Timber or concrete is often the natural choice for residential and commercial buildings. But metal – and steel in particular – is also a strong contender.
Steel was first used in construction in the 19th century, which favored its strength, durability, and price. However, depending on your project goals, there are many other attractive benefits of steel buildings that make them an excellent choice for your home or construction project.
Benefits of Steel Buildings
Steel is Efficient
Steel structures is much denser than wood and concrete so that it can withstand heavier loads. It can also endure more stress and maintain its shape. It means you need less steel to get the structural support you want.
As a result, steel creates a more robust, more efficient structure but lighter than other materials – and it’s hard to argue with that.
Steel Has Strength
Because steel is so strong, it is also very durable. The fact that steel is used to build bridges should tell you everything you need to know about steel durability.
In contrast to wood or concrete, steel does not crack, deform, shrink, crack or rot. It may be prone to rust, but quick and easy maintenance can prevent it.
Steel is Very Safe
In terms of safety, the advantages of steel buildings are hard to beat. It is resistant to all weather conditions, including storms, earthquakes, and heavy snowfall.
With a suitable coating, steel is also very fireproof – not so with wood. Apart from design flexibility, steel construction also offers inherent safety benefits. Almost all steel structures are fabricated offsite.
It means that most of the work is carried out in safer, factory-controlled conditions and requires fewer workers on site. The construction site is equipped with fewer materials and equipment, which means fewer potential hazards on the construction site. Using steel meant a shorter construction program and therefore reduced pressure on the workforce to meet completion targets.
Steel is Cost-Effective
You can make cheaper steel without compromising the integrity, durability, or safety of your structure. Steel is also more affordable than most other building materials, so your budget may exceed your expectations.
Steel is Sustainable
Wood may be a natural choice for sustainable construction projects, but did you know that most modern steel is recycled? The steel used in your building can be reused whenever it is no longer needed.
Thanks to advanced technology and processing methods, almost no steel is lost in modern construction. And steel companies are actively evaluating landfills for scrap steel for reuse, further reducing the industry’s impact on the environment.
Steel is also easier to transport because of its weight. This lightweight reduces the carbon footprint of any construction project.
And if energy efficiency is the goal, you will see a significant improvement in steel over other materials. Heat quickly radiates from the steel roof, creating more astonishing buildings in warmer climates (and reducing the need for air conditioning). In cold countries, double steel panel walls provide unmatched insulation to resist heat.
Steel Offers Quick Construction
Steel structures can be fabricated offsite, shipped to your country, and usually assembled the same day.
This fast installation time avoids high labor costs or the loss of weeks – or even months – spent building wood frames and concrete walls. Also, no temporary formwork is required, which will only increase the scope of your project. On the other hand, your compilation is efficient, predictable, and on a budget.
Conclusion
Over the past two decades, the steel industry has devoted significant resources to developing design standards, manuals, and handbooks covering all aspects of steel construction. The sector offers comprehensive and comprehensive technical backup to ensure steel producers have all the guidance and support they need.
