Key Takeaways

  • Pre-engineered steel buildings are a good choice in Iowa due to their resilience to harsh weather conditions like heavy snow and strong winds.
  • These buildings offer cost efficiency, with lower construction and maintenance costs compared to traditional structures.
  • The versatility of pre-engineered steel buildings allows them to be used for various purposes, from agricultural to industrial needs.
  • Reich Construction LLC provides design, permitting, budgeting, and construction services, ensuring successful prefab metal project completion.

Why Pre-Engineered Steel Buildings Are a Good Choice in Iowa

Weather Resilience

Iowa experiences a continental climate, characterized by:

  • Four distinct seasons: Winters are cold, with average temperatures often dropping below freezing, and significant snowfall. Summers are warm to hot, with average highs reaching the 80s and 90s Fahrenheit (27-37°C).
  • Precipitation: Iowa receives about 30 to 36 inches of rainfall annually, with the majority falling during spring and summer.
  • Severe weather: The state is prone to thunderstorms, tornadoes, and blizzards, particularly in late spring and early summer.
A photograph of the 2020 Midwest derecho in Iowa. 
The August 2020 Midwest derecho was Iowa’s worst recent weather event, with wind gusts up to 126 mph (203 km/h). It caused extensive damage in eastern Iowa, including cities like Cedar Rapids and Des Moines (image courtesy of Jon Davies Severe Weather Notes).

Pre-engineered steel buildings (PEBs) are designed to withstand these conditions – offering extreme durability and protection. Steel’s inherent strength provides resistance against wind, snow, and even fire, ensuring your building remains secure and intact. Besides that, these structures are engineered to meet local building codes.

Reich Construction LLC, led by industry veteran Bruno Reich, specializes in pre-engineered steel buildings across the U.S. With 40 years of expertise and over 1500 successful projects, we ensure cost-effective, sustainable solutions. Accredited by AIA, MBCEA, and USGBC, our services include complete design, engineering, permitting, budgeting, and construction. Trust us to transform your vision into a lasting prefab steel structure.

Contact Reich Construction LLC for Your Pre-Engineered Steel Building Needs

Cost Efficiency

With Iowa’s economy tied to agriculture and manufacturing, the ability to erect buildings quickly is especially important for businesses needing to expand or adapt rapidly. PEBs can be assembled in a matter of days or weeks compared to the months required for traditional construction.

These buildings also require less maintenance over time, saving money on repairs and upkeep. The durability of steel means fewer issues with pests, mold, or structural damage, which are common problems in traditional buildings. Therefore, the long-term savings make PEBs a financially sound choice.

Versatility for Various Uses

One of the standout features of prefab metal buildings is their versatility – this is because they can be designed as large open spaces without the need for interior columns. 

Regardless if you’re looking to build a warehouse, a retail space, or even an indoor golf facility, these structures can be customized to fit your specific needs, without sacrificing structural integrity.

Long-Term Durability

Steel is a robust material that stands the test of time, resisting wear and tear from both environmental factors and everyday use – these buildings can serve their purpose for decades with minimal maintenance.

Unlike wooden structures, steel buildings do not contribute fuel to a fire, which can significantly reduce damage in the event of an incident. This feature enhances safety and also lowers insurance premiums.

Reich Construction LLC: Your Iowa Prefab Steel Experts

With over 40 years in the pre-engineered steel building industry, we at Reich Construction LLC have a rich history of delivering over 1500 successful projects. Our commitment to excellence and innovation has made us a trusted name across the United States.

Services Offered

We provide a comprehensive range of services to support your project from start to finish. Our engineering and design team works closely with you to create a blueprint that maximizes your site’s potential while avoiding common pitfalls. We understand the importance of getting the design right the first time to prevent costly mistakes down the line.

During the permitting stage, we manage the often complex approval processes, ensuring your project meets all structural, zoning, and code requirements. Our budgeting expertise, combined with strong supplier relationships, guarantees competitive pricing and on-time, on-budget project completion. Finally, our construction crews, trained to the highest standards, bring your vision to life with efficiency and quality.

Recent Projects

We take pride in our diverse portfolio of completed projects. Recently, we undertook the construction of the complex REGEN Fiber recycling facility in Iowa, which was initially destroyed by a tornado. We managed to redesign it to accommodate the complicated manufacturing process, storage for end products, and various support functions – all while withstanding the state’s harsh weather conditions. 

An aerial view of the REGEN Fiber facility. 
We rebuilt the REGEN Fiber facility to make it resistant to the state’s harsh weather conditions. 

Other notable projects are: 

Contact Reich Construction LLC to bring your Iowa prefab metal building projects to life.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is a pre-engineered steel building?

A pre-engineered steel building is a type of structure that is designed and fabricated off-site using a predetermined inventory of raw materials and manufacturing methods. These buildings are pre-planned and engineered to specific dimensions and loads, then shipped to the site for assembly. The components are bolted together, allowing for a quick and efficient construction process. This approach reduces the time and labor costs associated with traditional building methods.

How do pre-engineered steel buildings handle extreme weather?

The inherent strength of steel allows it to withstand heavy snow loads, high winds, and even seismic activity. Additionally, these buildings can be customized with various coatings and insulation options to further enhance their resistance to environmental factors. 

Can custom designs be used in pre-engineered buildings?

Yes, PEBs can be customized in many ways (e.g. unique architectural features, specialized layouts, or specific interior configurations) to accommodate aesthetic and functional requirements. This flexibility makes them suitable for a wide range of applications, from commercial and industrial to agricultural and recreation buildings.

What is the typical lifespan of a pre-engineered steel building?

The lifespan of a pre-engineered steel building is typically long, often exceeding 50 years with proper maintenance.