Framing Basics

When reviewing a quote or discussing your building design with a building consultant, you’ll often hear terms like “clear span”, “flush girts”, and “cable bracing”. Our goal with this page is to provide visual depictions and a brief description to help customer’s visualize their building and determine which features are right for their project.

Roof Shape

Roof shape has the biggest impact on the look of your structure. Simple gables and single slope roofs are the most common and affordable options. Roof hips, valleys, and combinations of multiple structures are also possible for custom-tailored solutions.

  • pre-engineered metal building gable frame

    Gable

    The most common type of metal building. Typically, lower pitches (1:12 & 2:12) are more economical while higher pitches (5:12 & 6:12) provide more architectural detail and taller ceilings.

  • pre-engineered metal building single slope frame

    Single Slope

    Single slope buildings are often used in commercial storefronts and buildings going for a more modern look.

  • pre-engineered metal building custom frame

    Custom

    Clear span monitor barns and gambrel buildings are the two most common type of custom shapes, but the possibilities are nearly endless.

Primary Framing

Primary framing members are the main, load-bearing structural members that define a building’s shape, support its weight, and resist external forces.

  • Clear span pre-engineered metal building frame

    Clear Span

    Have the highest amount of usable interior space.

  • Pre-engineered metal building frame with interior columns

    Multi-Span

    The most economical cost per square foot for buildings over 80′ wide. Ideal design when interior columns will not impact building usage.

Secondary Framing

Secondary framing members provide panel mounting support and transfer environmental loads (wind, snow, seismic) to the primary frames.

  • Zee shaped red iron roof purlin

    Roof Purlin

    Horizontal roof framing

  • Red iron roof eave strut

    Eave Strut

    First girt and last purlin on building sidewall

  • Red iron zee wall girt

    Wall Girt

    Horizontal wall framing

Girt Layout

  • Bypass wall girt configuration

    Bypass Girt

    Girts are attached to the outside of the wall columns. This is the most common layout because it provides additional strength to the girt.

  • Flush wall girt configuration

    Flush Girt

    Girts attach between the columns. Flush girts are often used in smaller buildings (<30 ft wide) where space is at a premium and buildings that require an interior build out like offices and barndominiums.

Base

  • Red iron metal building base angle

    Angle

    Angle is the most common way to connect the bottom of the sheeting to the building frame.

  • Red iron metal building base channel cee

    Channel

    Channel is used when interior panels will be installed on a building

Wind Bracing

I-beam shapes have a “strong” and “weak” orientation. We need a way to ensure that a building can resist loads in the “weak” direction. That’s where wind bracing comes in. It helps a building resist lateral forces such like wind loads and seismic (earthquake) forces. Wind bracing also helps transfer forces from the structure to the foundation and distribute loads evenly across the frame.

Without bracing, a steel frame can sway or buckle, leading to structural failure under lateral forces.

  • Pre-engineered metal building system x bracing

    X Bracing

    The most economical method of bracing. Cables, rods or angles may be used depending upon design requirements.

  • Pre-engineered metal building system portal frame wind bent

    Portal Frame

    Bracing alternative when “X” bracing is not permitted. Often used when windows/doors are present in every sidewall bay.

  • Pre-engineered metal building system wind column

    Wind Columns

    Designed to withstand wind loads when “X” bracing cannot be used. They are significantly less common because they apply additional loading on the foundation.

Common Wall Framing Options

Metal buildings typically have metal girt framing for warehouses, industrial spaces, etc. Buildings used for homes, offices, and institutional buildings often utilize CMU, steel studs, or tilt walls for additional energy performance, aesthetic appeal, and security. An in-depth look at metal building wall systems can be found here: Metal Building Wall Systems.

  • Pre-engineered metal building system interior wall studs

    Exterior Girt, Interior Studs

    Sheeting attaches directly to wall girts. Studs mount inside of wall girts. Common method for budget interior build out.

  • Pre-engineered metal building system brick stone wainscot

    Stud or CMU Wainscoting

    Studs can help secure the brick/stone wainscoting to a building. CMU is common for to help prevent damage in commercial/industrial settings.

  • Pre-engineered metal building system exterior wall stud

    Exterior Stud Walls

    Studs attach to metal building via spandrel beam/girt. Exterior sheathing is attached to the studs for better air/water tightness. Siding is applied over sheathing.

  • Pre-engineered metal building system concrete tilt wall

    Full Height Tilt Wall or CMU

    Sidewall is open. Concrete tilt wall or CMU mounts to metal building spandrel beam/girt for ultimate security and fire resistance.