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Top 7 Benefits of Using Steel Structures

Posted by Brian Jeffries on Wednesday, May 10, 2023

Top 7 benefits of using steel structures

With the cost of construction and demand for commercial space both steadily on the rise, developers face an interesting paradox: how to get structures up in a hurry without breaking the bank. Fortunately, prefabricated steel buildings present an ideal solution along both fronts. From their elite durability to handle all types of conditions to their surprising versatility that accommodates wood shingles and other types of cladding for strong exterior aesthetics, steel buildings represent a universal solution to modern construction challenges. Keep reading for a detailed breakdown on 7 premier benefits of steel structures.

1. Durability

durability

Durability is the most pronounced benefit of constructing with steel. It is about as close to an indestructible material as it gets. It is resistant to fire, weather, moisture, and projectile impact. In a society getting rocked by severe weather events and wildfires with increasing frequency, this is a top consideration for building owners looking to protect their investment.

2. Low Maintenance

Building owners can achieve the elite durability of steel without having to perform significant ongoing maintenance. Whereas products such as wood and masonry must be painted and sealed with regularity to achieve weather resistance, steel is a true set-it-and-forget it building material. A semi-annual pressure wash to knock away any stuck debris is about all it takes to guarantee that steel structures remain in top condition for the long haul.

3. Energy Efficiency

It is short-sighted to consider any type of building material in 2023 without prioritizing energy efficiency. With the United States eyeing a net-zero economy by 2050, any energy-guzzling structure will have little appeal in this day and age.

The good news is that steel buildings are about as good as it gets for energy efficiency.

First, the elite durability reduces the risk that any structural breaches occur over time, keeping the building envelope sealed against unwanted air transfer.

In addition, steel is a highly reflective material and will not absorb solar heat as readily as other types of products, which is a major advantage in warmer climates.

Finally, steel has a low thermal mass, meaning that it does not store and release heat. This ensures that the building will not stay hot after the sun goes down, keeping the AC from running all night at the height of summer. Some may argue that the lower thermal mass will keep the building hot during the day, but when paired with the right exterior wall insulation and roof cover board, steel buildings will cover all bases for keeping energy consumption under control.

4. Design Versatility

design versaility

There are really no boundaries on what types of buildings can or cannot be constructed of steel. From smaller retail spaces to sprawling aircraft hangars, steel offers an ideal building solution. The vast amounts of clear span steel affords makes the interior design possibilities nearly limitless. And steel buildings offer more than just a boring metal facade, with modern structures compatible with fiber cement siding or a brick cladding system to add texture and dimension to boost the building’s curb appeal.

5. Quick Assembly

Modern buildings need to be able to go up in a hurry. Every day that the build site is tied up in construction is a day that the structure is not serving as an asset for the owner.

While traditional construction types involve a lengthy piece-by-piece process susceptible to transportation and weather delays, steel buildings leverage innovations in prefabrication and offsite assembly that allow them to be erected in a fraction of the time.

6. Sustainability

Going hand-in-hand with energy efficiency is the concept of sustainability. Not only will steel buildings help the current tenant save on energy consumption and utility costs, but their elite durability makes them a great option for future purposes as well.

Steel buildings can easily be repurposed for a second life after the current owner or tenant moves on. They are also easier to take apart and transport to new locations than other types of materials. And in the event that the steel structure ever needed to be demolished, steel is a recyclable material.

All of this greatly reduces the amount of waste created by old buildings that either require significant resources to rehabilitate or must be dozed to the ground and started from scratch.

Looking for steel suppliers? Find U.S. suppliers of steel on IndustryNet.

7. Cost Savings

The myriad benefits of constructing with steel all lead to arguably the most important benefit of all--cost savings.

While steel itself may be more expensive than some other types of products and is subject to seasonal variances in steel price, a holistic view demonstrates how building with steel positively impacts the bottom line:

● Prefabrication innovations lead to quick construction that requires less ongoing machinery rental and fewer labor hours
● Low maintenance features reduce ongoing upkeep and repair costs
● Energy efficiency to control utility bills

Therefore, if a big picture view is taken, the cost savings associated with steel structures become readily apparent.

Choose Steel Buildings and Reap the Benefits Today

Steel buildings offer a number of benefits that help them meet diverse challenges in the modern construction landscape. From durability to versatility, sustainability to cost savings, explore the benefits of steel structures for your next commercial project!

Brian Jeffries is a freelance writer that loves sharing his knowledge and expertise on construction projects and materials. He lives in Winter Park, Florida where he enjoys spending time with his wife and working on projects in his spare time. Brian’s work as a freelance writer can be found on Building Product Advisor, a construction industry resource site.

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