Why Steel Buildings Are A Steal And How They Can Help Grow Your Business
Pre-engineered steel buildings offer unmatched strength, durability, and efficiency, making them the perfect choice for modern construction projects.
When we think of steel, we usually picture something that is strong and durable such as a stainless-steel appliance, a surgical instrument, and even the Empire State Building. It is a popular building material used in pre-engineered metal buildings, steel can withstand maximum strain without falling, breaking or warping, and it’s also resistant to rot, fire, and other elemental damage. So what makes steel so unique? It's all in the science:
What Is Steel?
The properties of steel may seem complicated, but they come from a group of alloying metals, which are mixed with carbon.
Alloy steel is considered a ferrous metal, which means it contains iron. However, some alloy steel, as used in steel building manufacturing, can contain non-ferrous metals.
Ferrous metals include:
- Cast iron
- Wrought iron
- Mild steel
- High-strength steel
- Tool Steels
- Carbon steel
Non-ferrous metals include:
- Aluminum
- Chromium
- Copper
- Nickel
- Titanium
- Zinc
How Steel is Made
Steel is produced from iron ore, which is mined from the earth's crust. Impurities such as nitrogen, phosphorus, silicon, and sulphur are removed from the ore before it is smelted in a blast furnace and alloyed with a small amount of carbon. The carbon hardens the iron and increases its strength. Other alloying elements are added to produce different grades of steel.
Common Types of Steel Used in Metal Buildings
Alloy steels, which are used to manufacture steel building parts, include elements of non-ferrous (iron) metals such as chromium, nickel, manganese, and vanadium. These metals all play a role in giving pre-engineered buildings their strength and making them more durable, without increasing their weight.
For example, nickel and manganese give steel more tensile strength, which increases the stabilization in a building. Chromium increases the hardness and melting temperature of steel, while vanadium also increases the hardness and makes the steel parts less prone to stress or cracking.
Aluminum alloy-coated steel is also often used in the manufacturing of metal roofing and wall panels for modular buildings, as it is corrosion-resistant.
Carbon steel, which has carbon as its primary alloying agent, is also known as structural steel because of its strength. It is used to build fasteners and bolts as well as large structural beams that are used in everything from storage buildings to skyscrapers and bridges.
Learn why steel is the best choice for agricultural buildings by reading: 5 Reasons Why You Should Choose a Pre-Engineered Steel Barn Over Wood.
Now that you know the science behind steel and why it is an unmatched building material, let’s take you through why it is a steal for your business!
Steel production, as well as supply and demand, can affect the cost of pre-engineered steel buildings. The costs of building with steel are determined by the building’s size, location, and placement (whether it needs a new foundation or not), as well as labour, tools and equipment, how long the job will take, and how much maintenance will be required. As it turns out, this is a good time to invest in your commercial steel building.
Here are 5 reasons why pre-engineered steel buildings are still a steal:
1. Production is on a roll
Canadian steel production has been at a high since 2020. According to Trading Economics’ 2023 report, Canada’s steel production increased to 1070 Thousand Tonnes in December from 1035 Thousand Tonnes in November of 2020. Steel Production in Canada averaged 1155.37 Thousand Tonnes from 1969 until 2020.
2. Time is on your side
Pre-engineered steel is a viable option for businesses needing to complete a project sooner rather than later. Time is saved from the planning to the building stage, as pre-engineered steel buildings are mostly formed with standard sections and components in the factory before being transported to the construction site.
3. Save on labour
This is relative to point #2, but considering that labour is normally 60 percent of the cost of construction, the more time you can save before the building is erected, the better. Pre-engineered steel buildings are geared for easy assembly and can be put up that much quicker, so your labour costs are kept at a minimum.
4. Energy efficient
It’s true that saving energy saves you money in the long run. With the proper insulation, a pre-engineered building can become like a steel trap when it comes to energy efficiency. Wall panels that are made from factory pre-engineered steel boosts the R-values of your insulating material to resist heat flow, and this will keep your energy bills way down in the long run.
5. Maintenance is in check
Speaking of the long run, steel building prices are kept low because the maintenance required after the structure is erected is minimal. An annual inspection is normally required to make sure everything is running smoothly, but if manufactured and built to regulated standards, the steel building should stand the test of time. The versatility of steel, and its pliable nature, also allows for any future retrofits or additions to be done at a fraction of the cost of other building materials.
Having a hard time deciding if steel is the right fit for you, read our blog on What Makes Pre Engineered Steel Buildings the Faster Construction Option.
If we’ve convinced you about the benefits of steel and pre-engineered structures, you’re in for a treat. Below, we’ve summarized why pre-fabricated buildings are a trend for growing your business!
There’s a reason the ancient Romans used prefabrication to build their forts. Manufacturing and assembling the parts before installation helped them build more quickly and efficiently, so they could get back to conquering.
Now used in commercial and industrial enterprises such as factories, warehouses, storage facilities and distribution centers, prefab metal buildings are becoming increasingly popular. This is especially true for homes, modular buildings, offices, and retail spaces.
The number one reason prefab metal buildings are so popular is that they can save you money. Any profits you earn after your building is installed can go towards growing your business.
So, why are prefab buildings the trend in growing your business?
1. They’re quick and easy to install
Prefab metal buildings are not only aesthetically pleasing and energy efficient, they can be installed quickly because most of their parts and components are manufactured and assembled in the factory before going to the construction site. Think of it the same way you would a car, where its components are manufactured, put together, and tested in an auto factory before it makes its way to the lot. Moving these partial or completed parts and components from the factory to the building site costs a lot less than doing all the pre-production at the construction site. It not only allows for the building to be erected that much quicker, but it also causes less construction waste on-site.
2. They can be customized
Whether it’s for a storage building or a retail outlet, a prefab metal building can easily be designed and made to your specifications. Each component, from window openings to wall panels, is made to design in the factory before being delivered. This is not a cookie-cutter operation, but one where attention to detail is paramount. Metal buildings can also easily be designed to include aesthetically pleasing accessories such as sliding doors, skylights, roof cupolas, and more.
3. They’re sustainable
With their recycled content and recyclability, steel has a higher environmental rating than other building materials. By reducing waste, and the smaller carbon footprint in the manufacturing and installation of prefab steel can qualify you for something called LEED credentials, set up by the Canada Green Building Council. These LEED credits signify that you’re a leader in the field and an active participant in the green building movement. Another environment-saving benefit is that solar panels can be clipped to the seams of a metal roof system without having to penetrate, or cut open, the roof.
For more reasons, read our blog on How a Steel Building Will Save You Money.
Metal Structure Concepts is a leading designer and manufacturer of pre-engineered buildings used for commercial, industrial, retail, agricultural, storage, and multi-use purposes. Our team of engineers, designers, and builders can help you save time and money on your building needs. Contact us to find out how.