Gateway FS Construction Services Merry Christmas and Happy New Year

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year

Once again, the year has flown by and we are already at the end of 2022. While we here at FS Construction Services would much rather be busy than bored, it does make the time go by quickly. Another full year of projects, new and returning clients, and the ever-present perk of getting to work with the wonderful people in our surrounding communities.

Happiest of Holidays to You and Yours

With this year nearly done and another one fast approaching, we wanted to take a little time to wish you and your loved ones a wonderful Christmas season and a Happy New Year. We hope that you are able to take some time off, get some much-needed rest, and have the opportunity to spend time with friends and family.

The list of tasks to be done and new ideas to explore certainly isn’t going anywhere and it will need tended to soon enough. But until then, we wish you a peaceful end of the year. We are looking forward to a little downtime, some good food, and a moment to take in the things in life that really matter the most.

We are thankful for the family, friends, and clients that we get to work with each day and their constant example of hard work and steadfastness we get to experience firsthand. We are grateful for the inspiration and the opportunity to serve so many wonderful men and women and look forward to what 2023 will bring our way.

As always, we are here for any of your building, grain system, seed system, roofing, garage door, and painting needs. If you have any questions at all, please let Gateway FS Construction Services know. Give us a call at 866-551-3454, and let our specialists help you find exactly what you are looking for. We look forward to providing you the best customer service experience.

FS Construction Services strong columns machine storage

Project Profile: Strong Columns for Unmatched Space

At FS Construction Services we love an impressive feat of engineering. We work with so many construction materials so often that it’s genuinely exciting when someone comes along with a new and better way of doing something, including strong columns.

Superior Strength Columns Support Massive Space

For the past few months, we have been discussing the pork farm machine storage project we recently completed, which was a massive 81’ x 200’ x 20’ agricultural building. The project included a variety of highlights and features that we have since been breaking down in further detail.

Perhaps one of the most impressive things about this project is just how big the building is. Yet for all of its size, the interior of the structure is one giant, clear span of uninterrupted space. So we thought we would spend some time discussing how those big spans are achieved and how a building of this size can be constructed to last the test of time.

Our partners at Walters Buildings have used their in-house engineering team to create columns of superior strength in every way. These 3-ply columns utilize their Shear Transfer Plate technology which increases the load capacity of each column, essentially making them twice as strong as a solid 6×6 post. These columns were then fastened to the concrete foundation with L brackets, securing them in place along the entire length of the building.

The end result is a huge building that can easily accommodate large machinery while withstanding the wind, rain, and snow. If you are in the market for a new building, even if it’s not an 81’ x 200’ behemoth, please let Gateway FS Construction Services know. Give us a call at 866-551-3454, and let our specialists help you find exactly what you are looking for. We look forward to providing you the best customer service experience.

FS Construction Services pole barn vs. post-frame

Pole Barn Vs. Post-Frame: What’s the Difference?

Pole Barn vs. Post Frame: Today we are excited to tackle a regular source of confusion and discussion in our industry: what’s the difference between a pole barn and a post-frame building?

Explaining the Difference Between Pole Barn and Post-Frame

We would love to say that the answer is a complex debate that has raged on for decades, but the reality is actually fairly mundane, though no less important to understand. “Post-frame” is a type of construction method. According to the National Frame Building Association, “Post-frame construction is an engineered wood-frame building system that meets UBC and IBC standards.”

What separates it from other types of construction is their speed of installation and the materials needed. “Because the larger posts and interlocking frame can handle greater loads than stud-wall construction, fewer structural materials are needed, which saves time and other costs.”

So if that’s post-frame, what is a pole barn? Well, a pole barn is simply a common type of building resulting from the post-frame construction method. Most of us have a picture in our minds of what a pole barn looks like, but that’s actually why we wanted to take the time to make this distinction. All pole barns are post-frame buildings but not all post-frame buildings are pole barns. The number of applications for a post-frame building are vast, and not simply limited to a rectangular barn-style building.

Agricultural buildings, commercial buildings, municipal buildings, churches, schools, fire stations, and even homes are all possible post-frame building options. Post-frame buildings can provide huge open spans, easily insulated swaths of wall and roof, durability, customizability and more.

If you are in need of a new building, whether you are looking for a pole barn or something entirely different, please let Gateway FS Construction Services know. Give us a call at 866-551-3454, and let our specialists help you find exactly what you are looking for. We look forward to providing you the best customer service experience.

FS Construction Services Dripstop machine storage building

Project Profile: The Benefits of Dripstop

Recently, we discussed a major machine storage project we completed. This project featured so many specific types of work and skills that we thought it would be helpful to highlight certain aspects of it over multiple months, including our use of Dripstop.

Condensation Protection with Dripstop

The 81’ x 200’ x 20’ structure is not only huge, but we were able to install some of the highest quality materials to provide our client with a dependable storage building that will last them for many, many decades to come.

One of those features that will directly affect the longevity of the building is the inclusion of Dripstop technology. Dripstop is a way to prevent condensation from gathering inside the roof of a building. We wanted to take a quick look at why that’s so beneficial in a machine storage situation like the one we recently completed.

The HDF A felt of a Dripstop application is installed to an uninsulated metal roof. It’s made of polyester-interlocked fibers with tiny spaces among them. When the sun sets in the evening the felt reduces the difference in temperature between the air and the roof, delaying the condensation process. When condensation does start to build on the roof during the night, the felt traps the water particles inside. In the morning, as it starts to warm, rather than the water droplets falling onto the ground below, they are trapped inside the felt until the day when they quickly evaporate. This process protects any electrical equipment within the building from getting exposed to water.

Additionally, tests have shown that this adds more protection from the corrosive elements of livestock confinement. Though not the same as traditional insulation, Dripstop felt does actually provide some of the same benefits of heat insulation. It also helps deaden sound, is bacteria resistant, and has a low combustibility.

It’s no surprise why Dripstop is a favorite of ours and we were happy to include it as part of our major pork farm project. In the meantime, if you are in need of a steel building, wood building, or post-frame building, please let Gateway FS Construction Services know. Give us a call at 866-551-3454, and let our specialists help you find exactly what you are looking for. We look forward to providing you the best customer service experience.

FS Construction Services metal siding cleaning tips

Tips for Cleaning Your Metal Siding

It’s the time of year where you’re likely to find yourself outside watering plants and noticing the growing spiderwebs around your windows and doors. And while you may be tempted to knock them down quickly and carry on, it’s worth asking yourself when the last time you cleaned your siding was.

 

Low Maintenance Metal Siding Cleaning Tips

 

If you have metal siding, a little care here and there can go a long way towards extending the lifetime of that siding. The frequency at which you want to perform an inspection depends on where you live and the kind of beating your siding and roof takes on a regular basis. But generally you will want to first check for any obvious issues like chipped paint, rust, or other damages.

Check for any branches touching your siding or your roof and if you can, cut them back so they don’t scrape against the house. You will also want to clear off any leaves or other debris that might either damage the panels or clog your gutters.

Speaking of gutters, make sure to do an occasional check for clogs. Not only do you want to make sure your gutters are taking water away from your house, but standing water can cause corrosion after a long enough time.

Metal siding isn’t prone to mold or fungus, but you may want to give them a good washing every now and again. Rather than power washing, spray them down with a garden hose. If there are any spots that need extra cleaning, use a little dish soap or car washing soap to scrub at the problem area.

Metal siding and metal roofs such as products by our partner Fabral are a strong, unfussy solution for most houses. If you are in need of updating your current roofing or siding and have any questions, please let Gateway FS Construction Services know. Give us a call at 866-551-3454, and let our specialists help you find exactly what you are looking for. We look forward to providing you the best customer service experience.

FS Construction Services metal roof

Project Profile: The Elegance of a Metal Roof

We have been in business for close to 50 years now at FS Construction Services, but there is still something that feels fresh and exciting about a particularly well-implemented design. And one kind of project seems to inspire feelings most often: a brand-new metal roof. There’s something so satisfying about the clean lines, the sturdy construction, and the strong colors. Knowing that they’re designed to last longer than the amount of time we have been in business is just the cherry on top.

Consider Easy Maintenance Metal Roof

 

Recently we had the opportunity to install a 6500 sq. ft. roof for a client, and the result reminds us why we enjoy these projects so much. The 24-gauge 1.5” SSR standing seam roof replaced the old shingles we removed and disposed of. We laid down felt-backed insulation under the new roof as well as new 6” seamless gutters, downspouts, and leaf guards. We also put a modified roof onto the existing pergola to help water drain.

One of the other features of this project that we had to consider was the house’s skylight and chimney. We want our installs to be seamless, but also practical, so we took particular care to make sure that our roof plan incorporated these elements while still providing our client with a sealed and safe roof. Similarly, standing seam metal roofs will expand and contract with the changing temperatures. However, when they are engineered and installed properly, these movements are accounted for.

If you have been approaching the time for a new roof and have considered if a metal roof might be for you, be sure to check out just how they easy they are to maintain. If you have any questions at all, please let Gateway FS Construction Services know. Give us a call at 866-551-3454, and let our specialists help you find exactly what you are looking for. We look forward to providing you the best customer service experience.

FS Construction Services Walters buildings

The Walters Buildings Difference

We spend a lot of time with buildings and building materials here at FS Construction Services, so we know a good quality building when we see one. Which is why we’ve been so happy to have been able to partner with Walters Buildings for as long as we have. We wanted to take a little time to highlight why they have been such good partners and maybe give you an idea of what to expect if you are in the market for a new post-frame building.

FS Construction Services and Walters Buildings

Walters Buildings has many of the same advantages of larger manufacturers while maintaining the advantages found in smaller companies. Walters’ buildings are fully engineered to meet compliance and safety needs. They produce their own steel, trusses, and trim to maintain quality. But one of things about them that our clients have appreciated the most over the years is just how customizable they are. Their buildings are produced with innovation and customization in mind, meaning they can be fitted to a wide variety of applications.

On the material end, Walters uses 28-gauge steel with G-90 galvanizing on that steel, making it protected even if it gets scratched. Their 14’ heeled trusses provide more room for insulation, and those same trusses can be customized to fit your exact building profile. They also use patented sheer transfer plates, which can tolerate more stress than traditional columns.

But none of that would matter much if Walters didn’t operate with integrity and care for their customers. Walters is a family-owned business with local representatives and a commitment to keeping their standards high.

So if you have been thinking about a new post-frame building, know that when you work with us you get the best of both worlds. If you have any questions, please let Gateway FS Construction Services know. Give us a call at 866-551-3454, and let our specialists help you find exactly what you are looking for. We look forward to providing you the best customer service experience.

FS Construction Services machine storage building

Brazinski Pork Farm #1: A Mammoth of Machine Storage

At FS Construction Services we always enjoy a good challenge. Often times our challenges involve making the right decision for a small space or figuring out how to best utilize a limited amount of resources. And we like that. Being backed into a corner usually inspires creativity. However, it’s not hard to admit that it’s a lot of fun during those rarer moments when we have the opportunity to go all out on a project, such as this machine storage building.

 

Huge, New and Functional Machine Storage Building

 

This was the case recently when we worked with a large pork farm to construct a brand-new machine storage and feed facility. We will actually be discussing this multi-month project for the next few months, highlighting a different aspect of the project each month. For now, though, we are going to discuss some of the overall features of the project as a whole.

This 81’ x 200’ x 20’ structure features huge, clear spans making it able to store multiple types of large agricultural machinery. The underside of the metal roof has been outfitted with Dripstop to prevent condensation from gathering inside the roof. The building also has 4’ blue wainscoting around its entire exterior. This not only enhances the building’s appearance, but it also makes for an easier replacement at the most likely damaged point of the building. Finally, we installed two sets of 40’ x 18’ double sliding doors and a 30’ x 18’ steel backed, insulated Raynor door with a 1.5 hp operator.

We will be diving into more of these aspects in greater detail in later months, so be sure to check back to learn more. In the meantime, if you are in need of a steel building, wood building, or post-frame building, please let Gateway FS Construction Services know. Give us a call at 866-551-3454, and let our specialists help you find exactly what you are looking for. We look forward to providing you the best customer service experience.

FS Construction Services Fourth of July

Wishing You a Great Fourth of July

After what may have been a couple strange years of Fourth of July celebrations, we here at FS Construction Services are happy to be celebrating in a year that feels more normal. So we wanted to take a moment to wish our family, friends, and clients a Happy Fourth of July. May it be full of laughter, hot dogs, fireworks, and a little bit of rest from the busyness of life.
 

Wishing You and Yours a Happy Fourth of July

 
We know that this time of year can bring a hundred worries, too much rain, not enough, too hot, too cool, and on and on. And yet, whatever worries we have today, we remain grateful for the worries and battles of those who came before us and made it possible for us to have backyards and parks and homes to celebrate in. We always appreciate the reminder to slow down for a moment and remember that none of what we have or experience is in a vacuum. Whether your own histories seem complex or simple, boring or exciting, we are grateful for the chance to think about ours here at FS Construction Services. The decades of relationships we’ve had, the services we’ve had the opportunity to provide, and the daily joy of getting to work in and around our community are all a part of a wonderful story we’re happy to be a part of.

We wish you the best this Fourth of July season and hope you have some time to relax and enjoy it all. Because of course, it won’t be long before we’re wondering where summer went and thinking about harvest all over again.

As always, if you are in need of a new building, grain storage equipment, seed systems, a garage door, a new roof, or some other kind of service, please let Gateway FS Construction Services know. Give us a call at 866-551-3454, and let our specialists help you find exactly what you are looking for. We look forward to providing you the best customer service experience.

FS Construction Services Fabral agricultural metal roof

Peace of Mind with a Fabral Agricultural Metal Roof

Depictions of agriculture often focus on dusty, rugged-looking trucks, machines, and boots. And it’s not like it’s without good reason, agriculture can be a dusty, rugged industry. And yet for all the images of weathered structures and equipment, something that may not be thought about as often is just how strong the actual roof of your barn, shed, or stable is. So often, agricultural buildings are isolated structures, with little to slow the impact of wind, rain, hail, and more. So whether you are housing machinery or animals, you want to make sure that whatever is inside can be kept safe and unbothered with an agricultural metal roof.
 

Consider the Many Benefits of an Agricultural Metal Roof

 
Thankfully, there is a solution. Our partners at Fabral specialize in just this type of thing. Their variety of metal roofs work for residential, commercial, and agricultural applications. Not only do their 50+-year lifespans warrant consideration, their unmatched strength, resistance to rot, various weather impact ratings, and the fact that they don’t constantly need to be inspected make them ideally suited to your building that’s going to take the biggest beating each year.

Additionally, these highly-reflective roofs stay cooler during the summer, meaning you will have to spend less keeping the building cool and get to be environmentally friendly at the same time. These metal roofs come in wide variety of styles and colors, meaning they can match perfectly to your structure. And finally, they can be installed over felt paper and plywood, preventing excess noise, which is particularly good for buildings that house animals.

So if it’s time to add or update the roof on your agricultural structure, why not consider the many benefits of a metal roof. If you have any questions at all, please let Gateway FS Construction Services know. Give us a call at 866-551-3454, and let our specialists help you find exactly what you are looking for. We look forward to providing you the best customer service experience.