FAQ: Does RHINO Sell "Bolt-Up" Buildings?
Bolt-up metal buildings are a popular type of pre-engineered steel buildings. RHINO offers these bolt-up kits for your custom designs to make it as easy as possible to get your buildings up and standing. But what are bolt-up buildings, and how do they work?
What is a “Bolt-Up” Building?
A bolt-up building is a pre-engineered steel building kit that is assembled using high-strength steel bolts to fasten all pieces and parts together. There are no other methods (such as welding) used to construct the building in the field, so each step of assembly is consistent and nothing gets too complicated. Some adjustments may be necessary once the kit arrives on site — the locations of the walk door and window framed openings, for example —for the feasibility of altering exact locations in the field. However, if you are extremely familiar with the exact location of these items, we can have those pre-cut and ready as well.
What is Included in RHINO’s Bolt-Up Building Kit?
Once you have worked with RHINO’s team of professional designers and engineers, and given final approval of your design, they will pass it along to our AISC-certified factories to get your kit put together. These kits will include every wall, column, rafter, and high-strength bolt that will be needed for your structure. You will also be provided with a detailed instruction manual and construction DVD to walk you through every step, and an emailed set of stamped plans to help get your building permitted faster.
How to Assemble a Bolt-Up Building
Once you have your kit, your assembly method is up to you, your comfort level, and preferences. Some of our customers utilize professionals to erect the structure, while others — dedicated DIYers — take on the task themselves. (Note: We recommend that folks looking to assemble the kits themselves have experience in reading plans and operating any machinery like forklifts that they may use, though licensing is not required to build.)
How Long Does it Take to Assemble a Bolt-Up Building?
There is no one timeline for assembling a bolt-up, because people assemble them differently. It can take approximately eight to ten weeks after the order date for the kit to arrive on site. From here, the time varies depending on your assembly method. Professional building erectors, who do this day in and day out, can put together a large, 5,000 square foot building in a week, while a team of three DIYers could assemble a more averaged-sized building of 30x50 ft, or 1,500 square feet, in about the same amount of time. If you choose to go the Do-It-Yourself route, we recommend working in groups of 2-3 people at least, though we have seen some particularly ambitious people tackle their projects on their own.
Your Bolt-Up’s Strength & Security
RHINO offers plenty of options for you to customize your metal building to make it exactly what you want. From a full range of steel colors to skylights, mezzanine floor systems and near limitless sizing, we are here to make your dream building not only a reality, but something easy to build and maintain. Bolt-ups are known to be sturdy in the face of harsh weather conditions, and easy to repair if they do take damage. If you’re ready to get started on your steel bolt-up, or if you have questions, RHINO is here to help. Give us a call at 940.600.4685.
