At RHINO Steel Building Systems we are often asked, “Can I build my own metal building?”  The quick answer is, “Probably.”

To the serious do-it-yourselfer, erecting their own DIY metal building seems like too good an opportunity to pass up.  After all, putting up the structure yourself saves money— and brings enormous satisfaction.

Besides, it is just plain fun!  A RHINO metal building is like an adult-sized version of a kid’s erector set.

In addition, prefabrication takes the guesswork out of metal building construction.

The DIY steel building kit arrives with every piece already cut, punched, painted, and ready to assemble.  No welding is required.  Every piece is clearly marked to correspond to its location on the plans.

So Can You Build Your Own Metal Building?

So, how do you know if you are ready to build your own metal building?

In general, the most successful do-it-yourself steel building owners:

• Have some prior construction experience
• Know dependable friends or family members willing to help
• Study the building manual thoroughly before starting construction
• Follow all the safety instructions in the manual carefully
• Work on small to medium-sized buildings
• Call RHINO immediately with any questions

How Much Money Can I Save by Erecting DIY Steel Building Kits?

Raising your own building saves big bucks over hiring a contractor to do the job.  An experienced metal building erection crew generally costs $3.50 to $4.00 per square foot, including trim and insulation installation.

Estimate the costs of doing it yourself, in both time and money.  Find out what equipment you will need to buy and rent for the job— screw guns, hard hats, gloves, forklift, scissor lift, crane, etc.  Get quotes on the necessary equipment— and for an operator, if needed.

Are You Up to the Do-It-Yourself Steel Building Challenge?

So, are you still wondering, “Can I build my own metal building?”  Do you feel confident that you understand the process?

Study the RHINO Installation Manual.

Take careful note of the safety precautions.  RHINO also offers an Installation Video on DVD for $25 (which is rebated upon purchase of a RHINO building).

If you are confident in your abilities and your understanding of the metal building erection process, go for it.  If you have any doubts, it may be wiser to hire an experienced contractor and erection crew.

Ultimately, only you can decide if you’re ready to build your own steel building.

Speak to a RHINO Metal Building Specialist Today

Many of RHINO’s customers opt to assemble their own DIY metal building kits with phenomenal results.

In fact, half of our clients erect their own framing.

“The building went up without a hitch; everything bolted up with little effort.”  — Jay Welden

 “RHINO… followed up quickly and even after the building was paid for and delivered they continued to check up until and throughout the erection process.”  — Willis Ponds

“The building went together very easily and all parts were included in the pre-engineered structure.  Good experience working with RHINO Building.”  —  Wayne Hawk

Over the years, our experts have encountered every conceivable do-it-yourself steel building challenge.  We are well equipped to answer your every question.

Give RHINO a call today to learn more about building your own metal building with our DIY steel building kits.  Our number is 940.383.9566.

(Updated 12-1-2021.  Originally published 7-28-2017.)

The post Can I Build My Own Metal Building? appeared first on Rhino Steel Building Systems.

Steel has the highest strength-to-weight ratio of any building material, so steel clear span buildings allow much wider, unobstructed interior areas for commercial building projects. 

How Open Floor Space Enhances Commercial Clear Span Buildings

This ability to span long distances without interior support columns is called “clear span.” 

Clear span metal buildings support their own weight without the need to “prop up” the framing with load-bearing interior walls.

RHINO prefabricated steel buildings are capable of spanning up to 150’ wide on a standard quote.  Open spans up to 300’ are possible with a custom order.

Design Flexibility for Commercial Steel Buildings

Not only does this clear span ability work well for commercial operations, which necessitate large open areas, it also permits greater interior design flexibility. 

For example, even though an office building might not require open and unobstructed space, the clear span capabilities of steel framing make designing the floorplan much simpler. 

Changing the floorplan later is also much easier with prefab commercial metal buildings.  You do not have to contend with support columns in your way, nor worry about moving a load-bearing wall that weakens the building’s integrity. 

Clear span steel buildings work especially well for the commercial building owner who plans to rent space. 

As the tenants change, the floor plan must adapt to their requirements.  Changing clear span structures to suit an incoming tenant’s desires is less complicated without support columns or load-bearing walls to consider.

In addition, the sheer size of many commercial applications demands steel clear span buildings. 

Large, unimpeded space works well for commercial buildings like:

• Auto dealerships
• Churches
• Fire stations
• Fitness centers
• Health care facilities
• Larger restaurants
• Libraries
• Manufacturing facilities
• Recreational buildings
• Retail centers
• Sports arenas
• Strip malls
• Theaters
• Warehouses

Aircraft hangars definitely require the open space of pre-engineered clear span metal buildings.

Agricultural buildings for large farming equipment, commercial indoor horse riding arenas, and sports arenas also rely on the strength of steel to provide unobstructed floor space. 

With commercial steel buildings that do not require a clear span interior, it is generally more economical to choose a modular frame with minimal support columns.

The RHINO Difference in Commercial Metal Buildings

RHINO’s steel building specialists deliver expert guidance in choosing the framing style best for your commercial application and budget.  Call now to discuss your project in detail. 

For a free estimate, call 940.383.9566.  

(Updated 11-12-2021.  Originally published 4-19-2013.)

The post The Advantages of Pre-engineered Clear Span Buildings appeared first on Rhino Steel Building Systems.

There is truly no building concept as versatile and economical as prefab metal buildings. 

No matter what your structural needs, there is sure to be a steel-framed RHINO building package to accommodate your requirements perfectly. 

From a small backyard workshop or RV garage, to a gigantic manufacturing plant or mega-warehouse, there is a RHINO metal building just right for every application.

In fact, versatility is a major incentive for choosing a pre-engineered metal building.

Prefab Metal Buildings Offer Versatile Designs

Unless you have unlimited capital and a real desire for an out-of-the-box design, why spend money on a radical architectural design just to be “different”?  Let’s face it.  The most practical, cost-effective, flexible, and material-efficient buildings are fundamentally a rectangular box. 

With today’s innovative computer-aided design programs for structural steel, basic prefab metal buildings are quick and easy to design.  You just order the building to fit your lot, your building requirements, and your budget.  We take care of all the rest.

In fact, a RHINO steel building package can be designed and manufactured to fit your precise requirements in a surprisingly short time. 

Customizing a structure to your exact specifications and local load requirements is also faster and much simpler today with structural steel software programs. 

Prefab Steel Buildings Offer Versatile Sizes

The metal frames of a RHINO rigid-frame steel building are like steel “ribs” supporting the framing skeleton of the structure. 

Typically, these frames are spaced 20’ to 25’ apart.  (Custom designs with heavier steel frames spaced at 40’ are possible if required.)  It is just a matter of manufacturing as many column beams and rafter beams as necessary to stretch the length of your design and for the loads required.  

Clear span prefabricated steel buildings— with an open-plan interior, which doesn’t require any interior support columns— can be up to 300’ or more in width. 

With the addition of a single center column in each frame, buildings can be as wide as 480’.  To help you visualize that, consider that 480’ is exactly three times the width of an NFL football field!  Only steel is strong enough to handle the loads for such massive dimensions.

What about length restraints?  Actually, there are none.  With a pre-engineered metal building system, your structure can be any length you require now— and it can be easily lengthened later. 

Business owners need a structure which can adapt to their changing needs.  To enlarge your structure in the future you simply order more frames.  These additional frames can be added on either end of your building, to the length you desire.  RHINO is able to supply all the framing members, panels, and trim to match your existing RHINO structure exactly.

RHINO buildings can also be up to 40’ in height as a standard design.  (Even taller designs are available on custom orders.)

Our prefabricated steel buildings offer the ultimate in size versatility.

Pre-engineered Metal Buildings Offer Versatile Floor Plans

No other building system provides the floor plan flexibility of a pre-engineered steel building. 

Because of the superior strength of steel, interior support columns are usually unnecessary. 

Since the steel structure is self-supporting, you are free to have as many or as few interior walls as you want. 

Equally important is the ability to remodel and alter the interior floor plan without regard for “load-bearing” walls.  This is especially important as businesses grow and its needs change.  Clear span metal buildings allow interiors to be remodeled easily and economically.

RHINO Steel Buildings and their Versatile Uses

You will find there is a prefabricated metal building solution for almost any application.  RHINO metal structures work well for:

• Agricultural / Farm / Ranch Buildings: Barns, hay lofts, stables, outbuildings, indoor or covered horse riding arenas, equipment storage, animal shelters, cattle barns, livestock facilities, dairies
• Aviation Buildings: Aircraft hangars, offices, maintenance buildings, terminals
• Automotive / Mechanic / Welding Buildings: Automotive, motorcycle, truck, and boat body and repair shops, vehicle showrooms, offices, auxiliary buildings, welding shops, transportation buildings
• Church Buildings: Sanctuaries, classrooms, meeting halls, offices, daycare centers
• Commercial Buildings: Strip malls, retail centers, boutiques, clothing stores, grocery stores, “big-box” stores, lumber centers, arcades, convenience stores, gas stations, retail and specialty stores
• Garages / RV / Boat Buildings: Personal storage space, multi-purpose garage and storage spaced combined, or vehicle, boat, and RV storage
• Industrial / Manufacturing Buildings: Manufacturing facilities, assembly plants, factories, mills, industrial storage, oil and gas buildings, lumber yards, recycling centers, fire stations
• Office Buildings: Medical, veterinary, accounting, real estate, or legal offices, office complexes, office rental space, corporate offices
• Recreational Buildings: Gymnasiums, recreational centers, indoor pools, athletic centers, sports complex, indoor rock climbing, bowling alleys, covered pavilions, picnic areas, community centers, country clubs
• Restaurants: Bistros, cafeterias, family dining, theme restaurants, fast food, upscale dining, catering businesses
• Storage Buildings: Self-storage, personal storage, vehicle and marine storage, mini-storage centers
• Suburban Hobby Buildings: Personal workshops, hobby shop, family recreation buildings, multi-purpose residential buildings
• Warehouses: Product warehouses, shipping centers, distribution centers, mega import warehouses

RHINO steel buildings are so versatile they can be almost anything you need them to be.  If you can dream it, we can design it.

Versatile Exteriors

Prefabricated metal buildings are all about choices. 

A modern metal building doesn’t look or perform like the old “tin” barns of your grandpa’s day.  Steel structures today can be architecturally pleasing, yet still economical and practical.  (You would be surprised how many buildings, stores, and restaurants you frequent are prefabricated metal buildings— you just can’t tell.)

RHINO’s standard metal building kits include several choices of steel roof and wall sheathing in a wide array of colors.  The trim for the building can be ordered to match the walls and roof or in a pleasing contrasting color. 

However, if your building application or location calls for a more traditional facade, it is easily accomplished.  RHINO steel buildings can be finished with brick, stucco, stone, tilt-up concrete, glass, decorative block, EIFS— or even rustic-looking wood, if required. 

Your RHINO steel building comes with a choice of 1:12 to 4:12 roof pitch as a standard design.  (Higher pitches are available on custom orders.)

Versatile Options and Accessories

RHINO offers many options to further customize your metal building.  These options can improve both the aesthetics and the functionality of the structure.

• Eaves Overhangs (Canopies)
• Exterior Wall and Roof Panels
• Gutters and Downspouts
• Insulation
• Interior Liner Panels and Partitions
• Mezzanines
• Overhead Doors
• Skylights/Wall lights
• Ventilation
• Windows/Doors

Try us just once, and you’ll be “Hooked on RHINO” 

Not only do we believe we offer the finest product in the metal building industry, but we have the best-trained, most experienced people, too.  We pride ourselves in providing first class service before, during, and after the sale.  We are driven to exceed all your expectations. 

You can depend on RHINO.  The Better Business Bureau gives RHINO an A+ rating.

RHINO buildings are both durable and “green.”  Our environmentally friendly, commercial-grade framing contains an average of 89.5% recycled steel. 

Our steel buildings also typically retain their beauty and value for decades longer than ordinary wood structures. 

Every RHINO building comes with a letter of certification promising the building will meet or exceed all current design loads for the lifetime of the building. 

That is why RHINO buildings are considered more of an investment than an expense.

For durability, flexibility, and ease of construction, a prefabricated RHINO metal building is the ideal choice. 

See exactly what the RHINO Difference means.  Call today to find out more about our practical, innovative, versatile prefab steel buildings.  You can reach RHINO at 940.383.9566.  

(Updated 11-3-2021.  Originally published 2-27-2013.)

The post The Amazing Versatility of Pre-Engineered Metal Buildings appeared first on Rhino Steel Building Systems.

Now is a terrific time to start a self storage business— or to expand an existing operation— with pre-engineered steel self storage buildings from RHINO Steel Building Systems.  

Why?

• A self storage business is a great real estate investment for novice business people
• Self storage offers a good return on the initial investment
• Interest rates are incredibly low
• Driven by the current pandemic, self storage occupancy stands at 95% according to the New York Times

An Excellent Time to Buy Metal Self Storage Buildings and Start a Self Storage Business

Self storage flourishes during times of change.

The recent economy forced many young people to return home until their job situation improved. 

Where will they put all their household goods in the meantime?  They’ll rent self storage units. 

Many baby boomers are now opting to downsize to smaller homes while interest rates are low. 

Where will they store the overflow of furniture and other items?  They’ll go to a nearby mini-storage facility.

An estimated 31 million Americans move each year.  When they move, they have to do something with all their surplus furniture and household goods.  Therefore, they rent self storage units.

Steel Self Storage Buildings to Attract Commercial Renters, Too

Over 70% of mini-storage renters are homeowners. 

However, small businesses often rent self storage units to warehouse archived documents, tax records, excess inventory, and equipment. 

It is more cost-effective for a small business to storehouse surplus materials, increasing room for growth, than it is to acquire additional office space.

Self Storage as a Business

Facts to consider about how to start a self storage business:

• Currently the average size of self storage facilities is about 56,900 sq. ft.
• Maximizing land use with as many self storage units as feasible brings cost-per-unit down.
• According to Spare Foot, the average rental per unit is $89.12.
• Military bases are a prime location for many self storage operations. Military personnel rent about 4% of all total units. 
• Nearby multi-family developments may increase demand for smaller self storage units, which typically produce a higher per-square-foot return on investment than large units.

Metal Self Storage Buildings from RHINO

Before you decide on self storage as a business, consider the quality of your facility.

Customers choose well-kept self storage facilities with sturdy, attractive units.

RHINO supplies premium steel self storage buildings that protect your clients’ belongings— and your company’s reputation.

Our premium self storage buildings stand out from the common herd.  We use extra strong, durable, commercial-grade materials.  In addition, the RHINO system includes built-in features not available with most other metal buildings. 

Discover The RHINO Difference in self storage structures for yourself.

Cash in with your own self storage business with RHINO-tough steel buildings. 

Please call today for a FREE ESTIMATE on our prefabricated metal self storage buildings or other metal building projects. 

Speak to one of our experienced metal building specialists now at 940.383.9566.  

(Updated 10-27-2021.  Originally published 3-29-2013.)

The post Self Storage Buildings for Entrepreneurs appeared first on Rhino Steel Building Systems.

The type of fasteners used for steel building construction may seem like an insignificant detail.

It is not. 

Beware of Rust and Corrosion of Cheap Metal Building Fasteners

Cheap screws rust.  Rust spreads to the steel panels, streaking the steel panels with unsightly rust discoloration.

However, rust is much more than a cosmetic problem.

Once rust forms, it spreads.  Corrosion may eventually cause serious structural problems in metal buildings.

In addition, rusty metal building fasteners with cheap washers leak.  Leaking buildings create a mess, soaking insulation and dripping onto the building’s contents.

Cheap Metal Building Screws are even Unhealthy

Did you know that rust could even be dangerous to your health?

Rusty surfaces easily trap tetanus spores.  Once the bacterial spores enter a body, they produce tetanospasmin, one of the deadliest neurotoxins known to medical science.

Thanks to vaccinations, tetanus (also known as lockjaw) is very rare in industrialized countries.  However, it is far more common in developing nations.

According to the Mayo Clinic, there is no cure for tetanus.

Steel Building Construction with RHINO’s Cast Zinc Aluminum Screws

RHINO steel buildings use only top-of-the-line steel building screws with high-grade washers for maximum leak and corrosion protection.  Our high-end screws and washers improve the value and the longevity of steel buildings.

All RHINO metal building construction kits include cast zinc aluminum fasteners for all steel panel sheathing.  Cast screws resist the shank destruction and head failure common with capped metal building hardware.

Die-cast zinc aluminum screws offer high torsional strength.  The self-drilling tip also provides greater efficiency, speeding up installation.

These RHINO fasteners carry a lifetime warranty against red rust corrosion on the zinc head.

RHINO also supplies metal building screws with heads that match the color of the steel panels selected, for a more beautiful, professional appearance.

Steel Building Construction with RHINO’s EPDM Washers

All RHINO sheathing screws include high-grade sealing washers made of ethylene propylene diene monomer (EPDM) synthetic rubber.  They provide excellent insulation, sealing out heat, cold, and moisture.

Strong and abrasive-resistant, EPDM washers weather the years extremely well.  EPDM washers withstand heat extremes, ozone deterioration, and ultraviolet rays.

EPDM sealing washers ensure a long-lasting waterproof seal even in the harshest weather conditions.

Conclusion

Superior metal building fasteners are just one part of the quality you can expect with a RHINO steel building kit.

Call Today for a Free RHINO Metal Building Quote

Learn more about The RHINO Difference in steel building construction.

Phone now to discuss your building project in detail with one of our experienced metal building specialists at 940.383.9566.

(Updated 10-20-2021.  Originally published 6-27-2014.)

The post Steel Building Construction: Sealing It Tight appeared first on Rhino Steel Building Systems.

RHINO provides a wide selection of metal building overhead doors.  Choosing the right style and size for each overhead door requires a little thought and planning.

What Size Steel Doors Will You Need?

Think of what you will be moving through your overhead door— not only now, but also later. 

For example, if you are building a steel garage at your home, you will need to measure any vehicles you plan to house in the structure.  Be sure to include side mirrors when calculating the width. 

Measure not only the overall height, but allow for anything carried atop the vehicle.  Do you sometimes carry mountain bikes or canoe atop your car?  Does your RV have an air conditioner or antenna mounted on top?

RHINO recommends ordering a steel building with an eave height at least two feet higher than your tallest overhead door.

Consider any future purchases you might make, too.  For instance, if you are building a steel barn, choose a door wide enough to accommodate your current implements— and any other farming equipment you plan to buy later.

What is the Function of Your Steel Structure?

Metal building overhead doors come in both light-duty and heavy-duty styles. 

For residential structures like steel storage buildings or steel garages, light-duty doors usually suffice. 

Commercial applications like warehouses, auto shops, or manufacturing plants require heavy-duty commercial-grade metal building doors.

Where Will You Place Your Overhead Doors?

Framed openings for overhead doors are “factory located,” meaning they are positioned for maximum strength in the plans.

You may install RHINO overhead doors for metal buildings on either the end walls or sidewalls.  Endwall openings are the more economical choice.

Many businesses find overhead steel doors placed on opposite ends of the structure are convenient.  That way, cumbersome vehicles may drive through the structure, rather than having to back out.

Unlike many of our competitors, RHINO steel buildings also include trim for all framed openings.

What Style of Overhead Steel Door Works Best for You?

RHINO overhead doors for metal buildings are available in a variety of styles and colors to complement any structure.  Options for overhead doors for steel buildings include:

• Cylinder drum style or sectional metal building roll up doors
• Manual or electric lift systems overhead steel doors
• Insulated or non-insulated metal building doors
• Overhead steel doors or without windows
• Wind rated steel doors to meet— or exceed— all local building codes
• Widths up to 36’ (even larger widths available for hangar-style doors)
• Bi-fold doors
• Hangar doors

A professional RHINO steel building specialist can help you choose the right metal building overhead doors for your next construction project. 

Call the RHINO today at 940.383.9566.  

(Updated 10-14-2021.  Originally published 9-30-2014.)

The post Choosing Metal Building Overhead Doors appeared first on Rhino Steel Building Systems.

Today steel buildings and skyscrapers define the silhouettes of great cities. 

However, in the 1870s, no one even dreamed of massive, multi-story monoliths soaring toward the clouds. 

The devastation of the Great Chicago Fire changed commercial construction practices forever, leading to the use of fire resistant building materials like steel buildings.

150^th Anniversary of the Great Chicago Fire

On Sunday, October 8, 1871, a fire began in or near the barn owned by Patrick and Catherine O’Leary.  Contrary to popular myths about the O’Leary’s cow kicking over a lantern, no one knows the actual cause of the fire. 

In 1893, Michael Ahern, the reporter who originated the legend of the O’ Leary’s cow, admitted he fabricated the tale. 

Whatever the initial cause of the blaze, the results were shattering.

Conditions converged to create the perfect firestorm:

• A 14-week drought with unusually hot temperatures left everything dry and ripe for a fire.
• Most of Chicago consisted of wood-framed structures. Lumber was plentiful and cheap.  Even the sidewalks and streets were made of wood. 
• Zoning was non-existent. Factories, lumber mills, stores, and houses crowded together in the same blocks.
• The Chicago Fire Department was woefully inadequate for the task. Chicago’s population neared 300,000, yet only 216 firefighters served the city.  Three of their 17 horse-drawn fire engines were unavailable during the Great Fire.  To make matters worse, miscommunications resulted in a deadly delay getting firefighters to the real source of the fire.
• A strong wind from the southwest drove embers deep into the city. The conflagration burned so hot it created fire whirls— tornado-like vortexes scattering sparks and burning debris high into the air.  Witnesses reported seeing sparks and ash everywhere, falling like snow. 

People fled in panic, grabbing only what possessions they could carry.  Rich and poor alike lost everything in the fire, yet those who escaped at all were blessed to survive.

The Great Chicago Fire Burns Unrestrained

Horace White, the editor-in-chief of the Chicago Tribune, wrote an eyewitness account four days after the fire.  In it, he said:

“Billows of fire were rolling over the business palaces of the city and swallowing up their contents. Walls were falling so fast that the quaking of the ground under our feet was scarcely noticed, so continuous was the reverberation. Sober men and women were hurrying through the streets from the burning quarter, some with bundles of clothes on their shoulders, others dragging trunks along the sidewalks by means of strings and ropes fastened to the handles, children trudging by their sides or borne in their arms. Now and then, a sick man or woman would be observed, half concealed in a mattress doubled up and borne by two men. Droves of horses were in the streets, moving by some sort of guidance to a place of safety. Vehicles of all descriptions were hurrying to and fro, some laden with trunks and bundles, others seeking similar loads and immediately finding them, the drivers making more money in one hour than they were used to seeing in a week or a month. Everybody in this quarter was hurrying toward the lake shore.”

City officials expected the Chicago River to create a firebreak.  However, the fire leaped across the river, spreading the devastation. 

Shortly after crossing the river, Chicago’s waterworks ignited, burning to the ground.  Water mains dried up.  The fire burned unrestrained.

Rain began late in the evening of October 9.  Early in the morning of October 10, the inferno finally sizzled to a halt.

In the Aftermath of the Blaze

Searching the smoldering debris, officials found 120 bodies.  However, estimates put the actual death toll higher at 250 or more.

The fire consumed thousands of structures.  The Palmer House hotel, opened only 13 days before the Great Chicago Fire, was just one of the thousands of buildings destroyed. 

One-third of the population was homeless.  Many lost both home and business.  As happens in all catastrophes, the poor bore the greatest hardships.

Fire Resistant Steel Buildings Rise Out of the Ashes

Resilient and determined, residents of the Windy City began rebuilding immediately.  Within days of the fire, street side business opened in hastily erected sheds and shacks.  The poor constructed crude shelters and homes with whatever lumber was available.

Donations of goods, lumber, and cash arrived from across the country and around the world.  The Chicago Aid Society distributed donations to the desperate citizens of the scorched city.

In November, just a month after the fire, Chicagoans elected Joseph Madill, co-owner of the Chicago Tribune, as the new mayor.  Madill campaigned with promises to institute stringent building and fire codes.

In 1872, the Chicago City Council directed that all new construction must employ fire resistant building materials. 

The poor protested the new construction codes, as many wood-framed houses had been completed.  Eventually, the city “grandfathered” those wood buildings already constructed.

A second fire engulfed Chicago in 1874, destroyed 60 acres and another 800 buildings. 

Insurance companies, battered by the millions spent for the Great Chicago Fire, balked.  They demanded steps be taken to force the use of construction fire resistant building materials in construction.

Efforts to Fireproof the City

When it appeared the Palmer House hotel would perish in the fire, John M. Van Osdel, the building’s architect, buried the blueprints for the hotel in the basement.  Covered with a thick layer of sand and clay, Van Osdel’s blueprints survived the fire. 

Van Osdel became convinced that terra cotta, made from sand and clay, would prove a more fire-resistant building material than wood.  When rebuilt, terra cotta tiles covered the roof of the new Palmer House.  Framed with iron and covered in brick, promoters billed the Palmer House as “The World’s Only Fire Proof Hotel.”

Meanwhile, the iron industry developed fire-resistant iron through a process that added terra cotta. 

The World’s First Skyscraper

Unarguably, the greatest advancement in construction materials was the invention of steel.  Without the advent of steel, the birth of the skyscraper would have been impossible.

William Le Baron Jenney, an engineer, designed the first skyscraper using fire resistant steel framing.  Steel was lighter and stronger than iron, so it was ideal for multi-story construction. 

Using iron and steel to create a cage-like, weight-bearing skeleton, Jenney fashioned the Home Insurance Building in Chicago.  Construction on the revolutionary building began in 1884. 

The strength of the steel allowed the extensive use of large glass windows on all sides for a much brighter interior.  Brick and terra cotta partitions separated the offices. 

Ten stories tall and 138’ in height, the Home Insurance Building was an architectural marvel.

Thrilled with the success of the system, Home Insurance added two more floors in 1890, bringing the now 12-story structure up to an astounding 180’ in height.

RHINO Prefab Steel Buildings

Advances in steel technology continue.  Today’s steel is stronger— and more affordable and versatile— than ever before.

Doesn’t your next building project deserve the fire resistant building benefits enjoyed by the world’s towering commercial skyscrapers? 

Call RHINO Steel Building Systems now to learn how our steel fire resistant buildings— framed with pre-engineered commercial grade steel— bring many advantages to your building projects.         

Our number is 940.383.9566.  

(Updated 10-6-2021.  Originally published 10-6-2015.)

The post The Great Chicago Fire Led to Steel Buildings appeared first on Rhino Steel Building Systems.

Green building helps protect our planet. Here are just a few of the reasons why green building is so important, other than the cost savings of green buildings.

Green Building Helps Leave a Legacy for Future Generations

The goal of all eco-conscious strategies is simple: find ways to meet our present needs without sacrificing future needs.

After all, our resources are finite.

Forests are dwindling.  Urban sprawl gobbles up more undeveloped land acre by acre.  Non-renewable fossil fuels like oil, gas, and coal diminish by the day.  Even freshwater resources are ebbing away drop by drop.

Green construction for conservation is no longer an option; it is our obligation to all future generations.

Recycled Building Materials for Green Building

Choosing to build with long-lasting, eco-friendly, energy-efficient building products will:

• Preserve natural resources
• Dramatically reduce energy consumption
• Promote good health and productivity
• Improve comfort and indoor air quality
• Decrease dependence on foreign fuel imports
• Stretch landfill space
• Attract eco-conscious customers and renters
• Reduce greenhouse emissions
• Conserve water
• Pay off financially by lowering operating costs

Building Green Starts with Recycled Steel

Green construction starts with recycled steel framing, creating energy-conserving buildings like these:

• Businesses
• Churches
• Farms and ranches
• Homes
• Industries
• Municipal structures
• Recreational buildings
• Schools

Why Recycled Rules the Market Today

Steel is considered a green building supply because it is 100% recyclable.  In fact, steel is the most recycled material in the world.

Using Recycled Steel Saves Energy

It takes far less energy to melt and recycle steel than to create virgin steel from iron ore.  Every ton of steel recycled saves 642-kilowatt hours of energy— 10.9 million Btu’s of energy.

Recycled steel saves enough energy every year to power 18 million households for 12 months.

Recycling Steel Saves Resources

Did you know that every ton of recycled steel conserves 2,500 pounds of iron ore, 1,400 pounds of coal, and 120 pounds of limestone?

In addition, the more steel we recycle, the less products end up in overcrowded landfills. In fact, every ton of steel that is recycled— rather than discarded— saves almost 250 cubic feet of landfill space.

Framing for a 20,000 sq. ft. commercial steel building is produced from the recycled steel from about 50-60 junked cars. On the other hand, wood framing for the same building would sacrifice ten acres or more of forest.

With RHINO steel buildings, 100% of the steel framing and steel cladding is recyclable at the end of the structure’s lifecycle.

In addition, the more builders that choose steel framing over wood framing, the more live trees are available to replenish our atmosphere with life-sustaining oxygen.

Conclusion

The king of recycled building materials is recycled steel.

Depend on RHINO as Your Green Building Supply

Help save the planet!  Build eco-friendly, energy-efficient, prefabricated steel structures from RHINO.

Call today for details on how you can build green with RHINO steel buildings.

Speak to a RHINO steel building specialist now by calling 940.383.9566.

(Updated 9-30-2021.  Originally published 4-3-2015.)

The post Why Green Building is so Important appeared first on Rhino Steel Building Systems.

Steel framed buildings now claim 71% of all new commercial construction, including projects building restaurants.

Prefab metal framed buildings have earned their market dominance the same way all successful products do— by providing greater benefits than the competition.

Best Benefits Metal Building Kits Offer When Building Restaurants

While there are numerous advantages of building any commercial or industrial building with steel framed buildings, there are seven benefits especially important to a restaurant business.

FIRE-RESISTANCE:  According to the latest statistics from FEMA, 5,900 restaurants experience fires each year in the U.S.  Consequently, the strongest argument for building a restaurant with metal framing is that steel is non-combustible.

Structural steel never ignites, nor does steel add fuel to fire like wood framing does.

In addition, most insurance carriers offer big discounts for steel framed buildings using commercial-grade steel, based on its non-combustible nature.  (While it is also non-combustible, light-gauge steel does not hold up as well as commercial-grade steel in a fire.)

ECONOMICAL:  RHINO prefab buildings are surprisingly affordable.  Metal building kits are created in a streamlined factory operation with extreme efficiency, keeping costs at a minimum.

SPEEDY:  Since all the framing pieces arrive ready to assemble, no time is lost culling, measuring, cutting, and nailing the framing.

RHINO prefab metal buildings reduce construction time by 33% or more, cutting labor costs significantly— and getting the business up and running even sooner.

VERSATILE:  RHINO metal framed buildings have the strength to span greater distances than other construction methods.

No awkward support columns or load-bearing walls will break up your dining room with a RHINO clear span steel framing.  Not only does that allow room for more customers, it also provides the flexibility to change the layout as needed.

Additional Benefits of Using Commercial-Grade Metal Framing

LOWER OPERATING COSTS:  Commercial-grade metal building kits produce deep wall cavities, allowing room for much thicker insulation.  RHINO’s Pro-Value insulation package includes extra-thick batt insulation, vapor barriers, and foam thermal-break insulation.

“We erected the framing of the first buildings last fall, and worked inside during the winter,” says Jacek Zak, speaking about his building project for Andy’s Deli and Sausage Factory in Wisconsin.   “The buildings were so well insulated with the Pro-Value insulation that we never had to heat the building all winter.  Honestly, it was unbelievable.”

In fact, RHINO customers report saving 50% on their heating and cooling costs.

In addition, RHINO’s extra-thick insulation also helps muffle outside noise, which is particularly important for a restaurant in a high-traffic area.

VALUE:  Building a commercial structure of any kind represents an investment.  Should the time come when you want to sell the structure, you will want the most bang for your buck.

Fortunately, RHINO steel framed buildings last for decades longer than other types of structures.

And our prefab metal buildings retain their beauty and value better, too.

Successful builder and restaurateur Rick Moore chose RHINO Steel Building Systems for his Denton, Texas bar and grill, The Pourhouse Grill.

“The RHINO customer service support was excellent,” says Moore.  “I am very pleased with the whole experience and with the building itself.  I’ll definitely use RHINO again for other building projects.”

ECO-FRIENDLY:  Steel trumps all other “green” building materials in two ways.

First, steel is the most recycled material in the world.

Secondly, steel is the only building material that never loses any of its strength, no matter how many times it is recycled.

Conclusion

For building restaurants, commercial-grade metal framing cannot be beat.

Charge into the Restaurant Business with RHINO

For more information about building restaurants or other building projects with RHINO, please call 940.383.9566.

Free quotes are available upon request. 

(Updated 9-22-2021.  Originally published 3-28-2017.)

The post Building Restaurants with Prefab Metal Buildings appeared first on Rhino Steel Building Systems.

The number one question we hear is, “How much does a steel building cost?” 

That is understandable; we all want to know the bottom line of any major purchase we make. 

RHINO Steel Building Systems offers two ways to get a quote on your construction project.

#1. The RHINO Quick Quote for Rough Estimate of Your Steel Building Cost

For a fast ballpark estimate on your project, fill out a RHINO Quick Quote online. 

A Quick Quote requires only the following rudimentary information to estimate your steel building cost:

• Name
• Phone
• E-mail Address
• Mailing Address
• Building Use
• Building Width
• Building Length
• Building Height

If you are still at the “tire-kicking” stage of your metal building project, a Quick Quote may suffice initially.  It provides a rough estimate based entirely on your location and the dimensions of the structure. 

For a more definitive estimate, go to the next quote level.

#2. The RHINO Expert Quote for New Customers or Customized Designs

The easiest way to get an accurate idea of the metal building cost is to speak directly to a RHINO metal building specialist at 940.383.9566.  They can provide you with fast, free estimates.

Each of these professionals has many years of experience in the metal building field.  Rely on their knowledge to lead you through the quote process step by step.

Our specialists also offer tried-and-true tips on enhancing your design— as well as ways to trim costs through simple design changes.  These trained experts will also furnish you with a list of available options and accessories to consider.

For complicated projects requiring a custom quote, preferred options, or specialized needs, please consult with one of our friendly RHINO specialists for a custom quote of your steel building cost.

If this is your first metal building project, we definitely recommend you call for an Expert Quote and full assistance.

Comparing RHINO Metal Building Cost to Other Quotes

So how much does a metal building cost?  And what is included in that quote?

First, know up front that all steel building kits are not alike.

When comparing steel building kit prices, be sure you know exactly what you are getting from each company.  What is included in the cost of steel buildings from this company?

Significantly lower costs are often based on cut-rate materials or kits with fewer options included.  Be sure you are not comparing apples to oranges!

Look at all that is included in our kits, that make up The RHINO Difference!

Conclusion

The best way to answer the question, “How much does a steel building cost?” is to call RHINO today for fast, free, accurate quotes.

RHINO Offers More Building for Less Money

RHINO prides itself on supplying top-of-the-line features at competitive prices. 

Our goal is happy, satisfied customers who return to RHINO for their future building projects— and confidently refer friends to us for their building needs, too.  Consequently, we are determined to offer the best deal in steel building.

Speak today with a knowledgeable RHINO metal building specialist.  Call us now at 940.383.9566. 

Looking for a Metal Building Sale?

Be sure and check today’s RHINO Metal Building Specials.  If these limited time offers fit your needs and location, you may find a metal building sale price that saves you a lot of money.

(Updated 9-15-2021.  Originally published 10-27-2017.)

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