When you think of prefabricated metal or steel buildings, what comes to mind? For the average consumer, metal buildings are most often associated with structures like storage buildings or warehouses, residential workshops or garages, or even airplane hangars. However, prefabricated metal buildings are far more versatile than most people expect.
These buildings, which combine the value of convenience and quick construction with economics and long-term durability, can have many uses. Take a look at some of the more advanced ways that steel structures are used today.
Prefabricated Metal Buildings Prove Functional in Agriculture
In agriculture, the structures used on the property can be an integral part of the operation. From shelter for livestock and storage space for crops and machinery, steel buildings serve a multitude of functions for the average agricultural operation. The convenience of quick construction makes it possible for those in the agricultural industry to expand the available storage or housing on their properties at will, even when there are pressing needs for expansion.
Further, steel buildings are easily configurable; the floor plans can offer partitioned spaces, separate rooms, horse stalls, and more. One other major perk of steel buildings for use on a farm is the fact that the material is fire-resistant, which can be a major concern for the average farm owner. In 2020 alone, over 1.5 million farm animals died in barn fires, according to the Animal Welfare Institute.
Steel Buildings Work Well as Residential Dwellings and Outlying Structures
The general property owner can make so many noteworthy upgrades with the use of prefabricated metal or steel buildings. These structures are not just efficient and economical, they are also convenient and versatile.
While most property owners assume that steel buildings are a go-to option when they want to add a garage, workshop, she-shed, or simply a storage space—all of which are logical ideas—these buildings are also potential primary dwellings. Prefabricated steel buildings can be configured to look and function like an actual home. Houses and barndominiums built from steel are:
- Energy-efficient
- Attractive
- Easy to maintain
- Weather-resilient
- Faster to construct
In some cases, building a full-on residence from steel can be a cost-saving option compared to traditional building processes using wood. The property owner may save as much as 30 percent on the cost of building materials in comparison to building with wood.
Commercial Buildings Can Be Created from Prefabricated Metal
The commercial niche for metal buildings has grown by leaps and bounds over the last few decades. The reasoning behind the shift is obvious when you have an understanding of the benefits of building with prefabricated metal:
- The building time is shortened
- The maintenance of the building is less time-consuming
- The structures can be custom-built to accommodate just about any operation
- The end building is energy-efficient
Some of the largest commercial companies build their brick-and-mortar stores out of material that is not brick at all but steel. From large retail venues to industrial buildings, many new commercial properties are created using prefabricated steel. While not commercial, buildings of public interest and use are also now erected from steel, such as schools, houses of worship, and other community-focused establishments.
Prefabricated Steel Buildings Are Bound to Become Even More Widespread
The latest market projections have shown that the structural steel market is expected to grow by five percent every year from now until 2028. Infrastructural developments, steel-building innovation, and high demand for more reliable, economical building materials are all factors that continue to drive the demand.
Interested in learning more about what we can do with prefabricated steel? Take a look at some of what we can do on our steel buildings page at Steel Co. Buildings, and feel free to reach out to us with questions.
