Surprising Advantages of Metal Buildings That You Will Love
The global market for metal buildings is booming. The surge is attributed to benefits like energy efficiency, clear span options, low maintenance, affordability, sustainability, and resistance to pests and fire. Metal buildings offer a compelling choice for residential and commercial purposes, promising durability and a strong return on investment.
Metal buildings, whether for residential or commercial purposes, are on the rise these days. Its market size is estimated to be around 492.53 million US dollars in 2021 and is expected to grow with a CAGR of 9.2%. By 2030, the total value will reach 1094.22 million US dollars [source: website].
For the prefabricated building and structural steel market, the global forecast by the year 2028 is around 318 billion US dollars with a growth rate (CAGR) of 6.3%. Given such a big market size, it becomes apparent that metal must have some features that make it so lucrative to the buyers.
Below, we present to you a list of 7 key takeaways that will broaden your knowledge about steel buildings. Some facts presented might leave you speechless. Let's have a look at them one by one.
Have A Look At Some Surprising Advantages Of Metal Buildings That Will Turn Your Head Over Heels
1. Energy Saving
You can install an insulator that will prevent any moisture development. This will forbid rusting and help regulate the temperature of the entire building. The most commonly used insulator is fiberglass, as it is the most affordable plus easy to install.
Additionally, you can add awning, window fans, and gravity or wind powered vents to maintain the flow of air in and out of the building, especially if you live in hot weather.
For the roof, you can add reflective foil insulation. They will redirect excessive sunlight, thereby keeping your interior cooler than your surroundings. Since metal posts can withstand weight, you can also install solar panels on your metal building roof. Isn't that a great idea?
Metal does not bend or twist with changing temperature. Hence, with the passage of time, there is no gap or draft built up. This contributes to the overall efficiency of the metal buildings.
According to the American Iron & Steel Institute, metal building consumes 1/3rd of all energy and 2/3rd of all electricity generated. Light color reflective roofs can save up to 40% in cooling energy. Not just that, you get the following tax benefits when you choose a certified energy efficient metal building:
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For commercial metal buildings: Tax deduction of $2.50 to $5.00 per sq. ft. on the amount of energy saved.
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For residential metal buildings (single family homes): A Tax deduction of $2,500 can be availed.
2. Option For Clear Span
Since metal has a very high strength to weight ratio, you can choose to build as big a free structure as your budget allows you to. This is not possible with any other raw material known. Steel tensile strength is also pretty high.
Some of the mega structures, such as the Boing Everett Factory, which stretches across 98.7 acres, are the world's largest steel buildings by volume. Such large structures become a necessity when you have to manufacture and assemble large jumbo size aircraft.
Steel is resilient to most natural disasters, such as tornadoes, hurricanes, seismic activities, etc. So, you can confidently choose a metal building.
3. Few Replacement & Repair
One of the USP (unique selling point) of metal buildings is – it needs virtually no maintenance. Compared to other materials, a metal frame, roof, or panels has no constant need for repair or replacement.
You would probably need to repaint your metal buildings once in a blue moon. This saves a lot of time & money that would have otherwise gone into maintenance each month.
Go for a vertical metal roof, as it has ridges that run towards the ground. One advantage is that you do not need to regularly clean it as most of the debris will slide off the roof due to the action of gravity.
You can also choose IMPs (insulated metal panels) to avoid insulation during the later on phase.
4. Affordable & Green Buildings
Metal buildings are one of the most affordable structures. On average, you can spend $10 to $25 per sq. ft. on a metal structure. The accurate cost will depend upon the customization that you choose.
For example, a 20 ft. wide, 36 ft. long & 10 ft. tall utility building can cost you about $11,529; a 50 ft. wide, 60 ft. long & 12 ft. high metal garage with lean-to will cost you around $50,010.
People have started to become more & more conscious about their purchases & its impact on nature. Metal buildings are 100% recyclable. In recent years, they have become cheaper to manufacture. Eco friendly and sustainable living are on rage right now.
5. Pest Resistant & Fire Resistant
Metal does not allure pests like rodents, mice, ants, roaches, fleas, or termites. Wood, unfortunately, does. With metal, there is no need to worry about rotting and decaying posts & frames. Your structure will remain robust and sturdy throughout the decades.
Metal has a very high melting point. It is ‘Non-combustible’. Fire resistance tests have shown that stainless steel is one of the most fire-resistant materials.
With This In Mind
From above, you have seen some mind blogging facts on metal buildings. So, if you are thinking of investing in a housing unit, looking for nice office space, or creating a storage unit, steel will serve the purpose without being too demanding.
Residents or commercial metal buildings will prove themselves to be worthy of your money and time and will have higher ROI as the year passes by. So, next time you want some additional square footage, go for steel, as it is the best deal.