RESIDENTIAL STEEL BUILDINGS: WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

The words steel or metal building often yield images of large commercial or agricultural buildings. Perhaps a skyscraper or Quonset hut even come to mind. Rarely is the average homeowner thinking about a steel or metal dream home - yet! We say "yet" because after more than a half century in the business, we notice ever-increasing numbers of residential building designs coming through our sales department.

Savvy homeowners and contractors alike are discovering how sustainable, durable and affordable residential steel building are. And, thanks to technology, aesthetics are no longer a hurdle because modern metal and material fabrication can create virtually any aesthetic you desire from "tile roofs" to traditional wood facades.

So, go on! Learn the things you need to about residential steel construction so you can build a house that will last a lifetime and save you money to boot.

5 FACTS YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT RESIDENTIAL STEEL BUILDINGS
1) Site Selection Matters - In truth, this should be a primary objective for any new residential construction project regardless of the materials you are using. In an era where sustainability and eco-friendly construction is a priority, your lot and home orientation makes a tremendous difference in the amount of energy it requires to heat and cool your home, the maintenance required to keep your exterior envelope in good shape so it can do its job protecting your home and its inhabitants and to ensure the soil beneath your home drains well so water can percolate back into the ground below, rather than flooding the structure and/or creating excessive water runoff.

Pay attention to sun and wind exposure so you can decide where and at which angle your house should be situated. Take the time to watch your property over the course of a year if you can, at the very least you should be present during a major storm so you can watch the natural movement of the water. This will help you determine the best location for your home.

2) Think About Sustainability - Sustainable building practices are the key to keeping our industry - and our planet - viable for generations to come. When you build with steel and metal building components, you are choosing a building material that is sustainable from the get-go. The majority of steel fabrication is done using as much as 80% recycled materials, plus most of the steel and metal building components will be able to recycled at the end of your lifespan as well.

The more you do to increase your home's energy-efficiency, the more sustainable it will be. Their ability to withstand even the strongest of winds, seismic and/or storm conditions means you won't require major structural repairs any time soon either. Steel residential buildings end up having one of the least offensive life cycle footprints of any other type.

3) Enjoy Superior Energy-Efficiency - There are multiple ways that steel residential buildings provide superior energy efficiency. It begins with the sustainable fabrication and end-of-life recycling we mentioned above and continues with your selection of a variety of features including:

Framing - Steel framing is inherently more energy efficient than traditional methods because the components are perfectly straight. When done right, steel framing usually exceeds energy efficiency requirements, preventing cracks and warping that lead to a home's efficiency over time.

Cool Metal Roofs - Cool roofing materials combine two different types of metals, one painted and one not, to provide both reflective and insulating properties. The reflective paints used on high-quality cool metal roofs reflect both UV and infrared wavelengths, mitigating solar heat gain. You can choose exactly how reflective and insulated you want your roof to be depending on your climate.

Skylights and Ventilation - The roof can include skylights and ventilation, enhancing daylighting, airflow and indoor air quality.

4) Consider Wireless Reception - If steel and metal building have one weak spot, it is their strength. Wait. What? The same thing that makes them such a strong, durable and low-maintenance building material makes it difficult for microwaves to transmit through them, and those waves are what your cell phones and other technological gadgets use to receive wireless signals. Speak with your metal building manufacturer about the tips and tricks that will ensure your building gets the same level of receptivity and connectivity you are used to in your current home or office building.

5) It's All About Looks - The exterior options for steel and metal buildings have come a long way, baby. Virtually any aesthetic you appreciate in a traditionally constructed home can be replicated by metal building manufacturers. This includes roofs that resemble Spanish tiles to facades that look like natural stone on the bottom and wood-clad on top. A wide range of styles and color options are available.


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