Did you watch the movie “Man of Steel” or maybe “Max Steel”? What do both have in common? The term ‘Steel.’ Yes, steel denotes strength for superheroes. What if you can make your residential or commercial structure with steel? Sound exciting? We think so, too.
Wouldn’t it be great if you construct a building & you get a rebate in insurance or for being energy efficient too? You would be surprised to know that a sustainable building can help you easily achieve that. So, let’s dive into it & see for yourself how you make a sustainable choice when you buy a prefab metal structure.
Organizations focused on sustainable building practices, such as LEED, use Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs) to evaluate construction materials’ eco-friendliness for certification criteria. It helps builders determine which products meet the criteria necessary for certification.
So, in case you are wondering about how sustainable metal buildings are, consider the following factors:
Less waste
Steel waste created during the construction of buildings is one-tenth compared to the traditional wooden structure.
When you buy a prefab metal structure, all the raw materials are pre-cut & pre-drilled. This reduces the waste & debris on the construction site. Steel is also infinitely recyclable.
Traditional wood buildings, on the other hand, are cut, drilled & shaped on-site. Not only does it create more waste, but it also creates wood dust, which can be a health hazard.
Resistant to environmental conditions
Sustainable metal buildings are resistant to pests, mold & mildew. Metal frames & posts do not attract termites, nor do they absorb rain water.
Metal structures have a high tolerance against snowstorms, hail, thunder, lightning, and heavy rainfall when compared to wooden buildings. Natural disasters can blow away stick-build structures, but a steel frame will stand firm against it in most situations.
Eco-friendly
With growing awareness of sustainability, organizations such as the US Green Building Council are implementing regulations for construction companies to become certified as green.
Since steel is 100% recyclable, fewer materials go into landfills. This is an added advantage. Not just that, steel can be recycled multiple times without affecting its strength.
Furthermore, manufacturers use one-third less energy than they consume two decades ago to produce steel.
Durable
Simple math tells you that a durable building will cost less in the long run than one that constantly needs repairs and even replacements. When you buy a prefab metal structure, you can rest assured you will be spending less money on its upkeep. Unlike wood, steel does not develop cracks, decay, or rot with time.
The structural integrity of a commercial metal building remains intact throughout its lifespan. With time, you do not have to worry about the disintegration of frames or panels.
When you buy a prefab metal structure, consider the following:
- Your metal roof panels should reflect away heat & sunlight as much as possible.
- If your budget allows, add solar panels.
- Ensure that your insulator has a higher R-value for maximum thermal efficiency.
- Choose LED lightning to save more energy & produce less heat.
- For efficiency, you can add windows, vents & skylights to your metal structure.
- Check the certified label & manufacturer’s license before you buy a prefab metal structure.
The Green Star Rating:
Don’t forget to check for the green star. The reviews are done by an independent third party who gives the overall score.
In a nutshell:
Sustainable metal buildings are a modern choice for eco-conscious buyers. They have several advantages over traditional buildings. If you look closely, most commercial metal buildings are made of steel. The reason is simple: steel is long-lasting, resilient & low maintenance. So, who wouldn’t want to take advantage of it? And as if that is not enough, you also get incentives from the government for choosing energy efficient buildings. So go for it! Go metal, go green.
