When the main frame of a metal building goes up, it feels like the structure is complete. The columns are set. The rafters are in place. The building finally has shape.
But at that stage, it is still just a skeleton.
What comes next is what gives that structure strength, stability, and the ability to truly function as a building. That next step is secondary framing in a metal building.
A metal building framing system connects everything, supports the exterior panels, and prepares the structure for the next phase. Without it, the building cannot be enclosed, insulated, or finished.
With that being said, let’s dig into this necessary step of the metal building construction process.
Understanding Secondary Framing in a Metal Building
Secondary framing refers to the system of structural members that attach to the primary frame and support the walls and roof of a metal building.
While the primary frame carries the main structural load through columns and rafters, secondary framing fills in the gaps. It creates the framework that holds everything else in place.
The key components of secondary framing include:
- Roof purlins
- Wall girts
- Eave struts and bracing
These elements may look lighter than the main frame, but they play a critical role in how the building performs.
The 3 Key Components of Secondary Framing
1. Roof Purlins
Purlins run horizontally across the roof, spanning between the rafters of the primary frame.
Their job is to:
- Support roof panels
- Distribute loads such as wind, rain, and snow
- Provide attachment points for roofing systems
Without purlins, the roof panels would have no structural backing.
2. Wall Girts
Girts are installed horizontally along the walls, connecting to the vertical columns.
They are responsible for:
- Supporting wall panels
- Adding rigidity to the wall system
- Helping maintain the building’s shape under pressure
Girts also create the framework needed for insulation and interior finishes.
3. Eave Struts and Bracing
Eave struts sit at the intersection of the roof and wall. They help tie the systems together and ensure a smooth transition between surfaces.
Additional bracing strengthens the structure by:
- Preventing movement or shifting
- Stabilizing the frame during and after construction
- Supporting long-term performance under environmental stress
What Does Secondary Framing Actually Do?
Secondary framing does more than just “fill in” the structure. It plays a direct role in how the building performs day to day.
Secondary framing helps:
- Distribute loads across the structure
- Provide secure attachment points for panels
- Maintain alignment and spacing
- Support insulation systems
- Reinforce the overall integrity of the building
Without secondary framing, the building would not be able to handle real-world conditions like wind pressure or temperature changes.
How Secondary Framing Fits Into the Construction Process
In the Foundations to Finish sequence, secondary framing comes immediately after the primary frame is erected.
At this point:
- The structure is standing
- The main load-bearing elements are in place
But the building is still open.
Secondary framing is the step that prepares the structure for:
- Roof installation
- Wall panel installation
- Insulation and weatherproofing
It acts as the bridge between the skeleton of the building and the enclosed structure that follows.
Why Secondary Framing Matters for Building Performance
Structural Stability
Secondary framing reinforces the primary frame and helps prevent twisting, shifting, or distortion over time.
Load Distribution
Wind, snow, and rain loads do not hit the building evenly. Secondary framing helps spread those forces across the structure so no single point takes the full impact.
Energy Efficiency Support
Proper insulation depends on the framework behind it. Girts and purlins provide the spacing and support needed to install insulation systems correctly.
Long-Term Durability
A building that is properly supported at every level will last longer. Secondary framing reduces stress on the main frame and helps maintain the structure’s integrity over time.
Secondary Framing vs Primary Framing: What’s the Difference?
The easiest way to understand the difference is to think of the building in layers.
Primary framing is the backbone. It includes the columns and rafters that carry the main structural load.
Secondary framing is the support system. It connects everything, reinforces the structure, and provides the base for panels and finishes.
Both are essential. One cannot perform properly without the other.
How Secondary Framing Impacts Cost and Installation Time
One of the advantages of pre-engineered metal buildings is efficiency.
Secondary framing components are designed to:
- Fit precisely with the primary frame
- Install quickly with minimal adjustments
- Reduce labor time on site
This keeps projects moving forward without unnecessary delays and helps control overall costs.
How This Step Moves Your Building Closer to Completion
By the time secondary framing is complete, the building is no longer just a frame.
It is ready for:
- Roof panels
- Wall systems
- Insulation
- Weatherproofing
This is the point where the project begins to transition from structure to usable space.
If the foundation is the start and the primary frame is the skeleton, secondary framing is what makes the building functional.
Ready to Build with Confidence?
Every step in the process matters, and secondary framing is one that directly impacts how your building performs for years to come.
At Premier Building Systems, each component is designed to work together as a complete system. From foundation to final structure, the goal is to make the process clear, efficient, and built to last.
If you are planning a project, now is the time to get the right guidance from the start.
Request a quote or speak with our team to move your building forward with confidence.
The Next Steps
Secondary framing is not an extra step. It is a critical part of how a metal building comes together.
It supports the panels, stabilizes the structure, and prepares the building for everything that follows. Without it, the structure cannot perform the way it should.
The next step is enclosure, where the structure begins to truly become a finished space. Follow us along on Facebook and LinkedIn so you get updated as we continue this construction process series!