Harsh rains, extreme winds and other natural disasters can cause serious damage to buildings. This damage costs money to repair and can also put the safety of people inside a building at risk.
Durable construction materials can protect a building from these threats. Some of these include steel, concrete and bricks.
Insulated Concrete Forms (ICFs)
Using ICFs to build a structure will reduce construction costs and help the building resist extreme weather conditions. However, there are challenges that can arise when using this construction material. According to Pro Crew Schedule, building with ICFs requires special bracing to keep walls and foundations aligned correctly and support the concrete as it sets. Without proper bracing, the walls can bow and weaken, leaving structures that are prone to damage in the future.
The ICF system is a building material that uses Expanded Polystyrene (EPS) rigid insulation blocks separated by plastic webbing. These are used as an integrated form to pour a concrete wall instead of traditional wood planks or plywood forms. The ICF blocks are available in interlocking sections, which means a wall system fits tightly together once the contractor positions them. Concrete is then poured over the ICFs and finishes like siding or drywall are attached to fastener strips lodged in the concrete.
ICF walls are more effective at reducing a home’s energy-use by storing heat in the winter and releasing it in the summer. Combined with energy-efficient windows, doors and roofs, ICF walls have high R-values that can save up to 20 percent in heating and cooling costs compared to conventional wood frame walls. They are also earthquake resistant, withstand high wind speeds and can provide protection from natural disasters.
EPS Wire Mesh Panels
EPS wire mesh panels are one of the most modern and efficient building materials for construction. They feature a super-insulated core of Expanded Polystyrene (EPS) sandwiched between two engineered sheets of Steel Welded Wire Fabric Mesh.
These panels are built on site and are a fast, cost-effective alternative to traditional concrete block and timber construction methods. They’re also more environmentally friendly. Unlike wood or steel, every scrap of EPS that is cut during shaping the panel can be recycled and reused. This reduces CO2 emissions during manufacturing and the lifetime of the structure.
The EPS insulation in these panels is moisture-resistant. Fungus and bacteria cannot thrive in it, and performance properties are not affected by rot or moisture. Additionally, EPS is resistant to fire. This means that a house or office built with this material is more resilient against the effects of wildfires and house fires.
EPS is also resistant to earthquakes. When this material is used in the construction of walls, floors and roofs, it can withstand up to 10 on the Richter scale of an earthquake. Moreover, it can flex under the pressure of an earthquake, which reduces the chance of damage to the structure. It is also fire-resistant and can withstand projectiles from severe thunderstorms, tornadoes and hurricanes. In addition, it has the strength and stability of concrete, so a building constructed with this material is more durable during natural disasters than a timber building.
Stainless Steel Fabric
Stainless steel fabric is a versatile building material that can be used for a wide variety of purposes. It is often used in the building industry to protect walls and pillars from harsh weather conditions like fog, snow, or scorching heat. Additionally, it is resistant to environmental elements like rainwater runoff and salt spray. In addition, it is non-porous and does not absorb water, which makes it more hygienic and easier to clean than other materials.
Moreover, stainless steel fabric is a good choice for use in areas where high-speed winds may damage other materials. This is because it is strong and durable, making it a great choice for protecting buildings from wind damage. In addition, it is also a non-toxic and non-allergenic material that will not release harmful toxins into the air when heated.
The fabric is available in different constructions and can be etched or printed to match specific design requirements. In addition, it can be coated with various substances to improve its resistance to specific weather conditions.
Stainless steel conductive fabrics are made from stainless steel fibers that have been woven or knitted into a textile. These fabrics have the ability to conduct electricity and can be used in applications such as electromagnetic shielding, heating elements, and wearable technology. They also offer excellent screening attenuation and can be grounded for shielding low frequency electric fields.
Metal Framing
Unlike concrete or masonry, which are extremely susceptible to freezing temperatures and require special techniques to build with in the winter months, cold-formed steel (CFS) framing can be installed year-round. It also has the advantage of being non-combustible, meaning that buildings constructed from CFS are more likely to remain standing after a fire and can qualify for lower insurance premiums.
CFS can be used for a variety of construction purposes, from soffits and ceilings to interior walls and external structures. The material is particularly effective for building in areas prone to extreme weather conditions, such as hurricanes or tornadoes, where traditional homes can be destroyed. The structure is designed to withstand the most powerful of winds without being damaged or swept away entirely.
While the upfront cost of steel framing may be more expensive than other materials, it is important to consider savings throughout the lifespan of the building. The fact that steel studs do not warp or rot over time means that they can be re-used, whereas wooden framing has to be replaced regularly. Also, metal studs are lighter in weight than wood, making it easier for the builders to handle and install on site. These factors reduce the amount of waste and time required to complete a project using CFS, resulting in significant savings in both labor and material costs.