Many novices in the industry assume that structural steel is a new a new construction material. However, it has been used since decades for erecting buildings across the globe. One such good example is the Empire State Building in New York City constructed in 1931. This building has an intricate, art-deco design, thanks to the skilled structural steel fabricators. Several people have several such myths related to structural steel. In this article, we have busted the four most common structural steel myths that people have.
Myth 1: Structural Steel Buildings Look Unattractive
Fact: Structural steel is more flexible and versatile than any other building material. Due to its high malleability, structural steel can be shaped and molded into different shapes. Thus, you can create structures with a variety of designs and styles. Each building is separately made, which means most buildings look distinct. Additionally, structural steel can be painted for better aesthetics. Structural steel buildings are often built in conjunction with other materials such as split-faced block or stone, providing, even more, design options.
Some of the most famous structures in the world are made of structural steel; like the Eiffel Tower Empire State Building, or Burj Khalifa.
Myth 2: Structural Steel Buildings are Noisy
Fact: People often feel that metal roofing, flooring, and even walls can make noise while they are in use. For example, tin roofs create a lot of noise during rainfall or storm. However, thanks to the insulation in structural steel buildings, this is not a problem. Structural steel buildings have noise reduction insulation that prevents outside noises from entering the building. It also helps to reduce internal noises and echo.
Myth 3: Structural steel do not last in hot climates
Fact: People feel that the structural steel buildings will melt if exposed to intense heat, such as a wildfire. The truth is that structural steel is more heat efficient than other construction materials such as concrete, wood, and glass. The approximate melting point of structural steel is 1370°C. This means that structural steel buildings and structures can sustain in the excessive heat too.
Myth 4: Structural Steel is an Expensive Material
Fact: This is not entirely true. The initial cost of structural steel buildings and structures is often more than other materials such as concrete. The cost of laborers and fabrication process is expensive than any other traditional construction process. But, if you look at the long-term costs, structural steel is an inexpensive and cost-effective material. Unlike other materials, structural steel is not maintenance-demanding and repairs and can be easily made when required.
If you have any more questions or queries related to structural steel and the fabrication procedure, talk to our structural steel fabricators and get them cleared.
