Ceco Building Systems is at the forefront of construction innovation with their advanced solution tailored for projects that demand vast open interior spaces: the renowned Long Bay® System (LBS). When architectural brilliance meets functionality, the outcome is an uninterrupted space and unmatched architectural design flexibility that Long Bay system guarantees. 

Ceco’s Long Bay System also integrates effortlessly with tilt-wall construction, a method that has revolutionized how large-scale buildings are designed and erected. Together, these solutions redefine efficiency, cost-effectiveness, and design freedom in the construction industry. 

Diving Deep into the Long Bay System 

LBS by Ceco Building Systems employs an open web truss secondary framing. This ingenious approach ensures robust roof support while significantly cutting down on the installation time of mechanical and electrical systems. Given its compatibility with an array of wall and roofing systems, LBS broadens the horizons for construction design. From manufacturing and distribution to large retail spaces, this system has shown its prowess. 

In an industry rife with unforeseen obstacles, Ceco’s unified approach to design, fabrication, and scheduling with the Long Bay System ensures a hassle-free and consistent building design and erection process. 

A noteworthy design feature is the LBS’s preference for bolting the purlins to the rafter over welding. This simple yet effective method reduces the horizontal bridging requirement by a whopping 50% compared to the bar joist. The use of self-drilling screws over welding for horizontal bridging enhances the system’s efficiency. The bolting technique also allows for assembly on the ground, facilitating the lifting of sections during installation. This method yields significant labor savings, expedites project timelines, and enhances on-site safety. 

With a flexible size range offered in bays from 40’ to 60’, LBS is not only lighter and more rigid than a traditional bar joist but is also adept at integrating with load-bearing masonry or tilt-wall constructions. This ensures a swifter, more accurate installation process, resulting in a structure that’s straightforward to handle, move, and erect, sans warping or sweeping. 

How the LBS Works with Tilt-Wall Construction 

One of the standout features of the LBS is its seamless integration with tilt-wall construction—a method where concrete wall panels are cast on-site and then lifted into place to form the building’s exterior walls. This combination offers several advantages: 

• • Speed and Precision: The LBS’s compatibility with tilt-up walls ensures faster and more accurate installations, significantly reducing total project timelines. 

• • Cost Savings: By combining LBS’s lightweight, rigid design with the cost-efficiency of tilt-wall construction, builders can achieve savings on materials and labor. 

• • Design Flexibility: The system’s integration with tilt-up walls allows for creative architectural designs while maintaining structural integrity. 

• • Durability: The Long Bay® System and tilt-up walls are known for their strength and longevity, making them ideal for high-performance buildings. 

This cooperation between the LBS and tilt-up construction is particularly beneficial for large-scale projects like warehouses, manufacturing plants, and distribution centers, where speed, cost-efficiency, and durability are paramount. 

Key Features of Ceco’s Long Bay System 

Dimensions: Available in bays ranging from 40’ to 60’. 

• • Attachments: Incorporates bolted end seat attachments for enhanced stability. 

• • Structure: Showcases a stable clip attachment. Outperforms traditional bar joists in terms of rigidity and weight. 

• • Material: Crafted from high-quality light-gauge cold-rolled steel with a 4″ chord width and a 5″ seat depth. 

• • Roofing Compatibility: Suits a variety of roofing systems including standing seam metal roofs, B Deck, Built-Up, Single-Ply, and Multi-Ply roofing. 

• • Ease of Installation: Panels are attached using self-drilling screws, eliminating the need for on-site welding. Sections can be assembled on the ground and lifted into place, improving safety and reducing labor costs. 

Advantages of Adopting Ceco’s Long Bay System 

• • Economical: Significant savings due to reduced foundational costs and streamlined erection. 

• • Architectural Freedom: Minimized footings and internal columns, coupled with compatibility with diverse wall and roofing systems. 

• • User-friendly: Designed for easy handling, movement, and erecting, without issues of warping or sweep. 

• • Construction Method: Panels are attached using self-drilling screws, and can bolt to the mainframe, eliminating the need for on-site welding. 

• • Versatility: An ideal choice for manufacturing hubs, warehouses, distribution centers, and expansive retail venues. 

• • Installation Prowess: Seamlessly integrates with load-bearing masonry or tilt-wall constructions, promising speedier, pinpointed installations. 

Long Bay System by Ceco: A Pinnacle in Open Space Designs 

LBS from Ceco Building Systems is a testament to what happens when innovation meets practicality. It’s a trailblazing solution, ideal for intricate open-concept designs.  

For an in-depth understanding, we recommend downloading Ceco’s comprehensive Long Bay® brochure. Witness the future of steel building with Ceco’s avant-garde Long Bay System®. 

Key Highlights:  

• • Innovative: Long Bay® System (LBS) provides open spaces with flexible design using open web truss framing. 

• • Tilt-Wall Compatible: Enhances speed, cost-efficiency, and durability in large-scale projects. 

• • Efficient: Bolted purlins and self-drilling screws cut labor, time, and improve safety. 

• • Specs: 40’-60’ bays, light-gauge steel, suits various roofs, outperforms bar joists. 

• • Benefits: Economical, fewer columns, easy install, versatile for warehouses and retail. 

In today’s fast-paced environment, where balancing time, cost, and quality is critical, pre-engineered metal buildings (PEMBs) offer a transformative solution for construction projects. Ceco Building Systems proudly delivers these innovative structures, blending rapid assembly, affordability, and resilience. Whether for businesses or personal endeavors, PEMBs provide an efficient way to save resources while achieving lasting results. Explore why these buildings are a game-changer. 

Key Highlights: 

• Speed: Factory-built components enable quick assembly—typically completed in weeks, not months*. 

• Savings: Minimal waste, opportunities for reduced labor, and energy-efficient features help lower expenses. 

• Durability: Engineered for weather resilience, fully customizable to suit any need. 

• Adaptability: Ideal for warehouses, shops, agricultural sheds, or public spaces. 

• Ceco Advantage: Industry expertise, high-quality materials, and dedicated support. 

• Takeaway: An efficient, cost-effective, and reliable building option. 

Accelerated Construction 

The standout benefit of pre-engineered metal buildings lies in their potential for rapid construction process. Unlike conventional methods that are prone to cumbersome on-site adjustments and prolonged schedules, PEMBs are precision-made in a factory to exact specifications. At Ceco Building Systems, steel frames, panels, and roofing arrive ready to fit together with minimal modifications. This off-site approach helps reduce timelines and sidesteps common delays from weather or fabrication hiccups. Projects that once spanned months, like warehouses, retail outlets, or storage units, can now be finished in weeks with proper planning, getting operations up and running faster. 

Cost-Effective Benefits 

Beyond speed, PEMBs can deliver impressive savings that appeal to budget-focused builders. Here’s how: 

• Efficient Materials: Factory production allows for precise cuts, leaving minimal excess, unlike traditional builds, where errors can inflate costs. 

• Streamlined Labor: Simplified assembly means small crews and short hours may achieve target timelines, helping trim payroll expenses. 

• Energy Savings: Options like insulated walls or reflective roofs help keep energy bills low by optimizing heating and cooling efficiency. 

• Long-Term Value: Steel resists pests, decay, and fire, reducing repair costs and preserving the structure for decades with proper installation and maintenance. 

Built Strong, Designed Smart 

While efficiency and affordability matter, Ceco Building Systems ensures quality remains top-notch. PEMBs are designed to meet regional building standards and endure changing conditions, be it heavy rain, strong winds, or even seismic activity. Customization options, from exterior finishes to structural enhancements, allow these buildings to reflect unique styles or branding without sacrificing their pre-engineered benefits. Strength and aesthetics go hand in hand. 

Versatile Solutions 

The flexibility of pre-engineered metal buildings makes them a perfect fit for diverse needs. Businesses can establish affordable warehouses, storefronts, or offices to meet their timelines and budgets. Agricultural operations gain sturdy, low-cost barns and equipment shelters. Community projects, such as recreation halls or meeting spaces, also thrive with PEMBs’ efficient setup and value. Ceco Building Systems has witnessed how these structures reshape timelines and budgets across industries. 

The Ceco Difference 

Choosing Ceco Building Systems means partnering with a brand committed to excellence. Advanced design tools and premium materials help ensure projects hit deadlines and stay within budget. From initial planning to final assembly, Ceco’s team provides tailored guidance to bring each vision to life. 

Final Thoughts 

Pre-engineered metal buildings simplify construction by delivering faster build times, cost savings opportunities, and durability. They offer a practical solution for anyone aiming to build efficiently without compromising on quality or blowing the budget. 

Ready to discover Ceco’s approach? Contact Ceco Building Systems today to explore how a PEMB can fast-track your next project while keeping costs in check. Smart building starts here. 

*Completion time is based on size and complexity of the project.  

Ceco Building Systems’ Advanced Long Bay System®: The Future of Steel Building Design

Ceco Building Systems is at the forefront of construction innovation with their advanced solution tailored for projects that demand vast open spaces: the renowned Long Bay® System (LBS). When architectural brilliance meets functionality, the outcome is an uninterrupted space and unmatched architectural design flexibility that Long Bay guarantees.

Diving Deep into the Long Bay System

LBS by Ceco Building Systems employs an open web truss secondary framing. This ingenious approach ensures robust roof support while significantly cutting down on the installation time of mechanical and electrical systems. Given its compatibility with an array of wall and roofing systems, LBS broadens the horizons for construction design. From manufacturing and distribution to large retail spaces, this system has shown its prowess.

In an industry rife with unforeseen obstacles, Ceco’s unified approach to design, fabrication, and scheduling with the Long Bay System ensures a hassle-free and consistent building design and erection process.

A noteworthy design feature is the LBS’s preference for bolting the purlins to the rafter over welding. This simple yet effective method reduces the horizontal bridging requirement by a whopping 50% compared to the bar joist. The use of self-drilling screws over welding for horizontal bridging enhances the system’s efficiency. The bolting technique also allows for assembly on the ground, facilitating the lifting of sections during installation. This method yields significant labor savings, expedites project timelines, and enhances on-site safety.

With a flexible size range offered in bays from 40’ to 60’, LBS is not only lighter and more rigid than a traditional bar joist but is also adept at integrating with load-bearing masonry or tilt-wall constructions. This ensures a swifter, more accurate installation process, resulting in a structure that’s straightforward to handle, move, and erect, sans warping or sweeping.

Key Features of Ceco’s Long Bay System

Dimensions: Available in bays ranging from 40’ to 60’.

• Attachments: Incorporates bolted end seat attachments for enhanced stability.
• Structure: Showcases a stable clip attachment. Outperforms traditional bar joists in terms of rigidity and weight.
• Material: Crafted from high-quality light-gauge cold-rolled steel with a 4″ chord width and a 5″ seat depth.
• Roofing Compatibility: Suits a variety of roofing systems including standing seam metal roofs, B Deck, Built-Up, Single-Ply, and Multi-Ply roofing.

Advantages of Adopting Ceco’s Long Bay System

• Economical: Significant savings due to reduced foundational costs and streamlined erection
• Architectural Freedom: Minimized footings and internal columns, coupled with compatibility with diverse wall and roofing systems.
• User-friendly: Designed for easy handling, movement, and erecting, without issues of warping or sweep.
• Construction Method: Panels are attached using self-drilling screws, and can bolt to the mainframe, eliminating the need for on-site welding.
• Versatility: An ideal choice for manufacturing hubs, warehouses, distribution centers, and expansive retail venues.
• Installation Prowess: Seamlessly integrates with load-bearing masonry or tilt-wall constructions, promising speedier, pinpointed installations.

Long Bay System by Ceco: A Pinnacle in Open Space Designs

LBS from Ceco Building Systems is a testament to what happens when innovation meets practicality. It’s a trailblazing solution, ideal for intricate open-concept designs. Trust in Ceco’s Long Bay System® has been widespread, setting new benchmarks in steel building designs.

For an in-depth understanding, we recommend downloading Ceco’s comprehensive Long Bay® brochure. Witness the future of steel building with Ceco’s avant-garde Long Bay System®.

Winter brings snow to many places, and sometimes a lot of it. While skiers and school children may rejoice, those tasked with maintaining metal-roofed buildings may wonder what is the best action to take. Fortunately, the Metal Building Manufacturers Association (MBMA) offers some advice in the Metal Building Systems Manual.

How much is too much?

When a metal roof undergoes a structural engineering design, it necessarily takes into account the code-required levels of snow accumulation for the building location. At the low end, that might be on the order of 10-20 pounds per square foot (psf). However, on the high end it could be over 40 pounds per square foot. How does that translate into inches of snow? This does not translate easily as snow can vary wildly in density from being light and fluffy to wet and heavy. The MBMA suggests that something less than 5 pounds per square foot per inch of depth for very wet or heavy snow is a conservative estimate. Of course, that means if the roof is designed for a snow load of 20 psf, then any buildup over 4-5 inches might start to be a structural concern. Consultation with a structural engineer on the carrying capacity of the building and a reasonable range of snow density and weight can provide insights for a specific building.

High Slope versus Low Slope

Roof pitch makes a notable difference in all aspects of snow buildup on a roof. A high slope roof (i.e., more than 4:12) can experience conditions where some or all of the snow slides off of the roof. This can happen particularly when the sun is out or if heat loss from the building creates a water layer under the snow. By contrast, a low slope roof (i.e., less than 4:12) will not typically see the same sort of snow sliding, meaning it is more likely to build up and accumulate over time, typically getting icier and denser as it does so. This is a concern across the surface of the general roofing area, but it is a particular concern anywhere there is a change in height or where a vertical surface is encountered, such as a parapet wall, chimney, equipment, etc. In these locations, windblown snowdrifts can become trapped, so instead of blowing off of the roof, they accumulate in these areas, creating concentrations of heavier than planned dead weight. The accumulated snow can also find its way above flashings, and its thawing and freezing can eventually cause water leaks into the building.

Clearing Snow while Avoiding Roof Damage

The MBMA makes it clear that if excessive snow builds up on a metal roof, the best thing to do is remove some of the snow in order to ensure the loads are at safer levels. Also to ensure product quality, the MBMA stresses that removing snow carelessly or with any form of metal or sharp tools is not the recommended approach. Such an approach may cause serious roof damage to occur. Instead, they recommend a systematic approach that focuses on removing the excess snow only, leaving an acceptable, thinner layer on the roof to melt and disperse on its own. They also emphasize the importance of removing it uniformly from the entire surface of the roof, starting in the areas of accumulated snowdrifts, and then moving evenly across the roof from there. The MBMA also makes a point to note that piling snow from one place on the roof to another, even in small areas, is clearly counterproductive and can cause structural problems.

Keeping People Safe

Anyone going up onto a roof even in the best conditions needs to follow proper safety procedures, and this is certainly magnified when the roof is covered with snow and/or ice. Safe access from inside or outside the building needs to be assured, along with the use of a safety harness or similar precautions. Certain areas of the roof deserve obvious attention, such as the roof edges and near any snow-covered skylights or hatches. All of this is easier to accomplish when the snow is fresh and likely more easily handled. This makes timing of the removal important to worker safety as well, since it can mean the difference between smooth removal and extra exertion.

To find out more about the best practices and ways to protect your metal building, especially in winter, get some more insights by contacting your local Ceco representative.

The components of a metal building are known for their durability and longevity, but like any building material, improper handling can lead to problems. This is especially true in winter months when metal building components can be exposed to unusually harsh conditions.

Manufacturers routinely provide most or all of their metal building components with a protective shop coat covering all sides and surfaces of the metal. However, this shop coat is only intended as a temporary coating designed to protect the steel during shipping and building erection. As such, it typically performs when guarding against normal atmospheric conditions until a finish coat can be applied as the building is completed. However, these shop coats are never intended or warranted to protect against unusual or harsh conditions that may be encountered throughout winter months. For that, other measures are needed.

The Problem: Roadway Chemicals

Metal buildings are shipped by flatbed truck over highways and byways to the intended location. During winter, those roads are often treated with salt or chemical deicers to make them safe for travel. These chemicals don’t stay on the road, though, as anyone can attest who has driven on them and headed to a nearby car wash soon after. The concern is not just appearance, but the corrosive nature of the chemicals on the metal parts of a car or truck. The same is true for metal building components that are shipped on an open flatbed truck – deicing chemicals and salts can end up coating the metal, penetrating the shop coat, and causing corrosive damage.

The Solution: Protective Tarping

The easiest and least costly way to avoid corrosion and rust damage to metal building components during shipping is to request that they be protected with a tarp over the trucked shipment. Most manufacturers use third-party shippers who will readily provide effective tarping for a modest charge, making it a very inexpensive safeguard. For anyone choosing to pick up materials with their own trucks, it is important that the tarp is made of appropriate weatherproof material, that any D-rings or grommets are sound, and that the tarp is tightly and securely fastened without the possibility of holes developing during transit. Such holes could allow water, snow, or ice to penetrate and pool on the metal components, causing damage from freeze-thaw conditions or by carrying corrosive chemicals along with it.

Onsite Protection

Once metal building shipments arrive at the jobsite, the concern for protection continues, especially in winter. Ideally, the steel can remain on the bed of the truck and be directly offloaded into place as part of the erection process. However, if any of the metal parts are being offloaded and need to be stored on the ground, then they should rest on something to protect the metal from ground moisture or other conditions. A ground tarp could achieve that; so could a finished concrete slab. In addition, the metal should be covered over the top to help assure that any precipitation or moisture doesn’t have a chance to build up on the metal and compromise the primer or the metal. Of course, the storage location needs to be high enough that water flowing on the site doesn’t penetrate under the covering and pool around or on the metal.

All metal building manufacturers are well versed in the ways that do and don’t work to protect metal and the primers applied to them – they have probably seen it all. Therefore, to find out more about the best practices and ways to protect your next metal building project, especially in winter, get some more insights by contacting your local Ceco representative.

Hurricane season is coming, and it’s time to get your home ready. While we can’t make our houses completely hurricane-proof, there’s a lot we can do to protect them. With storms getting stronger, it’s more important than ever to prepare. Let’s walk through some simple steps to safeguard your home:

1. Give your roof some love. Your roof is your home’s helmet against storms. Get it checked out by a pro and fix any issues, especially leaks. Pay extra attention to those roof vents – make sure they’re hurricane-rated.
2. Shield your windows and doors. Windows and doors are like the eyes of your home – protect them! Install hurricane shutters or impact-resistant windows. Don’t forget about skylights and garage doors – they need extra care too.
3. Tidy up your yard. That patio furniture you love? It could become a dangerous projectile in hurricane winds. Move what you can inside and tie down what you can’t. While you’re at it, trim those trees near your house.
4. Prep your HVAC system. Your AC unit needs protection too. Strap it down, clear the area around it, and consider a backup generator. Before the storm hits, cool your house as much as possible – you’ll thank yourself later if the power goes out.
5. Stock up on supplies. Think of it as preparing for a camping trip at home. Have plenty of food, water, flashlights, and batteries. Keep important documents safe in a waterproof container.
6. Check your insurance. Make sure you’re covered for hurricane damage. Take photos or videos of your belongings – it’ll make life easier if you need to file a claim.
7. Have an escape plan. Know your evacuation route and have a plan to communicate with your family. Pack an emergency kit so you can leave quickly if needed.
8. Consider a metal roof. If you’re thinking about a new roof, metal might be your best bet. They’re tough, long-lasting, and great at resisting high winds. Many metal roofs survived the 2017 hurricanes in Puerto Rico when other roofs failed. They might cost more upfront, but they could save you money (and headaches) in the long run.

Remember, the key to weathering a hurricane is preparation. By taking these steps, you’re not just protecting your property – you’re ensuring your family’s safety and peace of mind. Don’t wait for the storm warnings to start preparing. Start today, and you’ll be prepared when hurricane season arrives.

Metal buildings are prized across industries for their strength and versatility. Enhancing their performance in warm weather is a straightforward process that adds to their overall value and comfort. With some smart strategies, you can keep your metal building comfortable and efficient year-round. From expansive warehouses to compact storage units, from busy offices to specialized manufacturing facilities, these cooling tips can be adapted to suit your specific needs. Here’s how to beat the heat, no matter your industry:

1. Insulate Smart

Proper insulation is key for all buildings, from warehouses to offices. It’s like giving your structure a protective shield against heat. Focus on the roof and walls. For temperature-sensitive areas like healthcare facilities or food storage, high-grade insulation is a must.

2. Reflect Heat with Light Colors

A simple paint job can make a big difference. Light-colored roofs reflect sunlight, keeping your building cooler. This works great for large structures like distribution centers or manufacturing plants. Even retail spaces and restaurants can benefit from a cooler exterior.

3. Window and Door Solutions

For buildings with lots of windows, like offices or educational facilities, consider heat-reflecting window films or shades. Awnings are great for retail fronts. These additions block heat before it enters, keeping your space comfortable.

4. Upgrade to Cool Roof Systems

Cool metal roofs are a game-changer for large buildings like aviation hangars or agricultural structures. They’re designed to reflect more sunlight and absorb less heat. While the upfront cost is higher, the long-term energy savings are substantial.

5. Ventilation is Vital

Good airflow is crucial in every industry. For large spaces like warehouses or manufacturing facilities, consider industrial fans or ventilation systems. In smaller buildings like offices or retail spaces, ceiling fans can make a big difference. Proper ventilation is especially important in healthcare settings to maintain air quality.

Industry-Specific Tips:

• Agricultural: Consider large overhangs to shade walls and create cooler work areas around your building.
• Automotive/Aviation: High-volume, low-speed fans can significantly cool large, open spaces like repair shops or hangars.
• Storage/Warehouse: Insulated doors and cool roof systems are particularly effective for maintaining consistent temperatures.
• Healthcare/Education: Prioritize consistent cooling with a combination of insulation and efficient HVAC systems.
• Retail/Restaurant: Focus on customer comfort with good insulation and efficient window treatments.
• Office/Community: Balance natural light with heat reduction using reflective windows and strategic shading.

Remember, a cooler building isn’t just about comfort—it’s about efficiency, energy savings, and protecting your assets. Whether you’re storing sensitive equipment, housing livestock, or providing a comfortable space for employees and customers, these cooling strategies can be adapted to suit your specific needs.

Ready to start cooling your metal building? Consider which of these solutions best fits your industry and budget. Even small changes can lead to significant improvements in comfort and energy efficiency.

The Ceco National Builder Meeting 2024 was truly a standout event, bringing together the brightest minds and most innovative companies in the building industry. Held at the beautiful Wild Dunes Resort in Isle of Palms, South Carolina, this premier gathering served as a platform for collaboration, knowledge-sharing, and forging meaningful connections.

Our recap video captures the essence of the meeting, featuring insightful interviews, engaging discussions, and the beautiful backdrop of the Wild Dunes Resort. Whether you attended in person or are catching up from afar, this video is a great way to experience the highlights and energy of the event.

Watch the Ceco 2024 Recap Video

The Ceco National Builder Meeting is more than just a regular event. It’s a celebration of the teamwork and innovation that move our industry forward. This year, we discussed new building strategies, looked at emerging trends, and strengthened the relationships within our community.

We want to say a big thank you to everyone who attended and helped make this meeting a success. Your energy, ideas, and dedication are what keep Ceco Building Systems at the top of our industry.

As we look back on the 2024 meeting, we’re excited for what’s to come. Let’s keep building together and striving for excellence with every project. The connections we made and knowledge we shared will help us build an even brighter future.

Relive the excitement by watching the recap video. Stay tuned for more updates and events from Ceco Building Systems. Together, we’re building a legacy that will inspire generations.

Stay Connected: Follow us on social media to remain up-to-date on all the latest developments, industry insights, and upcoming events. We look forward to continuing our journey towards excellence alongside you.

Metal roofing is used on a wide range of building types all over the U.S. and Canada. One of the benefits is that its smooth surface is essentially self-cleaning since rain water and wind will typically keep it clear of dust, dirt, or debris. Snow, on the other hand, will accumulate just as it would on any other roof. That’s fine until the snow starts to melt and the smooth metal surface allows the snow to slide down the slope of the roofing. If a large amount of accumulated snow releases quickly and suddenly, it can cause harm to people or vehicles below it. Additionally, the building foundation, fascia, or gutters can also be damaged by sliding snow and ice; the building foundation can suffer if an accumulation of snow and ice sits against it, or if splashing meltwater continues to contact the foundation.

The solution to this common issue is fairly straightforward, and has been in use for decades in the form of snow retention systems. This is typically achieved by placing metal snow and ice guards on the roofing parallel to the roof edge. While this is a fairly well-known and reliable solution available from metal roofing manufacturers, there are some details to be aware of for a successful installation:

Custom Design: Each roof and each location are different. The roofing profile, slope, and materials are all custom-designed and selected. So, it is logical that a snow guard system should be custom-designed to match it. Similarly, each location is different in terms of the amount of snow that is generally expected in a given winter season. For example, buildings located in areas that receive limited amounts of snow or buildings with lower sloped roofs may only need a limited system of snow guards (if any) in selected areas of concern. However, any location that receives multiple inches of snow in a single storm, and experiences prolonged cold temperatures that prevent snowmelt, will likely need more snow guard protection. This is especially true if the roof slope is steep and capable of shedding large areas of snow quickly. Metal roofing manufacturers are able to assess all of these factors and customize an engineered snow retention system for each individual metal roof. Factors taken into account include snow load, panel width, roof slope, roof length, and assembly length.

Retention Type: Manufacturers offer two types of zero-penetration snow guards: pipe-style and fence-style. The pipe-style can accommodate a wide range of roof profiles and snow conditions. The fence-style is strong enough for heavy-duty applications and is available with inserts to match the roof color. Both of these types of snow retention systems are intended to sit up perpendicularly from the smooth roofing surface to trap and hold back an accumulation of snow. There is also the option of adding separate ice clips that are spaced along the main retention system, and touch the metal roof to keep ice from sliding down below it. All of these products offer an aesthetically pleasing snow retention system to complement virtually any roof profile and design.

For non-standing seam roofs that use exposed fasteners, there are similar versions of brackets that use pre-installed butyl sealant, which is covered and protected by the bracket when it’s secured to the roof. In those cases, penetration is required, but is overcome by the butyl sealant that is protected from UV exposure, thus preventing drying and cracks. Pipe-style retention is held in place with a bracket specifically designed for this purpose, with circular holes in the vertical part of the bracket to support 1.0 inch pipes. Commonly, six points of attachment are provided in the base of the bracket for holding strength, with no messy sealants to apply and virtually no chance for leaks. Snow guard brackets with similar attachment details can be used on roofs of all types, including trapezoid-shaped roofs.

Overall, if a building with a metal roof is located in an area that receives a good bit of snow, then snow retention can be essential for maintaining roof integrity and safety. A customized system can be installed either on new roofs or retrofitted over existing roofs. To learn more specifically about connectors, brackets, and mounting snow retention on a metal roof, visit the website of the leading manufacturer of such systems known as S-5! To learn more about standing seam and other types of metal roofing, contact your local Ceco representative.

In a prior blog post we discussed the basics of different primary building frame systems that form the main structure of a metal building. Installing the primary frame is the obvious first step during erection, but there is also a necessary intermediary step before the finished wall or roof panels can be added. This step includes the installation of secondary framing, which is used to span between the primary members and attach the wall and roof panels. If traditional construction is being used instead of panels, secondary framing of some sort is required there as well.

Secondary framing is commonly made from cold-formed steel components that meet established standards for quality and grade. The typical shapes of the secondary framing members include purlins, girts, eave struts, wall base, and long-bay members described further as follows:

Girts & Purlins A girt is a horizontal structural member in a framed wall that provides lateral support to the wall panel to resist wind loads. Girts are also used to create a framed opening around windows and doors. Purlins perform the same lateral support for the roof panels and are usually run across the top of the primary steel. Both girts and purlins are roll-formed “Z” sections that are 8 inches, 10 inches, or 12 inches deep. Each flange of the “Z” has a stiffening lip formed at 50° to the flange, allowing  it to nest with members in adjacent bays forming a continuous beam across multiple bays.

Eave Struts are secondary members that are installed along the roof eaves to support the edge of the roofing panels. They are typically roll-formed “C” sections, 8 inches deep nominal (roll-formed) with 3 ¼ inch wide top and bottom flanges; or brake-formed “C” sections 10 inches or 12 inches deep nominal with a 3 ¼ inch wide top flange and a 4 ½ inch wide bottom flange.

Wall Base Angle/Trim provides support for wall panels and closes off the open ribs at their base. A standard base condition is to use this one-piece member without a panel notch in the concrete foundation. However, dimensions of this member allow it to be used in conjunction with a panel notch, if the customer so desires.

Long Bay^® System is a custom-engineered horizontal structural member available exclusively from Ceco. It acts as a truss-shaped, long-span purlin supporting roof systems with virtually square-shaped top and bottom chords. Using the Long Bay System allows for lengths up to 65 feet between primary structural members with depths from 12 inches to 44 inches.

All secondary members are available in a range of standard shapes, sizes, and profiles, and selecting from this assortment is usually the best way to go. The specialized Long Bay components are engineered to meet the needs of a particular project, but other custom profiles are also available.  If the secondary framing is going to be exposed and visible in the building, then any of the standard or custom paint colors available from the manufacturer can also be applied.

When it comes to installing the secondary members to the primary framing, using the proper fasteners is crucial.  These will likely be sized and engineered as part of the overall metal building system, and are usually supplied by the manufacturer. Further, the manufacturer’s installation drawings and/or manuals will include specific fastening details that will need to be followed for the proper installation and structural integrity of the system.

The information presented here is meant to simply be a review of the types and options in secondary building framing systems for metal buildings. To find out more about selecting the best framing system for a metal building that you are involved with, see the Ceco website or contact your local Ceco representative.