When planning a construction project, one of the first big questions you’ll need to answer is: what should it be made from? Timber, brick, concrete, steel – each has its own strengths and drawbacks.
Steel remains one of the most popular choices for commercial projects. You’ll see it commonly used for everything from warehouses to skyscrapers. And while not as popular as brick and timber for homes, it is becoming more commonly used in modern-styled new builds.
Strength, sustainability and speed of construction all make steel a favored material choice. However, it’s not perfect for every project. To help you decide whether steel is the right pick for you, here is an in-depth look into the pros and cons of this material.
Pro: It’s fast to build with
Steel is a good choice for construction projects with short timeframes. Many steel buildings now use prefabricated components – which means parts are able to be manufactured and sometimes partially assembled in a factory. Once they reach the construction site, it’s a simple case of bolting it all together. Skilled crews are needed to build with steel, but it’s a highly repeatable process that’s not as labor intensive as bricklaying or carpentry. Weather disruption is also reduced because much of the work is done off-site. All in all, expect build times 30% faster than using timber, and 100% faster than using brick.
Con: It can cost more than other materials
While fast construction does make it possible to save money on labor, you could find that a steel building still costs more than a timber one simply due to the higher price of steel. More precise engineering is also required during the design phase, plus working with steel can sometimes require a greater number of machines than you might use when building with timber. Researching into the costs will give you a good idea as to whether a project is feasible on your budget (you may still save money compared to using materials like brick).
Pro: It’s incredibly durable
Steel outperforms many materials when it comes to durability. When properly designed and protected, steel buildings can last for decades without much maintenance. You’ll often find steel used to build structures in locations that experience extreme weather or natural disasters – not only can steel hold up against strong winds, but it can also stay intact when exposed to wildfires or seismic activity. Pests like termites and rodents also can’t chew through steel like they can through timber. In the case of factory applications, steel floors can also support heavy equipment and absorb vibrations well.
Con: It can be prone to corrosion
As robust as steel is, it has one kryptonite: corrosion. Exposure to salty and moist air can encourage rust to take hold of steel if it is not protected. Steel structures in coastal areas are particularly vulnerable for this reason. How do you protect steel from corrosion? Galvanizing it (using a zinc coating) can help form a barrier. You can also apply various paints to fend off rust, but these finishes may need to be reapplied over time. How metal structures are designed can also reduce corrosion – for example, corrugated roofs are designed to encourage drainage, which prevents sitting water from inviting corrosion.
Pro: It’s largely sustainable
The production of steel has historically been associated with heavy carbon emissions. But modern manufacturing methods such as use of renewable energy and green hydrogen have greatly reduced the negative environmental impact of steel production. The increased use of recycled steel has been one of the biggest gamechanger – steel can be constantly recycled and reused without major degradation, and many modern steel projects now heavily use recycled metal, reducing demand on the production of new steel.
Con: It offers little sound insulation
If you’ve ever been in a building with a steel roof when it’s raining, you’ll know how noisy steel structures can be. If you’re designing a building where encouraging a peaceful environment is important, consider whether steel is the right choice. Factories made of steel can also sometimes amplify sounds from machinery, leading to unhealthy noise levels. Fortunately, installing acoustic insulation can help to reduce this noise – this can be done using drywall or mass-loaded vinyl.
Pro: It can be molded into various shapes
Architects love steel because it opens up design possibilities that are difficult or impossible to achieve with other materials. Steel can be used in much longer spans than other materials and can be easily curved into arches and sweeping roofs. Its strength-to-weight ratio also allows steel to be shaped into very thin layers that remain very tough. On top of this, steel integrates very well with other materials – glass, timber and concrete can all be neatly fitted into steel frames to create striking hybrid designs.
Con: It’s susceptible to temperature changes
Steel is very reactive to temperature changes, getting very hot in the heat and very cool in cold weather. Unless a steel building is properly insulated and ventilated, you could find that it gets very hot inside in summer and very cool indoors in winter. Of course, HVAC can help to regulate the temperature indoors, but you may find that a lot more energy needs to be consumed to heat up and cool down a poorly insulated steel structure. Ways to insulate a steel building include spray foam insulation, fiberglass blanket insulation, and rigid foam boards.
Should you build with steel?
Building with steel comes with an impressive list of benefits: fast construction, durability, sustainability and design flexibility. However, you’ll need to be prepared for high upfront costs – which could include factoring in applying corrosion protection, adding acoustic insulation, and installing thermal insulation.
If you’re looking to design a long-lasting building with big open spaces or intricate curves on a tight schedule, then steel is an excellent choice. Work with an experienced steel construction company that can help bring your vision to life, and consider how you may be able to integrate steel with other materials to reduce some of the cons.
Photo by Gamze Nur Zararsız
