From carports to warehouses, metal has gained immense popularity in the construction industry. Steel structures are becoming increasingly popular for a myriad of reasons. One of these is being incredibly environmentally-friendly.
A steel-framed building might just be the top choice for an eco-conscious homeowner or entrepreneur. They are more sustainable than regular building bricks and other materials. Come and join us as we dive into the top reasons why steel buildings are considered one of the most eco-friendly structures.
Produces Lower Construction Waste
Recyclability is what really makes metal an environmentally friendly material. Most steel structures are pre-engineered and custom-designed, which means there are not many leftover materials after the project. Using this type of material streamlines the erection process. You can expect not just lesser waste but also shorter construction timeframes.
Only 2% of steel materials can end up as waste. In comparison, wood leaves as much as 20% of waste in construction sites. If you have a standard 2000-square foot home, will you choose to build it with 6 cars’ worth of scrapped metal or an acre of trees? We suggest that you pick the eco-friendlier option—the steel structure.
Reduces Overall Energy Costs
Steel is known as one of the most durable building materials. It supports thicker layers of insulation that ensures a high level of comfort and long-term energy efficiency. Moreover, its prefabricated components require not much machinery and equipment on-site. This means less energy consumption during the construction process.
Lasts for A Long Time
Aside from great durability, steel buildings have a longer lifespan. It is eco-friendly because it requires fewer renovations and replacements. During renovations, you will need energy resources to ship materials to the site. Aside from this, you will use renovation equipment during the actual renovation process. This affects the environment the most.
As compared to other building materials like wood or bricks, steel is designed to withstand elements and resist termites and other insects. In addition, steel is a noncombustible material. These characteristics make steel buildings more durable and long-lasting.
Has Environmental Resistance
Steel can resist not just pests but also mold growth. Unlike wood, steel frames cannot absorb moisture where mold and mildew can thrive. It is also extremely resistant to harsh elements and weather occurrences such as snowstorms, earthquakes, and flooding. Moreover, it can resist water damage and is easier to clean and repair.
Meets Green Building Standards and Codes
Another reason why steel buildings are popular is their ability to meet green building design requirements. More cities and areas are now starting to require sustainable green standards for new construction projects. There are no existing greenhouse laws that construction companies must adhere to.
LEED or Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design is the most widely used green building rating system. This certification program is set by the US Green Building Council and the National Green Building Program. It encourages sustainable practices design and development for all building types and all building phases.
Most commercial and residential buildings made of steel are guaranteed to pass the LEED standards because they are strong, low maintenance, and energy-efficient.
Requires Minimal Maintenance
They make good investments because they can last a lifetime even with minimal maintenance. You don’t need to repair your custom metal building constantly for it to look and function at its best. By following easy maintenance steps, you can ensure your metal building performs properly for many years.
Offers Easy Installation of Solar Power Options
Solar panel systems are a great way to reduce your energy consumption. If your insulation is not enough to lower the utility bills, you can use solar energy and natural lighting to your advantage.
Your steel-framed building is strong enough to support the weight of your solar panels. The design flexibility of metal buildings can make solar panel installation much easier. This can add value to your home and give further energy savings on heating and cooling costs. With a solar-powered metal building, you can expect a good return on investment of up to 15% to 20%.
Provides Flexible Customization
Contrary to popular belief that metal buildings are plain boring, it offers more flexibility and customization options. There are many ways to customize the functionality and appearance of your steel warehouses or metal barns. With different features, these steel building accessories can add finishing touches and make your structure as unique as yours.
From doors to insulation, you can pick different accessories that will make your building more energy-efficient while reducing energy consumption and operating costs. Here are some accessory products for your next metal building project:
- Cool Roofs
- Skylights and Light-Transmitting Panels (LTP)
- Ventilation Systems
- High-Performance Insulation
- Weathertight Doors and Windows
Start Your Metal Building Project Today!
Well-designed steel buildings are more convenient and sustainable than other materials. After reading this blog post, we hope we have cleared any doubts in your mind about the benefits of having a custom metal building. Now’s the time to invest in a more environmentally friendly structure for your home or business.
If you are ready to start with your eco-friendly steel building, send us a message at Custom Metal Buildings of Midland. Our steel structure experts would love to help you with the design and installation of your customized steel building. We look forward to working with you soon!