Building with Cold Formed Steel to Withstand Hurricane Season
$2.59 trillion!
That’s the cost of damages stemming from 363 climate and weather-related disasters in the United States since 1980. Over half of these damages can be attributed to hurricanes and tropical storms.
Every year as hurricane season approaches, we’re reminded of the destructive forces of nature and how important it is for new structures to be able to withstand hurricanes and significant weather events.
This is especially true in areas susceptible to hurricanes, such as those affected by Hurricanes Katrina, Sandy, Harvey, and Irma – 4 of the costliest hurricanes since 2005.
In this blog article, we’ll consider the benefits of building with cold formed metal framing to withstand hurricane season.
The Strength of Cold Formed Steel in High Wind Events
Implementing durable and resilient construction materials has become essential for businesses, property owners, public officials, and builders to ensure the safety and protection of individuals and communities.
As a result, cold formed steel (CFS) has become a popular building material recently. Steel framing offers significant advantages over other building materials when it comes to withstanding hurricane-force winds and weather-related damage.
CFS is precisely engineered to be lightweight yet incredibly strong, providing structural integrity and resistance against high winds. Steel framing holds up better than wood or other materials, and it is not as prone to cracking or splitting.
The unique characteristics of cold formed steel allow it to flex and absorb energy during extreme weather events, reducing the risk of failure and supporting the overall stability of the structure.
Enhancing Structural Design for Hurricane Resistance
Among the most notable features of CFS is its outstanding strength-to-weight ratio which allows for the creation of structures with greater durability and resistance to wind and water damage.
Steel buildings can distribute forces more evenly throughout the entire structure, reducing the risk of localized failures during a storm or other catastrophic event.
Indeed, cold formed steel in building construction provides opportunities for enhanced structural design that can withstand hurricanes and other natural disasters. But its benefits don’t stop there.
Durability and Resilience Against Moisture and Mold Growth
In addition to its strength in high wind events, cold formed steel offers excellent moisture and mold growth resistance.
Unlike a wood structure, which can rot and deteriorate when exposed to water, a steel building is not susceptible to moisture-related issues. Cold formed steel provides superior corrosion resistance. The material is coated with zinc oxide for an extra layer of protection against the elements.
This makes CFS an ideal choice for extreme weather events like hurricanes and tropical storms. It can also be used in coastal areas, as the material is highly resistant to salt corrosion too.
Sustainable and Environmentally Friendly Construction
Another significant benefit of using cold formed steel in construction is its sustainable nature. Steel is a recyclable material, and using cold formed steel in building projects reduces waste and environmental impact.
Additionally, compared to other building materials, steel requires less material to achieve the same level of structural stability. This not only saves resources but also reduces costs and construction timelines.
Safety and Fire Resistance
Regarding safety, cold formed steel has several advantages over traditional building materials. Steel framing offers superior resistance to fire compared to wood, providing an added layer of protection in hurricane-prone areas.
Steel’s non-combustible qualities not only make it an ideal choice for structures that need to meet stringent fire safety regulations but also contribute to its overall durability and strength.
Since steel does not burn, it significantly reduces the risk of fire-related damage, making it the preferred material for buildings such as schools, hospitals, residential apartments, industrial facilities, and commercial complexes.
Additionally, steel can withstand high temperatures without compromising its structural integrity, which means that in the event of a fire, buildings made of steel are more likely to retain their stability and minimize potential collapse.
Furthermore, steel’s heat resistance slows down the fire spread within the building, providing occupants more time to evacuate safely. Steel-framed buildings also require less maintenance related to fireproofing measures.
By incorporating steel frame structural designs, architects and engineers can ensure compliance with stringent fire safety regulations while achieving efficiency in construction and better long-term performance.
Case Study: The Resilience of Cold Formed Steel in Hurricane-Prone Areas
An excellent example of the performance of cold formed steel in hurricane-prone areas is evident in the aftermath of Hurricane Michael.
Structures built with steel frames demonstrated their ability to withstand the devastating winds and offer protection that other building materials could not match. In comparison, wood-framed buildings often require extensive repairs or complete rebuilding.
This destruction devastated the community and raised the cost of rebuilding. According to the project team at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory, their global climate models indicate the likelihood of increased hurricane activity and coastal flood risk in the coming decades.
So, the time to build for the future is now. And among the materials best suited for the job is cold formed steel.
The Cost Benefits of Cold Formed Steel Construction
Steel buildings require fewer repairs and maintenance over their lifespan, resulting in significant cost savings.
Additionally, the durability and resilience of cold formed steel structures can translate into lower insurance premiums for property owners in hurricane-prone areas.
Combine these with the low maintenance requirements of cold formed and the timely speed of construction, and you have a winning combination for your next building project.
CFS: Standing Tall Against the Elements
In hurricane-prone areas, constructing buildings with materials that can withstand the devastating forces of nature is crucial.
Cold formed steel provides the strength, durability, and resilience needed to create structures that can withstand high winds, resist moisture and mold growth, and offer enhanced fire safety.
By choosing cold formed steel in construction projects, builders and property owners can create sustainable, cost-effective structures that can withstand hurricanes and stand firm in the face of natural disasters.
Don’t wait for hurricane season to learn about the benefits of cold formed steel. Contact one of the experts at All Steel Mid-Rise today to find out how this remarkably versatile, strong, and reliable material can significantly impact your next mid-rise construction project.
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