Steel buildings are a versatile, durable option for many industrial, commercial, and personal projects. Whether you need storage for vehicles, a manufacturing facility, or a cozy, modern home, a steel building can meet your needs–and exceed your expectations.
More people are turning to steel buildings now than ever before. As new people begin to look at steel structures’ capabilities, the question comes up over and over again: Are metal buildings safe?
The simple answer is yes! Steel buildings are incredibly safe, stable, and durable. People use steel buildings to store airplanes, provide shelter in storms, house massive production lines, and so much more. And skyscrapers–the tallest and most prominent buildings–are constructed from steel.
But what happens to a steel building in a lightning storm? Keep reading to learn how steel buildings provide reliable, durable shelter in all kinds of weather. If you’re considering a steel building for your next project, contact the experts at Titan Steel Structures today to get started.
Are Metal Buildings Safe During a Lightning Storm?
Metal buildings are very safe in many extreme weather conditions–including lightning storms. In fact, science shows us that a metal building may actually be the safest place to be during a lightning storm.
First, steel is an excellent electrical current conductor. When lightning strikes a properly grounded steel building, the electricity passes directly through the steel frame and into the ground. The structural components of steel buildings are fire-resistant, which means the structure can withstand a lightning strike without catching on fire or being damaged.
Some people might imagine that steel buildings are more likely to be struck by lightning, but this isn’t the case. Lightning is more likely to hit trees or tall buildings–and many tall buildings are metal. However, there is no more risk of a steel building being struck than any other structure.
When lightning strikes a wood structure, electricity can’t pass through the wood efficiently. In some cases, the energy can be directed out and away from the building, putting nearby people and structures at risk. They are also more likely to catch fire.
Are Steel Buildings Safe In Dangerous Weather Conditions?
Steel buildings provide excellent shelter in a wide range of weather conditions–even dangerous ones. Here is an overview of how steel buildings can protect people and products, even when the weather is at its worst.
Tornadoes
Many regions in the United States get tornadoes from time to time. But these swirling storms are most common in a band of midwestern states–and people there must be prepared for them. If you live in an area with the potential for tornadoes, you can feel confident that a steel building can stand up to them.
Metal buildings are built to withstand high winds. Instead of breaking or splintering, as wood does, steel can bend, allowing it to stay standing even in the harshest winds. And unlike wood and other materials, steel buildings can withstand the impact of flying debris.
Blizzards
Snow storms can be beautiful, but the damage they can cause is anything but. High winds, plunging temperatures, and heaps of snow are no match for a metal building. While the weight of snow and seeping moisture can cause severe structural damage in a wood building, a steel building will resist this damage and retain its strength in whatever Mother Nature can dish out every winter.
Floods
Flooding can cause severe structural damage. Water soaks and seeps into wood and other porous materials when it sits for long periods. Mold and mildew grow, causing widespread damage–and often resulting in the need to re-build.
A metal building will not absorb water and can resist mold, rust, and other types of water damage.
Hurricanes
Hurricanes and other large, destructive storms include a storm surge, which is a large swell of water that can flood huge coastal areas. Unlike wooden structures, a steel building will not absorb water or be susceptible to mold and rot after the water recedes.
Metal buildings are constructed to withstand high winds and flooding, making them ideal for areas prone to hurricanes or tropical storms. They are so effective at resisting the damaging effects of hurricanes that insurance companies often offer lower rates for insuring metal buildings.
Wildfires
Wildfires can spread quickly and destroy everything in their paths. Metal buildings are naturally fireproof, meaning they can withstand even an intense fire.
Earthquakes
An earthquake isn’t a weather event, but it is a naturally occurring event that can be incredibly destructive. Steel buildings can bend and flex in an earthquake, allowing them to absorb the impact of the tremors instead of splintering.
Get a Customized Quote Now
Reach out to the experts at Titan Steel Structures now to explore our range of pre-engineered steel building kits or get a customized quote for your project. Our team is ready to help you bring your idea to reality by constructing a steel building that meets your needs. Let us show you why steel can exceed your expectations. Call us now to get started.
