Metal Buildings / PEMB
Pre-Engineered Metal Buildings (PEMB)
Bolt-Up Building Kits & Packages
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What Is a Pre-Engineered Metal Building?
A pre-engineered metal building (PEMB) - also called a bolt-up building - is a complete steel structure that is designed, fabricated, and shipped as a ready-to-assemble kit. Every component is pre-cut and pre-drilled at the factory to exact tolerances, then numbered and packaged for straightforward assembly on your foundation.
The primary framing - rigid steel frames, columns, and rafters - arrives at your site ready to bolt together. Secondary framing members (purlins, girts, and bracing) connect to the primary frames. Roof and wall panels attach to the secondary framing, and trim is applied to finish the envelope. No cutting or welding is required on-site for the structural system.
Metal Warehouse Inc. has supplied pre-engineered building packages to contractors and property owners across North Texas and Southern Oklahoma since 1996. We source from trusted engineered building manufacturers and provide complete support from package selection through delivery.
Where PEMB Fits
Best Applications for PEMB Systems
Engineered bolt-up systems are the standard wherever a project needs wide clear spans, stamped plans, and fast erection.
Commercial Warehouses
Clear-span interiors up to 200+ feet wide with no interior columns. Ideal for distribution, manufacturing, and storage operations.
Industrial Facilities
Heavy-duty PEMB systems engineered for cranes, mezzanines, and heavy equipment loads. Common in manufacturing and processing operations.
Aircraft Hangars
Wide clear-span systems with bi-fold or hydraulic doors are the standard for private and commercial aviation hangar construction.
Municipal and Government
Fire stations, maintenance facilities, public works buildings, and recreation centers frequently use PEMB systems for speed and cost efficiency.
Retail and Office
Strip centers, auto dealerships, and office buildings benefit from the design flexibility and quick construction timeline of engineered systems.
Agricultural Commercial
Large grain storage, feed operations, and commercial livestock facilities where wide clear spans and durability are critical.
Your Complete Package
What's Included in a PEMB Package
A pre-engineered package arrives as a complete, ready-to-bolt system. Every structural member, panel, and fastener is fabricated to your design so the crew can raise the building without cutting or welding on-site.
- Primary structural framing - rigid steel frames, tapered or straight columns and rafters
- Secondary framing - roof purlins, wall girts, eave struts, flange braces
- Structural bracing - X-bracing or portal frames for lateral load resistance
- Roof and wall panels - R-Panel (PBR), standing seam, or other profiles in your chosen color
- Trim package - ridge cap, eave trim, rake trim, corner trim, and base angles
- Anchor bolt plan - foundation anchor bolt template with placement drawings
- Fasteners - all structural and panel fasteners for complete assembly
- Stamped engineered drawings - signed and sealed for permit submission
- Erection manual - detailed assembly instructions with numbered components
Pricing Factors
What Affects PEMB Pricing
Pre-engineered building costs vary based on several factors. Understanding what drives price helps you make informed decisions during the design phase:
- Building dimensions - width, length, and eave height are the primary drivers. Wider clear-span buildings require heavier primary frames.
- Wind and snow loads - buildings in higher wind zones or with heavier snow loads require more steel and heavier framing members.
- Steel gauge and framing weight - lighter gauge panels reduce cost; heavier structural loads require larger frame sections.
- Roof slope - steeper slopes require more material and affect the structural design.
- Openings - doors, windows, and skylights each affect the structural design and add cost.
- Insulation - blanket insulation, liner panels, or spray foam can add 15-25% to the material cost but dramatically improves energy performance.
- Delivery distance - freight is a significant cost component for large building packages.
Choosing a System
PEMB vs. Weld-Up: Which Is Right for Your Project?
| Factor | PEMB / Bolt-Up | Weld-Up |
|---|---|---|
| Typical Applications | Commercial, industrial, hangars, retail | Agricultural, farm storage, personal workshops |
| Clear Span Width | Up to 200+ feet without interior columns | Typically up to 80 feet clear span |
| Erection Method | Bolt-together assembly, no welding required | Field-welded connections, requires certified welder |
| Engineering | Full stamped engineering package included | Engineering may be simpler; varies by design |
| Cost Range | Higher upfront material cost; lower labor on-site | Lower material cost; higher on-site labor |
| Lead Time | 6-14 weeks for engineered package | 1-4 weeks for standard components |
| Best For | Larger spans, commercial permits, speed of erection | Smaller rural structures, tight budgets, local welders |
Common Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to get a PEMB package?
Most pre-engineered building packages take 6 to 14 weeks from order to delivery. The timeline depends on the manufacturer's current backlog and the complexity of your design. We will provide a realistic lead time estimate when we quote your project.
Do I need a general contractor to erect a PEMB?
For commercial and permit-required projects, yes. The structural erection typically requires a licensed contractor and a certified erector familiar with engineered building systems. For smaller agricultural projects, experienced owner-builders sometimes self-erect with manufacturer support.
What foundation do I need for a pre-engineered building?
Most PEMB systems use a perimeter concrete foundation with embedded anchor bolts. The anchor bolt plan is provided with your engineering package. Slab-on-grade designs are also common. Your engineer or local contractor will determine the foundation design based on your soil conditions and building loads.
Can I customize the panels and colors?
Yes. We offer a wide selection of panel profiles and Valspar WeatherXL colors for your roof and wall panels. Concealed-fastener standing seam and exposed-fastener R-Panel are the most popular choices. Custom trim colors are also available.
Does the package include doors and windows?
Framed openings are included in the structural package. Doors and windows themselves (walk doors, overhead doors, windows) can be included or ordered separately. We can supply commercial-grade personnel doors and overhead doors to complete your package.
Do you serve areas outside Sherman, TX?
Yes. We deliver and supply PEMB packages throughout North Texas and Southern Oklahoma, including Grayson, Collin, Cooke, Fannin, and Bryan counties. For larger projects, we can coordinate delivery anywhere in the region.
Get a Free PEMB Estimate
Tell us your building size, use, and location. We will prepare a detailed quote and walk you through your options. No pressure, no obligation.