Metal Buildings: Able to Withstand the Wrath of Mother Nature
Most Americans will never forget the name Katrina. During the last few years, this memorable hurricane, and a few others, devastated much of the Gulf Coast and left thousands of people homeless in their wake. Unfortunately, many weather forecasters agree that the ferocity of tropical storms and weather patterns in general are taking a turn for the worse.
For this reason, metal buildings are coming to the forefront of the construction scene as structures that are likely to withstand hurricane-force winds as well as other examples of extreme weather. Quality prefabricated metal buildings, built to specification at a manufacturer and delivered to the construction site ready-to-assemble, have been proven to stand up to 130 mph winds. In addition, most prefabricated metal buildings can be erected on pilings that will add to the security of a structure in flooding situations.
This is great news in tropical regions such as the Gulf States and the states on the southeastern seaboard. But the strength and stability of metal buildings also make them perfect candidates for areas that receive significant snowfall and debilitating ice storms. The presence of I-Beam construction in addition to metal roofing adds a great deal of support to metal buildings that frequently carry large amounts of snow and ice. These metal roofs and the metal buildings that support them can hold up to much more weight per square foot than a traditional wood-framed building and shingled roof. In addition, metal roofing allows for the structure to shed snow faster than a shingled roof and helps maintain the structural integrity of the entire building.
Metal buildings that are covered with metal roofs are also virtually indestructible when faced with wind-driven rains and hail storms – and in tornado-prone areas, quality metal roofing materials on metal buildings have been rated to withstand 120 mph winds which are equivalent to an F2 tornado. In the regions of the country that are often subject to wildfires, particularly the southwest, metal buildings are an ideal choice for their non-flammable qualities and resistance to extreme heat.
All around the country and the world, weather conditions often exist that can in turn place great stress on traditional forms of construction. Metal buildings, however, are a durable alternative to these traditional methods. No matter where metal buildings are erected, chances are they will be able to withstand whatever extreme weather that Mother Nature throws at them – keeping your investment safe and sound.