Quonset Huts

A Quonset hut is a prefabricated structure of corrugated steel in the shape of half cylinder. For generations, this building has been meeting the requirements of the backyard hobbyists, industrial giants and military who need safe, economical and dependable storage space.

Metal Arched Buildings

Quonset Hut: Design and History

Quonset Building Uses

Residential

commercial

agricultural

industrial

Metal Homes: Cheap Houses from Steel Buildings

Metal homes have the ability to withstand the toughest weather, whether strong winds, harsh rain, rough snow, and other dangerous environmental situations.

5 Ways to Use a Quonset Hut

Quonset huts are one of the hottest trends in the construction industry these days. More and more people are opting for this easy, economical, and quick method of construction to add more space to their homes. Since these are pre-engineered steel structures, most of the construction work is done at the factory and the structure can be set up at any desired location within a couple of days, using most basic construction tools.

Whether you’re a homeowner looking to increase the value of your home by adding a garage or an entrepreneur who wants to setup a small office, a steel arch building can be the right way to build your desired building quickly.

Let’s have a look at some of the common uses of Quonset huts.

1. Home Workshops

Quonset huts can be the right way to build a small home-based workshop. The building offers plenty of space, so you can use it to repair your car or to store some tools to free up space in your primary car garage.

The modern construction method even allows you to install electrical and HVAC systems. In addition to this, you can customize your home workshop any way you want. You can add work benches and shelves or paint the walls to complement the color theme of your home.

2. Airplane Hangars

Since Quonset huts offer plenty of space, they can be used to store aircrafts and helicopter, both personal and commercial. The building has high durability and can withstand extreme weather conditions, such as snow, hurricanes, fire, etc. Also, the process is fast and economical, so one can build an airplane hangar even on tight budget.

Since the building has no posts, beams, or trusses, the interior is spacious and provides room for a small workshop or bench.

3. Prefab Houses

Due to the advancements in construction tools and methods, Quonset huts have undergone significant evolution and are used today to build entire homes and other residential buildings. The prefab metal houses are extremely durable, very economical, and fast and easy to build.

In addition to installation of electrical and HVAC systems, the building can be converted into an energy efficient green home through heat insulation. Another benefit is that unlike traditional wood buildings, Quonset huts are not susceptible to damage caused by termites, mold, and other insects.

4. Automotive Shops

Gone are the days when mechanics had to sit outside under the sun to repair a truck. Today, with Quonset huts, one can easily build a small automotive workshop and continue their business under the comfort of a metal roof.

Since most of the work is done at the factory, building a workshop using a steel arch building is not interruptive at all and you can easily get back to your normal routine with a day or two. Additional benefits of these automotive shops are the strength and durability only offered by a steel structure.

5. Industrial Storage

Expanding an industrial facility can be a daunting task if done the traditional way. With Quonset huts, an industry can easy expand its working area in minimal amount of time and money. Also, unlike wooden and vinyl storage sheds, steel sheds have high durability and have the strength to store heavy industrial equipment and machinery,

A Quonset hut is perfect for a wide variety of building requirements. These are versatile to suit almost any residential or commercial building need and can be constructed quickly.

Purchasing Metal Quonset Hut Buildings

One of the most common and popular metal buildings is the Quonset hut. This type of metal building dots the countryside, and was primarily used to store equipment and vehicles during the 1940s. Nowadays, metal huts have been adapted into office spaces, cottages, homes, and even trendy business establishments! This is no small feat: from the humble and solid storage room to modern, vibrant architectural wonders, people from all over have found stability and comfort in the simple Quonset hut.

All in the Shape

The Quonset hut is distinctive because of its semi-circular, rolling shape. It is a lightweight structure made up of steel, and is also known as the arched roof metal building. These can be assembled and disassembled with ease, and are simple to construct, maintain, and transport from one place to another. Their rolling shapes make them ideal to withstand various climates, rain or shine.

The success and efficiency of the Quonset hut design falls on its shape. The arched roofing secures the interior from all types of weather conditions, and ensures structural stability and integrity. Moreover, the even distribution of the weight of the roof rids the need for pillars and intricate framing. This means that the space can be fully maximized, and obstructions and compromises in space eliminated. The single solid structure also makes ventilation smooth. It is also highly conducive to natural lighting.

Although the exterior does not usually have siding options, drywall and paneling can be installed in the interior of the building, making it ideal for all types of uses. The interior can also be sectioned to include many rooms, and door and window options can be added for improved functionality.

This metal building type is a great investment for individuals who are planning to set up a new store, build a new garage, or improve their properties. The uses of the Quonset hut are growing, and there is no end to how people design their buildings.

Making Preparations

Knowing what Quonset huts are capable of, scout for designs and specifications that are particular to your need. Make rough drafts and preparations of your building plan, including function, size or dimensions of the building, and lot size or space. Finally, look for estimations from various companies as the budget is being finalized. Prefab kits usually begin at around $5,000 and become more expensive as the size increases. Prices also vary depending on the specifications added into the building. Once you start shopping for the metal building itself, take care to check the quality of the materials.

Quality Control

The desired characteristics of the arched metal roof are only attainable when the materials themselves are of the best quality. Industry experts are agreed that the 26-guage steel is the most appropriate for buildings. These sheet metals should have ideally been formed under 80,000 psi for maximum thickness. 26-guage sheet steel is roughly 0.02 inches, malleable enough for shaping but strong enough for large structures. 26-guage sheet metal is durable against wind, rain, hail and snow.

Sheet metals can come in the form of galvanized steel. Galvanized steel has been chemically treated with zinc oxide to become more resistant to corrosion and rusting. The layers of zinc oxide also make the steel sheets resistant to perforations, scratches and crack, and give it an appealing finish. Sheet metals that have been treated with zinc are proven to last longer than standard sheet metals, but other coated sheet metals, such as Galvalume, are also available for metal buildings. Galvalume is an aluminum, zinc and silicon alloy sheet metal. The presence of the alloys in Galvalume improves the sheet metal’s corrosion and perforation resistance, and adds a smoother, brighter finish to the surface.

The quality of a Quonset hut must also depend on the manner of assembly. To ensure that the hut is weather-tight and prone to leakage, make sure that all the panels make a tight fit. The bolts must also fit snugly, leaving a tight seal and preventing air holes. The purlins must also overlap equally and comfortably, without lacks and excesses in make.

Purchasing

When ordering a Quonset hut type metal building, make sure that the materials and the company you’re buying from are reliable. Before settling on a metal building company, try to get an idea of what type of hut you want to build. This will factor in specifications you want added to your building that may be available in choice companies only.

Do not be afraid to ask the vendor about the materials. It is as much the buyer’s responsibility to know if the materials being used are safe and have gone through only the highest standards in testing. Asking for hidden costs may also help you to finalize the budget for your order. Finally, check if the company offers guarantees and warrantees on their products and services.