Steel buildings have seen a boom in popularity over the years. Although they are still not widely used for residential buildings, they are quite common in the industrial and commercial sectors and are used for anything from storage to work spaces.

There are many reasons why it’s better to use steel than brick, yet steel buildings are still commonly thought of as being quite unsightly. However, aside from the many aesthetic developments which have been made in the industry, there are many advantages which make steel buildings more attractive than their ‘natural’ alternatives.

What’s So Great About Steel Buildings?

Despite looking quite at odds with natural surroundings, steel buildings are one of the most eco-friendly, man-made structures available today. Not only are they energy efficient, they also involve the use of less materials during building, require less maintenance, consume a lower amount of energy, and have an extremely high longevity. In fact, steel buildings are so eco-friendly that in some cases owning one will earn you tax credits from the government. And all of these reasons also mean that steel buildings are extremely cost effective for the owner, in both the short and long term.

The ease at which steel buildings can be assembled and disassembled is also another great benefit of choosing them over any other building type. Steel buildings are commonly purchased in large pieces which are either pre-assembled or available as a modular unit. These piece are then transported directly from the manufacturer to the site, where they can be erected quickly and with ease due to their light weight. But just because steel buildings are comparatively light, does not mean they are flimsy. On the contrary, they are strong, durable, highly sustainable, and flame retardant, making them safer and more secure than many other types of structure.

Some Disadvantages

Steel buildings are not the perfect solution for all structural needs. For example, assembling one requires special tools, which not all builders or building merchants have in their possession. In addition, some types of metal come coated in oils which can be toxic when inhaled, which means extra care must be taken during assembly. Possibly the most overused argument against steel buildings, aside from their aesthetics, is the fact that metal tends to conduct heat extremely well. What this means is that in cold places you may find that heat is lost in the walls, or in hot locations the inside of a building may experience very high temperatures, a distinct disadvantage for commercial steel buildings, which are used for temperature-regulated storage. However this can be easily combated with double walls or high efficiency insulation.

Steel Buildings vs. Brick Buildings

Possibly the greatest disadvantages to steel buildings come, not from shortcomings in the buildings themselves, but from the advantages possessed by other types of buildings. For example, brick buildings are generally more pleasing to look at, incredibly strong, great investments, and better for maintaining regulated temperatures than steel buildings are. Heat travels more slowly through brick than it does through metal. However the cons of building a brick structure, as with any other type of structure aside from metal, tend to vastly outweigh the pros. They can’t be easily moved, are expensive to construct and maintain, can develop mold or mildew easily, and are not necessarily eco-friendly. So if you’re planning to erect a structure and can bring yourself to overlook the slightly less pleasing aesthetic of a steel building, you may find yourself reaping the rewards in many other ways. Contact Metals Direct, Inc.