The C-channel metal building system is one of the most popular metal building systems. Steel manufacturing companies often select it for various significant applications, including agricultural buildings and industrial facilities.
However, the primary benefit of a metal C channel is that it makes it easy to assemble and erect a prefabricated metal building by yourself, with little to no help.
Metal buildings are famous for their superior durability, flexibility, and resistance to weather damage and pests. They have uses in various areas, including homes, warehouses, aircraft hangars, and small business complexes. But what are the components of a c channel building system? Read on to find out.
Components of C-channel metal buildings
A C-channel metal building consists of six components: wall panels, roof panels, floor joists, headers and facings. These components work together to create a C-channel metal building.
Horizontal wall girts
Horizontal girts are horizontal steel members that span between the columns. They’re connected to the floor and ceiling plates and to vertical wall studs. Horizontal girts support the roof purlins, which provide a rigid system of support for all materials used in constructing your building’s roof system.
Sides, ends and overhead doors
The sides, ends, and overhead doors are essential features of a C-channel metal building because they allow you to enclose your building fully. Sides are the panels that make up the outer walls of your structure, while ends are those same panels on their inner side.
They’re joined together by connectors that help maintain strength and prevent bending or buckling during windy conditions. The two end walls are called headwalls, while the wall that separates them is called an end wall.
Each end wall has its door (hinged or rolling) mounted above it, giving you access to whatever space lies beyond it. If you’d like more room inside your metal building, you could opt for pre-hung units instead! They’re available in both single-door models as well as double-door versions.
Columns and eave struts
C-channel columns are typically 3×3, which means they have three sides and a height of 3 feet. Eave struts support the ends of the roof, and they’re typically about 2×2.
Roof purlins and girts
Purlins are horizontal structures that support the rafters, while girts support the purlins. Although companies usually use steel to make purlins and girts, they also use other materials like aluminium or composite materials such as polypropylene (PP).
Ridge cap, end sheeting and eaves flashing
C-channel metal buildings have a ridge cap running along the top of the roof and connected to the ends. End sheets run along the ends of each side, with eaves flashing sitting between them.
Hemmed base angle or base trim
A hemmed base angle connects two or more base plates at a 90-degree angle, combined with other components such as panels, walls and girts. The base trim is a decorative feature that adds aesthetic value to your building by providing an attractive border between the flooring (foundation) and the bottom of the wall panel.
Vertical sheeting
Vertical sheeting is the final layer to be installed after the roof decking. Vertical sheets are often made from steel, but aluminium is a common material for vertical sheets.
The primary purpose of vertical sheeting is to provide a finish to the exterior walls of the building. Vertical sheets are attached directly above and below horizontal purlins that run lengthwise down each side of a metal building. They are usually painted white, so they blend into their surroundings easily, although you can use other colours.
Rigid frame rafter frames
Rigid frame rafter frames are the primary support for the roof and provide an attachment point for the roof membrane. The rafters are typically spaced 2″ apart in the centre along their entire length, with a maximum spacing of 30 ft. depending on building height and span requirements.
Rigid frame rafters are made from steel. Usually, OSB acts as a moisture barrier, followed by 1/2″ plywood or OSB sheathing fastened to both sides of each rigid frame rafter.
These are the primary components of a metal c-channel that enable you to erect a structure alone or with little help. Buildings made from this construction system are robust, efficient, durable, and useful for various applications.
