The road to a new church building may be paved with good intentions, but solid advice and information are important in getting the church you’ve dreamed of, for a price your congregation can afford. When considering the various alternatives in construction available today, more and more savvy congregations are turning to steel.

Many people are startled at the very idea of it. They are remembering the ugly metal box buildings of yesterday. Modern steel construction has come a long way; frequently buildings made of steel have no metal showing at all- they are stylish, modern, and pleasing to the eye. No one would suspect they are steel buildings. If that is the case, then, why use steel?

Today’s steel churches are pre-engineered, using the most sophisticated computer technology. This means all components of the building are made by one manufacturer, designed to fit together exactly, sealed, painted, pre-drilled, pre-punched and pre-welded in factory. These computerized design techniques also allow for accurate price estimates, eliminating expensive construction “surprises” that are frequently encountered in conventional building.

This equals huge savings in cost over traditional wood, brick or mortar construction, as well as much greater ease and speed in erecting the building. Depending on the design, many congregations are saving 40-60% over the cost of constructing a church using “traditional” means. This cost savings allows your congregation to get the space they need, the features they need, and the aesthetics and beauty they want!

Metal buildings are especially adaptable to the current trend for both simplicity and versatility in church design. Large multipurpose buildings can serve as activity center, gym, and sanctuary. The necessary high ceilings and post-free interiors are constructed easily and inexpensively.

Another area of cost savings is in the actual designing of the church, which can be done by either the steel church manufacturer, or by the contractor who will be doing the erection, known as a design-build contractor. This results in a huge savings over the cost of hiring an architectural firm.

Much of the cost in this method is computer-controlled. If you are hiring a design-build contractor, he will partner with the steel building manufacturer. Along with the preliminary design presentation, he is able to give an actual cost. This moves the project along quickly and smoothly. Unlike architecturally designed buildings, costs are fixed up front so nothing gets out of control.

Construction costs are also significantly less, especially if you use volunteer labor: i.e., your parishioners! There is no welding or fabrication on site, and no waste. For simply styled buildings, congregations can do a lot of the work themselves. Frequently large congregations will have a mason or an electrician who can help.

Using church volunteers not only keeps the cost down, it gives the congregation a sense of accomplishment. Even if outside contractors are hired to erect the building, the volunteers can still do finish work—paint, put up sheet rock, landscaping, etc. This “team building” opportunity gives church members a chance to serve their congregation and their faith in a significant and practical way.

• Low maintenance, long life span.
• Erected in a fraction of the time a traditional building would take (With conventional construction, a 20,000-square-foot building would take three months to build. In preengineered steel buildings, it would take about one month!).
• Lower insurance costs.
• Flexible design, fully customizable.
• Easy to add on for future expansion.
• Energy efficient- save money in heating and cooling costs.
• Durable, sturdy, long wearing- the structure is guaranteed for 50 years, the paint and roof for 25.
• Can be engineered for any building codes.
• Weather resistant, more stable in earthquakes and hurricanes than traditional construction.
• Environmentally friendly, sustainable material.

With steel church construction, there are many ways that energy efficiency can be built in to your building, and many systems that can be put in place right from the start to keep energy costs down year after year.

INSULATION

The most important energy consideration in the design of a steel building is the insulation for the exterior walls and roof.

Metal skinned buildings can get very warm and humid in the summer and cold in the winter. Reflective insulation will keep the building cool and dry in the summer and warm in winter. Radiant barrier insulation offers a permanent way to reduce energy costs, by reflecting radiant heat energy instead of trying to absorb it.

A pure aluminum radiant barrier reflective insulation is unaffected by humidity and will continue to perform at a consistent level no matter how humid it may be. A radiant barrier insulation system is a layer of foil facing airspace and is installed in the envelope of a building, between the framing and the sheeting.

The leading cause of damage to the contents of steel buildings is condensation, which if not allowed to evaporate, leads to rust oxidation, mold, and fungus. This problem can be eliminated by the use of a vapor barrier such as radiant barrier insulation.

The installation itself could not be simpler:

1. Place double-sided tape on frame
2. Roll out insulation over frame
3. Allow insulation to sag slightly (approx 1 inch)
4. Attach your sheeting as if the insulation wasn`t there
5. Tape seams with metal tape

ROOFING

Steel roofs have long term advantages over traditional types such as asphalt. They last significantly longer, and don’t even need painting for 20 years. They are sturdy, and well able to withstand extreme weather conditions and even hurricanes. A roof should be insulated as well.

An innovative new trend in steel roofing is called a “cool metal roof” which uses special pigments and colors in the roof material which are designed to reflect solar heat away from the building. This not only keeps the church cooler by day, reducing the amount of energy for air conditioning that is necessary, it also allows the roof to cool down quickly at night.

To receive the longest wear from your roof, avoid placing the air-conditioner unit on it. Instead, have it behind the building in an enclosure, or in the parking lot. This will substantially cut down on potential leaking, as well as the need for anyone to be climbing around on the roof constantly to service the air-conditioning unit. Walking on the roof wears away its protective layers and shortens roof life.

WINDOWS

There are different types of glass that can save money on heating or cooling costs. Reflective insulated glass, especially when double or triple glazed, helps keep the weather out. Special coatings can be added to glass to let in more warmth from the sun in cold climates, or block warmth in hot climates.

To reduce electrical costs for daytime lighting, consider having the building positioned on the site for the maximum use of natural light. For instance, have the windows facing east and west to take the most advantage of the sun.

Skylights can bring in a lot of natural light, but might not be energy saving, depending on your climate. This is because the heat will go out through the skylight, which has an insulating R-value of 3-4, as opposed to 38 for the rest of the roof.

Consider insulating shades for times the skylight is not being used, if skylights are something you really want.

Being able to control the temperature of different parts of the church separately will save on heating and cooling costs, as opposed to one system for the entire complex.

A terrific, inexpensive, but frequently overlooked way of increasing light inside the building is with the use of highly reflective paint for the ceilings. This increases light, and decreases the amount of light fixtures needed. Energy efficient lighting such as fluorescent and LED (light emitted diodes) are also good choices for energy conservation. LED is fairly new on the market, and reduces the amount of energy needed for lighting by 80%.

If the church has an attic, it must be well ventilated. If hot air is trapped, it will make it much harder to cool the rest of the building.

There are many other options for energy efficiency, and more being developed all the time. Discuss your needs with your design/build contractor, but remember: high tech is not always better. Don’t buy beyond what you really need.

1. Not planning for growth-Growth in worship attendance will require more room not only for the main sanctuary but for other ministries as well, such as education, administration, youth services and fellowship. "If only we had built a larger auditorium,” is one of the most commonly heard regrets after the church is finished. Provision for a balcony in the original construction could add 30 percent to the seating capacity at minimum expense.
2. Not purchasing enough land for growth- a basic guideline is approximately one acre for every 100 people. For parking lots, estimate one parking space for every 2.5 people in the largest typical worship service, and then adding another 30 percent for growth.
3. Hiring high priced architects- to draw an expensive set of plans that often can`t be used, because the design costs more than the church budget allows. This is quite common, and wastes a lot of time and money in the process. With a pre-engineered metal building, the services of an architect can frequently be eliminated entirely.
4. Not understanding the differences in estimates from competing manufacturers. When price shopping, make sure you’re comparing buildings with the exact same specifications. Some suppliers might give a cheaper estimate, but they might not be offering all the same features and quality materials. Take detailed notes while doing your price comparisons.
5. Pinching pennies on air-conditioning, lighting, or sound systems. You need people to be comfortable, or they will go elsewhere. And of course, you want them to be able to hear the message!
6. Not enough ladies restrooms! (This is a common complaint.)
7. Not getting professional assistance. "If only we had spent a little extra money and gotten a professional to lead us through the program," is an often heard lament.

The services offered by professionals include:

• Feasibility studies
• master planning
• capital fund raising
• creative planned financing
• site selection and evaluation
• utility investigations
• planning commission assistance
• EPA assistance/wetland assistance
• soil testing assistance
• zoning assistance and building code analysis

The savings both in time, money, and potential problems avoided, by working with professionals, will more than offset their costs.

ZONING- restricts the type of building that may be built in any given area. There are numerous categories. There is a current trend to allow “mixed use” in certain areas. Before purchasing a piece of land, find out if it is zoned for the purpose you need, in this case, a house of worship. It is not always easy, or even possible, to have it rezoned. Do not close on a piece of property without having any zoning issue settled.

Local cities or counties may have specific regulations. For instance, some local zoning laws prohibit metal buildings or require specific styles of architecture or specific materials and colors be used.

BUILDING CODES - have the authority of LAW and are mandatory. Your steel church manufacturer will be familiar with the mandatory codes and laws that impact what and how you can build. However, it is your responsibility to make sure your new church is in compliance with code. Building codes provide the minimum requirements for safety, structural integrity, etc. Many parts of the US have specific restrictions based on severe weather conditions. Some things mandated by code are: Live load, Wind load, Exposure, and Seismic load.

Some other codes that might apply to your church include:

• Handicap Accessibility Codes
• Health Department Standards
• Consumer Product Safety Standards
• State Department of Education and State Daycare standards

Did you know…

The first known building code was part of the Code of Hammurabi, one of the earliest known written code of laws in human history. Law #229 specified that if a house falls and kills its owner, the builder should be put to death!

Both the interior and exterior of a steel church can be customized to look any way you desire. There are various outstanding new features that are helping the steel building industry meet the demand for buildings that fit in, aesthetically speaking, with the general community.

These new architectural finishes for the outside (or interior!) of the structure are also known as facades. Any steel building can be outfitted with simulated brick, stone, stucco, and other finishes for a fraction of the cost of the “real thing”.

Some of the ways today’s churches are customizing their buildings to have a unique, stunning, stylish look that fits seamlessly into their communities are:

• Steel “stucco look” panels
• Simulated or synthetic stone
• Brick veneers
• Natural stone and faux stone veneers
• Exterior insulation finishing system (EIFS)
• Adding masonry trim to the exterior. Panels are available in a wide selection of baked-on colors for decorative choice.
• A pre-fabricated steeple, or cupola, to give a traditional church appearance.
• Raising the roof pitches to look like traditional church roofs, and using colored roofs.

The success of a project as large and complex as building a new church is totally dependent on proper planning. This responsibility falls squarely on the shoulders of the Building Committee, which should consist of dedicated members of the congregation. If they have experience with building, financing, legal issues, etc., so much the better. The different aspects relating to the project should be assigned to different committees. Seven to ten members has proven optimal for an efficient building committee.

Having the enthusiasm and support of the congregation is also vital for a successful building project. It’s important for there to be good communication between the building committee and the congregation, so they will know they are supporting a well executed, financially responsible program.

Many experienced builders say that having a master plan with specific goals will allow the project to unfold in a logical and cost efficient manner.

Here are some other things for the building committee to consider:

• What are the Building committees’ responsibilities?
• How much can the church afford?
• What financing is available for the building project
• Will fund raising within the congregation be required? (If so, consider the benefits of hiring a professional fund raiser.)
• What overall size building is required?
• Can the current church be expanded, or another building added to the same site?
• Can we build a church that can be expanded easily as our congregation grows?
• Where do we want to be five years from now?
• What size Sanctuary (auditorium)?
• What size fellowship areas?
• What construction costs are local to your area? (building permits, etc)
• What are the construction options?
• What other facilities are needed? Options include: classrooms, kitchen facilities, offices, nursery, education building, or daycare facilities, gyms, youth centers, counseling centers.

With so many metal building suppliers competing for your business, the wise church building committee will do their homework in checking prices, features and reputation for service, before purchasing a building. There are dramatic differences in the costs of what “seem” to be similar buildings. Some suppliers might give a cheaper estimate, but they might not be offering all the same features and quality materials.

Here are some suggestions:

• Choose an experienced supplier, who is knowledgeable about all the details of the project from design to erection.
• High quality steel building companies provide expert technical support.
• Get references from previous customers.
• Use a supplier who engineers, details and manufactures 100% of the standard steel building components required for their buildings.
• Choose a supplier who can help you with building code requirements, and manufactures the building above minimum code requirements.
• Check prices with several manufacturers, but, make sure you’re comparing buildings with the exact same specifications. Take detailed notes while doing your price comparisons.

The long life and low maintenance reputation of steel buildings depends on purchasing a high quality building.

Here are some features of quality construction:

• Solid I-Beam Construction
• 26 gauge 80,000 psi strength sheeting (Resistant against dings and dents)
• 1.25" high rib Roof & Wall sheeting (Resistant against movement caused by wind)
• Pre-welded clips for ease of erection
• PBR/R Panels (Additional overlap stops any leakage)
• Framed openings have a C-section jambs and headers for easy installation of overhead doors (many manufacturers provide framed-opening-kits where you have to cut the opening)
• Fully trimmed at gable, corners and eaves for a more finished look and additional protection from dust and wind seepage (Most manufacturers only provide trim at the eave)
• Base and inner/outer eave foam closures (90% of the industry doesn`t provide base closures let alone eave closures as a standard feature)

As a congregation grows so do its needs and adding more space to your steel church has never been easier. Steel churches offer the advantage that if you need additional space, it can be easily added on. Simply contact your initial provider and tell them that you want to create more space in your steel church. They will sit down with you and decide what kind of addition is best according to your needs.

Proper planning, knowing what you want and can afford, and using professional help when needed with smooth the path to a beautiful new house of worship. The choice of a steel building virtually guarantees the construction will go smoothly, the building will be long lasting and sturdy, and your investment will be secure for many seasons to come.

Build on a Good Beginning, by Quentin Wagenfield, Christianity Today, Inc./Your Church magazine. http://www.christianitytoday.com/yc/2003/002/1.14.html.

Steel Frame Construction, by Thomas G. Dolan, Christianity Today, Inc./Your Church magazine http://www.christianitytoday.com/yc/2006/002/1.14.html, March/April 2006.

Christianity Today, Inc/Your Church magazine, March/April 2005 Build for Efficiency, by Thomas G. Dolan, http://www.christianitytoday.com/yc/2005/002/1.14.html.

Metal Construction News. http://metalconstructionnews.com/.

The Avalon Project/ Yale Law School Translated by L. W. King. http://www.yale.edu/lawweb/avalon/medieval/hamframe.htm.

Steel Building Buyers Guide, BuildingsGuide.com Online Inc. http://www.buildingsguide.com/buyers-guide/steel-buildings-buyers-guide-2.html.