The Anatomy of a Butler Building: Essential Parts You Need to Know
When it comes to pre-engineered metal buildings, Butler Manufacturing stands out as an industry leader. A Butler Building utilizes precision engineering and is designed for durability, flexibility, and performance. Let's dive into what makes a Butler Building so special, from the robust steel frame to the small, critical components that ensure its longevity.
1. The Steel Backbone: Structural Systems
At the heart of every Butler Building is a precision-engineered structural system that provides unmatched strength and flexibility.
Widespan Structural System
The Widespan Structural System is known for its ability to maximize interior space with minimal internal columns. This rigid frame system is versatile, allowing for custom widths, heights, and roof slopes. Whether you need a manufacturing plant, a warehouse, or an office space, the Widespan system offers flexibility without sacrificing strength. The use of acrylic-coated, galvanized C/Z purlins and girts adds to the structure’s durability by protecting against corrosion.
Landmark 2000 Structural System
For projects requiring long bay sizes, the Landmark 2000 Structural System is ideal. This system features Truss PurlinXT secondary members that can span up to 60 feet, making it perfect for buildings that need large, unobstructed spaces, such as distribution centers or aircraft hangars.
Conventional and Hybrid Structural Systems
Butler also offers the flexibility to integrate conventional steel systems with their pre-engineered components, creating hybrid systems that combine the best of both worlds. These systems allow for the use of materials like masonry, concrete, or precast walls, while still benefiting from the precision of Butler’s steel components.
2. Roof Systems: Superior Protection
One of the standout features of Butler Buildings is their advanced roof systems, which are designed to offer long-lasting protection with minimal maintenance.
MR-24 Roof System
The MR-24 Roof System is Butler's most widely used roof, and for good reason. This standing-seam metal roof is engineered to handle temperature fluctuations by allowing the roof to expand and contract without causing damage. Its seams are field-rolled to create a 360-degree Pittsburgh double-lock, ensuring a watertight seal. This system has been installed on more than 2 billion square feet of buildings worldwide and carries some of the highest wind uplift ratings (Class 90).
Butlerib II Roof System
The Butlerib II Roof System is a more economical choice, providing strong, durable protection for budget-conscious projects. Its deep corrugations offer superior strength, and its unique Lock-Rivet fasteners ensure long-term stability.
VSR II Roof System
Designed for architectural applications, the VSR II Roof System is ideal for buildings where aesthetics are just as important as performance. It can accommodate complex roof geometries and is available in a range of attractive colors.
3. Wall Systems: Aesthetic and Functional Options
Butler Buildings offer a range of wall systems that combine structural integrity with aesthetic appeal, while also providing energy efficiency.
Butlerib II Wall System
Similar to the roof system, the Butlerib II Wall System is known for its strength and affordability. Its deep corrugations provide additional structural support, and the panels can be factory-punched for quicker, more accurate installation.
StylWall II Wall Systems (Fluted and Flat)
For a sleek, modern appearance, the StylWall II Systems offer both fluted and flat panels. The concealed fasteners and variety of finishes make this system a popular choice for projects requiring a high-end look.
Shadowall and eShadowall Wall Systems
The Shadowall System is designed for projects where energy efficiency is a priority. This system accommodates thicker layers of insulation and features deep corrugations to enhance structural integrity. The eShadowall system takes it a step further by adding thermal spacer blocks, improving insulation even more.
Butler ThermaWall Wall System
For maximum thermal performance, the Butler ThermaWall system offers factory-insulated panels with R-values ranging from R-15 to R-29. This system is ideal for projects where energy efficiency is paramount, such as cold storage facilities.
4. The Small but Critical Components
A Butler Building’s performance is not just about the large structural elements—it’s also about the small details that make a big difference.
Butler Scrubolt
The Scrubolt fastener is a key component of Butler’s roof and wall systems, providing twice the pull-out strength compared to conventional fasteners. This added strength ensures that the building remains stable, even under harsh conditions. The Scrubolt fastener is used in critical areas like the Butlerib II roof system and the Shadowall wall system .
Factory-Punched Components
One of the standout features of Butler’s building systems is the use of factory-punched components. Beams, panels, and other structural members are punched in the factory, ensuring perfect alignment during installation. This not only speeds up construction but also reduces errors and long-term maintenance issues.
Butler-Cote Finish System
Durability isn’t just about the structure itself—it’s also about protecting it from the elements. The Butler-Cote finish system uses Kynar 500 or Hylar 5000 coatings, providing superior protection against fading, chalking, and corrosion. This finish is available in a range of colors and meets “cool roof” standards, helping to reduce energy costs by reflecting more sunlight.
5. Accessories That Enhance Performance
Beyond the core structural and roofing elements, Butler offers a range of accessories that further enhance the performance of their buildings.
SunLite Strip Daylighting System
For those looking to reduce energy costs, the SunLite Strip Daylighting System is an excellent addition to any Butler building. This system uses prismatic acrylic domes to diffuse natural light throughout the building, reducing the need for artificial lighting by up to 70%. It’s also designed to integrate seamlessly with the MR-24 roof system, preserving the roof’s watertight integrity.
Sky-Web Fall Protection System
Safety during construction and maintenance is a priority for Butler. The Sky-Web fall protection system is a mesh that remains in place after installation, serving as both a safety net during construction and insulation support afterward.
Why Butler Buildings Stand Out
What truly sets Butler Buildings apart is the attention to detail at every level, from the steel used in the frames to the small components like Scrubolt fasteners and Butler-Cote finishes. Each element is designed with precision to ensure durability, energy efficiency, and ease of installation. If you are needing any of these high quality Butler components for your project, reach out to us at Butler MFG Part, the go-to Authorized Butler Parts Dealer.