Metal Buildings

Carports and Metal Buildings: Testimonials for Engineered Carports

admin — Thu, 13 Oct 2011 22:28:04 +0000

With Fall weather fast approaching and Winter storms soon to follow, Mother Nature can make it quite challenging to shelter vehicles and outdoor equipment from all the harsh elements she can throw your way. We previously posted on the benefits and importance of an engineered carport, shelter or metal building — especially how the steel frame design contributes to successfully meeting local snow/wind loads and code requirements for permits.

We thought we would share just a few photos and comments contributed by satisfied VersaTube owners who have experienced first-hand how their carport or shelter performed against the weather odds:

“People need to know how great this carport stood up to a bad storm here in Bloomington. Thank you so much for making a very strong carport. Our cars were saved from this fallen tree.”

Rita & Todd Over Bloomington, IN

“Enjoyed talking with you…and decided to get the pictures to you today. Now seeing them and having the tree down, I realize how lucky we are that the motor home wasn't damaged. Thanks for the call — beat those cheap knockoffs!”

Adam Haybach Marshall, MI

A VersaTube carport still standing and holding up a massive 70-ft. fir tree.

Pete Nielsen Milwaukie, OR

The following account came to us in the aftermath of the busy Florida hurricane season of 2004. Unfortunately, it was submitted without product photos and has never been previously posted online, but we wanted to share one of our best testimonials — and proudest moments — for the engineered VersaTube carport:

"Let your customers know that the carport purchased from your company through Lowe's withstood the winds of Hurricanes Frances, Ivan (the tail end) and Jeanne. Yes, the bolts and screws did loosen up or "wallowed out" the holes, but the old girl stayed together! Her size is 25 ft. long, 20 ft. wide and 12 ft. high with open sides. My insurance adjusters are amazed that she withstood 130 MPH winds, but that is what your people designed it to do!"

Herb Beach Fort Pierce, FL

Greg and Regina Walter of Port-A-Cover & More, an authorized VersaTube dealer in Spokane, WA, shared this impressive photo of an engineered VersaTube carport just doing it's job — providing protection in harsh winter conditions. What a great shot, but now it's time to knock some snow off the roof!

At VersaTube Building Systems, engineering is integral to every steel building or carport we sell. We won’t design, manufacture or offer a structure that does not pass engineering and local load requirements. It’s that simple. Choose to work with a manufacturer that recognizes the importance of an engineered product – and don’t settle for anything less.

Metal Buildings, Carports, and The Importance of Engineering: Know Before You Build

admin — Tue, 02 Aug 2011 19:29:01 +0000

So you’re considering a carport, garage or building for that much needed cover, shade, storage space, or workshop. You’ve done your research and decided on a steel building or shelter for its proven strength, durability, longevity and value. Comparisons can be made on quality, ease of assembly, price. One important factor should never be overlooked – Engineering.

Doing a little homework in advance will keep you from possible surprises and additional costs later. Before you build, ask two key questions:

1) Does my city or county require a permit for my new metal building or carport?

Check with your local building or zoning authority to see what permitting and certification, if any, is required. If a permit is needed, determine your local zoning restrictions, such as required set backs, distances from other structures, fireproofing, etc. Equally important is identifying the required ground/roof snow loads, wind loads, seismic activity, and flood area factors that could affect both the configuration of your steel building or carport as well as its permit approval.

Drawings and calculations stamped by a licensed engineer must be submitted with your permit application and other required documentation to your local authority. Be prepared to pay some fees for both the certified stamped engineering package as well as the permit application. It’s a small price to pay on the front end to insure your structure passes code requirements then to ultimately face possible fines and penalties for erecting an unapproved building or shelter without a permit.

2) What is the manufacturer’s approach to incorporating engineering in the design of their metal buildings or carports?

Unfortunately, many non-engineered steel buildings and carports are sold every day to unsuspecting customers. They are designed to sell at a bargain basement price – with minimal components and dimensions that won’t even meet the most basic code requirements.

Whether or not you need a permit to build, it is to your advantage to work with a manufacturer that starts by pre-engineering and pre-fabricating a standard building system that will achieve the more common snow/wind load requirements in most areas. Then, make sure the manufacturer can adapt your structure’s design and configuration to meet or exceed your local building codes and permit approval processes. It is important to make any necessary adjustments with the manufacturer prior to ordering your new metal building or carport to avoid any potential code violations and additional expenses to make corrections at a later date.

Well Pump Covers, Metering Facility Shelters for the Oil and Gas Industry

admin — Wed, 29 Jun 2011 14:20:49 +0000

VersaTube announces the development of sun shields, shade canopies, well pump covers & metering facility shelters.

Prompted by a request from a national contractor, VersaTube® designed and produced a custom shelter for use at metering facilities placed at interconnect locations along a natural gas pipeline. Sun shields provide the necessary shade at each location to allow accurate gas readings where the pipeline is above ground and exposed to the weather.

The configuration flexibility of the VersaTube® framing system easily addresses the variety of shelter sizes required. The sun shield units ranged in size from 12-foot wide by 32-foot long up to the largest at 25-foot wide by 140-foot long – all with 7.5-foot rafter heights. Some were also enclosed on each side with additional sheet metal panels. All units were configured to exceed coastal wind load requirements and were shipped with stamped engineering plans. Each cover was customized to include mounting plates for lighting fixtures and designed to allow rapid disassembly in the event of a facility emergency or the required replacement of exposed pipeline components.

VersaTube® Building Systems, with plants at corporate headquarters in Collierville, Tenn., and in Guadalupe, Ariz., near Tempe, offers complete engineering and design services on shelter products ranging from sun shields and pump covers to compressor sheds and fully-enclosed meter houses to custom applications for the oil, gas and liquid pipeline industry. Worldwide shipping available.

VersaTube® designs, manufactures, distributes and markets pre-engineered steel framing components and systems for residential, agricultural, commercial, and light industrial building and shelter applications. The heart of the VersaTube® Building System is a patented “Slip-Fit” connection that simplifies assembly of structural steel frames, thereby reducing construction time. This also allows for the system to be designed with frame components that are manageable in size for easy handling and compact packaging.

Additional company and product information is available from the VersaTube® Building Systems’ website at http://www.VersaTube.com. Dealer inquiries welcome. For more information, contact Gregg Rezabek, VersaTube® Building Systems, (800) 900-7222, extension 314 or grezabek@versatube.com

Warehouse & Storage Buildings

admin — Wed, 08 Jun 2011 01:22:04 +0000

Warehouse & Storage Buildings

Prefabricated and pre-engineered steel warehouse and metal storage buildings from VersaTube offer an easier-to-install alternative to painted red iron structures requiring heavy equipment. Our 2” x 4” steel frame system for metal buildings is available for widths ranging from 30’ up to 52’ clearspan and features our patented Slip-Fit frame connections to drastically reduce construction time. And the VersaTube metal building system can be insulated using a reflective radiant barrier, fiberglass insulation, or a blown-in alternative, then completed inside with drywall or other finishes to create a temperature controlled environment for warehousing and storage your products, equipment or possessions. Custom warehouse and storage metal buildings can be designed to meet your specific needs and applications.

Standard Size Warehouse & Storage Buildings

Width	30’ up to 52’
Height	8’, 10’, 12’, 14’ and 16’ exterior side
Length	18’ and 20’ minimum lengths Base Rails: Extensions in 4’, 5’ or 6’ on-center spacing depending on model Side Post Anchor Plates: Allows for flexible on-center truss spacing and building lengths
Roof Pitch	3:12
Custom Sizes	Configured to desired features & dimensions

Options / Accessories

Gable End & Eave Side Door Framing
Garage Doors
Extra Side Entry Pedestrian Door Frame
Pedestrian Doors
Window Frame
Windows
Insulation Package
26-Gauge Sheet Metal

Primary framing uses 2” x 3” steel tubing for structures engineered up to 30’ wide and 12’ high (sidewall). 2” x 4” steel tubing is used for buildings engineered over 30’ up to 52’ wide and up to 16’ high (sidewall).

Designed and engineered ideally for installation on a concrete slab. May also be installed on concrete stem walls, footings, or piers.

Standard packages include frame system with self-drilling screws, 29-gauge premium sheet metal & trim package with screws, framing for one gable-end garage door opening, framing for one side entry pedestrian door opening, and concrete anchor bolts.

The garage and pedestrian doors, windows, concrete work and installation are not included in the standard package. Doors and windows are available options for Warehouse & Storage Buildings.

Use a VersaTube Garage & Building

Package as:

	Workshop		Commercial Building
	RV Garage		Industrial
	Storage Building		Sports or athletic facility
	Warehouse		Group assembly venue

VersaTube Color Guide

It's easy to build with VersaTube

Retail Buildings

admin — Wed, 01 Jun 2011 07:38:44 +0000

Retail Buildings

The product features and benefits that attract the hands-on DIY customer to a VersaTube garage kit are the very same reasons many consider a VersaTube metal building for their retail business, studio, or office. Pre-engineered, pre-cut patented Slip-Fit frame system that comes complete in a ready-to-build kit. The strength and durability of a steel building that does not require complex red or black iron construction and is a fraction of the cost. The flexibility to configure a retail building designed to allow alternative roofing and siding options, such as shingles, vinyl, wood, stucco, and brick. With multiple widths, lengths, and side wall heights in either Summit, Frontier, or other available designs, the choices are endless and limited only by how much space is needed and how the retail building will be utilized.

Retail Buildings Standard Sizes

Width	12’, 14’, 20’, 24’, 30’, 36’, and 40’ up to 52’
Height	8’, 10’, 12’, 14’ and 16’ exterior side
Length	18’ and 20’ minimum Length extensions in 4’, 5’ or 6’ on center spacing depending on model
Roof Pitch	3:12
Custom Sizes	Configured to desired features & dimensions

Options / Accessories

Gable End & Eave Side Door Framing
Garage Doors
Extra Side Entry Pedestrian Door Frame
Pedestrian Doors
Window Frame
Windows
Insulation Package
26-Gauge Sheet Metal

Primary framing uses 2” x 3” steel tubing for structures engineered up to 30’ wide and 12’ high (sidewall). 2” x 4” steel tubing is used for buildings engineered over 30’ up to 52’ wide and up to 16’ high (sidewall).

Designed and engineered ideally for installation on a concrete slab. May also be installed on concrete stem walls, footings, or piers.

Standard packages include frame system with self-drilling screws, 29-gauge premium sheet metal & trim package with screws, framing for one gable-end garage door opening, framing for one side entry pedestrian door opening, and concrete anchor bolts.

The garage and pedestrian doors, windows, concrete work and installation are not included in the standard package. Doors and windows are available options for retail buildings.

Use a VersaTube Steel Garage or

Metal Building Kit for:

Car / Truck / Boat garage
Workshop
Equipment storage
Retail space
Home office
Recreational building
Hunting cabin

VersaTube Commercial Now On YouTube

admin — Sun, 29 May 2011 14:34:17 +0000

Watch the new VersaTube commercial published on You Tube.

Product FAQ

admin — Tue, 24 May 2011 14:19:48 +0000

Product FAQs

Privacy Policy

admin — Tue, 24 May 2011 14:13:00 +0000

Information Collection and Use

VersaTube® Building Systems is committed to ensuring the privacy of our customers and recognizing your need for appropriate protection and management of personally identifiable information you share with us. (The phrases "personally identifiable information" or "personal information" mean any information by which you can be identified, such as your name, address, telephone number, and other shared data.) We will only use customer information to tell you about our products and services if you choose to receive such announcements. Furthermore, the information collected from our online forms will only be used for internal business purposes, such as providing feedback to the visitor regarding our products and/or services or forwarding to authorized VersaTube® dealers for customer follow-up, and will not be shared with or sold to any other outside entities.

Use of Cookies

Cookies are pieces of information that are stored on your computer and used for record-keeping purposes. We may use cookies to make visiting and using our website easier. Cookies can help us see which parts of our website are the most or least popular and provide us with direction to improve our customer's online experience. We do not and will not use cookies to retrieve personal information about you from your computer, unless you have provided us permission to do so.

Links to Other Sites

This website may provide links to several other third-party websites. While we choose our links carefully, we cannot take any responsibility for the content of linked websites, or for the privacy policies of the websites that we link to. Because we do not control these websites, we encourage you to review the privacy policies posted on these third-party websites prior to any use.

Your Feedback

To help us improve our privacy policy and practice, please give us your feedback. You may E-mail us or write to us at VersaTube® Building Systems, Attn: Privacy Policy Administrator, 50 Eastley Street, Collierville, TN 38017.

Legal Statement

No part of this website may be reproduced, downloaded, linked or otherwise used without the express written permission of VersaTube® Building Systems.

Company Fact Sheet

Steel Framing – The Best Choice

Engineering

Consumer Comparison

Product FAQs

Consumer Comparison

admin — Tue, 24 May 2011 13:53:17 +0000

Consumer Comparison

We encourage you to compare VersaTube® buildings to any competitor’s offerings. Many of the extras that we build into everyone one of our products are not even available from other sources. And when those extras are available, our competitors will make sure you’re going to pay for them. If you’re going to invest your hard-earned money into a much-needed building, we recommend you also invest a little of your time to compare quality, features, and customer satisfaction to ensure that you receive the best building available.

Our competition uses foreign steel, smaller framing and poor fabrication methods. See their collapsed roofs below:

Know the Product

1) Does it meet the snow and wind load requirements for your area? We publish our snow and wind load information. Many products offered by our competitors do not. If you want a building that meets your area’s loading requirements, our competition may have to sell you a higher-priced building with more structural components and add-ons. Get the snow and wind load information in writing when you price your building.

2) What materials are used to make the building frame? The VersaTube® framing system is made in America with U.S. steel. Many competitors use imported steel or non-galvanized steel components. Our steel tubing has a galvanized FLO-Coat finish with a clear polymer coating that delivers twice the salt spray life as G-90 Galvanized. That simply means significantly increased rust protection. Most competitors use the lower grade G-90 product.

Know the Dealer

1) How long has the dealer been in business? Most independent VersaTube® dealers have been in the steel building business for several years. And they know what they’re doing because we have qualified them before allowing them to represent our product line. In a very few instances, our dealers are new entrepreneurs. Many of our competitors will bring on a new dealer with little or no experience in the building business and most have inadequate product training.

2) Does the dealer really know the product? Ask the dealer specific details about the product that they are selling. VersaTube® dealers have been trained and have the information you need at their fingertips. If they don’t have it, they can certainly get it from us! You should expect anyone you’re purchasing a building from to know the details. Ask them:

What kind of snow and wind loads will this structure handle?

What types of anchors are used/supplied with the building and how many?

What are the advantages of buying a structure with a vertical roof?

Have your customers had any product issues in the past and if so, what were they?

3) Can the dealer provide local references from customers? Ask the dealer to provide you with references from several customers, complete with name and phone number. If the dealer solidly stands behind his work and is dedicated to complete customer service, those customers won’t mind a phone call from you to inquire about their building. Ask the customer what their experience was with both the dealer and the product. If possible, go out and look at the customer’s installation. It’s in your best interest to look for and ask:

How is the quality of the product?

Were you satisfied with the installation of the structure?

Did you get everything that you paid for?

Is there any rust in the joints in the framing?

Is there any white rust on the framing?

Know the Manufacturer

1) What company manufactures the dealer’s product? The best dealers for the best manufacturers won't mind telling you the company they represent. If they don’t, then there’s probably an underlying negative reason and you need to look for another dealer or company.

2) Call the manufacturer before you make your purchase. Ask them questions you have concerning your purchase:

What is the actual delivery time for your area?

How do they handle quality or customer service issues?

How much time do you have to report a problem?

Know the Installation Process

1) If you are having the building installed, who is installing the product? Most independent VersaTube® dealers have their own local employees installing the building or they employ local subcontractors. Many of the competitors use regional contractors that come from a manufacturing facility several hundred miles from your location. You should ask these questions:

Are they local subcontractors or employees, if not, who are they?

Are thy insured? Can they provide proof of insurance?

2) How long will it take to have my building installed? Most independent VersaTube® dealers can give you a very accurate installation timeline. Since most of our dealers are local to you and they deal only with local installation crews, they know what their building schedule is. With many competitors, most of their installation crews come out of a regional manufacturing facility. The manufacturer batches several buildings to be delivered and installed in your area, so they may have to wait up to 8 weeks or even longer before they have enough buildings to install in your area. Having a local dealer with a local installation crew will likely give you a shorter installation time versus a regional company.

3) Who do I contact if there’s a problem with my installation? You always contact your local dealer if you’ve had the building installed. Not only does your dealer have ultimate control over the quality of the installation, he can also insure that if you have a problem with the building, someone will be out to take care of the problem in a timely manner. Since he is a local dealer, his reputation depends on it.

For the competitors with regional installation crews, you contact the manufacturer. Rest assured, those manufacturers will not send someone out from the regional facility to repair your building until there are enough buildings sold in your area to warrant a full installation trip by the repair crew. Customers have told us that they have waited as long as 16 weeks to have a building repaired.

4) Will the installers be on time for the installation appointment? You will need to be at the installation site to show the installation crew where you want your building installed. For most of us, we have to take off work to do so. Because our dealers have local installation crews, rarely do they miss a scheduled appointment time. In almost every case, our dealers can and will notify you ahead of time if they cannot make the appointment.

With regional competitors, missed appointments are common. Why? In most instances, regional crews are traveling several hundred miles to reach your location. Scheduling too many installations for the crews to complete in a given period, worker fatigue, transportation breakdowns and the weather are just some of the common reasons for missed appointments with regional crews. We have heard many cases where regional crews have stood up the customer as many as six times, costing the customer far more than the purchase price of the building. A dealer representing a regional install company has no control whatsoever over the installation crews.

The quality of the VersaTube® product is the best of any similar product produced in this business – just ask our dealers and customers who have purchased our buildings. At VersaTube® Building Systems, we want nothing less than a happy, satisfied customer. That’s one of the many reasons why we choose dealers that are local to you – so they can provide you with a quality product, prompt and immediate service, and a local VersaTube® representative to speak with at any time. Our reputation depends on it!

Company Fact Sheet

Steel Framing – The Best Choice

Engineering

Consumer Comparison

Product FAQs

Engineering Part2

admin — Tue, 24 May 2011 13:44:27 +0000

ENGINEERING

Roof Pitch. All VersaTube structures have a standard 3:12 pitch.

Ground Snow & Wind Loads. The VersaTube framing system and structures are engineered and configured to address local area ground snow and wind load requirements. Ground snow PSF (pounds per square foot) and wind velocity & exposure level (MPH @ B or C exposure) help determine the appropriate size and configuration of a VersaTube building package.

	Ground Snow	Wind Velocity @ C Level Exposure	Maximum Wind
Grages & Building	70 – 20 PSF*	90 MPH	140 MPH, V3s, with 20 PSF Live Load
Contractor Series	100 – 42 PSF *	90 MPH	90-140 MPH, V3s, with 20 PSF Live Load
Carports & Shelters	77 – 20 PSF *	90 MPH	140 MPH, V3s, with 20 PSF Live Load
Loafing Sheds	30 PSF	80 MPH	90 MPH, V3s, with 10/20 PSF Live Load

* Varies by structure size and use of truss bracing

Consult your local building permit department for local loading requirements. In most cases, a VersaTube structure can be customized to accommodate higher snow loads (reduced on center spacing, truss bracing, etc.) and anchoring can be increased to address higher wind load levels.

All standard complete building kits are designed and configured to be code compliant. Many will not require stamped engineering drawings, but they are available at an additional cost if needed. Use an Engineering Package Order Form for ordering engineering calculations and/or stamped drawings if required for permitting.

Click to go back to the Previous Page

Company Fact Sheet

Steel Framing – The Best Choice

Engineering

Consumer Comparison

Product FAQs