Frequently Asked Questions

Yes! All steel buildings should be engineered and manufactured to meet your local codes. For example, your building should be inspected and approved to meet your area’s snow load requirements.

Yes, you can have water seeping beneath your base rails if you do not have a sealant package applied during your building’s installation. Water seepage will occur because, while the base rail is laid flush with your foundation, it is still not completely sealed and there will be room water to enter. However, if you have purchased our sealant package, this will be applied directly to your base rail during installation and will prevent any water from seeping into your building. During installation, a foam strip is applied to the bottom of the base rail and, once the base rail is being set, the weight of the steel will push down on the base rail and flatten the foam strip until it is completely flat against the foundation and the rail. From there, a strip of polyurethane sealant is applied on both the inside and the outside of your building!

Wisconsin Carports currently offers two different roof styles for you to choose from: A-Frame Horizontal and A-Frame Vertical. The A-frame Horizontal roof option is considered the “Better” option whereas the A-frame Vertical is considered the “Best” option. This is due to many different variables including maintenance and overall aesthetic.

Vertical siding is an excellent option for customers that are interested in a residential or commercial building. However, the vertical orientation is an upgraded option as it requires more material, girts, to support the metal panels.

Your building comes with many warranties that range from your building material to your structural stability. While your warranties will vary depending on your chosen builder, a few typical warranties include a wind certification and a rust-through warranty. Wisconsin Carports currently offers you the following warranties: 7-year and 20-year rust-through warranties, paint warranty, No Hassle Workmanship Guarantee, wind warranty & a delivery guarantee.

12-gauge and 14-gauge tubing are two options of square tubing available to you for your structural framework. The 14-gauge tubing is 2 ½ x 2 ½ square tubing and the standard for your framework. The 12-gauge tubing is the 2 ¼ x 2 ¼ square tubing that is available at an additional cost. While this tubing is smaller in size, it is thicker steel which offers you an extended rust-through warranty.

A steel building is a structure that is manufactured and installed with steel. These structures may have some additional non-metal material, such as wood, but are either mainly or entirely made of galvanized steel or even red iron (I-Beam).

This is a personal preference for each customer. While some clients consider the roll-up doors to be the best option for their project, others may believe the overhead doors better meet their needs. There are many different variables that should be considered prior to choosing between these two options for your project. A few variables include color options, material, pricing, durability, and automation. Each product has its own set of pros and cons, so we recommend looking into these details.

Anchors are how your steel building is reinforced and anchored into the ground for support. The type of anchor used on your building depends on the base your building will be installed on. For example, if your building is installed on concrete, it requires concrete anchors. If it is installed on asphalt, it requires asphalt anchors, etc. If you choose to have anchors added onto your structure, the anchors certify your unit for a specific wind speed and are at an additional cost.

Pouring your concrete before or after installation is a personal preference. However, we highly recommend you check in with your township to see if there are certain requirements for your area! Both options have their share of pros, and cons-we highly recommend doing your due diligence to decide which option is best for you and your needs. Contact us to understand which route is best for you!

Your new metal building has been engineered to meet local codes and withstand numerous different weather conditions ranging from heavy snow to hail and high winds. As a non-combustible material, steel naturally has fire-resistant properties as well! Steel buildings are engineered to meet or exceed your local snow load to withstand the weight on the roof of the building, so you can assure your steel building will protect your valuables during the next heavy snow fall.When you purchase the recommended number of anchors, you are wind-certifying your steel building to withstand winds up to 120 miles per hour. Here at Wisconsin Carports, all buildings 32’ wide and up are manufactured with vertical roofing and siding for easy run-off. Vertical roofing and siding are engineered with additional framework as well for significant reinforcement. Some contractors may even offer standard packages that are included in your project to help the building withstand water. Wisconsin Carports use steel sheeting that has 40% more resistance from dents caused by harsh hailstorms. Lastly, steel is a naturally non-combustible material, meaning it won’t ignite or burn.

There are many different insulation options available for a steel structure. A few options include Batt and Blanket, Spray Foam Insulation, and Bubble Insulation. Insulation effectiveness is measured by its R-Value. The R-Value indicates the insulations ability to resist heat from entering or leaving the area. The higher the R-Value, the higher the insulation’s performance levels.  

Batt and Blanket insulation is processed from mineral fiber typically of fiberglass or rock wool and may include a radiant barrier blocking (the best for metal buildings). R- Value – R-3 – R-30 depending on thickness (approximately).

Spray Foam insulation is a great option because of how well it seals the building from insects and pests A polymer, combined with a foaming agent, sprays into the steel wall and ceiling cavities. The liquid turns into a solid cellular material of air-filled cells which fills every space – even the small spaces where air will not escape. For areas prone to cold weather. R- Value – Open-cell Spray Foam R-3.7 per Inch (approximately) and Closed-cell Spray Foam R-6.5 per inch (approximately). Wisconsin Carports DOES NOT provide spray foam insulation.

‍Bubble insulation is composed of polyethylene bubbles that function as additional thermal barrier and stops condensation. Since steel conducts heat well, a metal building naturally transfers heat energy in and out very freely. Bubble insulation resolves this problem by reflecting radiant heat to keep the temperature differential off your buildings steel panels. If your bubble insulation has a perm rating of less than 1.0, it will be classified as a full vapor barrier. A vapor barrier prevents moisture from passing through our insulation and getting to the steel panels where it can turn into condensation. R- Value – R-6 – R-10 (approximately). Wisconsin Carports DOES provide bubble insulation.

Your steel building can be installed on many different foundations. The most common and preferred sites include concrete, gravel, ground, and asphalt. Below are a few brief recommendations for these sites.

Concrete:

• 1” – 2” extra around perimeter. For buildings below 32’ wide, we recommend adding an extra 1” all around the building for the panels to be flush against the edge of the concrete. For buildings 32’ wide and above, we recommend adding an extra 2” all around the building to help avoid any concrete chipping. We require a minimum of 12”x12” footings; however, your local area may have different requirements.

Gravel:

• Raised base of approximately 2-4” to help minimize water runoff. Remove any vegetation, trees, or stumps for better installation. Put in grass or gravel around area to avoid erosion. Heavy Equipment may be needed– this will ensure grading is leveled correctly. Feel free to box around the area. Pea gravel makes for a better stone to stabilize future building. We recommend 2” extra all around the base for all around better aesthetic.

Ground:

• Reference Gravel requirements above. May need to fill in with denser soil so it can carry the weight of the structure. Make sure to check in with your local building department to assure this option is allowed in your area.

Asphalt:

• Avoid areas with a downward slope a this ensures you’ll have an easy installation since our base rail can’t sit properly on a sloped foundation without cutting on site. A warm and rain-free installation day will help your asphalt have a proper bond and avoid any issues with water and trapped steam later. Ask your contractor what they recommend on the base thickness for the type of footwork it will undergo. Apply an herbicide right after installation to prevent vegetation from cracking through.

There is a general rule of thumb you can follow for a rough idea on how long your installation should last. Essentially, for every thousandth dollar of the order, there is an additional 1.5 hours’ worth of work. However, there are many factors that can affect this time which can include any custom accessories or weather conditions for your area.

Wisconsin Carports offers you many different options ranging from financing to rent-to-own. Contact us to find the best option for you and your project!

Yes! A popular use of metal buildings has become “barndominiums” which are a mix of a barn and a condominium to make creative and unique living spaces. Always work with a certified and experienced contractor to ensure your living spaces meet all local codes.

Yes, steel buildings experience condensation and sweat. However, there are many ways in which you can minimize or eliminate this common issue! Condensation occurs due to the fluctuation in temperatures between the air and the steel components. If you don’t treat it, this moisture can lead you to many different issues such as storage damage from mold. A few different ways you can help minimize or eliminate this sweating is by adding ventilation such as vents and windows, insulating the building, or adding a condensation solution such as CondenStop.

Yes, you can purchase your metal building as a kit that can be picked up and installed on your own time. Some contractors also offer you the option of having your material delivered to your location! However, speak with your contractor as this option is only available with certain contractors. Currently, Wisconsin Carports does not offer this option. In order to maintain and ensure our warranties, quality & craftsmanship, every Wisconsin Carports structure is delivered and installed by one of our certified builders.

This all depends on your local township or city! Things that your township or city will look at to determine if you will require a permit include the dimensions of your building, what you will be placing your building on (concrete, asphalt, or ground), and where you will be placing your steel building on your property. Visit your local township or city’s website to find your building permit application for more details or reach out to our team for further assistance!

Wisconsin Carports currently offers you 20 colors to choose from, including a variety of greys, whites, reds, blues, & much more!

Definitely! Wisconsin Carports offers you the ability to take a tour of our steel buildings in person at many different locations. Currently, you can visit our dealers located in Michigan and Wisconsin with physical displays.

Definitely! Metal buildings are known for their building versatility and structural durability. Although customization options vary among contractors, you can typically customize your building on its dimensions, roof styles, accessories, foundations, and much more. Click here for a more detailed look at your customization options!

Yes! Wisconsin Carports offers you standard building sizes. These sizes act as a guide to help you understand how much space you may need for your project. Additionally, these sizes can be a cost-effective option as they can offer you more square footage at the same price as a smaller custom size. However, steel is highly versatile. You always have the ability to customize your size & make sure your project is exactly what meets your needs!

Absolutely, our team can walk you through financing options with our partners to provide you with the best rate.

Yes! All of our carports are engineer-certified to survive even the harshest of midwestern winters. Schedule a call with one of our design consultants to discuss the best options for your location.

Wisconsin Carports is based out of Wisconsin but serves all midwestern states. Our industry-leading installation times extend to all midwestern states. For more information, please submit a contact form.