For decades, contractors across North America have relied on the Long Bay® System as the trusted clear-span framing solution for commercial and industrial roofing projects. From warehouses and factories to retail and distribution centers, it has earned that trust through proven performance, measurable efficiencies and the reliability that comes from Cornerstone Building Brands’ single-source process.
This story is about real performance in the field. Every Long Bay® project reflects what happens when precision engineering meets practical construction needs: efficient installation, dependable scheduling and lasting results that help contractors build with confidence.
Proven in the Field
Ask any contractor what matters most and you’ll hear the same answer: dependability. The Long Bay® System has stood the test of time by delivering consistent results where it counts — on the jobsite.
Its open web truss design gives mechanical, electrical and plumbing trades clear paths for routing, reducing overlaps between systems and shortening installation times. That streamlined coordination keeps projects on track and helps crews work efficiently from start to finish.
Each component is made from cold-formed steel, shaped without heat to preserve its strength and stiffness. This process ensures straight, precise members that fit together cleanly in the field, reducing rework and improving accuracy from design through erection.
Performance That Pays Off
Every part of the Long Bay® System is designed for efficiency that shows up in measurable ways on real job sites. The advantages are proven, repeatable and backed by experience.
- Less horizontal bridging than traditional bar joists
- No field welding. All connections are bolted or screwed for faster installation and visual verification
- Fewer footings and interior columns, helping reduce total construction cost
- Two to four weeks faster speed to market on large-scale projects than traditional bar joist designs
- Simplified fastener attachment with a solid top surface
These efficiencies start before crews arrive on site. Shop-welded trusses are delivered ready to install, saving setup time and improving accuracy. Once on site, crews can assemble roof sections on the ground and lift them into place, reducing time at height and simplifying the erection process.
“The Long Bay® System helps contractors streamline their work. Bolted connections eliminate field welding and reduced bridging saves labor. That adds up to money in the bank for contractors.”
Mark Detwiler, Principal Engineer, Cornerstone Building Brands
The impact extends well beyond installation. With fewer interior columns, building owners have more flexibility to design wide-open spaces for machinery, storage, conveyors or future expansions. Projects move from design to delivery fast and perform for years to come.
And because every Long Bay® System is part of Cornerstone Building Brands’ single-source process — design, fabrication and delivery managed together — contractors know materials will arrive on schedule and fit with the rest of the structure design. That reliability helps control costs, maintain schedules and reduce the stress that often comes with large, complex builds.
“Having everything designed and fabricated under one roof gives contractors confidence. There’s no guesswork about fit or delivery — it all works together exactly as planned.”
Tori Smejkal, Director of Product Marketing, Cornerstone Building Brands
The Discipline Behind the System
Behind every jobsite success is engineering precision. The Long Bay® System’s performance starts with its structure, materials, and manufacturing process.
Each component is made from cold-formed steel, which is shaped without heat to maintain the steel’s original strength and stiffness. This process helps eliminate distortion and ensures every member performs as designed.
The open web truss design distributes loads evenly and allows for longer spans — typically between 40 and 60 feet — which minimizes the need for interior framing. The truss geometry also provides open space between chords, giving trades unobstructed access to run electrical, HVAC and plumbing lines.
Because each system is fabricated under factory-controlled conditions, tolerances are tight and quality is consistent. Crews can expect components that fit together accurately based on the approved construction drawings, reducing the need for field modifications and keeping installation predictable.
“The Long Bay® System is engineered for precision. Cold-formed steel, open web truss design and controlled fabrication all work together to create a system that’s efficient, accurate and repeatable on every build.”
Mark Detwiler, Principal Engineer, Cornerstone Building Brands
The system’s engineering also makes it compatible with tilt-wall and load-bearing masonry construction, allowing it to integrate seamlessly into a variety of building types. Contractors gain speed and precision, while owners benefit from a strong, adaptable structure that supports future use and expansion.
Backed by Experience
Every Long Bay® project is supported by the combined expertise of Cornerstone Building Brands and its trusted network of brands — Ceco Building Systems, Metallic Building Systems, Star Building Systems, and Robertson Building Systems. Together they provide the engineering knowledge, product consistency and field support that contractors depend on to keep projects running smoothly.
Through its single-source process, Cornerstone Building Brands manages design, fabrication and scheduling together to help eliminate inconsistencies that can cause delays. The result is dependable quality, predictable timelines and a seamless building experience from start to finish.
“Our customers know what to expect. Every Long Bay® System delivers accuracy, reliability and performance backed by decades of engineering experience.”
Tori Smejkal, Director of Product Marketing, Cornerstone Building Brands
This focus on control and consistency extends beyond construction. The durability of the Long Bay® System ensures that buildings continue to perform for years, providing efficient spaces for the communities where people live, work and build their futures.
The Proven Standard for Clear-Span Construction
Today, the Long Bay® System remains the preferred clear-span roofing solution for commercial and industrial projects across North America. Its success comes from a combination of field-proven performance, engineering precision and the reliability of Cornerstone Building Brands’ single-source process.
Contractors continue to choose it because it works. Building owners continue to request it because it lasts. And with every project, the Long Bay® System reinforces its legacy as the system contractors trust and the standard the industry depends on.
“The Long Bay® System has a long history of doing exactly what it promises: helping contractors build efficiently and with complete confidence in the results.”
Mark Detwiler, Principal Engineer, Cornerstone Building Brands
Explore Long Bay® System today.