Debunking the Myths About Steel Buildings

Steel buildings are popping up all over the country lately, but unless you’re looking for them, there’s a good chance you won’t even notice them. Despite the persistent myth that steel buildings are unattractive, boxy and plain, today’s metal buildings can look just like any other structure in your community or neighborhood. The belief that steel buildings are ugly is just one of the many myths about metal construction that have survived long past their expiration dates. It’s about time these myths got a thorough debunking.

Myth #1: Steel Buildings Are Ugly

Ugly is in the eye of the beholder, but you’d be hard-pressed to find a modern steel building that fits the old stereotype. Today, metal buildings come in a range of colors and styles and can be faced with just about any type of surface material. It’s almost impossible to distinguish garages and storage sheds made of steel from the other buildings on the properties on which they are built.

Myth #2: Steel Buildings Are Expensive

Steel is actually one of the least expensive building materials in use today. Most of the steel used for pre-engineered steel buildings is recycled, reducing the cost of sourcing the materials both financially and ecologically. Because the building is delivered to the work site in ready-to-assemble components, it takes much less time to erect a steel building than it does to construct a wood building of similar size. That reduces your costs even further. And because they require little maintenance and are generally safer than other types of construction, metal buildings tend to cost less over the course of their usable lives.

Myth #3: Steel Buildings Are Hot in Summer, Cold in Winter and Drafty Year-Round

A properly built steel building is more energy efficient than nearly any other type of structure. Most are fitted with energy-efficient roofs, usually painted with a reflective coating to reduce the absorption of the sun’s rays. They’re engineered with tightly fitting seams to reduce heat transfer, keeping them cooler on hot days and warmer on cold days. Steel buildings are easy to insulate, making them even more comfortable. Depending on the climate, they may require vents to reduce moisture build-up inside, but aside from that, metal buildings are extremely weather-resistant.

Myth #4: Steel Buildings Are One-Size-Fits-All

When you order a steel building, the manufacturer will ask you to supply the building codes for your region. Your building will be specifically engineered to meet the codes in your area. If a manufacturer or broker tells you that he has a bargain price on a building that was ordered but not accepted for delivery, be suspicious.

Today’s steel buildings are not your daddy’s metal buildings. While many of the mare based on Quonset buildings, you’d be hard-pressed to trace their lineage unless you know what you’re looking for. If you’ve crossed metal buildings off your list because you think they’re ugly, cold and drafty, take another look. The steel building industry has grown up and is putting out some sophisticated and attractive buildings.