As the demand for new buildings increases, the $96.94 billion structural steel market should grow by over 5% annually, according to forecasters.
Steel offers an abundance of benefits when used in construction, which accounts for its continued growth. Around 95% of new constructions comprise steel elements.
Is it the right material for your home additions, though? Keep reading to find out how a steel building can benefit you.
Table of Contents
1. Speedy Construction
Manufacturers prefabricate many of the parts used in steel buildings. That means builders can erect them quickly on-site with minimal work and little waste.
Unlike cement or concrete, steel buildings don’t need time to set. As soon as it’s placed in the desired location, it’s stable, durable, and ready to use.
The steel decks used during construction provide a stable platform for fast, efficient work, and ongoing refinements in construction techniques ensure construction times are becoming faster all the time.
When you opt for this kind of building, you can save a lot of money on labor costs, as they take 33% less time to erect. Plus, your new building is ready to go a lot sooner than if you chose a brick-and-mortar build.
2. Fewer Safety Issues
Quicker, easier construction means it takes fewer people to erect a steel building, which reduces the probability of safety incidents during your build.
The dedicated lifting points on a prefabricated building assembly make for a well-defined and controlled erection process. Coupled with sturdy steel platforms to work from, these factors all add up to an excellent safety record in the realm of steel construction.
3. Steel Is Strong and Stable
Not only will a steel building save you money on construction, but it delivers unmatched durability to ensure maximum bang for your buck.
Steel is impervious to impacts and warping. It can support much more weight than concrete and wood and can survive much greater tension than these materials, too.
In simpler terms, when you build with steel, you’ll need fewer materials to get the same effect, and your building can endure a lot more stress.
4. A Steel Building Resists Fire
Steel is supremely fire-resistant, and some types can even withstand temperatures up to 1292 °F. This is a much higher melting point than other metals.
When you build with steel, there’s very little chance you’ll lose your construction in a fire, and it won’t allow flames to spread to other buildings on your property either.
This bodes well for your insurance premiums. Most insurance companies offer hefty discounts for buildings framed with commercial-grade steel.
This is especially important when you live in an area prone to wildfires or if you’re using your steel shed as backyard storage for combustible materials.
5. Steel Can Take a Beating From the Weather
If you want to build a garage addition to your home, steel is the top choice for you. Hailstones simply bounce off the surface of this metal without leaving a dent, and it can withstand winds of up to 180 miles per hour.
When you opt for a steel garage, you know your car is safe no matter what the weather brings.
A steel building can withstand cyclones and earthquakes, as well as garden variety thunderstorms. A well-maintained steel shed can last up to 30 years.
In this way, steel offers outstanding value for money as well as lowered construction costs despite increasing material costs in recent times.
Cool roof sheets help keep your building cool inside, saving you money on air-conditioning costs.
6. Steel Buildings Are a Low Maintenance Choice
Due to the incredible strength of steel, you won’t have to spend any time preparing cracks or chips in your steel building. An annual hose down is all that’s required to keep it looking spic and span.
Steel resists mold, fungus, insects, and rodents, so needn’t worry about these factors either. A routine inspection every so often will reveal if there are any areas you should clean and nothing else.
If you opt for painted steel, keep a lookout for chipped or peeling paint, but you shouldn’t need to repaint your building more than once every three years.
Steel does rust, so make sure you install galvanized or stainless steel elements in your building. These treated types of steel can withstand wet weather and coastal air, but you’ll need to keep tabs on them to avoid rust.
You might need to re-galvanize your steel structure about a decade after construction. You’ll know it’s time when the galvanizing starts to flake off.
7. Steel Boosts Your Curb Appeal
Despite its rugged characteristics, a steel building is a thing of beauty. Neat, uniform edges and consistent materials ensure your steel building contributes positively to your home’s overall appearance.
Architects love working with steel in their modern designs due to its versatility, durability, and aesthetic appeal. It’s the perfect fit for modern designs, as well as metal barns to suit rural ones.
If you want to customize your design or add to it afterward, it’s easy to do this with steel.
If preferred, you can paint steel to suit any home’s color scheme or style or leave it au naturel for a modern industrial look.
Steel Benefits Reach Far and Wide
A steel building is a cost-effective, durable, and attractive choice for any style of home. What’s more, it’s an eco-friendly choice.
Steel offers good potential for insulation to help reduce your energy bills, and it’s 100% recyclable. What’s more, steel manufacturers have taken huge strides in reducing the carbon emissions used to create steel.
If you’re planning to build a shed, granny flat, or garage any time soon, it’s a good idea to consider steel as your first option.
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