To Build in Steel, Wood or both?

There are more and more folks thinking of building their own homes, shops, garages, etc., either as a do it yourselfer or as their own "General Contractor"... This is to not only be able to design it all exactly the way they would want but to also substantially save on costs. This is a good thing!
Once that is decided the next question that often comes up is what materials to use for the superstructure... Wood, Steel or otherwise?

I can share from experience in being involved in the building industry for over 30 years that a steel framed building for your home, business or shop will give you many advantages!

1. IT IS MORE DURABLE

A steel framed home will be much more durable and sturdier from day one and, more importantly, for the long haul. As you might expect - STEEL is definitely a stronger material than wood! It will last longer and withstand much more.
2. IT CAN OFFER LARGE CLEAR SPAN OPTIONS

With Steel frames, you will be able to create nice, clean, clear span, unobstructed rooms. Steel can span larger dimensions easier, while not requiring posts or beams to support the roof trusses.

3. STEEL IS MOSTLY MADE OF RECYCLED MATERIALS

Wood is a great organic material - but it is also being depleted faster than it's being renewed! While a renewable resource - it does take time. Most steel these days comes from recycling. This is a good thing for the environment.
4. WOOD HAS IT'S ADVANTAGES TOO

Of course going with all steel does sound pretty "COLD"... As stated above, wood is a very organic material and does offer a certain "energy" to a living or working space. So using a HYBRID Wood and Steel system - will give you the best of both worlds. You will be able use steel where steel is needed in and for the superstructure - and then can frame all the rest - including any openings for windows, doors etc, with wood where it serves best! There are a few Hybrid Building Companies around like Perka Buildings. www.perka.com

5. AREN'T STEEL HOMES/BUILDINGS HARDER TO KEEP WARM IN WINTER AND COOL IN SUMMER?

Steel Frames are not necessarily harder to heat or cool if you create the right THERMAL BREAKS. By using a product like one with an expanded polystyrene (EPS) core (i.e. www.p2000insulation.com), you will be able to effectively and easily insulate the home against ALL THREE forms of heat transfers.

a) The EPS - especially on wood purlins and girts - will virtually stop conduction since it pretty much blocks the transfer of heat to the cold (like a coffee cup - but 5 or 8 times thicker?).
b) The coverings that are offered like reflective Mylar will handle the heat loss from radiation due it's ability to reflect back most of the radiant heat.
c) And finally, by sealing all the board joints with their overlap, foam2foam and or tape systems, you will prevent any heat transference from convection (air flow)...

And that's it - ONE application on a wood steel hybrid building and you have a virtually perfectly super-insulated system!!

6. QUICK, EASY AND LESS EXPENSIVE TO ERECT.

If you get the right steel building frame design system (i.e. with pre-welded and pre-punched clips, pre-fitted to assure accuracy, minimal connections for simplicity, and well thought out and designed to eliminate as much shimming, splicing and retrofitting) - it will actually be allot quicker to erect, finish and insulate your home or building - and this will save you allot of time, money and "headaches"!!

So, do your homework. Check out the various steel building frame and insulation options that are available. Know who you are buying from.

You can easily have a well built, well insulated building or home that will not only be very affordable, but be low maintenance, energy efficient, strong, secure, comfortable and last for generations.

Cheers!

Martial T

Do you have Integrity, Intellect (awareness) and Passion?

Are you looking to join or co-create/collaborate with a Team that is dedicated to quality, value and service with Integrity, Intelligence and Passion?


Integrity from 30 years of service knowing that to get to 31 we must continue to provide quality, value and unsurpassed service.
Intelligence - not so much from years of academic study - even though we do have some of that - it's more from being experienced and aware of what it takes to succeed in this economy, to what "works" in terms of being in this "game of life" for the long haul and to staying committed to excellence and never compromising what we stand for.
And PASSION - passion for the products we offer, for the way we offer it and for serving our fellow man with whatever gifts we have. We love what we do and do what we love. DO YOU?
If you can resonate with this then we should talk!

--> And maybe we can help each other prosper.
We have great products that will serve our friends, family and neighbors today, tomorrow and for generations to come!
We're committed to all the aspects of this business that we know best - fabrication, service and building relationships!
We just need some help! We are looking for more Teammates to build and grow with. It does not have to be ALL OR NONE either -- you can already be running a successful business and just want to add more product offerings that you know you can count on for being quality, dependable and backed by folks who think, believe and act just like you! And, all the while having some fun, meeting some great people and prospering in the process...
Give us a call. 800-467-3752... or email to perka@perka.com.
Ask for Dave or Michele!
Together we can help each other be more, do more, have more and give more!!
It would be a pleasure to work, grow and prosper with you!

Cheers.


TEAM PERKA

PS - You can visit here http://www.perka.com/partner.html.



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PERKA adds new ECONO truss desig to save you money!

More and more folks are finding themselves on tightened budgets these days. Concerns about economic slow downs, cut backs, and job insecurity has got people really counting their pennies and not spending them faster than they absolutely need to. And that is perfectly understandable!

 

Most people are also aware of the fact that you can only GET WHAT YOU PAY FOR!!!

 

PERKA'S HIGH STANDARD OF QUALITY

 

As many of you may already know PERKA is synonymous with quality, integrity, reliability, accuracy, service, dedication to client satisfaction and much more. These are inherent values you will ALWAYS get from PERKA products.

 

Now many people will say we are kind of like the "Cadillac" of the building world. We have many standard options that are ALREADY included. We hold to very high standards of design, workmanship, inspections and accountability from start to finish. Of course all these virtues do add more time and attention to the product process and thus give it even more value.

 

THE LAW OF BUSINESS BALANCE

 

According to John Ruskin the law of business balance simple states you just can not get something for nothing - so all of Perka's value added elements end up built into the cost of producing the product and providing service.

 

In today's world, more than ever, this is not always an easy aspect to accept! Many people hope they can get all this extra attention and commitment and essentially get it for the lowest price going out there! Believe me, we've tried to trim in various places to help bring the numbers down to help more folks get into a PERKA BUILDING. And let's face it - most people love the "luxury car" feel and amenities - but can't always justify or accept the extra initial cost on their budgets. (Even though in many cases there is a substantial saving on maintenance, depreciation and wear and tear items.)

 

Well all this to say PERKA is not about to compromise any of their value added elements. So there really is no room for cost cutting there. We have decided however, that we can modify a few things to make the Perka Econo Building more comparable to many lower priced alternatives and yet still offer all the major benefits of the PERKA STANDARD for quality and service.

 

7 FEATURES TO HELP SAVE ON YOUR BUILDING BUDGET

 

The new PERKA ECONO MODEL is a small variation of the present Model 4000 system. Same basic look, same quality in workmanship. But to help us be able to be more comparable to plate beam, "pole barn" or "post and beam" buildings which can be lower priced, we are now choosing to do a few things to close if not even eliminate the gap.

 

#1. Eave Height

 

The standard eave height on a Model 4000 is the dimension to the top of the truss' steel. So by the time you add the purlin and sheeting - the actual height is 8"-10" taller. So the Perka ECONO MODEL will now have a nominal eave height dimension that includes the purlin and sheeting. Just like most of the lower priced alternatives.

 

#2. Dead Load

 

Perka's standard allowance for dead load has always been a minimum of 4 pounds. This allows for the weight of the purlins and the sheeting and as much as an extra 1.5# for more weight - be it insulation, more roof material or even small collateral load items. Now we will design in the same loading of 2.5 pounds found in most of these lower cost alternatives.

 

#3. Girt spacing

 

Another Perka Design Standard for their HYBRID wood/steel design buildings has been to always hold to a 24" spacing on the purlins and girts. There is not much we can do about the roof since the 24" spacing is minimum needed to meet snow loads. However, on the walls, a 48" spacing (and even more in some cases) is more often used. And another thing that is found in many pole barn or post & beam buildings is the girt is often only a 2" x 4" and many times laying flat with it's weaker axis taking the windload. Now we're not prepared to go to the extent of using 2" x 4" for girts - but we can still meet minimum windload requirements and have our typical girts clips (still pre welded and pre punched) at 48" centers and still receive 2" x 6". Another lower cost saving! Just like most of the lower priced alternatives.

 

#4. Frame Warranty

 

The standard warranty period offered by Perka on their frames is presently 40 years. Like any form of insurance - there is a certain small percentage of every "order" that must be allocated to the cost just in case. Since most of the lower priced building alternatives carry little or NO WARRANTY, and if they do, it is one offered from pretty much a BRAND NEW company or from the contractor themselves! (Remember: you get what you pay for!) Now we can't erase our 30 year history of providing quality buildings but we can take away part of the allowance for the warranty to help with the cost. While you may not be getting an actual warranty with this option - you are still getting the building frames from a 30 year old company who is high on integrity, honesty and good will.

 

#5. Sheeting warranty, trim package and fasteners.

 

If you are purchasing a building material package to include sheeting, trims and fasteners - Perka has always supplied the higher quality sheeting and trim alternatives. Always with the higher warranty. Like right now it's at 40-45 years depending on the actually manufacturer we get supplied from. That being said - to compare with the lower priced alternatives, we can offer at a much reduced cost the typical 10 year warranty alternative. Furthermore - all Perka Material Packages have come with a deluxe trim packages which includes closure strips, eave trim, base trim and gable trim that is typically NOT included in lower priced packages. Also Perka generally only uses color matched #10 wood grip fasteners - these are screws. Of course supplying standard roof nails costs a bit less. So another place to lower the price!

 

#6. Fascia and corner finishes

 

When you get a building material package furnished by Perka you will have wood material to support your mid bay girts on buildings with over 14' bay spacings, and for the finishing of your fascias on the gable ends, as well as for your corners to make it easier to fasten your sheeting and trims. Whether you are a do it yourselfer or a seasoned contractor, this is just one of those "luxury" options that makes the builder's life easier. Of course you will not necessarily get this with the lower priced option!

 

#7. OPTION 1 - NON EXPANDABLE WOOD END FRAMES

 

Typically when a material is offered we can give the client 3 basic options.

1. All steel frames for the mid 2 bay load bearing frames with wood construction non-expandable frames on both ends.
2. All steel frames for the mid 2 bay load bearing frames with wood construction non-expandable frames on one end.
3. All steel frames for ALL the frames in the building.

By choosing OPTION 1 - you see we can lower the cost a bit more to be even more comparable. This way you still have STEEL WHERE STEEL IS NEEDED AND WOOD WHERE WOOD CAN SERVE BEST!

 

In conclusion - by adding all these feature adjustments into the PERKA ECONO BUILDING, we can, in most cases, lower the cost enough to still be able to offer you the peace of mind of using PERKA quality and integrity but being able to pay a little less to get it while getting no less than what you would from the lower priced alternatives!

 

Check it out for yourself. Visit www.perka.com for more info about their standard designs, and info on how to contact them for the perfect solution for your building project!

 

Cheers

 

Perka Building Frames Go up Quick and Easy!

With pre welded and pre-punched clips already on all the frames - putting these trusses together for your garage, barn, shop, shed or even your house - is quick and easy!


PLUS - each frame is pre-fitted at the factory to MAKE sure they go together RIGHT when you get them! They have been specifically designed for the "DO-IT-YOURSELFER"... with the minimum number of connections and everything kept SIMPLE and QUICK!

Check out this you tube video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yRKo4s-M06k&feature=player_embedded

Pictures are worth 1000 words eh?

For more information - give us a call at 800-467-3752.

** Ask for a FREE copy of our assembly guide!

Learning to "Speak Green" with Rite Mind!!

If you are like me, learning about the "Green" industry, living sustainably, developing an "ECO FRIENDLY" lifestyle and basically getting in tune with Mother Earth, has really opened up a whole gamut of new windows and doors, while CLOSING many others!

I have come to a personal realization that whether I believe it or not, our planet, our world, our humanity, our race is right in the middle of virtually and totally re-inventing itself! Look anywhere. Look everywhere! Just LOOK! Almost everything is NOW all about getting into harmony with our homes, our businesses, our neighborhoods, our environment, each other - and mostly our planet! All this talk of "Green and Sustainability" is really about getting in TUNE with what "works" for enhancing our well being as individuals, as a community, as a collective, as the HUMAN RACE!

If we could SIMPLIFY the whole process of this re-inventing process I would like to submit that it boils down to a fundamental notion about "getting into the mind set" of BEING HUMAN IN HARMONY WITH EARTH!

If we treat her right - she will in turn treat us right with the abundance that she has en masse, and without any doubt!!

So many of us are going through all kinds of varying challenges be it financial, health, relationships... and in most of the cases I would venture to say that it all starts with something that has gone "out of sync", "out of harmony"!! Be it something in our bodies leading to dis-ease, to something related to our "egos" leading to dis-agreement(s), or our Global Economy now suffering from the dis-connect of the ever spinning wheel of "consumption"... leading to economic dis-cord.

If we can find a way to bring these back into harmony, into "rite mind" so to speak... I submit we could make a huge difference, and quite quickly!

In the meantime - as we "re-member" much of which were in truth already the "ways" of many ancient civilizations... here is a link that may help us grasp some of the goings on and pick up on some "GREEN SPEAK" at the same time!!!

http://www.metalconstruction.org/design/index.cfm?pg=greendefinitions.cfm

Let's take some time to reflect and find ways to harmonize, with our selves, with each other, with Earth Mind... and watch the way our world changes!

Feel free to voice your comments!

Cheers,

Martial

"If we change the way we look at things, what we look at changes!"

WHAT IS UP WITH ALL OUR STUFF

What is the Story of Stuff?

From its extraction through sale, use and disposal, all the stuff in our lives affects communities at home and abroad, yet most of this is hidden from view. The Story of Stuff is a 20-minute, fast-paced, fact-filled look at the underside of our production and consumption patterns. The Story of Stuff exposes the connections between a huge number of environmental and social issues, and calls us together to create a more sustainable and just world. It’ll teach you something, it’ll make you laugh, and it just may change the way you look at all the stuff in your life forever.

You can click on this link to watch the YOU TUBE video:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gLBE5QAYXp8&feature=player_embedded

Or you can go direct to their website at http://www.storyofstuff.com/index.html.

IT IS WELL WORTH THE WATCH!

Ever since 1981, TEAM PERKA has produced steel frames that were always intended to LAST! We give it a 40 year warranty - but it will probably last even longer! It’s made of STEEL!!! Furthermore they are designed to be “stand alone”. Which means they don’t rely on the purlins, girts and sheeting (the envelope) to give it the full CAPACITY that is needed. The frames alone are designed to take it - then adding the envelope can actually ADD MORE strength and more durability! And when you’re done with them - probably in a 3rd or 4th generation from now… you can RECYCLE it! It’s STEEL!

We believe in the closed loop designing of our frames… and doing whatever we can to help all our buildings be made as sustainable as they possibly can.

While there are some debatable comments in her presentation - this video still explains this concept of a closed loop system quite well! Whether you believe in the extreme situation of where we are as a society or not - there is still ALLOT of merit to being more responsible about consumption and being better stewards of what we DO have. These are trying times for most of us - and this ideal can go a long way to help us all both in the short term and the long run!!

We believe it’s about getting our facts straight about where we are as a race, where we’re going, where we REALLY want to go, and then collectively choosing to get there TOGETHER!

Like ANNIE says –  it wasn’t always this way –  WE CAN CHANGE!

What is Renewable Energy? A Work of Art.

When one jumps onto the “Sustainable Building” Train - the amount of information about all the various aspects of building for living sustainably, and creating a sovereign lifestyle can seem quite daunting. But like anything that is “new” - by keeping at it and picking up a little bit more each day - like a large tiny piece puzzle - with a genuine interest and desire to be the best we can be, the pieces we put together gently begin to reveal the “Masterpiece”!! And believe me - it is truly a “work of art”…

Embarking on this living responsibly through sustainability journey which is actually a returning to ancient ways of respect and appreciation for our lands and its fruit, brings one to a realization that LIVING life fully is ART. We are born with a blank canvas labelled by “our name or identity” and we thus create, re-create and co-create what it looks like and what image (legacy) we will and wish to leave behind… When you think of things in that LIGHT - it can sure make this process of “doing the right thing” for our planet and our people - an honor, a privilege, a JOY!

Not too long ago I decided to begin a process of re-inventing myself. Without dad as my mentor, partner and friend - “doing business” just wasn’t the same. Much changed. So now I look for fulfilment by the essence he left behind mixing with one that is now redefining not only me, but our world, humanity and our existence.

It’s “back to the Ancient Future” … time to rediscover the roots that makes this planet what it truly can be, in all it’s majesty, it’s beauty, it’s wonder –  A WORK OF ART.

For any of you following along the green r-evolution of our world these days, here (below) is another bit of information that can maybe add a few more pieces to the wondrous puzzle of co-creating a better LIFE on this EARTH… Please feel free to comment on this or any other blog. The Internet has helped our world become a lot smaller, allot more universal, where we can actually co-create with fellow beings on the opposite side of the world!! These blogs gives us full access to experiences, ideas, creations, “100th monkey changes” that would have taken generations to discover. Now we have access to it all virtually instantly - or as fast as we can read, interact and absorb. It is more accurate, purer and fundamentally inter-connected. So let’s use it for the greater good it can offer… and let’s share and collaborate (world wide) to more effectively truly make our planet, our homes, our lives healthier, more peaceful and the loving place to LIVE that they were always meant to be…

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Renewable energy sources are energy sources that are continually replenished. These include energy from water, wind, the sun, geothermal sources, and biomass sources such as energy crops. In contrast, fuels such as coal, oil, and natural gas are non-renewable. Once a deposit of these fuels is depleted it cannot be replenished – a replacement deposit must be found instead. Both renewable and non-renewable energy sources are used to generate electricity, power vehicles, and provide heating, cooling, and light.

Renewable sources of energy vary widely in their cost-effectiveness and in their availability across the United States. Although water, wind, and other renewables may appear free, their cost comes in collecting, harnessing, and transporting the energy so that it can do useful work. For example, to utilize energy from water, a dam must be built along with electric generators and transmission lines.

Renewables themselves are non-polluting, while the structures built to harness them can have positive or negative environmental impacts. For example, dams may affect fish migration but may also create wildlife habitat.

SOLAR ENERGY:
Solar technologies use the sun’s energy to provide heat, light, hot water, electricity, and even cooling, for homes, businesses, and industry. Despite sunlight’s significant potential for supplying energy, solar power provides less than 1% of U.S. energy needs. This percentage is expected to increase with the development of new and more efficient solar technologies.

Different types of solar collectors are used to meet different energy needs. Passive solar building designs capture the sun’s heat to provide space heating and light. Photovoltaic cells convert sunlight directly to electricity. Concentrating solar power systems focus sunlight with mirrors to create a high-intensity heat source, which then produces steam or mechanical power to run a generator that creates electricity. Flat-plate collectors absorb the sun’s heat directly into water or other fluids to provide hot water or space heating. And solar process heating and cooling systems use specialized solar collectors and chemical processes to meet large-scale hot water and heating and cooling needs.

Solar technologies produce few negative environmental impacts during collector operation. However, there are environmental concerns associated with the production of collectors and storage devices. In addition, cost is a great drawback to solar power. Although sunlight is free, solar cells and the equipment needed to convert their direct-current output to alternating current for use in a house is expensive. Electricity generated by solar cells is still more than twice as expensive as electricity from fossil fuels. Part of the problem with cost is that solar cells can The parabolic troughs that make up this concentrating solar power system generate power from the sun on a large scale in California.only operate during daylight hours. In contrast, a coal or natural gas plant can run around the clock, which means the cost for building the plant can be spread over many more hours of use.

Around the United States, available sunlight varies considerably as a result of differences in cloud cover and latitude, and also varies with the seasons. In the summer, longer daylight hours and a higher sun angle provide more solar power, compared to the winter when the sun is up for fewer hours and at a lower position in the sky. These variations must be taken into consideration when planning solar collection facilities.

read on: http://www.nationalatlas.gov/articles/people/a_energy.html