Why Steel Should Be the Material of Choice When Building a New Home

24 July 2019
 Categories: Business, Blog

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If you are building a home in a known wildfire zone, you have to think very carefully about your construction materials. You must not only ensure that it can stand up for itself in the event of an outbreak, but it must be resistant to other natural events and the occasional land-falling cyclone as well. What is the best material to choose for all of these situations?

Wildfires

If fire resistance is on top of your priority list, then steel should certainly be there as well. This material is noncombustible, which means that if you use steel for both the walls and the roof, then you may only sustain minimal damage in the worst wildfire. Furthermore, if you use the right construction technique, you can provide an additional layer of protection. For example, build your home with a minimal roof overhang so that you won't channel any hot air and then use fire-resistant materials for all of the trim.

Cyclones

When a cyclone hits a particular area, most of the structural damage will be related to the roof. In this case, you should install a steel roof system with a recommended fastener design and secondary reframing so that it does not fly off following a direct hit.

Earthquakes

Although earthquakes may be quite rare in your area, you never know when "the big one" could strike. A steel-framed building is more resistant to this type of event and while it may move, it won't typically crack or otherwise collapse.

Everyday Risks

Even if you avoid all of the natural disasters known to man, you've still got to worry about other everyday risks. Timber-framed buildings can rot or attract termites, but you can forget about those problems if you opt for steel construction instead.

Insurance

If you do make your new building out of steel, talk with your insurance broker and ask them to give you a break. Typically, this type of structure will attract lower premiums because it is resistant to fire.

Sustainability

Steel is a sustainable material and the production process tends to use less water and energy than other materials. It is 100% recyclable and also takes less time to build, leading to savings and reduced emissions on the construction site. If you insulate the building correctly once it has been finished, then your structure will also be energy-efficient, helping you to reduce the size of your own carbon footprint.

The Right Choice

All things considered, steel should be your first choice. Talk with your engineers and architects so that you can draw up the plans right away.

For more information, contact a business with steel sales.