Throughout history, building owners have faced challenges such as forest fires, heavy rain, snow, hurricanes, and more, resulting in significant damage. Fortunately, structural engineers have made strides in enhancing durability, with pre-engineered metal buildings emerging as a notable solution. Among their many advantages, metal buildings excel in withstanding nature’s harshest conditions, offering maximum protection against damage. Here are the primary ways metal buildings stand resilient against extreme weather.
Engineering is key
When our engineers conceptualize a metal building, they meticulously consider the specific environmental loads and building codes of the region. For example, a structure in Florida, prone to hurricanes and heavy rainfall, will differ from one in Michigan, vulnerable to snowstorms. Even the sturdiest metal building, if not tailored to its location, may fall short. At Steel Struct Pro (SSPRO), we prioritize thorough engineering, guaranteeing that your building surpasses local building codes. Each Steel Struct Pro (SSPRO) building is meticulously crafted to meet the unique requirements of our customers, ensuring resilience against even the most severe natural disasters.
Ductility with extreme weather
Ductility refers to a material or structure’s ability to withstand significant deformations without experiencing failure. Properly designed metal buildings exhibit high ductility, allowing them to flex without fracturing. This attribute is particularly crucial in regions prone to earthquakes and strong winds.
Strength-to-weight ratio
The strength-to-weight ratio measures a building material’s inherent strength relative to its weight. It signifies the threshold at which the material fails to support its weight when subjected to stress. Steel boasts the highest strength-to-weight ratio among all materials, surpassing wood by a factor of 25.
Specific strength
Materials often exhibit variations in strength. For instance, even within the same wood species or concrete type, strength can differ. In contrast, steel offers consistency in strength, resulting in pre-engineered steel buildings that deliver superior durability and strength using significantly less material and labor compared to other materials.
Non-combustible
A noteworthy aspect is that steel does not combust; it neither ignites nor sustains flames, nor does it contribute to the spread of fire. This is corroborated by the International Building Code, which identifies steel framing as a non-combustible material.
Earthquakes
Metal buildings are well-prepared for earthquakes, which can cause the foundation of a structure to shift. As mentioned earlier, metal buildings exhibit high ductility, allowing them to bend and deform significantly without failure. Additionally, their lighter weight compared to other buildings is advantageous during earthquakes, reducing the force that could potentially lead to structural damage.
Heavy snow
Snow may appear picturesque, but its weight, coldness, and moisture can cause significant structural damage. Regions with heavy snowfall often experience roof collapses and other structural issues due to the added weight. Moreover, snow’s moisture can lead to rot or mold formation. Fortunately, well-designed metal buildings can withstand substantial snow loads. The robustness of metal support beams enables them to bear more weight than other building materials. However, metal buildings are still susceptible to moisture-related problems like rot or mold. Here are some factors to consider when constructing a metal building in a snow-prone area:
- Roof pitch: opt for higher roof pitches to minimize snow accumulation, unlike flat roofs that may require snow removal.
- Wind: Areas with heavy snowfall are often prone to high winds as well.
- Roof Shape: The geometric shape of your roof can influence the amount of snow accumulation.
- Accessories: Consider adding roof accessories to your building to help mitigate snow load.
Fire
In recent years, we’ve witnessed the devastating impact of forest fires on communities and structures. Constructing intelligently is crucial in mitigating such natural disasters. This involves selecting fire-resistant materials, and steel emerges as an optimal choice. With its durability and non-combustible properties, steel proves to be a smart building material, particularly in fire-prone areas. During fire exposure, properly designed and constructed steel framing retains its structural integrity, unlike wooden structures that succumb to flames or vinyl buildings that melt. However, adherence to fire safety regulations remains essential for metal buildings. The International Building Code outlines standards for fire safety in metal structures, and the Metal Building Manufacturer’s Association collaborates with the Underwriter’s Laboratory to establish specific standards for steel and other metal building materials.
Strong winds
Every year, the U.S. experiences approximately 1,300 tornadoes, surpassing any other country in tornado frequency. These powerful storms pose significant threats to communities, capable of knocking down buildings and even relocating them entirely.
The performance of each metal building during tornadoes varies based on its engineering and wind rating, representing the force it can endure before failing. Metal buildings typically boast wind ratings ranging from 120 to 170 miles per hour. However, it’s important to note that no structure can be deemed entirely “wind-proof.” Even the most well-engineered buildings may not withstand the impact of severe tornadoes with wind speeds exceeding 200 miles per hour.
Nevertheless, the ductility of metal buildings offers a substantial advantage in high-wind scenarios, enabling them to bend without breaking. With the highest strength-to-weight ratio among building materials, steel construction can help mitigate damages caused by destructive winds.
Hurricanes
Metal buildings offer unparalleled durability and water resistance, making them an ideal choice for regions prone to hurricanes. While trees may fall on metal buildings during storms, the damage is typically minimal compared to other construction types, where a fallen tree could cause severe destruction. Even in worst-case scenarios involving flooding, metal’s inherent water-resistant properties prevent long-term structural damage, ensuring the building’s resilience against environmental hazards.
Flooding
As flooding becomes more prevalent across the US, homeowners are turning to metal buildings for their resilience. Unlike wood structures susceptible to mold, metal buildings boast mold-resistant properties, facilitating easier repairs. Wood structures can suffer extensive damage from mold, which is challenging to eradicate. Conversely, metal buildings, constructed with corrosion-resistant materials, sustain minimal damage.
Following a flood, traditional structures often require repainting due to paint damage. However, metal buildings remain unaffected, saving homeowners money on repainting costs. Repairing a flooded metal building typically entails replacing minimal drywall, carpeting, and possibly some cabinets or furnishings. As for the structure itself, a simple cleanup suffices, showcasing the ease of restoration compared to other building materials.