WHAT IS A RED IRON BUILDING?

A “red iron building” typically refers to a steel-framed building where the structural framework is made of red or grey iron or structural steel. The use of red or grey iron oxide primer helps protect the steel from corrosion. While the name “red iron” is commonly used to describe large I-beam buildings, the primer can also be grey in color. In the construction industry, red iron buildings are often pre-engineered metal buildings with a heavy, I- Beam steel frame. These structures are known for their durability, strength, and cost-effectiveness (depending on size). The red or grey iron oxide primer serves as a protective coating to prevent rust and corrosion, extending the lifespan of the steel components.
Red Iron buildings become economical when larger buildings spanning 100’ or more are needed.
Anything under 100’ wide may be cheaper to build with one of our Cold Formed  or Tube Steel buildings.

Cold Formed Building

ADVANTAGES OF RED IRON BUILDINGS

Metal Pole Barn Frame

For larger buildings spanning over 100’, red iron buildings become your go to option for maximum strength and durability. If you’re wanting to build a horse arena, commercial warehouse or multi-story office building, red iron is a must. Some key advantages include:
1. Strength and Durability: Steel is known for its high strength and durability. Red iron buildings can withstand harsh weather conditions, including high winds, heavy snow loads, and earthquakes.
2. Cost-Effective Construction: Pre-engineered metal buildings are often more cost-effective than traditional construction methods. The components are manufactured off-site and assembled on-site, reducing labor costs and construction time.
3. Design Flexibility: Steel framing allows for versatile and open interior spaces. Red iron buildings can be easily customized to meet specific design requirements, making them suitable for various applications, including warehouses, industrial facilities, commercial buildings, and more.
4. Speed of Construction: The prefabricated nature of red iron buildings allows for faster construction compared to traditional methods. This can result in quicker project completion and reduced overall construction time.
5. Low Maintenance: Steel structures require less maintenance compared to other construction materials. The use of protective coatings, such as red iron oxide primer, helps prevent corrosion, reducing the need for frequent maintenance.
6. Fire Resistance: Steel is non-combustible, making red iron buildings more resistant to fire compared to structures with wood framing. This can contribute to improved safety and compliance with building codes.
7. Environmentally Friendly: Steel is recyclable, and the materials used in red iron buildings can often be recycled at the end of their lifespan. This makes steel construction more environmentally friendly compared to some other building materials.
8. Long Lifespan: Red iron buildings have a long lifespan, providing a durable and reliable structure that can last for many decades.

 

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Why Red Iron Over Tube Steel or Cold Form?

Years ago, if you wanted to put up a building, your options were wood or red iron. Today, you have
multiple cost effective options depending on the use and size of your building. Anything under 100’ wide (at the gable end of the building), it is more cost effective to go with tube steel or cold formed. While red iron is perceived as the “strongest” because of it’s large structural beams it all comes down to the engineering that makes a building strong.

Anything over 100’ wide will likely need to be designed out of red iron. Horse riding arenas, commercial buildings and multi-storied structures are perfect examples of buildings that will need red iron construction. We work exclusively with the largest red iron supplier in the country and would love to quote your project. Request a quote below and one of our design specialists will reach out to discuss your project.

 

COLD FORMED GALLERY