Anchor Bolts: These are used to secure a metal building to its leveled foundation.

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Anchor: A structural support used to secure a building to its foundation or slab.

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Butt Plate: A plate located at the end of a structural member, such as a column or beam, that allows it to be connected to another member.

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Clear Span: A type of design that allows for an open area without any interior columns. Useful in warehouses or areas where open space is required.

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Clip: A device used to secure two components together.

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Cold-Formed Steel (CFS): Steel that has been shaped at room temperature, as opposed to being heated and shaped. CFS is commonly used in lightweight structures.

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Dead Load: The weight of the building or structure itself, including all the structural elements like walls, roofs, and permanent fixtures.

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Deflection: The degree to which a structural element can be displaced under the action of a load.

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Downspout: A pipe for draining water from roof gutters. Also known as a leader.

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Drip Edge: A metal flashing that is installed at the edges of the roof to help control the direction of dripping water and protect the underlying material.

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Eave: The part of the roof that overhangs the wall. It helps to prevent water from running down the side of the building.

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Fascia: A band or board that runs horizontally and is placed vertically under a roof edge.

 

Flange Brace: A structural element that provides extra support to the flange of the beam or column.

 

Framework: The skeletal structure of a building, made from steel in the case of metal structures.

 

Gable: The triangular portion of the wall between the edges of a sloping roof.

 

Gauge: A term that denotes the thickness of a sheet of metal. In the metal building industry, 14-gauge and 12-gauge are common for framing, while 26- or 29-gauge is used for roofing and siding.

 

Girt: These are horizontal structural supports that provide lateral support to the wall panel, much like purlins in the roof.

 

Hat Channel: A lightweight, C-shaped or hat-shaped metal piece used for reinforcing or securing building materials.

 

Jamb: The vertical portion of the frame onto which a door or window is secured.

 

Kick-Out (Elbow): An angled piece that diverts water away from a wall surface, typically found at the end of a gutter.

 

Lean-To: A type of simple structure with a sloping roof and open sides, usually added to the side of a main building.

 

Live Load: The weight of temporary or movable objects, such as people, furniture, or snow on the roof.

 

Bearing Wall: A wall that supports the weight of the structure above it. In a metal building, these are typically the outer walls.

 

Louvers: A feature that provides for the passage of air but keeps out rain, direct sunlight, and noise.

 

Metal Building: A building made primarily from metal components, known for their durability, versatility, and low maintenance requirements.

 

Metal Structures: The umbrella term for all buildings made with metal, from carports to barns to custom-built commercial structures.

 

Panels: Individual pieces of material (such as sheet metal) used to cover the exterior of buildings.

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Purlin: Horizontal beams that are used for structural support in a roof. In metal buildings, they are usually made of steel.

 

R-Value: A measure of insulation's resistance to heat flow. The higher the R-value, the greater the insulating effectiveness.

 

Reinforcing Bar (Rebar): Steel bars or mesh used to strengthen concrete structures.

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Ridge Cap: The material used to cover the ridge seam where two sloping roof panels meet. It helps prevent leaks and adds an aesthetic finish.

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Sheet Metal: Thin, flat pieces of metal formed from larger coils. Used in construction for cladding, roofing, and other components.

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Steel Structures: Metal buildings made specifically from steel, renowned for their strength and longevity.

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Trim: This refers to the finishing pieces that are installed to cover transitions in materials or joints and edges on a building. Examples include J-trim, corner trim, and ridge cap.

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Vertical Roof: A roof style where the panels run from the ridge (the peak) down to the eaves, allowing for better rain and snow run-off.

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Wind Load: The force exerted by the wind on the structure, either positive (pressurizing) or negative (suction).