Our Blog
Discover expert insights on steel building design, construction, and innovation across Canada. Learn from Tower Steel Buildings’ engineering experience.
Drainage and Grading Mistakes That Delay Steel Building Projects
Drainage and grading issues are one of the most common reasons steel building projects stall after permits are issued. They are also among the most misunderstood. Many owners assume that once a site looks flat and dry, it is ready for foundations and steel delivery....
Steel Buildings for Manufacturing Facilities in Ontario
Design, Loads, Workflow, and Long-Term Operational Performance Manufacturing facilities are not generic buildings. They are working environments where structure, workflow, equipment loads, and long-term durability directly influence productivity, safety, and operating...
Hidden Costs That Appear After Signing a Steel Building Contract
Steel buildings are often chosen for their predictability. Pre-engineered systems promise efficiency, durability, and cost control. Yet many Canadian buyers discover additional expenses only after a steel building contract has been signed. These hidden costs in steel...
Why Steel Building Quotes in Ontario Can Vary by Tens of Thousands
If you have requested multiple steel building quotes in Ontario, you may have been surprised by how far apart the numbers can be. Two quotes for buildings with the same footprint and height can differ by tens of thousands of dollars, sometimes without an obvious...
How Design Changes Impact Steel Building Pricing
Design changes are one of the most common reasons steel building projects exceed their original budget. In most cases, the cost increase does not come from material price spikes or contractor behaviour. It comes from decisions made after pricing assumptions are...
Steel Buildings for Auto Repair Shops (Layout, Loads and Workflow)
Auto repair shops place very specific demands on a building. Unlike general storage or light commercial use, a repair shop must support concentrated loads, frequent vehicle movement, overhead equipment, and efficient technician workflow. Poor building design does not...
Designing Steel Warehouses for Racking and Forklift Clearance
Warehouse design is not just about square footage. In steel warehouse buildings, the real performance of the space is determined by how well it supports racking systems, forklift movement, and material flow. Many warehouse projects run into operational problems not...
National Building Code vs Ontario Building Code for Steel Structures
Understanding the difference between the National Building Code of Canada and the Ontario Building Code is essential for anyone planning a steel building project in Ontario. While the two codes are closely related, they are not interchangeable, and misunderstanding...
Steel Building Snow Load Zones Explained
Snow load is one of the most misunderstood and underestimated design factors in steel building construction. Many buyers assume snow load is simply a regional number taken from a map and applied uniformly to a building. In reality, snow load design is far more...
Cost Impacts of Over-Engineering vs Under-Engineering in Steel Building Projects
Engineering decisions shape the total cost of a steel building project far more than most buyers realize. While material pricing and building size receive the most attention early on, it is often the accuracy of engineering decisions that determines whether a project...
Soil Conditions That Impact Steel Building Foundation Design
Why Soil Conditions Matter Before Any Steel Building Is Designed When buyers plan a steel building project, most attention goes to the structure above ground. Frame spacing, snow loads, wind resistance, and clear spans usually dominate early discussions. Far fewer...
CSA A660 Certification Explained for Canadian Steel Building Buyers
Why CSA A660 Certification Matters for Steel Buildings Across Canada If you are planning to invest in steel buildings in Canada, CSA A660 certification is one of the most important standards to understand before approving a quote or submitting a permit application....