Going for Green Prefabricated Metal Buildings

Published March 7, 2010 Before You Buy Your Steel Building , Pre-Fabricated Building News , going green Leave a Comment
Tags: , , ,

Norsteel is very proud to offer prefabricated metal building options that are both green and affordable.  In fact our affordable green prefab buildings are customizable to suit your building needs. We of course offer several Energy Star® certified products and while we obviously cannot guarantee LEED certification, we are very dedicated to assisting you in every way possible when it comes to your goals for sustainable design and LEED certification.

Of course having said all of that, many builders still question the value and practicality of going green in the construction industry.To begin with, green buildings offers significant cost savings on many levels.

ü  Energy efficiency

ü  Water efficiency

ü  Material conservation

ü  Improved quality of life for employees, translating into less sick days

ü  Possible Government incentives.

If you look at our comprehensive green prefab buildings section of the Norsteel website, you will find the following information and much more information about this topic. As mentioned on our site, you may also find valuable green building information from the following resources.

Canada Green Building Council
Energy Star
Cool Roof Rating Council, CRRC

The Bloom Box: Power Plant in a Box?

Published February 26, 2010 going green Leave a Comment
Tags: , , ,

The Bloom BoxThe Bloom Box fuel cell was officially launched on Wednesday of this week. There has been a lot of hype around this four billion dollar experiment and also a lot of support from corporate and political heavyweights.  Colin Powell sits in the board of Bloom Energy and Bloom Energy founder K.R. Sridhar can already boast big name clients such as Google, who was the first to start utilizing the Bloom Box to supplement their existing power sources. Ebay, another huge participant in Bloom Box experiment, has recorded a savings of more than $100,000 in energy costs in the nine months since they purchased the five boxes. Simply put, Sridhar has begun to impress very large customers. Of course, at as much as $800,000 per unit, it would be very difficult for the Bloom Box to impress small players. In fact, the immense cost involved with these so called affordable units make Sridhar’s dream of having a Bloom Box in homes across the planet far fetched at best and an expensive pipe dream at worst.

So why is the Bloom Box being touted as the affordable fuel cell? Well it is all about the materials inside the box. Most fuel cells require platinum and/or other precious metals, and utilize pure hydrogen. The Bloom Box, however, uses an inexpensive metal alloy, disks made of beach sand (ceramic), some mysterious paint, and it feeds on oxygen and a methane mixture. Sridhar is also confident that he will eventually be able to bring the price of home units down to about $3000 USD

The cost is not the only concern that has been voiced in regards to the Bloom Box. In fact for as many supporters that Sridhar has managed to rally, there seems to be umpteen naysayers. Beyond the typical problems associated with fuel cells, other possible detriments include the possibility of high carbon dioxide emissions and, of course, high competition in the race to be the first company to create a viable fuel cell.

It will be interesting to observe how the Bloom Box story plays out and the effect it will have on residential and commercial steel buildings.

Watch the 60 Minutes interview, filmed earlier this week, of the “power plant in a box” here: BloomBox Experiment

Shingle Roof or Metal Roof?

Published February 25, 2010 Before You Buy Your Steel Building , Pre-Fabricated Building News , Steel Building Tips Leave a Comment
Tags: , ,

Roofs are very important, they protect the home or building from elements such as rain, snow, sleet and hail.  Composition shingles or asphalt shingles and steel also known as a metal roof are the two most common building materials.  When installing a new roof or existing roof, you need to consider metal roofs or shingle roofs.  Below you will find the pros and cons of both of these building materials.

The most popular roof right now is a shingle roof this is due to the economy and all of the options available.  Shingle roofs have a fiberglass mat core and give the shingle flexibility which also provides fire resistance.  They also have a weather resistant asphalt coating embedded with crushed rock. The lifetime of the composition shingle is 15 to 30 years. The price on shingles varies.  There are many low end shingles such as plain or flat shingles.  Some people may want to spend a bit more and get a slightly more expensive shingle, one that incorporates a three dimensional look which is more appealing.  One manufacturer calls this the “shadow”. These composition shingles have more of a beefy look, reminiscent of the cedar shake shingles of old.  Shingle roofs are susceptible to algae growth.  This is a stain-looking light streak which is seen on many roofs today.  They can also come with an anti-algae coating, however are more expensive but are worth every penny if curb appeal is a problem for you.

Remember, building owners can expect to pay 30 percent more for a metal roof compared to regular shingle roofs. This can depend on weather, the time the building owner expects to stay in the building and if the building owners association will permit this. 

Now they we’ve talked about shingle roofs, here is some info on metal roofs.  Steel roofs can be a good choice for areas where there are high winds.  They metal roofs can withstand far higher mile per hour winds than regular shingle roofs.  Metal roofing material weighs one seventh what a shingle roof weighs and put less stress on the building.  These roofs are fire proof and have a lower insurance premium.  If you have a brick home with a metal roof, your chances of surviving a fire are very high.  Although, metal roofs generally cost more, in the long run it is actually cheaper because metal roofs do last a very long time.  And most roofing manufacturers will give a guarantee of fifty years!  Metal roofs are something you may definitely want to consider.  You can also find metal roofs to look like conventional shingles or cedar shake shingles.

When considering what type of roof you would like whether it is metal or composition, you need to think about the different factors especially how long you plan to stay in the home or building.  Also, how much you can afford to spend on the roof. 

For more information on this topic, please visit:  Shingle Roofs vs Metal Roofs: Composition Asphalt Shingles or Long Lasting Steel? http://home-exteriors.suite101.com/article.cfm/shingle_roofs_vs_metal_roofs#ixzz0foN8Gz85

Also visit us at www.norsteel.com on different options on roofs.

Reduce Energy and Heating Bills with these Great Systems

Published February 25, 2010 Norsteel Buildings News , Pre-Fabricated Building News , going green Leave a Comment
Tags: , ,

Is this winter becoming unbearable for you due to high cost heating and electric bills, well if so consider clean, and renewable energy options for your steel building.  Winter is a good time because generous state and federal tax credits, rebates, grants, and loan programs are available for those who install solar energy systems, small wind systems, geothermal heat pumps, and residential fuel cell and microturbine systems.  These systems will reduce your electricity bills, fuel and the amount of air pollution and greenhouse gases that result from use of fossil fuels, especially oil, propane and natural gases that come from generating electricity.  Did you know that half of the electricity generated in the U.S.A. is by burning dirty coal?  Consider this next time you are thinking of purchasing or installing a new system. 

The different types of systems are geothermal heat pump systems, eligible solar energy systems, small wind systems, and residential fuel cell and microturbine systems.  Geothermal heat pump systems, ground-source or water-source heat pumps, use the constant temperature of the earth as the exchange medium instead of the outside air temperature like conventional air-source heat systems. The good thing about a geothermal heat pump system is that it is highly efficient, quiet, long-lasting, and requires little maintenance.  This is a good system to consider especially if you’re looking to install something that is quiet and long lasting for your steel building!  If you’re looking for an eligible solar energy system, this is great for any climate and should drop your water heating bills by 50%-80%.  This system also includes solar water heating and solar electric heating (photovoltaic) systems.  This type of system uses solar cells that capture heat from the sun and convert it directly into electricity.  The next system is called small wind systems and collects kinetic energy from the wind and converts it to electricity that is compatible with a home’s electric system.  These systems are one of the most cost effective home-based renewable energy systems and lower electricity bills by 50%-90%.  If you’re looking for a system for your home, this is a great one to consider.  Finally, the last one uses oxygen to clean and efficiently create electricity that will produce water and heat as by-products.  This system is called a residential fuel cell and microtubine system.  If your currently looking to purchase a system and are not quite sure which one to consider, visit energystar.com for different options and to find out which system is more suitable for your home or steel building structure! 

Also, don’t forget to read the federal tax details below: 30% of the cost, up to $500 per .5 kW of power capacity for existing homes, new construction and includes installation costs and expires December 31, 2016. For more information on incentives in your state or province, please visit: www.energystar.gov

For additional info on this article, you can visit:  http://www.greenstrides.com or www.norsteel.com for info on steel buildings and green options!

Starting Your Mini Storage Business

Published February 19, 2010 Before You Buy Your Steel Building Leave a Comment
Tags: , ,

Mini storage building businesses are a great opportunity for strategically minded entrepreneurs who are not afraid of a hard work. The potential revenue stream that the mini storage buildings business offers to business people is enough to turn anyone’s head. If you put the lucrative nature of aside, however, it is still capable of piquing the interest of many people looking to start a full time business, family business, or even a part-time business.

Before jumping right in and purchasing your property and commercial steel building, it is important to do you due diligence. As with any industry, the mini storage industry is not for everyone and it is important to do your research, tread carefully, and really consider whether or not the self-storage – or mini storage business is right for you.

Start by taking a look at the Norsteel Mini Storage Buildings website. We set it up specifically to provide would be and experiences mini storage business owners with information and resources. In particular, we ask that you read through our Free Self Storage Business Information and Tips page. This page not only poses important questions and provides valuable info, it also links to some great resources that you can utilize again and again as you go through the entire process of creating and building your mini storage business.

Of course, if you have any questions that the Norsteel mini storage site does not answer, or if you would just rather talk to a real live person, give us a call! Our toll free number is 1-866-822-4022. We are here to help.

Straw Building Products for your Steel Building

Published February 17, 2010 Pre-Fabricated Building News , Steel Building Tips , going green Leave a Comment
Tags: , ,

The wheat industry has been gaining popularity for the use of a waste by-product such as straw in the green building industry. Disposing of straw has been an environmental issue, especially the remaining by-product of wheat gain after it is harvested. The burning of this process causes serous air pollution. The good thing about eco-friendly strawboard panels is that they can replace gypsum drywall which consumes much more energy to produce. With these highly compressed straw panels, the studs are not needed in some interior partition walls. Some applications are interior and exterior walls, load and non-bearing ceilings, roofing, doors, and flooring. Because wheat is grown allover the world every year for food, it is a rapidly renewable resource!

Affordability and reduction of sound transmission are just a few key features of strawboard panels. Plus, they’re also fire, termite, mold, and impact-resistant.

Strawboard is close to wood in texture so it can be sawn, drilled, routed, nailed, screwed, and glued. In the U.S, there are two companies that manufacture strawboard panels. They are Enviro Board Corp. of Sacramento, CA. and Durra Building Systems, based in Whitewright, Texas.

Also a product called BIOFIBER™ wheat panels that are made by Environ BioComposite can be used for interior applications such as table surfaces, cabinetry, furniture, and decorative & architectural applications.

For more information, please visit: www.greenstrides.com  or visit us at www.norsteel.com

Dilbert Worker Safety Cartoon

Published February 12, 2010 Construction and Workplace Safety Leave a Comment
Tags: ,

safety cartoon dilbert

Green Interior Doors

Published February 9, 2010 Before You Buy Your Steel Building , Pre-Fabricated Building News , going green Leave a Comment
Tags: , ,

Are you looking to replace cheap, damaged hollow-core doors in your building?  If so, consider green options for your doors.  By adding solid wood interior doors made from reclaimed wood, FSC-certified wood, recycled content or rapidly renewable resources, you can make your doors look re-finished and modern.  A great resource for old antique doors that need a make-over is architectural salvage yards, where refinishing is sometimes an option.  Here is some more information about reclaimed wood doors:  

When we talk about reclaimed wood, most of it was originally sawn from old growth trees which are usually larger, older and had tighter growth rings than trees cut today.  When the wood is re-milled and re-finished, it provides rich colors and beauty, and not available from today’s timber. The price of these doors is about twice the price of stock doors you’ll find at big box retailers, but the quality and character are unsurpassed.  Liberty Valley Doors from California offer a Rediscovered Wood Door collection of new, unfinished doors constructed of 100% reclaimed wood, mainly Douglas Fir beams, joists and timbers. Doors are sanded and ready for finishing. Designs include 1-, 2- or 3-panel layout, with or without arches and pre-finishing is also available in these styles. 

Some more styles include Albany Woodworks from Albany, Louisiana custom crafts fine doors from antique heart cypress and antique heart pine.  From Tetonia, Idaho there is a place called Alternative Timber Structures which offers an amazing line of custom doors from reclaimed Fir, Cypress, Oak, Cedar and redwood which is all assembled using mortise, tenon and pegging. The last place is called Pine Door Company, they are located in Montana and retain the rich character and time-worn look of reclaimed barn wood in its handcrafted doors.  So as you see here are some great places to check out if your looking to re-finish old doors in your building and have them look beautiful, modern and new! 

For more information on this article or more about how you can re-finish your old and existing doors, please visit:  www.greenstrides.com and also visit us at www.norsteel.com for some green options and ideas!

Save Money and Time with Mobile Automation

Published February 9, 2010 Norsteel Buildings News , Pre-Fabricated Building News , going green Leave a Comment
Tags: , ,

What is mobile automation?  It’s automated software that allows you to save both money and time.  More and more companies are now using this product to become more efficient in future projects. The product allows you to save time and materials. These are game changing technologies for the load bearing and non-load bearing light-gauge cold-formed steel framing building industry.  The technologies are available now and potentially reduce the manufacturing labor required to produce panels or trusses by 50 percent.  It can also reduce your raw material costs by double-digit percentage points while at the same time it will reduce your dependency on distribution networks. These framing technology products are becoming the most popular and widespread in green improvement.  Automated light-gauge cold-formed framing systems can reduce your scrap to as little as 1 percent or less versus the 6-8 percent for traditional manual plant operations producing steel panel and trusses.  Also, if you take advantage of these savings, you are increasing control of your fabrication and installation methods and schedules and saving money by reducing manufacturing errors in the plant and installation errors in the field. 

Now knowing how competitive today’s construction markets are with lumber to pre-engineered metal buildings to pour and tilt concrete walls to structural steel building components to block and plank to light-gauge cold-formed steel, you are going to have to offer the best prices and service!  Using mobile automation will help with this.  Here’s how you can you do this, you can eliminate all the variables and focus on the quality and efficiency of the actual product (steel building etc.).  What do we already know about the product?  When panels and trusses are properly utilized, they are already contributing to savings to everyone in the construction process.  By automating the design of your steel building and production of panels and trusses, you can then use software design to steel coil to finish the product with less scrap, waste, labour and of course material costs.  Now you have an efficient and cost effective method to create light-gauge cold-formed steel panels and trusses. 

These technologies are available and packaged in a way so that you can take them with you to the construction site.  You can manufacture high quality, cost effective light-gauge cold-formed steel panels and trusses right on your job site.  Eventually, you can save money on facilities and on freight.  Make sure to consider this factor and also include how many pounds of panels or trusses a manufacturer could get on a trailer.  This is very important.  Some questions to consider during this process are: How much steel and labour costs could be added to this product?  How much more installation time would that add to the project? Make sure to consider the answers to these questions as saving more time and money are two very important things to bring to your project. 

For more information on this topic, please visit:  www.metalconstructionnews.com   You can also visit us, at www.norsteel.com

About Recycling Grey Water

Published February 8, 2010 going green Leave a Comment
Tags: , ,

Greywater is wastewater generated from domestic activities such as laundry, dishwashing, and bathing which can be recycled on-site for uses such as landscape irrigation, and constructed wetlands.

Recycling this water is becoming an increasingly popular topic of conversation among residential and commercial construction industry experts. Water recycling systems can range from DIY grey water system devices to sophisticated filtration systems. Some areas of the US severely restrict the use of recycled grey water as part of a Uniform Plumbing Code act but areas that are utilising recycled grey water may experience a reduction of almost a third.

Click on this link to find some case studies of large scale grey water recycling in Canada or you can learn about how the 2010 Olympics are utilizing water Recycling programs.

Recycled grey water is not suitable for drinking and may not be applicable to gardens that bear edible plants but is perfect for watering parks, fields and lawns, as well as flush water for toilets. So when considering irrigation / watering systems for your commercial steel building project, make sure to do your due diligence on the subject of grey water recycling.

Here is a video by Ecoplay Systems about their greywater recycling system:

a

Blog Stats

  • 21,824 hits
Home | Contact | Gallery | News and Views | No-Hassle Quote | Blog