Long gone are the days of consulting The Farmer’s Almanac. The amazing technology used in the agricultural construction industry creates more than beautiful produce. The field is sparking new technologies that could help you grow more products with fewer resources and revolutionize how we use space to create food.

If you are a commercial farmer growing lettuces, peppers, spinach, strawberries, and herbs, you’ve more than likely wondered if a greenhouse with a controlled environment would help you increase your revenue. Vertical farming or cutting-edge hydroponic grow house, new farming methods are being combined with tried-and-true horticulture science for some amazing results.

What’s inside a greenhouse matters as much as how it’s built. Choosing the right equipment, and designing your building for that setup, is critical for you to get the maximum output for your hard work.

We hope this brief guide will help you make an informed decision about the greenhouse you need for your operations in Pennsylvania. Let’s explore the main components of a greenhouse.

Key Components

Heating and Cooling Systems

The growing season in the Pennsylvania Lowlands lasts around 6 to 7 months due to its mild climate. This makes a system that can sustain a constant temperature one of the most critical components.

While you’re probably used to the idea of preparing for a freeze, indoor systems mitigate crop disasters for you. When designing your greenhouse, it is essential to incorporate fans, vents, shade curtains, and fogging systems.

Irrigation Systems

Manual watering of crops is labor intensive, which is why automated irrigation is your best option.

When designing a greenhouse, adding overhead sprinklers, misting systems, drip irrigation systems, and soaker hoses is a must. What controls those systems is becoming the really interesting part.

With technological innovations on the rise, it’s possible to have artificial intelligence (AI) software controlling irrigation systems to provide the right amount of water to your plants at the right time.

Lighting System

When designing a greenhouse, you should also consider the type of lamps you want to incorporate.

High-pressure sodium (HPS) and metal halide (MH) lamps, as well as LED lights, are all great options to provide enough UV to your crops during cloudy or rainy days.

Energy costs are a major obstacle for indoor farming and vertical farming especially. Designing a system to harness day light or and even solar power helps you increase sustainability and lower energy consumption.

Growing Media and Fertilization

If you decide to use a hydroponic system, it’s important to make sure the greenhouse design will accommodate it. There are a variety of systems, including:

• Nutrient Film Technique (NFT)
• Deep Water Culture (DWC)
• Wick Hydroponics
• Ebb & Flow
• Drip Hydroponics
• Aeroponics
• Dutch Buckets

Along with making sure your greenhouse can support your hydroponics system, you may want to add a CO2 fertilization system as well. With options ranging from a CO2 generator to a carbon dioxide system fully integrated into your facility, the design needs to reflect your business needs.

What Structure Should You Opt For?

There are two main structure styles for greenhouses: the ridge and furrow type and freestanding greenhouse structures. While ridge and furrow buildings are the most economical, freestanding ones are more versatile when it comes to structural design.

Gutter-connected greenhouses, the more common name for ridge and furrow, offer cost-effective construction, optimize ground space usage, and entail lower heating expenses per unit of floor area. They do have disadvantages like reduced light penetration due to eave shadows and other structural elements, as well as the potential for snow accumulation along the eaves causing issues.

Close Out

When designing the greenhouse for your horticulture and grow facility, you want to have ventilation, insulation, UV protection, and durability in mind. This is where GALBRAITH Pre-Design Inc. comes in.

We champion the design-build approach, where the responsibility for the success of your project is shared between designers and builders. This approach ensures that the final product meets your expectations. We’ll use industry leading Butler Manufacturing™ systems to give your project the best value for your budget.

Contact us today to take your year-round farming business to the next level.

Healthcare facilities, whether hospitals, clinics, or specialized treatment centers, require construction expertise far beyond most conventional building projects. A building contractor that prioritizes patient care is vital.

This is where certified contractors step in. Extra knowledge and experience in medical construction ensures you can provide our community with proper continuity of care—and your contractor should take that role seriously. Design and construction elements like reinforcement, both structural and specialized materials, are more than suggestions for most healthcare projects.

Continue reading to learn about the critical role that professional contractors play in constructing healthcare facilities.

Unique Challenges in Healthcare Facility Construction

The fine points of patient care, stringent safety protocols, and adherence to health regulations make healthcare facility construction unique. Approved contractors are well-versed in these complexities, ensuring that every aspect of the project aligns with the specific needs of your niche in the healthcare industry.

The Importance of Certification

Certification signifies that a contractor has undergone rigorous training and competently follows healthcare-specific standards. We consider it a mark of professionalism and a commitment to excellence.

Expertise in Infection Control

Armed with specialized training and certification, the builders possess the knowledge and skills to implement infection control measures during construction. This expertise is invaluable in preventing the spread of infections while your facility is under construction.

Compliance with Regulatory Requirements

Accredited contractors ensure that every aspect of the construction project complies with state and federal laws. This level of compliance is essential for the safety of patients and the facility’s legal standing.

These regulations are also different, depending on the state, county, and specialization. Familiarity with building requirements for different areas is essential for your project’s success.

Efficient Project Management

Certified contractors bring project management expertise that streamlines the construction process. They operate on deadlines and operate safely and accurately.

Experience in full-cycle construction, like design-build, creates a contractor that calculates lead times, construction times, and your deadlines into a reliable timeframe.

Adapting to Changing Technologies

Healthcare, like construction, evolves constantly. With technological innovations and their ensuing regulations, up-to-date experience and knowledge is critical.

Skilled contractors stay informed of the latest medical equipment and technical infrastructure advancements, ensuring the facility provides state-of-the-art care and meets or exceeds rules and regulations. We’ve also partnered with industry leader Butler Manufacturing™ to give you access to the latest in building technology.

Safety First

The best contractors prioritize safety at every stage of the healthcare construction process. This commitment reduces the risk of accidents and ensures the well-being of everyone on the construction site.

Flexibility and Adaptability

It’s hard to relocate an entire medical unit and maintain your scheduled appointments, so healthcare centers often need to remain operational during construction or renovation.

Professional contractors understand the need for flexibility and adaptability and go to great lengths to minimize disruptions to patient care while work is underway. We’re also knowledgeable about medical information security needs and work with you to ensure protected health information stays secure.

Accountability and Quality Assurance

Accredited contractors take accountability seriously. Like your own organization, they have systems in place to ensure quality assurance throughout the construction process.

This commitment to quality translates into a healthcare facility that meets or exceeds industry standards.

Certifications Essential

Healthcare construction contractors need certifications to guarantee safety, quality, and adherence to medical facility project requirements. These certifications demonstrate their expertise and commitment to the specialized demands of healthcare construction. Becoming a Certified Healthcare Constructor (CHC) by the American Hospital Association (AHA) signifies proficiency in healthcare construction practices, infection control, healthcare regulations, and facility operations.

The Infection Risk Assessment (ICRA) certification is essential for effectively managing infection risks in healthcare settings and safeguarding patients and staff. Additionally, the ASHE Healthcare Construction Certificate (HCC) from the American Society for Healthcare Engineering (ASHE) addresses healthcare-specific challenges, regulatory compliance, and the unique demands of healthcare facility projects.

Do you need a certified, trained professional to handle your Healthcare construction’s unique needs? GALBRAITH Pre-Design Inc.’s team can help you. Contact us now.

When it comes to modern steel building construction, insulated metal panels (IMPs) have emerged as a highly versatile and eco-friendly option. They offer an array of benefits, from design customization to environmental sustainability and acoustic insulation.

Welcome back to the final part of our 3-part series on Insulated Metal Panels. These innovative building components create an energy-efficient facility and are extremely durable. In the first part we gave you a breakdown of what IMPs are and their benefits. In Part 2, we talked about maintenance and durability.

This time, let’s discuss some customization options, sustainability, and acoustic benefits of Insulated Metal Panels.

Customization Options with Insulated Metal Panels

One of the key reasons why insulated metal panels are gaining popularity is their vast range of customization options. Manufacturers like Butler Manufacturing™ offer an impressive selection of colors, finishes, sizes, and profiles for IMPs, allowing architects and builders to achieve their desired aesthetics.

For instance, the eStylWall™ Flat series from Butler Manufacturing provides a wide range of color choices, ensuring that the building’s exterior can match the surrounding environment or reflect the branding of the business it houses. The ability to select different finishes also adds to the design possibilities, catering to various architectural styles.

Moreover, IMPs offer exceptional design flexibility, adapting to different building shapes and structures. The TextureWall™ panel by Butler Manufacturing exemplifies classic styling with modern innovation. Its textured surface not only adds a unique touch to the building’s appearance but also offers enhanced visual interest and depth.

Environmental Considerations of Insulated Metal Panels

Environmental sustainability is a crucial aspect of modern construction, and IMPs tick several boxes when it comes to green building practices.

Firstly, the materials used in insulated metal panels are often recyclable, reducing the demand for new resources and minimizing waste generation. This aspect aligns well with the growing emphasis on circular economies and reducing the carbon footprint of construction projects.

Secondly, IMPs contribute to energy efficiency in buildings. The insulated core of the panels helps regulate indoor temperature, leading to reduced heating and cooling needs. This thermal efficiency can lead to lower energy consumption, resulting in cost savings and a smaller environmental impact.

Furthermore, buildings constructed with IMPs may qualify for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certification, a prestigious recognition of sustainable and eco-friendly construction. Such certification can enhance the property’s value and appeal to environmentally conscious businesses and tenants.

Acoustic Insulation with Insulated Metal Panels

Beyond their thermal properties, insulated metal panels also offer excellent acoustic insulation benefits. Noise pollution is a growing concern in urban areas, and IMPs can be an effective solution to mitigate it.

Within commercial buildings like offices and hotels, IMPs help keep unwanted external noise out, creating a more conducive environment for work, relaxation, or rest. Reduced noise intrusion can lead to increased employee productivity and guest satisfaction.

Conversely, in industrial facilities and manufacturing plants, where noise is an inherent part of operations, IMPs can keep the noise contained within the building. This containment is vital for maintaining a harmonious relationship with neighboring communities and adhering to noise regulations.

At GALBRAITH Pre-Design Inc, we are not only an award-winning design-build commercial and industrial construction, but we’re also a certified Butler Builder®. Are you in Pennsylvania and the Mid-Atlantic and need your construction project done right? Then get in touch with us today and get started!

Crafting an energy-efficient cold storage facility or indoor farming operation takes careful planning. Choosing components with future energy savings in mind, even for an office or manufacturing facility.

That’s where Insulated Metal Panels — or IMPs — come in.

Welcome back to our blog series on insulated metal panels (IMPs) for steel building construction. In Part 1, we discussed exactly what IMPs are and their benefits in metal building systems.

Now, in Part 2, we’ll give you a better picture of what owning IMPs is like. We’ll discuss the crucial aspects of installation, maintenance, and safety features, and discover how IMPs enhance your steel construction projects in almost any industry.

Installation Process of Insulated Metal Panels for Steel Building Construction

Steel building systems are one of the most efficient construction choices. Insulated metal panels can be installed on an existing structure and should be installed by experienced craftsmen. In fact, IMP design means a skilled team can install the system, which is often interlocking, quickly, easily, and accurately.

Preparing Your Job Site and Steel Building Framing

First, we’ll clear the construction site and create a level foundation. Next, if we’re not working on an existing structure, we’ll install the structural frame that will support the weight and load-bearing capacity of the IMPs.

This isn’t an area you want to cut corners and if you have an existing building we’re upgrading, don’t worry. We’ll make sure everything is in order and capable of supporting IMPs before any work can start.

After all, safety and quality are part of The Galbraith Difference.

Insulated Metal Panel Placement in Steel Building Systems

Once the underlying structure is erected or yours prepped, our craftsmen will precisely position and securely fasten the insulated metal panels according to the manufacturer’s instructions. While installing, our team ensures proper alignment and sealing to achieve a weather-resistant building envelope.

While GALBRAITH is a Butler Builder, we do work with and install other brands of insulated metal panels. Just contact us for more information

Joint Treatment

This next step is critical: seal the joints between panels. Our technicians will apply joint sealants, which are sometimes also called “pigtail sealants” because of the swirled pattern created during application.

These sealants act as a gasket and prevent air and water infiltration and help maintain optimal energy efficiency.

Finishing Touches

Next, we’ll “button up” your project. Flashings, trims, and architectural enhancements work to provide the final layer of protection for your new wall system.

Often, clients choose components that also give their building a new or branded appearance. Insulated metal panels offer a wide range of colors and styles, and you can even pick some that look like classic stucco.

Maintenance and Upkeep of Insulated Metal Panels in Metal Building Systems

First off, your wall systems should be included in your regularly scheduled commercial building maintenance schedule.

That being said, IMP’s surprisingly low maintenance requirements bring a new level of convenience to building ownership. With just these following few steps, you can keep your strong and efficient wall system performing:

Cleaning and Repair Procedures for Insulated Metal Panels

Regularly clean the insulated metal panels in your steel building system using mild detergents and water to remove dust, dirt, or other contaminants. This removes any build-up and is a great time to also inspect the panels.

Promptly address any accidental damage or wear your maintenance team finds. Consult the manufacturer or contact experienced professionals for guidance on minor repairs, panel replacement, or resealing damaged components in steel construction.

Aside from damage from flying debris, expect very little maintenance needs from your system. They are designed for maximum performance.

Expected Lifespan of IMPs

With proper maintenance, insulated metal panels in steel construction projects can exceed 40 years in lifespan. Regular upkeep and timely repairs maximize their durability, performance, and lifespan.

It’s important to regularly inspect and repair any damage caused to your IMP system. Damage from debris is one of the most common issues and is also something you usually cannot predict or control. When your panels do need maintenance, make sure you call an experienced company to handle repairs.

Fire Ratings and Safety Features of Insulated Metal Panels

Some projects have higher fire safety concerns, and some owners just enjoy some extra peace of mind, but more and more owners are choosing IMPs more often for fire and safety reasons.

Insulated metal panels undergo rigorous testing to obtain fire ratings and certifications. These ensure their compliance with high fire safety standards and their suitability for industries like data centers or healthcare facilities. To meet these requirements, IMPs are constructed with fire-resistant materials and techniques.

They effectively contain the spread of fire, providing crucial evacuation time and minimizing property damage within your facility. That’s a big part of why we’re seeing insulated metal panels being used in such a wide variety of projects.

Why You Should Choose Insulated Metal Panels

By incorporating IMPs, you’ll create a safe, durable, and efficient steel building system. You’ll create a low-maintenance building envelope that keeps your energy bills at a minimum and your building performing for decades.

Next time, in our final installment on insulated metal panels, we’ll talk about IMP’s design flexibility and the interesting ways they help owners handle unwanted noise — from both inside and outside of their buildings.

Need some help or want to request a consultation? Contact us today at

[email protected] or (717) 776-6337.

There’s big business in controlling heat transfer, and for good reason. Heat transfer in its various forms doesn’t just plague cold storage facility owners: the average commercial business owner also has areas of heat transfer and energy loss.

Clients consistently mention rising utility costs due to their building’s inefficiency during consultations. Air leakage and improper insulation are usually their problems, and there are quite a few ways to repair these issues.

Improper maintenance and old and failing components like the previously discussed door seals are usually the places we would start looking, but even a properly maintained building can have unwanted heat transfer at any point.

Energy regulations and increasingly high operating costs also drive owners to seek out better solutions.

Owners ask for ways to make their facilities more efficient, whether through retrofitting and remodeling or new construction. Regardless of the type of project, we usually mention one great option to decrease your energy losses and increase your building’s efficiency: Insulated Metal Panels or IMPs.

We’re going to do a three-part series on insulated metal panels, . We’ll discuss when IMPs are best utilized, their maintenance and installation, and more. In the first part of our series, however, let’s go over

• What is an insulated metal panel and what materials are they made of
• the benefits of using IMPs.

What are Insulated Metal Panels?

Insulated metal panels are sandwich panels consisting of two metal skins with a rigid insulating foam core “sandwiched” in between. The foam core is the secret to their efficiency and the metal is also chosen and designed to limit heat and cooling loss. Most panels are steel or aluminum.

IMPs are engineered to provide excellent thermal performance and structural integrity. They’re also designed to look more appealing than basic, plain panels, but budget-minded options are always available.

Regardless of the specific metal used, the outer and inner layers sandwiching the insulation have a dual purpose, and they also protect the softer dense insulation inside. The exterior of your building tolerates wind, rain, hail, sleet, snow, sand, hurricanes, and anything else Earth can throw at it. Insulation would not survive that onslaught.

Combine that with products like Butler Manufacturing’s™ Butler-Cote finish system with a 25-year warranty on film integrity, chalk, fade, and gloss retention and you have a wall system that is brand compliant and amazingly energy efficient for a long, long time.

So, you’re starting to see why people choose insulated metal panels more and more often.

Benefits of Insulated Metal Panels or IMPs

As Metal Architecture points out, for any project where cost and energy efficiency are a concern IMPs offer the most impact per dollar of any building component.

How can they make so bold a claim? There are a few factors:

• Faster installation
• Energy efficiency
• Enhanced comfort
• Durable and low-maintenance
• Sustainability

Insulated metal panels offer significant cost savings.  Labor costs are a large part of construction costs and insulated metal panels install quickly.

An experienced team can install IMPs blindingly fast—they’re not having to also lay down insulation and other components. These significant early cost savings roll right into the longer-lasting effect of energy efficiency.

Insulated metal panels are designed to protect data centers, cold storage, and other facilities that require a consistently maintained temperature. Offices enjoy the well-maintained environment and owners report greater rates of employee satisfaction.

With less fluctuation in temperature from an IMP system, your building will use less energy. Which will save you money over the life of your building. Which is good, because IMPs are also durable.

Let’s Talk About IMP Durability

When compared with conventional stick-built or wood construction, IMPs are the hands-down winner in the durability class. With two layers of metal protecting them, they are resistant to weather, UV radiation, moisture, pests, and fire.

The dual layers of metal also provide excellent structural integrity. Able to actually provide strength to the wall system, insulated metal panels form a strong front to fight off your building’s attackers.

Impact damage from things like hail and debris is reduced, and the tight seals and joints prevent water intrusion, reducing the risk of mold, rot, and structural damage. IMPs also don’t corrode, as they’re usually treated with a protective coating.

These factors, including the materials and design of an insulated metal panel, make it an extremely durable, long-lasting building component.

Closing the Project

Insulated metal panels make a great choice for an energy-efficient and durable commercial building wall system. They provide durability and low maintenance in addition to exceptional energy efficiency. As a Butler Builder®, we bring you a full range of insulated panels for your next projejct.

As the demand for efficient products grow, more businesses and organizations are utilizing IMPs superior performance and cost-effective installation for their projects. Next time, as part of our series on insulated metal panels, we’ll discuss the installation, maintenance, and safety features offered by IMPs.

Need more help or want to request a consultation? Contact us today at

[email protected] or (717) 776-6337.

Recently, a bipartisan bill focused on a major problem plaguing much of the United States: failing infrastructure. With catastrophes like the August 2007 I-35W Bridge Collapse in mind, our lawmakers came together to repair the issue with the Bi-partisan Infrastructure Bill in 2021.

With the intention of keeping America competitive on the world stage, creating a strong system of electric vehicle charging stations, and rebuilding the crumbling areas of the country, contractors, construction companies, and municipal and government agencies busily began building with funding via the bill.

You can view an interactive map here to see where civil construction projects have been planned so far, what those projects entail, and their budgets. This is a great way to not only see what your state and county have planned but to research the vast types of projects.

The steady growth of projects coincides with the growth experts expect to see in infrastructure construction in 2023 — a 16% increase in civil construction starts over 2022. Projects like improvements to aviation hangars and airfields, road and bridge construction and repair, and public transit have been very popular so far.

With billions of dollars on the line and so many communities in desperate need of repair and improvement, getting to the first day we break ground may seem like an uphill battle. Securing funding and navigating the proposal process is easier said than done, and then you still must hope you chose a competent and capable construction company.

We’re here to help you choose the right company for your community project.

These projects affect us all. It’s important to us to help city, municipal, and other government organizations get the highest quality construction they can find.

How to choose a construction company for a government-funded infrastructure construction project

However you gather a list of construction companies, you should ask a few questions to determine their suitability. These are the most important topics to consider:

• Their experience in strictly regulated construction
• If they have the proper company resources
• A history of quality and a good safety record and strong safety culture
• A focus on sustainable and efficient construction solutions

An Experienced Construction Company

This one seems a given, but a construction firm that has decades of experience is usually a safe choice. General construction experience isn’t all that they need, though.

Working with government programs and within government guidelines is a separate beast. Special certifications and training keep a builder at the forefront of best practices and procedures and past experience navigating the extra rules and regulations associated with civil construction are invaluable.

Strict energy efficiency guidelines and building regulations are just par for the course on these projects. Your builder should be able to get the most for your money on these projects: taxpayer dollars should be used carefully and efficiently.

As a highly-experienced civil construction company, we chose to participate in a government-led program called Sourcewell to give clients the easiest an easy construction process.

The free program gives clients access to pre-negotiated contracts with builders. Your RFP process is handled for you, and you can easily locate thousands of products and services for your government or non-profit. This is a great way to begin a search for the specific services your project needs.

During your bidding and proposal process, make sure and research your choices. Certifications in our industry mean a builder is proud to say they stick to strict standards for safety and high-quality construction.

Finally, ask about a builder’s past experience working on government projects. The complicated regulations and procedures on these projects need to be carefully handled.

A Construction Company with the right resources to complete your infrastructure project

The 3 basic components needed for a successful construction project are: the right people, in the right place, with the right resources.

Sometimes the right resources are a rough terrain crane instead of a boom truck but other times it might be a skilled professional with certain industry knowledge. Whatever the resource may be, it’s critical that your chosen construction company can bring it or that your budget allows for subcontracting or procurement.

Choose a construction company with a history of quality construction and a good safety record

You may have heard the saying, “Slow is smooth, and smooth is fast.” Taking your time to ensure a project is completed safely and accurately often results in a more efficient construction timeline.

Creating an environment that is safety-focused is critical. Employees should be empowered and knowledgeable enough to maintain high safety and quality standards.

Being part of industry-leading organizations, like the Metal Building Contractors and Erectors Association, or MBCEA, assures that a company is up-to-date on the best practices and knowledge.

In the construction industry, safety and quality go hand in hand. That’s why we partnered with Butler Manufacturing™. We’re held to a high standard of construction, by ourselves and our partners, and you can rest easy with our teams on the job.

A company that brings sustainable, energy-efficient construction solutions

Often, government-funded programs for civil construction demand high efficiency from the buildings and other infrastructure they produce.

Using highly efficient wall and roofing systems creates a building that can keep your heat and air conditioning at a more consistent temperature. A strong and insulated building limits the energy loss — lowering operating costs.

Where should you begin?

We established you should make sure you choose a company with experience, proper resources, a history of safety and quality, and efficient and sustainable building solutions for your civil construction project. You can also use established programs like Sourcewell to find quality contractors and procure products and services easier than ever.

Choosing a construction company for an infrastructure project can impact entire communities, and we want to help you choose the right company for your beloved community.

Need more help or want to request a consultation? Contact us today at

[email protected] or (717) 776-6337.