In metal and steel construction, the performance of a building depends on more than just the primary structural frame. Secondary framing plays a critical role in supporting roof and wall systems, distributing loads, and ensuring that a building performs as designed.
At The Purlin Mill, secondary framing is a core focus of our manufacturing operations. This includes ZEEs, CEEs, purlins, girts, and other galvanized components used across metal buildings, steel buildings, and pre-engineered metal building components.
Understanding what secondary framing is—and how its parts work together—helps builders, engineers, and owners make informed decisions during design and construction.
What Is Secondary Framing?
Secondary framing refers to the structural members that connect the building’s exterior systems to the primary structural frame. These members are not the main columns or rafters, but they are essential to the performance of the building.
Secondary framing components are responsible for:
- -Supporting roof and wall panels
- -Transferring wind, snow, and live loads
- -Providing attachment points for insulation systems
- -Maintaining alignment and stiffness of exterior panels
In most steel structures, secondary framing is manufactured as galvanized secondary components to improve durability and corrosion resistance.
The Role of Secondary Framing in Metal and Steel Buildings
In metal buildings and steel buildings, secondary framing forms the structural grid that supports the building envelope. Without properly designed secondary galvanized framing, roofing and siding systems cannot perform correctly.
As metal building components and steel building components, secondary framing members ensure:
- -Load transfer from panels to the primary structure
- -Structural stability under environmental forces
- -Proper spacing and support for fasteners and insulation
This makes secondary framing a foundational element in pre-engineered metal building components and traditional steel systems alike.
Common Types of Secondary Framing Components
ZEE(s): Z-Shaped Secondary Framing Members
A ZEE, often called a Z-purlin, is a Z-shaped galvanized steel member commonly used as roof purlins and wall girts.
ZEE(s) are used because they:
- -Allow overlapping (lapping) at supports
- -Provide increased structural efficiency
- -Support longer spans with reduced deflectio
Allow overlapping (lapping) at supports
CEE(s): C-Shaped Secondary Framing Members
A CEE, or C-purlin, is a C-shaped galvanized steel component used in secondary framing where lapping is not required or where simpler connections are preferred.
CEE(s) are commonly used as:
- -Wall girts
- -Framing around doors and openings
- -End wall and perimeter framing
CEEs are valued for their versatility and ease of detailing, making them essential steel building components.
Purlins and Girts: Supporting Roofs and Walls
Purlins are secondary framing members that support roof panels, while girts support wall panels. Both purlins and girts are typically manufactured from ZEEs or CEEs, depending on design requirements.
As galvanized components, purlins and girts provide long-term durability while maintaining structural efficiency.
Why Galvanized Secondary Framing Matters
Secondary framing is typically produced as galvanized secondary steel to protect against corrosion and environmental exposure. This is especially important in applications where long service life and low maintenance are required.
Benefits of galvanized framing include:
- -Improved corrosion resistance
- -Longer service life
- -Reduced maintenance requirements
- -Consistent performance across environments
These advantages make galvanized secondary framing standard in most metal building components.
Design Considerations for Secondary Framing Systems
Proper secondary framing design depends on several factors:
- – Span lengths
- – Bay spacing
- – Wind and snow loads
- – Panel types and insulation thicknes
Selecting the correct combination of ZEEs, CEEs, purlins, and girts ensures structural performance, efficient erection, and long-term reliability.
Secondary Framing Manufactured by The Purlin Mill
At The Purlin Mill, we manufacture galvanized secondary framing components including ZEEs, CEEs, purlins, and girts for use in metal buildings, steel buildings, and pre-engineered metal building components.
Secondary framing may not be the most visible part of a structure, but it is one of the most critical. When properly designed and manufactured, it forms the backbone that allows the entire building system to perform as intended.
