The extreme weather events that have occurred in the United States over the past few years have left a trail of destruction, loss, and devastation. If you are considering settling in a place with severe weather, then you need to consider how to avoid being harmed by it. Traditional brick and wood houses and buildings are clearly unable to withstand storms. When encountering severe hurricane weather, they are either destroyed or suffer severe damage. For this reason, many people choose to use steel structures to build houses or commercial buildings.
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Are Steel-framed Building Hurricane-proof?
Although extreme weather is always difficult to predict. But tests have shown that steel-framed buildings can withstand even the most intense storms. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) uses the Saffir-Simpson hurricane scale to assess storms.
Category 5 is the most severe, while Category 1 is the weakest. According to NOAA, winds of 157 mph or more are associated with category 5 hurricanes. This can cause the frames and roofs of most houses to be destroyed and the walls to collapse.
Steel-framed buildings, on the other hand, can withstand wind speeds of 170 or even 180 miles per hour. So why are steel-framed buildings able to withstand tornadoes, hurricanes, and other severe weather? This is because they are built in a special way that prioritizes strength, durability, and resistance to extreme weather.
The Role of Thicker Steel
The Safire-Simpson Hurricane Scale shows that a category 5 storm can reach wind speeds of over 157 miles per hour. This is where the advantages of steel buildings really come into their own. Thicker steel grades such as grade 22 offer unbeatable wind protection. They can withstand wind speeds of up to 170 or even 180 miles per hour.
Anchoring Technology for Greater Stability
In addition to the thick metal frame, metal buildings also use anchoring methods designed to withstand severe weather. This makes the steel structure more stable in the face of strong winds. This ensures that your building is firmly anchored to the ground even in the face of high-level hurricanes.
Careful Engineering for Strong Winds
In addition to selecting the right materials and ensuring the safety of the foundation. Careful engineering is also an important part of making these buildings resistant to natural disasters such as storms. Specially developed solutions ensure that the load is evenly distributed across all structural components. This reduces the stress on each individual component and makes the building more durable in any major storm.
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Advantages of Hurricane-proof Steel Buildings
Steel buildings are very safe during hurricanes, but they also have other advantages. This makes them ideal for many situations.
Affordable
Prefabricated steel buildings are less expensive to plan, construct, maintain, and recycle than other materials. This is especially true of those materials designed to withstand harsh weather. It may cost more per square foot than materials like wood. But if you add up the cost of planning and building a custom structure with the long-term maintenance costs, the difference becomes less significant.
Steel buildings can be shaped into any desired form. Whether you choose a prefab steel building or a metal building that you customize to your needs. Because steel is strong and durable, insurance companies often offer lower insurance rates for steel buildings.
Protection Against Dangerous Mould and Mildew
Steel buildings are also less susceptible to the effects of the weather. They are therefore protected against mould and mildew. Wood, as we know, is more susceptible to changes in temperature and humidity, as well as pests such as termites. Steel buildings, on the other hand, usually have a guaranteed lifespan of 50 years and require little maintenance.
Protection Against Other Natural Disasters
Houses and commercial buildings face more than just hurricanes. Other extreme events that most standard homes cannot withstand include fires, earthquakes, and snowstorms. If you build your home on a sturdy concrete foundation, steel is the best material to ensure earthquake resistance. It is strong enough to support itself.
In addition, steel has the advantage of being flexible enough not to bend or break. If built correctly, steel structures can remain standing even in the event of a fire. Steel does not catch fire and can be protected against cold and bad weather in many ways, while still maintaining a neat and attractive appearance.
Read more: Fire Prevention For Steel Structures Buildings
Buildings Can Withstand Strong Winds
The lifespan of a steel-framed building depends on its thickness. The thinnest type of steel used in buildings is steel 29, which is generally sufficient to cover roofs with tiles or shingles. It is the cheapest option, but it cannot withstand hurricanes. Fortunately, there are stronger types, such as steel 22. Although this steel is more expensive, it can withstand wind speeds of up to 180 miles per hour without breaking.
Faster, Easier, and Cheaper to Repair
Steel components are easier to transport and install than other materials. This is because they are usually manufactured in a factory. They are then transported to the construction site for assembly. Some contractors charge more when they use metal materials. On the other hand, this material usually requires fewer processes, so it can save construction time and costs.
In addition, steel buildings are easier to maintain. If for some reason you decide to demolish it, it will also cost less. Traditional buildings must be dismantled and discarded, which costs money. Steel structures, however, can be recycled over and over again, maintaining their strength and value. So when you no longer need a steel building, some builders will even pay to take it!
Learn more: The Cost Per Square Foot for Prefab Metal Building
How Do I Build a Hurricane-proof Steel Building?
While it’s easy to choose steel as a building material, there are some steps you need to take to make your ideas a reality. If you live in an area with severe weather, building codes can be very strict. There are certain building methods that can make your home safer, such as elevated construction or using quick-drying materials.
In addition, it is important to follow local building codes when constructing a hurricane-resistant steel building. These regulations are not only intended to fulfill requirements. They also ensure the safety of people in the event of natural disasters or strong winds.
In terms of form, materials used, and construction methods, your hurricane-resistant metal building must meet specific standards set by the authorities in your area. If you strictly adhere to these rules, you can avoid the dangers that can arise from weak structures or inadequate hurricane protection.
It is therefore important to choose a company with experience that can understand your specific needs. Xinguangzheng Steel Structure has extensive construction experience over many years. Many of our clients build large warehouses, aircraft hangars, and other commercial buildings. Xinguangzheng can provide the right prefabricated metal building to suit your budget and needs and give you the security you need.
Start Building Your Hurricane-proof Steel Structure
Steel is the best way to withstand a category 5 hurricane or deal with the daily rigors of severe weather. Plus, it’s the most durable and easiest to repair. Whether you plan to build from scratch or purchase someone else’s home, steel is the way to go. Contact us to get the style and look of the hurricane-proof steel structure you want. Then you can take the next step towards realizing your dream!
