6 Advantages of Pre-Engineered Metal Buildings

A PEB, or pre-engineered building, is a term that describes a pre-fabricated building system that can easily be transported and then assembled on site. The Metal Building Manufacturers Association (MBMA) estimates that up to 60 percent of non-residential low-rise (few stories) structures built in the U.S.A. use PEBs.

Pre-engineered metal buildings have many advantages to offer. In this post, learn about 6 of the key advantages of using PEBs over traditional building construction options.

Advantage 1: Cost savings can be as great as 30 percent per square foot.
According to civil engineering experts, opting to use a pre-engineered building system can shave as much as 30 percent off the total per square foot cost of constructing a new building.

The cost savings comes from the automation of PEB construction itself. By using pre-determined levels of raw materials in preset dimensions, economies of scale can be realized and passed along to construction industry consumers. As well, since these pre-fab structures can be assembled and completed in just a few weeks, there are significant labor cost savings to be realized as well.

Advantage 2: It takes much less maintenance to keep PEBs looking and functioning at their best.
Pre-engineered building systems are not only easy and cheap to assemble, but they are equally so to maintain. The pre-fab parts are designed to be long-lasting, durable and resistant to the elements. The steel and paint used are above minimum standard and high quality.

These building are also naturally energy efficient and well insulated, which adds up to less maintenance on HVAC systems as well. Many PEBs are still functioning well 30 years after construction and they continue to keep their good looks as well.

Advantage 3: Pre-engineered building structures are versatile for different uses.
The same basic PEB can be used for a workshop, a gas station, a restaurant, an office, a showroom, a horse barn or even a light aircraft hangar. As well PEBs are easy to customize. It is possible to put in a number of interior levels and different roof slopes as well as a number of entry and exit points.

Because PEBs can be ordered in many different shapes and sizes, from industrial rectangular buildings to Quonset huts, each of which are modular and can also accommodate add-ons if the need for space increases later on.

Advantage 4: Pre-engineered buildings are safer.
Because the steel used in PEBs is naturally resistant to rust, corrosion, fire, ice, rain and pretty much anything Mother Nature can throw at it, pre-engineered buildings are now recognized to be safer for many applications.

For example, if the PEB is going to be used to store potentially flammable supplies or materials, the risk of fire will be lower by housing them in a fire-proof structure.

Advantage 5: PEBs can be customized to match different styles.
With the attachment of parapets, fascias, eaves, windows, trims, doors and other exterior features, a standard PEB can be customized to look like it was a one-of-a-kind creation. Other features can be incorporated as well, including glazing, painting, block and curtain wall, et al.

Advantage 6: PEBs are eco-friendly and energy efficient.
Last but not least, one of the major advantages of pre-engineered buildings in today’s sustainable focused culture is that they are both eco-friendly and energy efficient. “The roofing is naturally watertight and interior insulation ensures PEBs are easy to cool and heat as needed,” said Varco Pruden Buildings.

There are also optional add-ons, such as special coatings for roofing panels, that can further reduce energy use, especially in warmer areas.

These are just six of the most prominent benefits of using pre-engineered metal building systems over designing each new building from scratch. From less construction time to decreased materials and labors costs, improved energy efficiency and sustainability to easy customization through modular design, it is no wonder PEBs are gaining in popularity not just in North America but worldwide.