How To Choose Between Different Types Of Structures
When planning a new building, businesses have many materials and types of structures to choose from. Sometimes, this large amount of choice can become overwhelming, leading customers to ask – how do you design a commercial building?
Successful designs combine cladding, framing and foundation options best suited to a company’s purpose. In this article, customers can learn more about the different materials and types of structures available to them.
Cladding Options For Different Types Of Structures
Cladding is a major component in maximizing efficiency, functionality and value for all types of structures. ClearSpan offers customers a choice of either fabric or metal cladding, or operations can combine both for a hybrid building model.
A popular fabric cladding choice is the 12.5 oz. polyethylene cover. Customers who opt for this cladding have found that it can significantly reduce monthly labor and energy expenditures, in addition to saving on construction time and costs.
One of the most notable features of ClearSpan’s versatile and robust 12.5 oz. polyethylene cladding is its substantial light permeability, which allows for natural lighting to filter into the structure, helping customers save on electricity costs. In addition to its energy efficiency, many businesses find that the 12.5 oz. poly cladding helps create a soothing ambience inside their structure.
Whether their operation is in agriculture, storage and warehousing, recycling or waste management or any other purpose, customers appreciate the calming interior atmosphere created by natural sunlight. Of course, customers can also opt in to outfitting their structure with various ClearSpan lighting systems, in addition to taking advantage of light permeation.
Along with helping operations save on monthly lighting costs, the 12.5 oz. poly cover is also climate-sensitive, keeping the interior naturally cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter. This cladding is UV-resistant as well, protecting the interior from harmful damaging rays. Climate-sensitivity and cost-effectiveness make the 12.5 oz. poly cladding one of the most popular choices for ClearSpan customers.
ClearSpan offers another durable fabric cover option: Armor Shield cladding. This 29 oz., 7-layer architectural vinyl building cover was designed with extreme weather and climates in mind, making it ideal for any location and many types of structures.
Armor Shield cladding is constructed from a base vinyl fabric, and then a coating is applied to both sides of the fabric to secure the integrity of the base. This initial coating on the base fabric is then further covered by a second coating to increase protection. These five layers are then covered by yet another coat of PVDF layers on both sides, which repels dirt and increases durability.
In strip tensile tests, ClearSpan’s Armor Shield cladding outperforms 28 oz. and 27 oz. PVC fabric from other brands. The 12.5 oz. cladding is protected by a 20 year warranty, and Armor Shield comes with a 30 year warranty.
While ClearSpan’s 12.5 oz. and Armor Shield fabric cladding are both popular, metal cladding is also available, in both single and insulated panels. Single panels are grade 80 steel and come in 24 or 26-gauge R-panels, standing seam roof panels or AG panels.
ClearSpan’s insulated metal panels (IMPs) can be used for sidewalls or roofing, and are especially good for cold storage freezers, as well as coolers and other controlled environments. Integrating IMPs can help operations save on monthly HVAC costs and increase their operation’s sustainability.
IMPs can be used for exterior and interior walls, and the panels can be installed either vertically or horizontally. Similarly to ClearSpan’s fabric cladding, both the single panel and IMPs feature quick installation and are protected under warranty.
Customers don’t have to choose between fabric or metal. ClearSpan specialists can also tailor a framed structure with metal end walls and a fabric cover to create a hybrid-clad building, which allows for a contained space that still gets natural light.
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Selecting A Frame For Different Types of Structures
In addition to cladding, customers can choose from multiple framing options. The triple-galvanized, steel tube-constructed Hercules Truss Arch frame harnesses the natural power of the triangle. For the Truss Arch frame, strength doesn’t mean heavy: customers love ClearSpan’s Truss Arch frame because its hollow tubing and triangular trusses make it lighter than many other frames on the market.
Pre-constructed frame pieces, as well as secondary metal parts, help to cut down on shipping costs and labor, along with construction costs and time. The architectural design of the Truss Arch frame translates to enduring structural integrity with significant load bearing ability. ClearSpan customers don’t have to wonder whether their buildings will last; the even weight and stress distribution of the Truss Arch frame offers superior stability for a fraction of the materials, cost and labor of other frame types.
In addition to the Hercules Truss Arch frame, customers also can choose ClearSpan’s I-Beam frame. Made from exceptionally strong grade 55 steel, this durable frame is a popular choice for many businesses.
I-Beam frames are manufactured using advanced metal building design software, which ensures that each project is up to local building codes and offers decades of reliable service. The I-Beam frame is a solution for business needs that call for ultimate strength. Similarly to the Truss Arch Frame, the I-Beam frame also comes with a warranty of 50 years.
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Which Foundations Can These Types Of Structures Be Built On?
In addition to cladding and framing choice, customers can select from multiple foundation options for different types of structures. ClearSpan can construct traditional on-site poured concrete or flat slab concrete foundations for both Truss Arch and I-Beam building frame types. Pre-built concrete block foundations and further traditional concrete foundations are also available.
Container foundations are another option, which also provide readily available storage space. This choice is especially popular not only for its versatility and structural longevity, but also its ability to be relocated or modified as needed. Container foundations are comparable in strength to traditional foundations.
Along with these foundations, customers can choose the ClearSpan Helical Anchoring System for many types of structures. Though they are classified as temporary, they are strong enough to be permanent. With a small footprint and no land excavation necessary, helical anchors can be installed quickly, without having to level the ground first.
They can also be easily relocated or modified, but don’t ever have to be removed. This system is the ideal choice for ecologically and environmentally conscious businesses. Helical anchoring allows for the stability of permanence with the option for future relocation, in part because of its unique engineering and installation method.
ClearSpan’s Building Specialists are standing by to help customers determine which foundation choice will be best for their structure. By identifying the right foundation for an operation’s specific needs, ClearSpan can help companies achieve peak productivity and savings for many years to come.
Available Profiles & Styles for Different Types Of Structures
When considering profile and style, customers can choose from dozens of building types, including custom sidewall, end wall and roofing dimensions. The types of structures available include the Round HD, Enclosed HD, Bolt-Up Buildings, Pavilion buildings and many more.
Customers can choose from a huge range of accessories, including doors, windows and purpose-specific fencing and containers. Operations can also customize their lighting and HVAC systems, loading docks and more. ClearSpan experts are committed to providing the best choices in accessories, as well as materials and types of structures for clients across dozens of industries.
Customers appreciate ClearSpan buildings for the wide selection of cost-effective quality and long structure life. ClearSpan buildings are synonymous across industries with endless customization, and their professionals offer unparalleled service and expertise. In saving on construction and monthly costs, while getting the best quality for competitive pricing, customers benefit from choosing ClearSpan.
Building Specialists make it easy to choose between different types of structures and design a commercial building. For ClearSpan, finding the right building structure for customers isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution, but an individual process resulting in durable buildings and satisfied customers.
Ready to choose from ClearSpan's different types of structures? Call or Request a Quote today to get started.
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