May 16, 2020

Pros and Cons of Metal Building Homes



Metal has been used for many years in the construction industry but this usage has always been directed at commercial application. That is, until recently, when more thought has been given to residential metal buildings.
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These are rapidly growing in popularity and there are many reasons why this is a good thing. If you’re interested in the idea of living in a metal home then you’re going to like the inspiration these images provide. You’ll also appreciate the list of pros below, which outweigh the cons.


The Advantages
There are several distinct advantages.
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Strength
Add a universal steel beam to your property and you’ll discover how easy it is to tie the walls together and create a surprisingly strong building.

Metal is incredibly strong and will resist forces far better than a traditional wood home and potentially better than a stone-built home. This makes them a great choice for areas affected by earthquakes and hurricanes. Metal buildings are often left standing after the quake has passed.

Durability
It’s the strength of metal that makes it so durable. Despite what you may initially think, metal homes are powder coated and will last for many years with very little maintenance.

It’s hard to damage a metal home, fire won’t affect it, and you’ll find it’s a solid investment. It’s not just because the house will stay standing, the maintenance costs are also surprisingly low, allowing you to enjoy your time in your home.

Build Time
Metal homes are generally made offsite. The molds are created and the metal cast in a factory, allowing excellent quality control. Individual parts are then delivered to your build site and they can be assembled very quickly.

You’ll need less time, less manpower, and a crane. A metal home can be built on-site in just 2 or 3 weeks!

Space
Because metal is so strong your home will largely be made of huge steel girders. These maximize the space available to you. Specifically, the metal girders provide the strength, allowing you to add as many doors and windows as you wish as they don’t affect the strength of your new home.
This makes it much easier to personalize your home inside and out and allows you to make the most of every bit of space you have available.

The Disadvantages
Although the positives outweigh the negatives there are a few disadvantages you should be aware of before you commit to building or purchasing a metal home.
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Corrosion
The metal is usually powder coated and can be coated in any color or texture you wish. This protects the metal. But, if this coating is damaged moisture will get to the metal and start corroding it, weakening the structure.

It’s essential to regularly inspect your metal frame and fix any signs of corrosion before they become an issue.

Cost
Building with metal does cost more than creating a home out of wood. Of course, the initial cost may be offset by maintenance costs over time. But, this is something to be aware of when building your metal home.

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