When you think of steel, you think of large, heavy beams used to build skyscrapers. It’s not like that. Steel has left the industrial market and is making its way into the residential sector. Now it is used in houses, outbuildings, and garages; Steel has become a popular choice due to its strength, durability, and strength.
For centuries, the preferred building material has been wood. Now, steel has entered the scene. Why does steel make sense? Take a look at some common things like space shuttles, bridges, computers, and cars. If you think about it, what do all these things have in common? That’s right… steel.
Steel is a compound made up of several basic elements. Carbon, sulfur and silicon are the basic additives of iron ore. You can change the properties of steel by adding additional components like chromium, molybdenum, nickel, and aluminum to name a few. Steel comes in various gauges, the lower the gauge, the thicker the steel. Molten steel can be formed into a variety of shapes. Steel poles typically start out as rolled steel. Studs are formed from rolls by passing them through several continuous rolls, creating a slight curve until the desired shape is created.
Steel is not only a ‘green’ product, it is structurally sound and manufactured to strict specifications and tolerances. You don’t have to worry about weaknesses like knots or cracks like you would with wood. The steel does not warp, sag, twist or bend and any excess material is 100% recyclable. The use of steel products can also slow the spread of fire and structural damage.
Let us make a comparison of Steel Buildings and wooden structures. If we deconstruct a house, we can find various ways to replace the wood studs, beams, and other components.
With the spread of mold and mildew in residential buildings, the use of steel minimizes these infestations. Mold needs moist, porous material to grow. Steel studs do not have those properties. This will prevent many people with mold allergies from unnecessary suffering and, in severe cases, death.
Household pests such as termites, insects and rodents cannot penetrate steel. This is especially significant in rural areas where this is a common problem.
Another unique property of steel components is their strength. A steel I-beam can support more weight over a longer span, allowing for larger rooms and wider open spaces than a wood frame. Steel is 50% lighter than other common building materials and can also be integrated into wood and concrete structures.
Steel trusses are also made that put much less stress on your building’s foundation. Metal roofing has also become quite popular. Using steel is not only more reliable, it is much cheaper for the consumer. The cost of steel is significantly less than wood with very little waste.
Now that we’ve reviewed the individual components, let’s take a look at Steel Buildings as a whole. These buildings come in a multitude of shapes, sizes, colors, and finishes. You can purchase a DIY kit or order one customized to your specifications. You may want an exterior that fits in with the current environment or is made in a specific color or finish. There are barns, aircraft hangars, storage buildings, riding arenas and even churches built entirely from steel.
Construction time on steel buildings is much faster. All components are prefabricated and easy to assemble. A small steel building can be completed in just a few days, while its wooden counterpart could take weeks to build. Unlike a wooden frame, which requires a skilled framing carpenter, the skill level of assembling these buildings is much easier and does not require any special experience. Just read and follow the instructions carefully. And since all the materials are packaged in one installation, you won’t have to scramble to find the parts.
Steel buildings are also quite durable and weather resistant. They are able to withstand snowstorms, hurricanes, and even earthquakes. They are also galvanized to prevent rust and protect the finish. Most buildings are also covered by a manufacturer’s warranty.
Although steel is much less expensive than wood or concrete, you may only have enough in your budget for a small building. However, these structures are easily expandable. Let’s say you have a one-car garage and you want to expand it for two cars. You can do this by simply removing an end wall or panel, adding it to the frame, and attaching additional wall and ceiling panels. Much easier than paying off that construction crew!
Now that you know that steel buildings are no longer the hot cans they used to be, you might want to consider trying one out. And he remembers that they are half the price of the wood and not a single tree has been sacrificed. So if you want to go green, go steel! Your wallet will thank you too!