How to Select the Right Roof Pitch
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1:12 to 3:12
- Low pitch: Recommended for commercial buildings,
warehouses, or structures in dry climates.
- Advantages: Lower material costs and easier
installation.
- Disadvantages: Limited drainage capacity and
higher risk of snow accumulation in cold climates.
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4:12 to 6:12
- Standard or medium pitch: Suitable for most
buildings.
- Advantages: Better drainage, aesthetic appearance,
and ideal for areas with moderate rain or light snow.
- Disadvantages: Slightly higher material costs.
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Above 6:12 or custom
- High pitch: Recommended for climates with frequent
snowfall or buildings with unique architectural designs.
- Advantages: Excellent drainage and snow load
capacity.
- Disadvantages: More difficult to install and
may increase costs.
How to Select the Right Height
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Consider the primary use of the building
The height of your structure will depend on what you plan to store or do inside:
- Residential garages or small workshops: A height of 10 ft to 12 ft is sufficient for cars, light trucks, or small equipment.
- Commercial warehouses or workshops: For larger vehicles or machinery, consider heights of 14 ft to 16 ft.
- Industrial or agricultural buildings: Structures for bulk storage, agricultural equipment, or industrial vehicles typically require heights of 18 ft to 20 ft or more.
- Plan for future expansions
If you plan to add larger equipment or change the use of the space in the future, choose a height that allows flexibility. A slightly taller height can help avoid additional costs later on. - Check local regulations
Some areas have height restrictions based on local building or zoning ordinances. Check with local authorities to ensure your design complies with these standards. - Additional elements to consider
- Roll-up doors: If you need large doors, ensure the building height is at least 2-3 ft taller than the doors.
- Ventilation or HVAC systems: Buildings with suspended ventilation systems or higher ceilings for better air circulation may require greater heights.
- Cranes or industrial equipment: If you plan to use overhead cranes or heavy equipment, consult with your engineer to determine the necessary height.
How to Select the Right Width
The width of a Red Iron Building largely depends on its intended use,
the client’s needs, and site limitations. Here are some key
recommendations to help you make the best decision:
Factors to Consider for the Width
- Primary use of the building
Define how the
space will be used, as this determines the required width:
- Small garages or workshops: Widths of 20 ft to 30 ft are typically sufficient for parking cars, small trucks, or
tools.
- Commercial warehouses or workshops: For larger
equipment or multiple workstations, widths of 40 ft to 60 ft are ideal.
- Agricultural or industrial buildings: For bulk
storage, agricultural machinery, or heavy vehicles, consider
widths of 60 ft to 100 ft or more.
- Efficient use of interior space
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If you plan to subdivide the space into different functional
areas (offices, workshops, storage), you may need a wider
structure.
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Keep in mind that the wider the building, the fewer internal
columns will be required with the proper Red Iron Building
design.
- Site limitations
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Evaluate the dimensions of the available land to ensure the
selected width fits comfortably, leaving room for access,
maneuvering areas, and potential expansions.
- Associated costs
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Wider buildings may be more expensive due to the additional
materials and reinforcements required to support the roof
without internal columns. However, this improves space
usability.
How to Select the Right Length
The length of a Red Iron Building is a key dimension that directly
impacts functionality, design, and cost. While it’s often the most
flexible aspect in terms of customization, choosing the right length
ensures the space meets the client’s needs and fits the available site
conditions.
Factors to Consider for the Length
- Primary use of the building
The purpose of the building will determine the necessary length:
- Small garages or workshops: If the space is
only needed for 1-2 vehicles or tools, a length of 20 ft to 40 ft will suffice.
- Workshops or commercial warehouses: To accommodate
multiple workstations, machinery, or storage areas, consider
lengths of 50 ft to 100 ft.
- Industrial or agricultural buildings: For bulk
storage or continuous workflow activities, choose lengths of
100 ft to 200 ft or more.
- Workflow and access
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If a design is needed where vehicles or equipment enter from
one end and exit from the other, the length must be
sufficient to facilitate movement, for example, 150 ft or more.
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Ensure the length allows for strategic placement of doors
and loading/unloading areas.
- Available land
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Evaluate the available site space. If the width is limited,
you can compensate by increasing the length to maximize the
building’s total area.
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Be sure to leave room for access and maneuverability around
the building.
- Cost and efficiency
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Increasing the length of a building is often more
cost-effective than increasing the width, as it does not
require additional reinforcements for the roof structure.
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If you have a limited budget, prioritizing a longer building
can be an effective solution for gaining more space.
Need Help Choosing the Right Dimensions?
If you’re unsure which length, width, height, or roof pitch to select, our team is here to help analyze your specific needs. Share your project details with us, and we’ll guide you in choosing the ideal dimensions to ensure your building is functional, cost-effective, and perfectly suited to your requirements.
