Can I pour the concrete slab myself?
While you can DIY a slab, we usually recommend hiring a professional concreter. A 12×20 slab requires precise leveling and specific reinforcement to prevent cracking during a Canadian winter. If the base isn’t perfect, your steel building won’t line up correctly during assembly.
What is “Exposure D” in building engineering?
Exposure D refers to the most severe wind conditions, typically found on coastal shorelines or large open bodies of water. If your building is within 600 feet of the Atlantic coast, it must be engineered for Exposure D to survive the unobstructed force of the wind.
Can a metal building lower my insurance costs?
Often, yes. Because steel is non-combustible and engineered to specific wind and snow loads, many insurance companies view it as a lower risk than wood-frame buildings. Always provide your agent with your stamped engineered drawings to get the best rate.
How do I find my specific wind load requirement?
Your local building department sets these requirements based on the National Building Code of Canada. At Metal Pro, we use your exact GPS coordinates to look up these requirements and ensure your building is engineered to meet or exceed them.
Does a “1-in-50 year” storm mean it only happens once every 50 years?
No. It is a statistical measure meaning there is a 2% chance of that specific wind load occurring in any given year. In the Atlantic, we often see “50-year” weather events much more frequently due to changing climate patterns.
What is the difference between wind speed and wind pressure?
Wind speed is how fast the air moves (km/h). Wind pressure is the actual force that air puts on your building (psf). Because pressure increases much faster than speed, a small increase in wind can create a massive increase in the load your building must carry.
How does Metal Pro siding handle the Atlantic salt air?
Our siding is treated with Galvalume Plus™, a zinc-aluminum alloy that is specifically designed to resist corrosion. Unlike traditional paint that can bubble and peel when exposed to salt, our coatings are engineered to stay bonded to the steel even in harsh coastal environments.
Can I install vertical metal siding over my old wood or vinyl?
In many cases, yes. As long as your existing wall structure is solid and rot-free, you can install furring strips over the old siding and attach the new metal panels. However, we always recommend a full inspection to ensure you aren’t “burying” existing moisture problems.
Will vertical siding make my house look like a barn?
While vertical siding is the standard for barns (because it’s so durable), it has become a massive trend in modern residential design. Known as “Board and Batten” or “Coast-Modern,” vertical lines can make a home look taller, cleaner, and more high-end. It’s a great way to make your property stand out in a neighborhood of […]
Does vertical siding cost more than horizontal?
The metal panels themselves usually cost the same. However, the installation for vertical siding is more labor-intensive. It requires “furring strips” (horizontal supports) to be installed behind the panels. While the upfront cost is slightly higher, most homeowners find the long-term savings on maintenance and repairs make it the more affordable choice over 20+ years.