Steel I-Beam framing construction surpasses any other steel building design options available today. Consumers often inquire about the advantages of I-Beam construction and Galvalume® roofs when compared to an open webb truss design. This article will emphasize a number of those differences.

Most roofs from quality steel building manufacturers or suppliers use a strong and durable Galvalume ® roof. This typically consists of a steel roof coating comprised of 55 percent aluminum, 44 percent zinc, and one percent silicon. Aluminum is a key factor here as it is highly rust resistant. There are also very substantial warranties provided with Galvalume® roofs and, in most cases, these provide at least a 20-year rust through perforation warranty. A hole going through a roof panel will be replaced by the factory.

Galvalume® roofs require very little maintenance, retain their luster over many years and will not dull. There is never a need to paint or patch your roof. Open webb truss designed buildings offer substantially reduced guarantees on their roofs. They sometimes utilize only a zinc coating which has a tendency to oxidize, darken in color and be susceptible to rust.

Most quality steel building companies will supply only a stainless steel capped fastener which has a substantial warranty and will not rust. Stainless steel does not tarnish or turn a darker color. This helps to maintain the appearance and integrity of your steel roof. Some open webb truss providers use a zinc fastener which will rust over time. Other companies employ an alloy head which will not rust, but will darken in color and detract from the roof’s appearance.

Quality steel building suppliers will use roof panels that are made of heavy duty and durable 26-gauge Galvalume®. This is a strong and hard roof and will easily support someone walking on it. With open webb truss designs, some companies will use only a lighter 29-gauge steel. This steel is more than 30 percent lighter than 26-gauge steel and will not be as strong or durable.

Steel building companies supplying I-Beam framing usually provide a roof that has at least a 1 ¼ inch depth to the corrugation in the sheeting. The depth of the corrugation in a steel roof adds a lot to the inherent strength. Companies using open webb truss design use only a 5/8 inch depth to the corrugations on their roofs. This is about half the depth of a Galvalume® roof and, by definition, less strong.

Sheets on the roof overlap at each bay with I-Beam framed buildings using Galvalume® roofs. The overlapping prevents water from backing up through the overlap into the building, preventing leaks and providing for a dry interior. This purlin braced roof system is very strong and prevents the roof sheeting from bending or cracking. Open webb truss designed roofs use an “R” panel roof that does not have good overlap integrity. Leaks are likely to develop, as the water will back up into the building. Shorter overlaps also reduce the strength of the roof. Choose your roof wisely when purchasing your next building.