PEMB VS Conventional Construction
QUESTION:
How Do Pre-Engineered Metal Buildings Compare with Traditional Construction Methods?
ANSWER:
Very well indeed.
That’s why pre-engineered metal buildings (PEMBs) are increasingly the choice for all kinds of construction projects today.
CONSIDER:
Clearly, PEMBs are a permanent and growing part of America’s commercial and industrial construction output. And yet, misconceptions linger in the public mind regarding their usefulness and appeal. We’ll tackle those issues head-on—and reveal some surprising facts about the surging PEMB trend.
Here are four key areas to consider in comparing PEMBs with their traditional counterparts:
Cost
PEMB construction is dramatically less costly than the traditional approach.
Most of the fabrication process for PEMBs takes place in controlled factory settings. That leads to cost savings in several areas:
- Less Wasted Material
- Materials Can Be Bought in Bulk, Lowering Costs
- Lower Material Transportation Costs
- Lower Labor Costs
- Less Downtime Due to Weather and Other Factors
PEMB designs are usually relatively simple, which also lowers costs. Project owners can choose from pre-set design options rather than starting a new design from scratch—another cost savings.
Construction Speed
The controlled manufacturing process for PEMBs dramatically lowers construction time.
In traditional onsite construction, the building process takes place in phases, with each phase requiring a different subcontractor. While one subcontractor is working, the others must wait. Materials for each phase must be procured and transported to the site, which can involve further delays. When the weather is bad, construction may come to a halt.
By contrast, PEMB construction speeds up the process in several ways:
- Most of the essential structural elements—frame, wall cladding, roof, electrical, and plumbing—are fabricated beforehand and then taken to the building site to be assembled. Typically, the only element that needs to be produced onsite is the foundation.
- The process takes place mainly indoors, so it can proceed in all weather conditions.
- The various production phases can proceed simultaneously.
- The necessary materials can be bought beforehand and stored at the factory, eliminating supply chain uncertainty.
- The components are transported to the site from one location, rather than from several suppliers according to various schedules.
- Once the components are at the building site, they can be assembled with remarkable speed.
Sustainability
The systematized process for PEMB construction is inherently more efficient than the traditional approach. This helps PEMBs excel in the area of sustainability.
PEMB construction typically involves:
- Less Wasted Materials
- Less Wasted Energy
- Use of Recycled Steel and Other Materials
Today’s PEMBs can also make the most of current technology by using:
- Renewable Energy Sources
- High-Performing Insulation
- Natural Lighting
- Natural Ventilation
Esthetic Appeal
Today’s PEMBs are more attractive than ever before.
Some people still think of PEMBs as giant boxes or barns. But modern PEMB designs offer a wide range of options, including a variety of colors and textures, choices of wall cladding, complex layouts, and even multiple stories.
This design versatility has made PEMBs attractive for a wide variety of uses, including churches, sports facilities, retail stores, and even homes.
Common Myths about PEMBs
Myth:
PEMBs are only fast to construct because they are low-quality or temporary structures.
Fact:
Steel is one of the strongest, most durable materials available today. That makes PEMBs equal or even superior to other structures in strength, quality, and durability. And the factory production process allows for a level of precision not possible in onsite construction.
Myth:
PEMB construction is prone to delays due to logistical challenges.
Fact:
The factory process eliminates the other logistical challenges associated with onsite construction, such as:
- Weather Delays
- Difficulties Related to Working on Unstable Terrain
- Delays in Transportation of Materials
- The Need for Multiple Subcontractors and Subsequent Timeline Delays
Myth:
PEMBs are less safe than traditional buildings due to their lightweight steel frames.
Fact:
Steel has one of the best strength-to-weight ratios of any material available today. While PEMBs typically use a simple, clear-span frame design, they are engineered to sustain the specific loads they will encounter based on their location and their desired use. That makes PEMBs as safe or safer than other types of structures.
Myth:
PEMBs are aesthetically limited and don’t support sustainable design.
Fact:
As we’ve shown, PEMBs today use state-of-the-art sustainability technology and can be as aesthetically pleasing as any other structure.
Fleming Steel Erectors are experts in large-scale division 13 special construction projects.
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