Common Mistakes When Choosing Steel Sheet For Pre-fabricated Factories (And How to Avoid Them)

Choosing steel sheet for prefabricated workshops is not just about choosing “cheap type” or “familiar type”. Many construction projects quickly degrade, become hot, noisy, rusty, or incur increased maintenance costs just because of seemingly small initial mistakes. This article helps you identify the most common mistakes when choosing steel sheet for workshops and provides solutions that are technically correct – economically sound – and ensure the correct lifespan of the construction project.

1) Choosing steel sheet based solely on low price – the most common mistake

Many workshop owners, especially small and medium-sized workshops, often prioritize the criterion of low price when choosing roofing steel sheet and wall steel sheet. However, low-price steel sheet often comes with risks regarding material quality and lifespan.

• Thin coating, poor coating adhesion
• Prone to rust after 1–2 years in humid environments
• Maintenance and replacement costs later may be much higher compared to initial savings

Solution: When comparing quotations, prioritize technical specifications: coating thickness (Z), actual thickness, raw material origin, CO/CQ documents.

2) Not checking the actual thickness of the steel sheet

A dangerous mistake is to completely trust the quotation or the thickness marking on the documents without actual measurement. In the market, there is a situation of “thiếu ly” (actual thickness is lower than declared).

• Steel sheet sags quickly, easily dents during heavy rain/strong winds
• Reduces load-bearing capacity, reduces roof lifespan
• Increases risk of leakage due to deformation

Solution: Use micrometer To measure thickness, randomly check multiple points on the sheet/coil. At the same time, require the supplier to commit to the correct thickness and delivery specifications.

3) Choosing the wrong type of steel sheet for the usage environment

Not all factories use the same type of steel sheet. The construction environment determines the rate of corrosion and degradation.

Common mistake: Using common steel sheets for factories in coastal areas, high humidity regions, or industrial zones with corrosive chemicals/emissions.

Consequence: Rapid corrosion, coating delamination, widespread rust, early repair requirements.

Solution: Choose materials suitable for the environment:

• Harsh environment: prioritize steel sheets with high coating or materials with better corrosion resistance
• Consider additional protective paint layer if necessary
• Discuss with technical team in advance to finalise configuration according to desired lifespan

4) Not considering steel sheet width – causing significant waste

Many construction projects still use standard width steel sheet (1000–1250mm) for large-span workshops, leading to many overlaps and material waste.

• Many overlaps → increase risk of leakage over time
• Material waste and increased construction labor
• Roof/wall surface with poor aesthetics due to many joints

Solution: Prioritise large width steel sheet from 1500mm upwards to reduce seams, reduce waste and increase surface uniformity.

5) Overlooking pre-delivery fabrication

Some contractors buy steel sheet coils for the construction project and then cut/bend them manually. This method easily leads to errors, scratches, and increased construction time.

• Incorrect dimensions, material shortage/surplus
• Surface scratches due to improper handling
• Increased labor costs at the construction project, prolongs schedule

Solution: Choose a supplier with fabrication workshop at the warehouse:

• Uncoiling – cutting to specifications
• Bending, stamping according to drawings
• Delivery of correct dimensions, ready for installation

6) Not requiring CO, CQ for the construction project

Many investors prioritize schedule over quality documentation. This can cause difficulties during acceptance or when completing project documentation.

• Lack of acceptance documentation
• Difficult to verify origin, material quality
• Increased risk during settlement/inspection

Solution: Always require CO (Certificate of Origin) and CQ (Certificate of Quality) for the shipment.

7) Choosing a supplier without logistics capability

Transportation is an easily overlooked part but directly affects schedule and costs.

• Outsourcing vehicles: high price, difficult to be flexible
• Easily delays schedule for urgent deliveries
• Risk of scratches, dents if loading/packaging is improper

Solution: Prioritize suppliers with their own trucks, flexible delivery, support for urgent same-day orders, and a process to protect the steel sheet surface during transportation.

Conclusion

Choosing steel sheet for pre-engineered factories is a comprehensive problem involving technical aspects, cost, and lifespan. Avoiding common mistakes will help the construction project be more durable, require less maintenance, provide long-term savings, and ensure the schedule and legal documentation.

Phu Cuong Steel Sheet Steel – Leading Reputable Large Width Steel Sheet Distributor

With the motto “Quality makes the brand”, Phu Cuong Steel Sheet Steel – Accompanying Every Construction Project is a reliable steel sheet material solution for pre-engineered factory construction projects in Ho Chi Minh City and surrounding areas.

• Large warehouse, readily available galvanised steel sheet – EG/GA steel sheet – color-coated cold steel sheet
• Especially strong large width steel sheet 1000mm – 1250mm – 1500mm and above (rare in the market) helps reduce loss and joints
• Machine system coil unwinding – bending and stamping with new technology
• Team of technicians knowledgeable in drawings, accurate fabrication
• Genuine raw material source from large mills
• Own trucks, fast delivery – optimise logistics costs
• Commitment correct thickness – correct specifications – full CO, CQ

Contact information:
Address: 2177C – 2177D National Highway 1A, Dong Hung Thuan Ward, District 12, Ho Chi Minh City
Phone: 0933 919 899
E-mail: tonthepphucuong@gmail.com
Website: tonthepphucuong.com

See more related articles:

• Mistake when only measuring steel sheet with calipers: Why do many contractors misjudge material quality?
• Receiving steel sheet at the construction project: Besides thickness, what else does the contractor need to check to avoid future risks?
• What is large width 1500mm galvanised steel sheet? Why is it increasingly prioritised by contractors?