Steel building systems are incredibly varied and versatile – steel building applications are today used in all industry segments, for a variety of scopes. Here are a few of the most important benefits of steel buildings and some of the most common fields of application.
The Benefits of Steel Buildings
Steel is an incredibly versatile material and so are the buildings erected using the material – here are a few of the greatest benefits of buildings made from structural steel:
- Durability – steel buildings can withstand almost anything that comes along. The high tensile strength of the material, its huge load bearing capacity, its resistance to fire, floods, rain, snow, high winds, hail, pest and rodent attacks, rust and corrosion guarantee that your steel building will last for at least 50 years;
- Energy-efficiency – steel buildings need to be insulated to be able to provide the energy-efficiency expected, but the strength of the materials allows for the installation of any type of insulation, thus providing a very efficient thermal barrier between the interior of the building and the heat or the cold outside;
- Cost-efficiency – steel buildings are appreciated for the low installation costs and the low ownership costs as well. The final assembly on the owner’s site is quick and easy and once erected, steel buildings require very little maintenance;
- Infinite design options – steel being so strong and versatile, the material can be used to execute unique designs to add beauty to functionality;
- 100% recyclable – steel can be recycled almost endlessly, without losing its physical or chemical qualities – a feature that reduces not only manufacturing costs, but the carbon footprint of the building as well.
The Most Common Applications for Steel Buildings
- Production facilities – factories are no longer the massive, brick-and-mortar buildings that they used to be. Most manufacturing companies today choose to operate from steel buildings to benefit from the flexibility, the durability, the resistance and the cost-efficiency of these buildings;
- Industrial and commercial storage – whether it is sensitive goods or items that can resist temperature variations and fluctuations in humidity, they all find the best accommodation in steel buildings;
- Logistics and distribution centers – another segment that uses almost exclusively steel construction to benefit from the great features offered by the material, especially from flexibility and low costs;
- Mini storage – steel buildings are also used by the facilities that offer temporary or long-term storage space for clients who need to move their personal belongings or who need storage space for their vehicles or machines;
- Agricultural applications – steel buildings make excellent silos, barns and stables;
- Entertainment facilities – steel buildings make the most modern theaters, cinemas, concert halls and arenas;
- Sporting facilities and recreational facilities – steel construction is the preferred choice for ice rinks, tennis and basketball courts, gyms as well as for spas;
- Office buildings – offices can also benefit from the great customizable features offered by steel construction, no wonder so many companies choose steel buildings featuring attractive modern designs as their corporate headquarters.