| By :
Adrianna Noton
Used in a wide range of applications across a wide range of human activities, Steel is not only a highly durable material, but its popularity and practicality as a recycled material make it an environmentally favorable choice as well. Increasingly, the construction industry is turning to steel buildings as an alternative to wood and concrete structures. Steel offers a range of advantages in the construction of buildings over wood or concrete structures. In addition to its environmental advantage of using less natural resources for materials, the construction of steel buildings is a much simpler and less challenging process than building with traditional materials. But the most important factor for most businesses involved in building construction is steel's cost-effectiveness. Steel offers many economic benefits over other materials. If the structure will be used by employees for a workspace, a business can save on energy costs by using glass on the exterior of the building. Glass lets in natural light, and more natural light means less money spent on electric light. Developments in glass technology have led to windows that allow for control of the heat energy that passes through them. Studies have shown that employees who work in natural light report higher job satisfaction, are more productive, and are absent from work less often than those who work in artificially-lit workspaces. The shorter construction times associated with metal buildings is also beneficial to the bottom line: less money needs to be paid to the workers and skilled tradesmen involved, and more time is available to the building's user to conduct business and turn profits. Landlords can lease the property sooner, and businesses can produce their products or offer their services sooner. Steel structures weigh less than other structural materials, and require a smaller foundation, which provides a cost advantage. Less needs to be spent on building materials with a metal building, as their superior strength can deliver the same performance as traditional materials with much less raw material. The durability of steel structures leads to reduced maintenance and repair costs once a building is finished. The longer life span of steel buildings means that more usage can be derived from the building for a comparable initial cost. A metal structure can also lead to reduced insurance costs, as it is less likely to suffer damage due to natural disasters or inclement weather. Future steel buildings are more resistant to damage from earthquakes and hurricanes, as steel does not twist, warp, shrink or expand as it ages. Steel's strength and durability also means less money spent on repairs from natural disaster damage. Given steel's economic benefits and the continual improvement in finishes and windows, steel buildings are becoming an increasingly popular choice for those with an eye on the bottom line.
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