Most people's first concerns when it comes to metal buildings is that they think it's going to look like an old barn.
That's just not true anymore.
There are several ways you can customize your metal building so it doesn't look like you're keeping livestock inside of it.
Admittedly, the basic box with a low-pitched gable roof is the most economical choice when it comes to pre-engineered steel buildings.
However, the structure may need a more customized facade for some applications.
And, if you need a more customized facade, it's completely doable.
In the article below, we will discuss five ideas you can use to create the look you want for your steel building project.
Table Of Contents
- Fix Up The Exterior
- Customize The Roofline
- Use Residential And Commercial Windows
- Change The Building Profile
- Use An Awning
- Contact CDMG Today
1. Fix Up The Exterior
For many commercial, industrial, agricultural, and storage applications, the sturdy steel exterior panels are the most affordable and prove to be just what you need.
However, in many other applications, you might prefer a more traditional exterior.
Luckily, any exterior finish can be used to customize a metal building.
Below is a shortlist, used alone or in combination with each other, of finishes that can create a more upscale exterior:
- Brick
- Glass
- Fiber cement board
- Steel panels and cool-coated panels
- Concrete block
- Faux rock and stone panels
- Stucco
- Wood
Wainscoting can also improve curb appeal in a commercial or industrial steel building.
In fact, the curbside appeal metal buildings offer is one of the reasons Why Churches Are Moving Into Metal Buildings.
A wainscot adds a contrasting color or texture to the bottom of an exterior wall.
2. Customize The Roofline
The best roof for a metal building is a simple, low-pitched gable roof ending flush with the sidewall.
That's definitely not the only option for your steel building though.
The following modifications can also be used on your metal building, and will dramatically change the look of your structure.
- Add eave extensions from 2’ to 10’ deep
- Include a self-supporting endwall canopy from 3’ to 10’ deep
- Increase the pitch (the slope) of the roofline
- Choose a hip roof instead of a gable roof
- Select a sloped or vertical fascia
3. Use Commercial or Residential Windows
If you're looking for a more traditional look for your building, residential doors and windows are the way to go.
These can be easily purchased locally and installed on most steel buildings.
Fixed-glass windows are also simple to install in a pre-engineered steel building and are preferred for heightened security or for larger window areas for retail stores.
4. Change The Building Profile
To break up the monotony of the rectangular shape of a basic metal building, you can add smaller frames to pop-out of the main structure.
The extensions fit perfectly along sidewalls or end walls.
In addition to their structural appeal, smaller frame additions make useful for drop-off points on churches, offices on manufacturing plants, or customer lobbies on auto shops, for example.
Owners of existing metal buildings often remodel and add square footage by attaching smaller metal building frames.
You can also do the exact opposite to create visual interest.
Receding an exterior wall under the roofline helps break up the box-like profile of a structure.
Instead of placing the exterior wall at the last steel frame, you place it farther back under the roof.
5. Use An Awning
Just about every manufacturer offers metal canopy kits to fit wide doors.
The metal awnings are both practical by protecting your customers or guests from the elements, and they are attractive.
Longer canopies can create a shaded, porch-like area across entrances and exits.
Contact CDMG Today
If you're ready to get started on your metal building project now that you know it doesn't have to look like a horse barn, contact us.
We have years of experience in the industry and can help you through the entire building process, heck we can even give you some advice on How Steel Buildings Save You Money Even After They're Constructed!
Click the button below to get started today.
Check out our other articles on metal buildings.
I'm Ben Sparhawk, the Content Writer and Marketing Account Manager for CDMG. I write to showcase the work that CDMG does and everything related to the pre-engineered metal building industry as well as their engineering capabilities. When I'm not working on content, you can find me spending time with my wife and children. You can also find me in the gym, trying to better myself, and I also enjoy spending time outdoors hiking or checking out local parks.