Metal Buildings as a Viable Solution against Extreme Weather - California All Steel (2024)

FAQs

Metal Buildings as a Viable Solution against Extreme Weather - California All Steel? ›

Fortunately, metal buildings are designed to handle a variety of weather conditions, making them one of the best solutions for businesses in California. A big part of their ability to hold up under less-than-ideal environments includes earthquakes and forest fires.

Steel buildings can provide exceptional strength without excessive weight, reducing the mass that seismic forces need to overcome. This characteristic minimizes the inertia force exerted on the structure during an earthquake, enhancing its ability to withstand ground motion.

In the case of a metal roofed building, any electricity from a lightning strike will be safely transferred to the ground below so occupants will be unaffected. Plus, metal's inflammable nature means your home will be even more safe should the rare chance of a lightning strike actually take place.

A downside of metal garages is that they can rust. You can prevent long-term wear from rust by inspecting the garage once a year, keeping it clean, and quickly treating any rust spots. However, metal garages are relatively low maintenance compared to wood.

Properly designed and constructed metal buildings can provide exceptional strength and durability, making them highly resistant to extreme weather conditions, fire, and pests. However, if the building is constructed poorly or uses low-grade material, it can be hazardous with significant safety risks.

Steel buildings are durable outdoor storage structures that are ideal in places where hurricanes are prevalent. Not only are they great for large storage, but they are also incredibly safe — even in the most severe types of weather.

The best earthquake-resistant construction materials have an important quality in common: high ductility. Ductility refers to the material's ability to move and change shape without breaking or losing strength. Traditionally, steel and wood are the best and most common earthquake-resistant materials.

Extensive research has proven that metal roofing is no more likely to attract a lightning strike than any other type of roofing material. In fact, as a non-combustible material with the highest Class A fire-resistance rating, metal roofing is one of the best materials for homes in lightning-prone regions.

All metal building components must be electrically bonded together, and each building must be independently grounded.

Are Barndominiums Safe in Lightning? While lightning strikes are rarely a problem for any home, steel barndominiums may have additional safety benefits. It might be surprising to note that steel does not attract lightning. In fact, compared to other materials, metal has a lower electrical resistance.

Can I turn a metal garage into a house? ›

Metal garages can be customized to fit any size and style, making them ideal for residential living spaces. For example, you can easily add windows, doors, and other features to transform the garage into a comfortable and functional living space that fits your specific needs.

Metal two-car garages rank high due to their affordability. Metal averages $14 a square foot to build, a far lower cost than wood's square foot rates. Cost per square foot varies from one region of the country to another. A wooden garage costs between $35 to $65 per square foot.

Metal buildings are almost always the better choice. Whether you're constructing horse barns or metal carports, you'll enjoy an array of advantages with steel framing. Wood sheds and buildings simply don't last as long and are not nearly as sturdy as steel structures.

Metal Buildings Stand Up To Inclement Weather

Tornadoes can involve winds of over 150 mph, torrential rain, damaging hail, and the threat of debris of all sizes. Steel buildings are resilient in these conditions and can provide shelter for your belongings in even the worst storms.

When considering an investment in a metal building, an important factor is its expected longevity and lifespan. Properly maintained steel buildings can last over 50-100 years. The durability and lifespan depend on the quality of materials used, weather conditions, regular maintenance, and preventative care.

If you are dedicated to taking care of your steel building, it can last for over 50 years. Unfortunately, it can last only ten years if you fail to undertake regular maintenance; not a significant investment.

Concrete buildings carry more dead weight (load) than steel buildings, and often building failures during earthquakes happen because the dead weight cannot be supported once the ground settles, especially structures built on softer ground.

Metal is one of the strongest and most durable building materials on the market. A metal or steel building can provide decades of maintenance-free shelter and protection from the elements with proper design and maintenance.

It's impossible to earthquake-proof a building. A look at the intensity scale (Table 3-1) shows that for intensities of IX and worse, even well-designed and well-constructed buildings can fail.

If your home was built before 1980 it is more vulnerable to earthquake damage and collapse. Earthquake reinforcement or seismic retrofitting will strengthen your home against earthquake damage. Homeowners with properly retrofitted eligible houses can receive a CEA insurance premium discount of up to 25%.