Quonset Huts Key Terms

These durable metal buildings have outgrown their military roots

The original Quonset hut was designed as a sturdy, portable shelter for use by the U.S. military in World War II. It featured a corrugated steel shell over sturdy "ribs" and could be assembled in a day by unskilled labor. The Quonset hut was so successful in war that it has lived on in peace time, often serving as an aircraft hangar, garage, product warehouse or agricultural storage facility. If you're considering a Quonset hut for your business, you need to know the different styles and materials available, along with other applicable terms.

 

Q-model

The classic, full-arch Quonset hut is built in the shape of a half circle. It is the strongest, most durable and least expensive model of Quonset hut available.
Try: Powerbilt Steel Buildings features photos of and comparisons between the Q-model and other types of Quonset huts, including the purposes each is best suited for.

S-model

The S-model Quonset hut has straight walls up to a certain level, often about four feet up, offering more space for storage of equipment and inventory.
Try: The BuildingsGuide.com Online comparison-shopping site outlines the types of Quonset huts and compares their features and pricing.

P-model

Similar to the S-model, the P-model of Quonset hut has upright sidewalls, but this variety is gabled at the top to offer more headroom and a more traditional building look. It is commonly used as a garage or backyard workshop. This is generally the most expensive style.
Try: The Metal Building Site Network offers yet another comparison of the three models of Quonset huts and features pricing comparisons and tips on buying metal buildings.

Galvanized steel and Galvalume coating

Most Quonset huts are made of galvanized steel for sturdy durability, but some include Galvalume (TM) coating. Galvalume is an aluminum-zinc alloy that resists corrosion and high temperatures.
Try: The Galvalume website explains their product in detail. 

Pre-engineered

The term pre-engineered refers to the way the components of each steel building are individually designed by engineers based on the buyer's needs and specifications.
Try: An article at Buildings Today offers insights into the differences between modern pre-engineered buildings and the older Quonset hut.

Endwalls

The endwalls are the flat pieces of steel or wood that form the walls at either end of the Quonset hut. They generally feature a door and often have windows as well.
Try: U.S. Buildings shows pictures of several types of endwalls for various Quonset hut styles on its website.

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