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Steel has been a vital component of constructing buildings for a while. The ability to combine steel beams with concrete floors and walls created structures that were stronger and more durable than those built from stone, brick, or other materials. Today, steel continues to be an essential component of any structure because it is easy to assemble and provides a strong base for adding other components.
Steel is highly durable
Steel is made by smelting iron ore or scrap metal in a furnace. The heat converts the iron into a substance called pig iron, which consists of about 92 percent iron, 3 percent carbon, and other elements. The pig iron is then mixed with recycled steel scrap to create steel.
Steel has a high strength-to-weight ratio that makes it ideal for large structures such as steel buildings, bridges, and skyscrapers. The ability to form steel into different shapes makes it flexible for architects to use in designing buildings. Steel has a low carbon footprint than wood, so it does not negatively affect the environment as much as other materials during construction.
Steel resists damage caused by the elements
It’s no secret that buildings in coastal areas are prone to catastrophic damage from hurricanes and floods. Residential homes located near bodies of water are especially vulnerable because their roofing systems are typically not built with high wind uplift resistance in mind.
One way to make a building safer against hurricane-force winds is to use steel construction materials, such as steel framing and steel roof panels, instead of wood or other building materials. Steel will not rot and is also fire resistant, which makes it an ideal material for homes in storm-prone areas.
Steel makes for highly sturdy roofs and slabs of buildings
Steel roofing provides a variety of benefits when compared to other materials such as wood or tile, including:
Durability: Steel roofs will last longer than conventional material roofs, and they don’t break or rot. They are designed to stand up to wear, tear, and inclement weather conditions such as high winds, rain, and snowstorms.
Energy efficiency: Steel roofs can reflect the sun’s heat away from the surface of your home, which means your home stays cooler during the summer months. This can be an energy-efficient feature that helps you save money on heating and cooling costs.
Eco-friendly: Steel roofs are made from recycled materials, so they’re environmentally friendly. The composition of steel makes it easy to recycle again once it’s no longer useful as a roof.
Pre-fabricated steel construction can save you a lot of money
Pre-fabricated steel construction is a fast and cost-effective way to build your next project. It’s a process that uses high-quality steel sections rather than bricks and mortar. They are quick to install. This makes it a go-to choice for those who have deadlines to meet. Pre-fabricated steel involves putting up frames for walls, the roof, and flooring, before covering them with panels. They’re more durable than other construction methods.
Pre-fabricated heavy steel is used in many large buildings as part of their structural support system. The huge number of benefits it offers makes it popular in construction projects all across the world.
Low maintenance
One of the most compelling reasons to build with steel is that it requires very little maintenance compared to other construction materials. Steel doesn’t rot or attract pests as wood does. It’s not porous; it doesn’t absorb moisture and lead to mold, as concrete does. And it won’t degrade through exposure to sunlight or the elements like vinyl siding can.
Fire resistance
A major concern with all buildings, as well as their occupants, is safety, especially fire safety. In the event of a fire, steel is an inherently strong material and, therefore, can provide a greater level of safety. Steel’s fire resistance properties are derived from the fact that it is an alloy of iron, which has a relatively high melting point.
Fire resistance can be further enhanced by using steel sections that have been manufactured to have enhanced structural stability during fire scenarios. Such sections are designed to maintain significant load-carrying capacity over long periods in fire situations and can be used in buildings up to 30m in height, depending on local regulations.
The use of steel has been instrumental in the construction of buildings that we see today, including skyscrapers and high-rise buildings. The world continues to experience a building boom, with thousands of new structures built every year.
