Pre-engineered metal buildings are suited for a variety of uses, ranging from industrial factories to retail storefronts. One use that's sometimes overlooked is as churches. If you're part of a church that's looking to build a new place of worship, here's why your congregation should consider making its next building a pre-engineered metal building.
1. LARGE INTERIOR SPACE
Unlike some other building types, pre-engineered metal buildings can be constructed without metal posts between the walls. Large spaces can be created without any obstructions. These spaces are perfect for sanctuaries, fellowship halls, and gymnasiums.
While it's possible to make large open spaces with traditional stick construction, doing so is more involved. Rafters must be used, and the wood needed for rafters isn't cheap. As the size of the open space increases the associated costs for rafters to support the roof can increase exponentially. With preengineered metal buildings, roof-support costs are minimal.
2. MINIMAL MAINTENANCE REQUIREMENTS
Once built, a pre-engineered metal building is much easier to take care of than almost every other type of building. Steel requires much less care than wood, and paint will last longer on metal than it will on wood. Compared to brick and stone buildings, pre-engineered metal buildings don't have mortar that has to be cared for.
For churches, maintenance issues are a major consideration when selecting a building material. By choosing a building that has minimal maintenance requirements, churches can reduce both how much they spend on maintenance each month and how frequently they have volunteers help spruce up the building.
3. DURABLE BUILDING MATERIALS
The metal used in pre-engineered buildings is among the most durable building materials available. Compared to wood, metal won't rot, warp sag, or suffer termite damage. It's also less likely to harbor other pests that may degrade insulation in the walls and ceilings.
Traditional buildings require upkeep and remodeling as they get older. In contrast, metal buildings require less upkeep and are more durable. Because metal buildings are more durable, they last longer. In fact, a pre-engineered metal building can last between 20 and 30 years - without painting or maintenance.
While all businesses and organizations want a building that will last multiple decades, organizations that rely on donor support have a particular reason to select a durable building. By getting a pre-engineered building that will last a long time, churches don't need to run capital building campaigns as often - which can irritate members.
4. REDUCED CONSTRUCTION TIME
Pre-engineered metal buildings are also one of the fastest types of buildings to construct. The time required to raise a pre-engineered building takes weeks less than constructing a traditional building.
The longer construction takes, the more time the congregation will have to worship somewhere else. Shortening construction time allows the congregation to get into its regular place of worship sooner, which makes it easier for guests to find the church's worship services and for those with limited mobility to attend services.
5. FLEXIBLE EXPANSION OPTIONS
Because they're pre-engineered, metal buildings can be made so that they're easy to expand in the future. Rather than taking out a multilayer wall of studs, Sheetrock, and other materials, a hole can be cut into a metal wall. Once it is, an addition can be put on.
Having the flexibility to expand in the future gives a church options if the church grows. Rather than investing in extra space now, a church can construct a pre-engineered building that meets its current needs and allows for expansion if more people join the congregation later on.
