Did you know that National Fire Prevention Week commemorates The Great Chicago Fire? That infamous fire burned from October 8th to October 10th in 1871. The United States has dedicated the week in which October 9th falls to fire prevention every year since 1925.
In fact, the National Fire Prevention Association promotes this and other activities as one of the oldest public health efforts in the United States. Since it began, the week has gained international recognition, though some other countries celebrate at a different time. A week focused upon fire prevention is the perfect time to discuss how prefab steel buildings can help reduce risks and improve safety.
How Prefab Steel Buildings Prevent Fires
You’ve probably heard people say that an ounce of prevention is worth pounds of cure. Naturally, the best way to reduce the risk of structural fires is to begin with fire-resistant buildings. Prefab steel buildings begin with a very heat- and fire-resistant material.
For example:
- While steel can melt at extremely high temperatures of around 2500° F, the ignition point of fire is only a few hundred degrees, depending upon the type of wood and duration of exposure. In general, steel won’t begin to weaken until it’s exposed to temperatures of at least 1500° F.
- Since metal also acts as a great thermal conductor, it tends to spread heat from a hotter to a cooler part. In other words, metal won’t feed or start a fire, but wood is a common source of both a fire’s fuel and ignition.
Typical devastating fires start because wood framing catches fire after its ignited because of an electrical problem or the building contents have first ignited. That’s why the International Building Code considers steel a noncombustible material and fire a combustible one.
Save Money With Fire-Resistant Buildings
Many insurance companies recognize the fire-resistant nature of high-quality, prefab steel buildings by offering discounts. You may also have a chance to take advantage of even deeper discounts by taking other safety measures and choosing the most fire-retardant kinds of steel buildings. With steel, you also don’t need to worry about mold, rot, termites, and plenty of other hazards that threaten wood-framed buildings.
Enjoy the Benefits of Steel Buildings for Your Next Project
Just some advantages of prefab steel buildings include cost-efficiency, durability, and attractiveness. Years later, you will also appreciate how easy your structure is to maintain. Call or email us today to tell us about your next building project, and we’ll explain how we can help.
