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Steel hangar components: a simple guide from foundation to roof
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Short answer
A steel hangar consists of anchor bolts and base plates, columns and rafters made from IPE, HEA or built-up sections, C-section purlins and girts, bracing to stabilise the frame against wind, and finally sheet or sandwich panel cladding with gutters and flashings.
The parts and what each does
| Part | Function | Common material |
|---|---|---|
| Anchor bolts and base plates | Tie the frame to the concrete | Bolts and thick plate |
| Columns | Carry loads to the foundations | HEA, HEB, IPE or built-up |
| Rafters | Carry the roof and set the span | IPE or built-up |
| Purlins and girts | Carry the cladding | C or Z sections |
| Bracing | Stabilise the frame against wind | Angles, tubes or rods |
| Cladding | Roof and walls | Profiled sheet or sandwich panels |
| Gutters and flashings | Drain water and seal joints | Galvanized or coated sheet |
What a quotation needs
- Length, width (span) and eaves height
- Bay spacing between frames
- Roof and wall cladding type, and sandwich panel thickness if used
- Any overhead crane or special loads
- Project location, which affects wind load and transport
- Structural drawings and bill of quantities, if available
Section sizes come from the approved structural design; this guide only introduces the components.
FAQ
What is a hangar's span?
The span is the clear distance between the columns carrying a rafter; larger spans need bigger sections.
General guidance — not an offer or commitment by BUILDORA.