Six key considerations for steel structure factory design: A factory can feel as warm as home.

A good factory environment is crucial for both owners and employees. With the increasing prevalence of steel structure factories, the demands on them are also rising. So, what are some key considerations when designing a steel structure factory?

light source

Steel structure workshops are generally quite large, so lighting is very important. During the day, skylights can be used to improve indoor lighting. When installing skylights or translucent glass on the roof, the lifespan of the skylights should be considered in coordination with the metal roof panels, and waterproofing should be done at the connection between the skylights and the metal roof panels.

Moisture-proof

Especially during the rainy season, the area often feels damp and warm. To prevent water vapor condensation within the base layer and the roof layer of a metal roof, it's essential to remove the moisture from the roof layer. The solution involves filling the metal roof layer with insulation, laying a waterproof membrane on the base plate, and installing ventilated joints in the roof panels.

Lightning protection

Summer brings frequent thunderstorms, so the design must direct lightning strikes to the ground to prevent them from penetrating the metal roof and entering the building. Fire is a major hazard in steel structure factory buildings. In the event of a fire, the metal roofing material will not burn, and flames will not penetrate the metal roof panels.

Leak-proof

Steel structure factory buildings must prevent rainwater from seeping into the metal roof panels. Rainwater mainly enters the metal roof through overlaps or joints. Therefore, it is necessary to use sealing washers at screw holes and employ concealed fixing methods. Overlaps in the panels should be sealed with sealant or welded. Ideally, continuous panels should be used to eliminate overlaps, and all joints should be thoroughly waterproofed.

Sound insulation

Most steel structure factory buildings are used as production workshops. During the construction and production process, noise is inevitably generated. To prevent sound from traveling between the outside and inside of the factory, sound-insulating materials (usually thermal insulation cotton) are filled inside the metal roof layer. The sound insulation effect depends on the density and thickness of the sound-insulating material.

Insulation and cooling

Scorching in summer and freezing in winter – nobody likes such a working environment. Therefore, it's crucial to prevent heat transfer through the metal roof of a steel structure factory building, thus stabilizing the indoor temperature. Adding insulation to the roof can typically lower the indoor temperature by 5-8℃, or spraying high-efficiency heat-reflective coatings onto the roof panels can achieve a surface temperature difference of up to 20℃ and an indoor temperature difference of 8-10℃.