Steel Stands Up to the Elements
Lately, it feels like we’re having once-in-a-lifetime weather and seismic events all the time. Hurricanes in the Southeast. Lightning, wind storms and wildfires in California. Tornadoes in the Midwest. The state of North Carolina recently experienced its worst earthquake in nearly 100 years. You can’t stop Mother Nature, but there is a way to endure it — steel.
More and more builders are realizing the advantages of steel, and these recent events across the country are certainly giving them even more reasons. Steel’s unmatched strength, efficiency and versatility make it an appealing material for commercial and residential construction.
Strength
The strength and durability of steel help it withstand even the most severe weather events. It endures impact without sustaining damage and absorbs lateral torsion, making it suitable for high wind and seismic applications. Steel is noncombustible and naturally resistant to pests and mold, allowing it to meet even the strictest building codes.
Efficiency
Steel’s strength gives it a long lifespan with little maintenance required. Structural steel is precision-manufactured to industry standards to ensure consistent quality and to minimize waste. Any scrap can be recycled without compromising the steel’s strength. In fact, steel is the most recycled material in the world.
Versatility
With a high strength-to-weight ratio, steel can support long spans without load-bearing walls. This allows for flexibility in design because less material can be used to support a structure. Steel’s clean lines and smooth appearance also allow it to remain exposed in final structures, making the building’s bones part of the architectural design.
Building better with steel
Developers, building owners and even homeowners are calling for the use of steel in their structures. Steel allows us to build stronger, more efficient buildings without sacrificing design. Of course, the benefits of using steel don’t stop there. To learn more about steel and how it’s used, check out these steel facts.