Are Steel Buildings as Sturdy as Traditional Buildings?

Steel buildings are a popular solution for many uses. They make great storage buildings, garages, home offices, barns – even kennels and guest houses. There are many reasons that home and business owners choose steel buildings over other types of construction. Metal buildings are more affordable and easier to maintain. They take far less time to erect and are ready for occupancy far sooner than traditional wood construction. Considering the affordability and the short amount of time it takes to put up a steel building, however, many people question whether or not prefabricated metal buildings are as sturdy and safe as traditional wood construction.

Are Steel Buildings Stronger than Wood Ones?

In fact, a properly constructed steel building has many advantages over wood construction, including strength and durability. Metal buildings are engineered for precision fit and created to meet or exceed the safety standards and code specifications of the region where they’ll be erected.

Steel is one of the strongest construction materials known and the methods used to construct steel buildings enhance that strength even further. Each piece fits perfectly to the next, and is fastened in place by strong bolts. A metal building has enough flexibility to withstand the pressures of winds – even those at hurricane force – and the shifting and settling of the earth. In fact, many steel building designs are rated for construction in earthquake prone areas and will remain standing during earthquakes that will do severe structural damage to most wood buildings.

Durability Second to None

In addition to being stronger than wood, steel buildings are also more durable and easier to maintain. Unlike wood, steel is fire resistant. It is also resistant to corrosion and rot, insect damage and pest infestation. Many of the “temporary” steel buildings put up decades ago are still standing and in use for storage, garages, barns, retail stores, factories and animal housing.

A Greener Alternative to Wood

In addition to its sturdiness and strength, steel is also a greener alternative than wood. Steel buildings are nearly always made with post-consumer recycled steel, and are up to 66 percent recyclable. Your steel building won’t end up in the waste stream or a landfill when you no longer need it. In addition, a standard sized home uses the wood of about 50 trees. Since most steel used for steel buildings is recycled, your new structure won’t be using much in the way of new resources.

If you’re considering a storage building, garage, home office, barn or any other building for residential or agricultural use, be sure to check out the range of steel buildings available. They’re the sturdier, stronger and greener alternative to traditional wood buildings.