You’ve just purchased a home. You want to tear down the house so you can start from scratch. Now you’re faced with the question of what materials and what look you’re going for in the home of your dreams. A crossroads that you will encounter is what materials you want to build your home out of. Ultimately, this will most likely be between wood, brick, or steel. As for steel, you commonly see steel used in the construction of skyscrapers, towers, and other innovative structures. But what about building the place you call home?
Steel can and should be used in the construction of residential homes for various reasons. As a disclaimer, this isn’t to say that wood or brick should be eradicated in the process of building a home. Rather, this is more to point out the advantages of utilizing steel in a setting where cost-effectiveness and time efficiency are of the utmost importance. That said, here are 6 reasons why steel should be used in residential construction.
6 Reasons Why Steel Is Used in Residential Construction
1. Sustainability
First and foremost, we should do our best to combat unnecessary waste, especially in the construction sector. You would be doing your part by selecting steel as by many accounts it is the world’s most recycled material. That said, a product that is endlessly recyclable allows for whenever the home has reached its lifespan to contribute to future homes with no unnecessary emissions waste and prevent it from laying in a landfill for the foreseeable future.
2. Durability
Although steel is sustainable, there is a common misconception that it equates to it being a weak product. On the contrary, steel’s durability makes it a near-perfect material to build a home out of. Steel requires little repair and maintenance, so whether you are a homeowner or landlord, you will be saving thousands of dollars over the lifespan of the home.
3. Cost-Efficient
This more than any other reason on this list is why steel is a cut above the rest as far as a building material goes. People believe steel is a more expensive way to go than say that of wood, but not only is it not in terms of material cost, but in efficiency. Steel with proper insulation and other design features is incredibly energy efficient. Also, steel becomes efficient in time spent building. Steel is famous for making a building’s foundation design simplified which in turn leads to faster construction time, saving a sizeable amount of money. You will also reduce your project overhead as steel’s lighter weight allows for lower shipping costs in comparison to other building materials.
4. Versatility
When building a home, the last thing you want is restrictions. You want to let your imagination run wild, and with steel, that is possible. It is an architect’s and designer’s dream to work with steel while constructing a home as it can be molded and shaped in any way, for the exterior or interior. That said, steel also provides a structurally sound building that allows architects to test the limits of their designs, allowing your home to be wholly unique.
5. Natural Disaster Resistant
What is worth more than anything when owning a home, aside from the home itself? Peace of mind. And with steel, you will be able to obtain that. Due to its ability to withstand earthquakes, high winds, blizzards, and most importantly, its fire resistance, steel protects a home and everyone within it more than any other building material. Also, it will save you money in the long run as insurance companies look kindly upon metal structures as they know the advantages and safety measures it creates.
6. Spatially Forgiving
Going back to steel’s versatility, it can maximize space more than any other structural material. This can be utilized in allowing the thinnest shell for the structure and smaller support beams that are just as strong as wood beams. This can be particularly advantageous in more metropolitan areas, where space is constrained and not easily available. Also, while it comes down to your preferred aesthetic, you can forgo brick walls with steel, allowing for maximum use of your land.
Now, whether you’re building a new home or looking to purchase a home, consider steel as your best option. The structure and cost-saving ability of steel are nothing to balk at; it is a great material that not enough homeowners take advantage of. Don’t let that be you. Take this information and make sure the place you call your forever home can withstand being around forever like steel can.
Visit Tampa Steel & Supply for Your Metal Needs
Are you in need of steel supplies? Look no further than the professionals at Tampa Steel and Supply. We stock an extensive list of steel products for whatever project you need to tackle. We’re proud to have served our customers for nearly four decades and are ready to assist you with your steel needs. Have questions? Give us a call today to learn more, or stop by our beautiful Tampa showroom.
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