In the current unstable economic climate refurbishing your existing premises could be an attractive and cost effective option.

Extend your existing steel building

If you need more space but can’t justify moving to new premises, why not consider extending your current building?

As long as the existing steel frame is structurally sound (and it is advisable to get a suitably qualified surveyor to confirm this) most steel frame buildings can be extended relatively quickly and easily. Colour co-ordinated cladding can then be applied to seemlessly tie the extension to the original structure.

Reclad to reflect brand image

Existing steel framed buildings can be given a rejuvenating ‘facelift’ to reflect your company’s brand image with minimum disruption to day-to-day business. A cost effective way to lift the look of your business from tired to thriving quickly and efficiently.

Improve energy efficiency

Single skin, double skin or composite cladding panels are all widely available in a variety of colours and finishes.   Why not take the opportunity of improving the energy efficiency of existing buildings by replacing single skin panels with modern insulated panels?  Environmentally friendly CFC & HCFC free composite panels are also available as are panels with fire resistance to class AAA if required.

As always, look for an experienced, reputable and health & safety compliant Company such as Miracle Span Steel Buildings who offer a fast, friendly & efficient steel cladding installation service for commercial and industrial buildings.

For more information call Miracle Span today on 01507 358 974 or visit their website at www.miraclespan.co.uk.

Of course, safety is paramount so one of the most important things to check is that the building is designed to Eurocode EN1993-1-3:2006 (or EC3 for short) which supersedes BS 6399 and also that it meets building regulations for the intended use.

Ask for engineer’s drawings and design reports to check the building has been designed to take account of your site’s wind speeds and snow loadings.  Many business owners have been left counting the cost when their steel buildings have collapsed under the weight of snow during the severe winters of the last 2 years!

It’s also important to make sure you compare ‘like with like’.   Some steel building companies quote cheap prices to get buyers hooked and then add a list of  hidden ‘extras’  at the last minute to make the project viable. Always ask for a detailed quotation so you can see exactly what’s included in the price and that includes the provision of the plant and equipment needed to assemble the building!

A valuable gauge as to the quality of the work you can expect is to ask to see testimonials from recent customers.  Steel companies with a good reputation will be happy to arrange for you to visit existing buildings, without feeling the need to accompany you (but with the building owner’s permission of course).

Look out for contractors with health & safety accreditations so you can be sure your building will be erected competently and safely – CHAS and SAFEcontractor accredited contractors have to meet stringent health & safety standards, so it’s always a good idea to look out for this when making your buying decision.  Remember :   the Corporate Manslaughter & Corporate Homicide Act 2007 holds company directors responsible if things go seriously wrong, so it’s really not worth taking a chance!

Miracle Span Steel Buildings are members of The Steel Construction Institute, CHAS & SAFEcontractor accredited and have over 30 years experience in the supply of steel buildings in the UK.  Contact Miracle Span on 01507 358974, or visit their website www.miracle-span.com.

Steel offers a truly sustainable building option, using less natural resources and offering a high degree of recyclability.  Added to this are lower completed project costs, reduced transport costs and quick assembly and durability.

• Over 60% of new steel is made from recycled steel
• Steel can be recycled infinitely – without any loss in quality
• Waste steel is recycled and NEVER ends up as landfill
• Resource conservation and waste minimization is incorporated in all elements of steel production to substantially reduce environmental impact.

Unlike traditional portal framed steel buildings, cold rolled steel buildings offer a particularly environmentally friendly option.  Cold rolled steel buildings are lightweight and require only shallow foundations – minimising the use of concrete and its impact on the environment.

Companies such as Miracle Span (www.miracle-span.com) can design an energy efficient lightweight steel building using composite cladding that delivers a Green Guide to Specification A+ rating, with panels that are fully recyclable,  CFC and HCFC free and have low Global warming potential.

For guidelines on how we can protect of the environment you may wish to visit the Environment Agency’s website at www.netregs.gov.uk.

Miracle Span steel buildings have over 30 years’ experience in the steel building industry and can be contacted on 01507 358974.

Admin – Edit this entry.

Snow, Ice and Steel Buildings

Snow and ice can become a real problem for steel buildings as the roofs of buildings have to suddenly cope with enormous extra strain caused by the additional weight.   During the winter of 2009/10 it is reported that over 1,000 farm buildings collapsed in Scotland under the weight of snow and in January 2010 the roofs of 21 football pitch sized warehouses belonging to a major whisky company collapsed.  Although, thankfully there was no damage to life and limb, the whisky company had to halt business until the weather improved.

Already this winter there have been reported failures – including the roof of a steel building used by a world leading pharmaceutical company that collapsed under the weight of snow just last week!

How to Avoid Steel Building Failure

Steel buildings in the UK must be designed to the Eurocode EN1993-1-3:2006 (or EC3) which has superseded BS 6399.

Reputable companies, such as Miracle Span, are careful to supply steel buildings manufactured using steel produced to the appropriate British and European Standards.  Framed buildings must include quality framework that is expertly designed and erected.    Loading also plays a crucial part in steel building design.  There are two types of load to be taken into account: the dead load which is based on the weight of the materials used; and the imposed load which takes account of the location of the building, the height above sea level, the load imposed by snow and the effects of drifting, etc.

Finally, don’t be tempted to cut corners to get a cheap price as steel building failure could cost you dearly in the long term and could even result in the loss of lives. 

Call Miracle Span on 01507 358974  -  email : info@miracle-span.com.    Visit our website www.miracle-span.com

Pre-fab steel buildings offer:-

Speed of Assembly

If you’re considering a new building project, pre-fabricated steel buildings are certainly worth considering as they’re so quick to erect.  Without the need for deep foundations or heavy equipment it’s possible to go from bare site to finished building within a few weeks!

Value for Money

Prefabricated steel buildings are affordable, allowing you to realise your plans for a new building without massive financial outlay.  Miracle Span offers competitive financing  which can help to spread the cost over a manageable period.

Sustainability & Environmentally Friendly

Prefab steel buildings are the environmentally friendly building option.   Steel can be infinitely reused without any loss in quality & over 60% of new steel is made from recycled steel.

Lightweight and easy to transport, prefabricated steel buildings also help the environment by saving on fuel & transport costs when compared to traditional buildings or even portal framed steel structures.

For more information on Miracle Span’s sustainable steel buildings visit our website at www.miracle-span.com or call us on 01507 358974 email sales@miracle-span.com.

Firstly, its a good idea to talk to your local planning department

Arrange an informal discussion with your local authority planning department to discuss your intended project.  It’s often possible to get a good indication on the likehood of planning permission being granted as well as advice on particular considerations to be taken into account for the location, for example tree preservation orders, rights of way, flooding, etc.  Take plans, drawings and a product brochure with you so the planning officer can comment.

Miracle Span allows you to place an order subject to planning approval.  When an order is placed on this basis, full drawings and structural calculations are provided and  help and advice is available.

In some cases you will be asked to submit an environmental statement with your application, your planning officer will be able to advise you whether this is necessary.

General Planning Rules

Usually planning permission is required for new commercial buildings over 4 metres in height.  Expect to wait about 8-12 weeks for a decision, although some local authorities can take considerably longer.

Temporary Steel Buildings

Rules governing planning permission for temporary buildings are more difficult to summarise, but technically planning permission is required for buildings used for over 28 days.  If a temporary building comes within 5 metres of the site boundary or reduces space available for vehicle parking or turning,  planning permission must be applied for.

In some cases temporary planning permission may be granted for periods of up to 7 years, so it’s well worth seeking advice from your local planning officer.

More Information

You may make a planning application online yourself – visit the Government’s official planning website at www.planningportal.gov.uk for more information, or contact  sales@miracle-span.com on 01507 358974 to take advantage of our planning service.

Visit our new website at www.miracle-span.com today.

1. Spend some time thinking about exactly what you need your steel building to do for you – if you’re clear about this you’re less likely to be talked into buying extras you don’t really need.
2. Decide whether you want your building to be permanent or temporary – some steel  buildings can be easily relocated.
3. Decide what size your new steel building needs to be – you’ll need a good idea of the width, length and inside clearance required to get a realistic price.
4. Decide how many doors and windows you need in your building and what sizes they need to be – you’ll need to think about door clearance so your plant and equipment can access.
5. Consider whether your building will need to be insulated – in most cases steel buildings will need insulating unless they are used for general storage.
6. Think about your preferences for style and colour of building - it’s advisable to opt for a type of building that will fit in with surrounding structures.
7. Contact your local planning department to find out whether you’ll need planning permission – an informal chat with your planning department can often set you on the right path and advise what you’ll need to take into account, for example whether your proposed site is subject to flooding.
8. Decide whether you want to assemble your own building or get a contractor to do it for you – you’ll need to consider whether you have the skill and experience needed to take on the project.  If you decide to use a contractor, it’s worth spending a bit more to be sure they are health & safety compliant – erecting steel buildings can be dangerous in untrained hands.
9. Think about how you’ll finance your steel building project - going to your bank for loan is usually the first port of call, otherwise check out financing options carefully.
10. Take a look at similar steel buildings near you and follow up references before selecting your supplier - there’s no recommendation like word of mouth.

For expert, friendly advice contact Miracle Span Steel Buildings on 01507 358974 or contact us at sales@miracle-span.com.

Visit our new website @ www.miracle-span.com today!