When constructing a product, material selection is an essential element. It can affect functionality, design specifications and ease of manufacturing as well as the overall cost and sustainability of a finished product.
Steel buildings by YourBuildingTeam are designed to be weather-resistant and are the ideal option for those who prioritize the safety of their occupants and their environment. Their high strength-to-weight ratio makes them easy to customize for security features.
Steel
Steel is one of the most common and strongest materials used in construction. It’s in the pots and pans you cook with, the cars and trucks you drive and the buildings you live and work in. Steel is an alloy that consists of iron with varying levels of carbon to create a range of strengths and durability. It’s also very versatile, with the ability to be strengthened further by the addition of other elements such as silicon, nickel and chromium. This allows for a wide range of applications, including everything from industrial equipment to aircraft frames.
A steel building can be built in a variety of styles and designs, giving you the flexibility to express yourself while still remaining safe from threats. Steel structures can flex under pressures that would crack or break other types of buildings, and they can be designed to withstand 160 mph sustained winds—Category 5 hurricane speeds. Steel is also a great choice for seismic zones.
Beyond the safety benefits that come with a steel building, it’s important to consider environmental sustainability. Steel buildings are incredibly efficient, reducing energy consumption and contributing to a greener planet. Prefabricated steel also reduces the amount of on-site cutting, forming and welding, which minimizes workplace accidents and injuries. This makes a steel building the ideal choice for the conscientious builder.
Concrete
Concrete might not be the first material that comes to mind for building security, but it’s a useful choice if safety is a priority. Concrete offers excellent resistance to fire, impact and explosion. Its strength and durability make it difficult for anyone to climb or damage a building made of concrete, and the material is impermeable.
Concrete can also be moulded to any shape, allowing for design freedom and cost savings in the initial build. Its thermal mass absorbs and holds energy to reduce building heating and cooling needs, making it a smart choice for sustainable construction.
Because concrete is a mixture of aggregate materials, it can be sourced from recycled wastes, such as crushed glass, metal shavings and old tires. Recycled materials are mixed with cement to create new concrete, reducing the overall carbon footprint of the construction process.
In addition, the concrete production process uses very little energy compared to steel or wood, saving on energy costs from start to finish. The material is also durable and fire-resistant, saving on maintenance expenses in the long run.
Lastly, concrete has minimal air infiltration, which improves ventilation and enables better air control. This is a key feature for hospitals, where noise and vibration can impact patient recovery and put strain on delicate medical equipment. Concrete can also help improve the performance of sophisticated medical machinery by decreasing noise and vibration, as well as lowering humidity.
Metal
When it comes to metal, people often think of strong buildings and bridges. That’s because, in general, steel is the most reliable and safest material used for construction. Whether it’s for pole barns or skyscrapers, metal is the best choice for structures that require high levels of safety and security.
Buildings made with steel are less susceptible to damage from weather fluctuations, natural disasters, and pest infestation. Additionally, they have a longer lifespan than traditional wood buildings. These factors contribute to lower facility management costs and increased longevity.
Unlike other building materials, metal is also highly resistant to pests and rodents. This means that you will not need to treat your building with pesticides and other pest-control measures. This also means that you will not have to worry about costly structural damage caused by infestations.
Another benefit of using metal for your facility is that it’s a fire-resistant material. This can help to lower your facility’s insurance premiums. In addition, metal can be coated or sprayed with fire-resistive materials to further protect your facility and its contents.
Metal can also be made with composite cladding, which helps to increase the thermal efficiency of your building. This reduces energy costs and provides better climate control. It can even be made with a reflective coating, which can help to keep your building cool in the summertime.
Wood
Wood has traditionally been a building material of choice for finishing details, such as doors and window frames. It is also a common choice for flooring and walls. Wood construction is having a moment, though, thanks to engineering advances, new protective treatments for lumber, a desire to construct greener buildings, and changes in building codes that permit taller wood structures.
Unlike concrete and metal, which are imported and therefore subject to the price fluctuations of natural resource extraction and energy demands, wood is a renewable product. It is easy to source and produces less waste, which makes it an eco-friendly option. It is also a natural insulator, reducing energy consumption and CO2 emissions.
Its structural performance meets the requirements of updated building standards, including seismic design. It is an ideal building material for regions prone to earthquakes, and modern wood construction techniques, such as cross-laminated timber (CLT) and glued-laminated timber (glulam), allow for stronger, more durable structures than ever before.
In addition to its environmental advantages, wood’s acoustic properties minimize echo in living and working spaces. Its visual appeal also contributes to a healthy workspace by activating the “biophilia” of employees, lowering their stress levels. Studies have shown that people are more relaxed and productive when surrounded by wood. This is particularly important for corporate environments, where the physical environment impacts employee wellbeing and performance.