The popularity of steel buildings has increased over the years. This type of construction has always been popular for commercial and heavy use buildings, but now it is often found in homes, apartments and retail outlets. The benefits of steel construction include design, construction and durability factors. Here are some specific ways in which steel will provide a better choice for your next construction project.

Buildings constructed of steel are more cost effective in two ways. The initial cost of the steel is comparable to traditional framed buildings. Other building materials such as concrete, brick or stone can be even more expensive than steel.

Another way that you save money with buildings of steel is in their durability. With steel framing, you never need to replace studs due to termite damage. Steel doesn't get dry rot and doesn't warp or twist in the way that timber can. Steel framing is not subject to splitting and cracks that can affect buildings framed in the traditional way.

Buildings of steel usually don't use conventional erection methods. The framework of the building is bolted or welded in place and a skin is placed over the framework. The insulation and interior finishing proceeds in much the same manner as would be done with traditional construction methods.

Because many steel buildings are pre-engineered, they arrive at the building site as a complete package. Experienced builders can put up an engineered building quickly. Typically, the structure is designed to be in compliance with local building codes, so there is less downtime while waiting for building inspectors to arrive and inspect completed portions of the building.

Steel structures are more versatile than traditional buildings. They are often designed as units that can be adjusted as needs change. You can expand the size of the building even after the structure is in place. Just add additional framework and more panels to cover the increased wall space. The basic structure may be added to, shrunk and redesigned into a different floor plan if needed. A steel structure could be moved to a different location if necessary.

Structurally, steel is stronger than timber. This makes it possible to create buildings that are larger or taller without additional structural support. Steel construction is better able to withstand the forces of nature. Steel will stand up to hurricane force winds, to heavy snowfall and to earthquakes in many instances. It can stand through conditions that would cause a wooden framed building to collapse.

Every time steel is used in a building, a tree is saved. Whether the structure is original construction or is a remodeling project, you can be sure that an engineered steel structure is easier on the environment. Timber is a diminishing resource in the world, but steel is renewable.

Steel buildings are attractive, with clean, modern designs that blend with existing structures in the neighborhood. If you choose steel for farm or industrial buildings, they can spruce up the surroundings with attractive colors that blend into the surroundings. Harmonious blends of window designs, roof colors and wall panels make this style of building appropriate for almost every application.