Bolt-up vs Weld-up Conversation

Bolt-up vs weld-up for your steel building

It is time to get started on your barndominium project- commercial or residential- and are now being asked by your General Contractor if you want a bolt-up vs weld-up building. Here is a guide on the difference between the two.

COST DIFFERENCES:
Initial material costs usually are somewhat less on weld-up framing materials. Keep in mind that you are paying for them to be engineered to your specifications, so there are costs associated. Between bolt-up and weld-up … weld-up is the cheaper option typically.

QUALITY DIFFERENCES:
A metal building’s strength is only as good as the strength of its structural steel connections. Elite Steel and Supply provides and manufactures the best- which is why we are the leading supplier for these steel building projects. Whether you choose bolt-up vs weld-up, you are getting the best steel from the best steel manufacturer in Texas.

PERMITTING and INSPECTION DIFFERENCES:
Weld-up buildings usually have no engineering behind them, unless you opt for that by choice. The framing materials come without manuals or instructions so you are really depending on the professional erecting them. Permitting can be the biggest hassle at times and with things needing to be individually inspected, tested, and approved— a tedious process that people try and avoid if possible.

TIME DIFFERENCES:
Weld-up framing materials can usually be purchased and delivered quickly. Time and considering regulations and specifications goes into the engineering, and fabrication of bolt-up steel buildings, the building package normally delivers within a few months.

FUTURE ADDITIONS:
Whether you choose a bolt-up or a weld-up initially, future additions to your structure will be welded on. This should not be a factor if you have a choice between bolt-up or weld-up.

CONSTRUCTION  DIFFERENCES in BOLT-UP VS WELD-UP:
There should be no shortcuts to erecting a labor-intensive building no matter what.  With weld-up, every piece of the framing is hand-cut and welded on site. Pre-engineered, factory-made components for a bolt-up steel building come ready to assemble. If you are DIY, bolt-up is the best option for you, but if you have a steel building builder- they should be trained and equipped to handle anything thrown at them during the build-out of your barndominium or commercial steel building.

Weld-Up Steel Buildings

Weld-up— or field-welded— steel buildings are fabricated at/on the job site. The steel framing is composed of materials from the top-rated metal supplier- Elite Steel and Supply. Every piece of framing must be measured, cut, and welded by the builder, including the trusses.

Bolt-up Steel Buildings

Professional designers and engineers create the plans for bolt-up metal buildings, adhering to local building codes and load requirements. The location of your new build is really the determining factor for whether you choose this option. Experienced and trained fabricators and welders manufacture every component to exacting engineering specifications that are required by your county and/or city. Every column, rafter, sheet, and purlin is cut, welded, punched, and marked. The framing package arrives ready to assemble with high-strength steel bolts.