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What Kind of Foundation Does a Metal Building Need?

24 Oct 2019 Pre-Engineered Buildings

If you are looking into using a pre-engineered metal building for your next commercial, industrial, or institutional property, it is useful to know what kind of foundation a metal building needs before beginning the building process. At Ferro Building Systems, we offer complete building solutions for metal structures, and our team of pre-engineered metal building experts can ensure that you end up with all of the answers that you need to get started on your construction project.

Foundations for Metal Buildings

The foundation of a building is one of the most important parts to get right in any construction project. With the right foundation, a building can avoid many future problems and complications, including structural damage, water damage, and shifting structural elements. Some of the types of foundations that are suitable for the different kinds of metal buildings include:

Perimeter Wall Foundations

Perimeter wall foundations are perfect for buildings that do not require full flooring or closed-off spaces. Many gear and inventory shelters, storage spaces, and even agricultural buildings will be built on perimeter wall foundations with open concepts. In these cases, the foundation is only poured along the perimeter of the building and the rest of the ground is simply levelled out, but otherwise untouched.

Pier and Footing Foundations

Similar to perimeter wall foundations, pier and footing foundations make it easy to have an open concept and do not require a comprehensive foundation. Piers rest upon foundational footings that are set into the ground and the columns of the metal building rest on the piers. These foundations are incredibly simple and are most common with agriculture, temporary structures, and low-budget shelters.

Slab Foundations

Slab foundations are the most commonly used type of foundation for nearly every kind of building project. Slabs are also known as floating foundations or floating slabs, and they are usually the most stable and versatile option for metal buildings. A concrete slab is poured across the entire square footage of the pre-engineered building and this slab typically becomes the floor of the building after the construction is completed.

If you are interested in learning more answers to the question “what kind of foundation does a metal building need?” or if you would like to find out more about our scope of pre-engineered building services and products, please contact Ferro Buildings systems.