood. In a home, wood is fine. Houses are designed so that the wooden structural components do not have direct exposure to the elements, but on the farm it is often hard to prevent the outside from coming into the barn.

Insulating Against Radiant Heat

Traditional forms of mass insulation, like fiberglass, are effective in preventing heat transfer by conduction and convection, but they less effect on radiant heat. Between 80 and 90% of the radiant heat striking fiberglass will pass through or be "emitted". Radiant transfer typically has as much impact on the temperature in a building as conduction and convection. For more information on radiant barrier facings click here.

Before you Buy

Do you know the company you're doing business with? Is the supplier a member of the Better Business Bureau? Do they have a record of dealing honestly? Can they refer you to satisfied customers? Is the physical address to the company available? Can you visit them at their offices? Are they a real company with a history of quality manufacturing? Are they Active Members of the AISC (American Institute of Steel Construction) Do they post any affiliation with any steel building association? Do you know what you are paying for? Does the steel building contract give line-item prices? Will you receive comprehensive set of erection plans? Are you getting written 30-year paint and 25-year Galvalume Plus® warranties? Does the contract specify 26 gauge panels? Does their roof panels include a "purlin bearing" leg? Does the roof system have an Underwriters Laboratories Class 90 rating? Are you being supplied with premium fasteners with a lifetime red-rust warranty? Will your steel building have a sculptured trim package? Are all the clips welded to primary structural components? Are the framed openings factory located? Does the supplier have the ability to engineer a custom design? Will you receive an 80+ page fully illustrated erection manual? Does the supplier have an in-house customer service department? Does the supplier actually manufacture what they sell? Do they process and produce all their drawings in-house? Do they ask you to sign a contract and pay a deposit before you know the total cost?