Choosing an outbuilding for a mountain property is different than installing a kit on a flat suburban lot. Between the red clay soil, heavy winter moisture, and steep slopes common around Buncombe County, property owners usually have several questions before purchasing a Metal Building. Alpha Metal Buildings answers the most common questions received every single week about Metal Construction Company services in Asheville, NC.
Do I actually need a permit for a metal shed in Buncombe County?
Most of the time, a permit is required for Metal Buildings in Buncombe County. If your structure goes over 12 feet in any direction or crosses certain square footage limits, the local building department requires engineered plans. Even if you are located outside city limits, building codes apply to Metal Construction Company projects. Alpha Metal Buildings always recommends checking with the permitting office first so you do not run into delays later. Alpha Metal Buildings provides certified engineering drawings that make getting those local approvals much simpler.
How does mountain weather affect a metal frame?
Asheville experiences plenty of wind whipping through the ridges, in addition to heavy wet snows during some winters. That is why a vertical roof style is recommended rather than horizontal panels. Snow and debris slide off a vertical roof instead of piling up and straining the frame of Metal Buildings. Standard kits can fold under pressure, so Alpha Metal Buildings ensures every steel frame is anchored properly and rated for local wind and snow loads in Asheville, NC.
Can I put a metal shed straight onto gravel, or do I need concrete?
You can anchor Metal Buildings to packed gravel, asphalt, or directly to the ground using heavy-duty earth anchors. That said, if you are storing heavy gear, a riding mower, or plan to spend time out there, a poured concrete slab is the best choice. Concrete keeps moisture from seeping up from the Asheville clay and gives you a level surface that makes anchoring the steel frame very secure.
Will a metal shed turn into an oven in the summer?
Uninsulated metal gets hot when the July sun beats down on it. If you are only storing lawnmowers and firewood, basic ventilation with gable vents or a ridge vent is usually enough. If you are planning to use your Metal Building as a workshop or hobby space, you should add bubble foil insulation or spray foam. Proper insulation makes a large difference in keeping the interior comfortable throughout the summer in Asheville, NC.
- Use gable or ridge vents to cut down on trapped humidity in Metal Buildings
- Consider insulation if you are storing tools that rust easily
- Keep vegetation cleared away from the base to maintain airflow around the structure
How long does installation take once it's ordered?
Fabrication and delivery usually take a few weeks depending on current steel supply chains and your specific customizations for Metal Buildings. Once the installation crew shows up on site with your kit, most standard Metal Buildings go up in just a single day. The biggest delay is almost always getting your site graded and your concrete poured and cured before Alpha Metal Buildings arrives in Asheville, NC.
Can I run electricity and water to it?
You can run utilities to Metal Buildings, but you must plan for it ahead of time. Running conduit underneath your concrete slab before it cures is much easier than trying to trench through rocky mountain soil after the building is already standing. Talk to a licensed electrician about local code requirements for sub-panels and trench depth if you are planning to light up your new workspace in Asheville, NC.