Commercial sheds come in all shapes and sizes, however, there are some important features that commercial sheds need that make them compliant with building code regulations.
Assuming that you’ve got a good idea on the design, location, size, height, all these factors have been taken into consideration. What are some of the most important features that you need to look at when building a commercial shed?
Depending on your usage and dimensions commercial sheds can be used for different purposes, such as:
- Machinery & equipment
- Self storage complexes
- Aircraft hangars
- Processing plant
- Farm and grain sheds
Many commercial sheds also operate for multipurpose usage, such as office and storage. So to ensure that your investment has been well thought out and is future-proof for the years to come, let’s look at what features should be considered.
1. Quality Materials
Investing in a commercial shed needs to have complete due diligence, your investment is not cheap so building with high-quality steel materials should be at the forefront of your main considerations. Commercial sheds need to be built to withstand extreme climates for eg. During droughts or fire seasons steel structures need to tolerate potential breakage, split or warping. High quality steel beams will not buckle under pressure and will hold its shape for years to come. Not to mention the rough and tough treatment of vehicles and equipment, quality steel beams won’t move too easily. Quality steel will give your commercial shed frame integrity under the harshest and toughest conditions.
2. Ventilation & Lighting
Indoor stale air along with poor lighting and ventilation can deplete working conditions and productivity. Healthy commercial structures require good ventilation and lighting, which is now at the forefront of good design. According to the National Construction Code there is an intended effort that building occupants must have access to natural and article light and fresh air to prevent illness. This requirement states that natural ventilation is built into your design. There are many ways these features can be built into the design of your commercial shed. Including:
- Whirlybirds (industrial or standard)
- Louvers
- Ridge vents
- Windows
- Wall vents
When it comes to lighting and illuminating your commercial shed, artificial lighting offers many different options that can provide brilliant lighting and can be cost effective, such as:
- High Bay Led lights
- Flood lights
- Light poles
3. Features to Maximise Internal Space
Special features come into play when finding the best ways to utilise space, some can include mezzanine floors. These can provide fantastic space saving storage options doubling your storage area. Aim for full height for stacking and warehouse shelving. Commercial storage racking systems can also accommodate more vertical storage and improve your shed storage capacity and increase the investment of your commercial shed. These features can also help to create different zones and workplace area’s to fully maximise space and create more efficient traffic flow.
Here are a few more smart options you can consider:
- Mezzanine floors
- Dividing wall panels
- Commercial/ vertical Storage Racking systems.
4. Doors & Windows
Door options for commercial sheds can vary quite dramatically depending on the usage. For example a commercial shed used for grain storage may require roller doors. While a commercial shed used for machinery and equipment may use sliding doors. The different options that are available can range from…
- Motorised
- Chain-pulled
- Manual roller doors
- Sliding doors
- Personal access door
- Roller Shutters
5. Emergency Exit Features
Access and egress in a commercial building is predominately about where the personal access doors (PA doors) are placed, and the required distance and path of travel to and between them. PA doors are considered fire exits and must be readily openable from the inside without a key. They must be kept clear and accessible at all times. Primarily this allows for safer movement throughout the structure. These features are particularly important to ensure compliance and are a prerequisite of the South Australian Work Health and Safety Regulations Act 2012 and the BCA (The Building Code of Australia).
You may also have to consider height safety and the access and egress to the roof or rooftop equipment. Some examples to consider would then be:
- Anchor Points
- Roof Access Hatches
- Roof Walkway
- Safety rails
Invest in a commercial shed with Spanlift
If you’re looking to build a commercial shed, always speak with experts in the field who have considerable knowledge and experience. No matter what type of shed you are thinking of building, always be mindful that there are many building options to consider and most importantly always seek expert advice from those who have certified quality assurance and understand all compliance issues that may arise.