Selecting the appropriate material for a new construction project is a big decision. First costs are high but long-term maintenance costs can play a much bigger role in your budget. That’s why builders, business owners, and homeowners are turning to steel buildings more and more.
Steel provides a low-cost option not only in initial construction, but over the life of the structure. Its natural strength and durability results in lesser time and money being spent on maintenance.
This post looks some of the many ways that steel building construction diminishes maintenance expenses, because when you factor in all of the nuances it quickly adds up. Realizing these long-term financial paybacks will reveal the wisdom in a project’s decision to invest in steel.
Unmatched Durability and Resistance
It can be one of the best steel’s highest strong points is the fact that it would not deteriorate like wood, fiberglass as well as aluminum happens to do. That sort of natural resistance is obviously something that will directly affect the bottom line when it comes to maintenance costs, as you won’t have to bother with many constant replacements and repairs.
Built to Resist Pests
Destructive Termites like those that feast on wood are responsible for billions of dollars in damage to buildings across the United States annually. Eradicating an infestation is costly, and repairing the damage it leaves behind can be a huge, unexpected expense. Steel, as you know is inorganic and it doesn’t attract such uninvited guests. By opting for one of our steel buildings, you can also save money in the long run knowing that your structure won’t be susceptible to infestations, as well as all of the pest control and maintenance costs associated with getting rid of them.
Withstanding the Weather
Steel buildings are designed to withstand harsh temperatures. Steel won’t rot, warp or split when it gets wet like wood does. As such, it is perfect for humid regions or places that experience heavy rain. Steel Building Frames can even be engineered to resist direct pressure from hurricane-strength winds, heavy snow loads and earthquakes. This resilience translates to fewer repairs and a property that holds its value for years without costly intervention.
Superior Fire Resistance
Fire is a catastrophic hazard to any building owner. Steel is a fire-resistant material – that is, it doesn’t burn and it won’t add fuel to the fire. This built in flame resistance offers increased safety and can help reduce the amount of damage sustained if a fire does occur. Without a structure being truly fireproof, the steel can bend and melt without collapsing and can help hold in fires for long enough to allow first responders to arrive, which could be all it takes to prevent the entire building from burning down. This dramatically minimizes the opportunity for costly repairs.
Lower Insurance Premiums
Premiums are calculated by insurers according to the risk they pose. The risk of damage to a property is directly proportional to insurance rates. It’s because steel buildings are so indestructible and defend against typical perils like fire and termites, insurance carriers view them as a lesser risk.
Plus, steel frame buildings are generally eligible for lower insurance costs as opposed to those for standard wood frame structures. The fact that steel is non-flammable contributes greatly to this, as fire damage claims are one of the most expensive and frequent. And because it’s resistant to wind, hail and pests there are less claims for weather or structural damage. Over the life of a building, these insurance savings can accrue to a significant value and will in many instances make steel the most cost-effective option. When getting a quote on insurance, make it known there is steel building so that you may receive the most savings.
Minimal Need for Structural Repairs
Your common construction elements – in particular wood -will face several problems as time goes by. Wood can retain moisture which causes swelling, warping and rotting. It can dry out and shrink as well, making the beams sag and the floors uneven. These defects often necessitate costly and time-consuming remediation to ensure that the building remains structurally sound.
Steel, however, is neutral with regard to dimension. It does not stretch, shrink or mold because of moisture or temperature changes. This means:
No Sags and Warps: Since steel beams & frames don’t shrink, twist or become weaker over time (in fact they go stronger with each passing year) you never even have to worry about things like sponginess in some sections of the walls, or unexpected cracks running across your floors.
Sturdy Connectors: Unlike analog frames, connectors in this steel bed frame will not loosen over time.
No Rotting Risk: Steel is not organic and unable to rot, ensuring it will never decay – one of the root causes for failure within a wooden structure.
Because these common structural problems are avoided, steel buildings save their owners a great deal of money and time on repairs. Some form of repair is inevitable with other materials, but not so with steel. A steel building is built to last and will retain its structural integrity for a lifetime without any maintenance at all.
Long-Term Energy Efficiency
Buildings’ operational budgets spend a lot on heating and cooling. The way a building is insulated is one of the key factors in controlling these costs. Superior insulation with steel buildings allows for extensive energy cleverness, thereby reducing costly energy bills and the load on HVAC systems.
Although steel is a conductor of heat, most of today’s steel buildings are designed with great insulation systems. Thick High-R-value insulation can be blown into the space between the exterior panels and a building’s interior walls to create a tight thermal envelope. This reduces the transfer of heat, which helps to keep the building cooler in summer and warmer in winter.
This improved efficiency results from:
Lower energy bills: A well-insulated steel building heats and cools more easily, so your heating and cooling bills will be lower each month.
Less HVAC Onus: Since the HVAC system is not overexerted, it requires less frequent maintenance. It adds up to a longer life on the gear, and fewer repairs and lower repair costs!
When you invest in an insulated steel building, you are investing in saving thousands of dollars on the cost of energy for your climate control, as well as less wear and tear on your HVAC unit(s) over a span of approximately 20 years.
Less Mold and Mildew Furthermore
Moulds and mildew represents a significant issue for any home owner. Such molds can produce noxious health problems for those who eat them and expense clean-up. Mold loves moisture and lives on organic materials such as paper or particleboard (which contain cellulose) and can also grow on biodegradable finishes such as paint, wallpaper, drywall, carpet, fabric, and upholstery. That makes wood a perfect breeding ground for mold.
A cement underlayment reinforced with steel is a tough defense against mold and mildew. The inorganic nature of steel means it is not a food source for mold spores. Mold can still develop on other building materials if they are bearing moisture, however the steel itself is not conducive to mold growth.
This mold resistance eliminates the necessity for costly remediation methods required after a single flood, such as containment by sealing off parts of structures, specialized cleaning agents and replacement. In addition to healthier indoor air, you’ll do away with a potential major maintenance headache by selecting steel.
A Wiser Bet for the Future
Steel Building Costs Vs Traditional Construction Costs Before we get started, it is important to realize that the cost of a steel building can range greatly between projects. The unique selling points of strength, pest and fire deterrents, insurance discounts, and energy savings make steel a sound investment. Steel buildings offer the peace of mind and predictability that other products cannot reach by reducing costly frequent repairs.
When you invest in a steel building you are investing in one that is made to last, it will save you time, money and worry over its life span. It’s a decision that keeps on giving for decades of low-maintenance enjoyment.