When starting a new build, many contractors opt for wood or concrete for their projects. However, engineered steel is a highly economical and practical building material for commercial and residential structures.
There’s been a slight transition to using metal, primarily steel, for construction jobs. It makes sense considering that building with metal comes with numerous benefits for the builders and property owners. Not only is it incredibly strong, but it makes the construction process far smoother and more affordable.
Continue reading below to discover all the top benefits of building with steel.
It’s Incredibly Strong.
Steel is often synonymous with strength. That’s because it’s a highly resilient metal that’s truly built to last. Metal beams are far denser and more powerful than wood and concrete. As a result, they can support more weight.
Contractors can achieve the same structural support with fewer building materials if they choose to go with steel. Package Steel Systems, a Massachusetts-based provider of commercial steel structures, also claims that metal beams don’t warp or succumb to harsh weather elements as easily as wood or other materials.
Less wear and tear means less time and money spent on maintenance. With steel, maintenance is relatively low when compared to other materials.
When you consider that you can get an immensely strong structure with much lighter building materials, it seems like a no-brainer to build with metal.
It’s Safe.
If you’re looking for a building that won’t deteriorate quickly, look no further than steel. Above, we mention that it’s incredibly resistant to harsh weather elements. So, hurricanes, tornados, and earthquakes don’t stand a chance.
You can also apply special coatings to make your beams fire-resistant. The Chicago Fire sparked a massive transition to the city’s favor for metal buildings. When you choose metal for your structure, you can rest assured that the building and everyone inside is much safer than with wood or concrete.
It’s Sustainable.
Steel is the most recycled material worldwide. As long as contractors recycle unused metal and there’s a plant nearby, it’s an extremely sustainable material. There’s also far less waste when building with metal than with timber.
A lot of mills only provide recycled steel, which helps reduce the construction industry’s carbon footprint. What’s more, steel is non-toxic to both people and the environment. So, you don’t need to have a guilty conscience when putting up your structure.
By choosing to build with metal, you also help to grow the job sector for sustainable materials. Recycling plants can employ several workers to help break down and offer reusable metal to other contractors.
It’s Easier to Scale with.
Perhaps one of the most significant benefits of metal buildings is that they are easy to scale. If you want to build upwards or laterally, all you need to do is connect the new beams to the existing ones. Expanding a metal structure is far easier than when building with timber or concrete.
Furthermore, you can have all your beams fabricated off-site. As a result, it’s much faster to construct your project when working with metal. Not only do you save time, but also you reduce labor costs that come with other materials.
Final Thoughts.
No doubt, steel and other metals have quickly become the preferred material for builders. They can use it to construct some fantastic buildings quickly while spending less money on labor and maintenance.
If you’re thinking about which material is suitable for your next construction project, consider choosing metal to reap all of its advantages.
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