Using steel in the construction industry has grown tremendously in recent years. Although it has long been used in certain countries for decades, steel buildings are now part of the skylines of virtually every country across the globe. Since steel was invented in 1855, it has been used extensively in constructing skyscrapers, pipelines and bridges, and the trend is growing.

The advantages of steel buildings include the following;
● They can be constructed more quickly than buildings made with other materials, cost less to build and are amazingly strong.
● Steel weighs less than other materials, reduces the risk of fire, and is easier to maintain.
● Steel is also 66% recyclable, which makes it an environmentally sound, cost-effective option for builders.
● Because of their durability, steel buildings can withstand earthquakes, high winds, hurricanes and heavy snow. In addition, steel is resistant to rotting, splitting, cracking and termites.
● Insurance rates are lower because the risk of fire is reduced when steel is used.

What investors and homeowners should know

While a steel-framed home may cost a bit more than a traditional wood-based building, it is a wise investment because necessary maintenance is reduced, and it is energy-efficient as well. Also, the appearance of the home can be enhanced by covering it with siding, stucco or bricks, and modern technology can be used for fabrication and improved design.

The reduction of storey heights lowers the cost of steel, along with other building materials, and minimizing floor-to floor heights helps reduce cooling and heating expenses. Building height can be minimized by having mechanical systems run through web openings, or integrating floor beams into partitions or the interior walls of a building, At times, the depth of beams can be limited by selecting a size that is both shallower and heavier, and still provides the strength required for the project
.
Because of its special qualities, including beauty and drama, steel allows architects to become more creative and provide enhancements to buildings that otherwise would be too expensive or too difficult to produce when working with any other material. For example, curving and bending can now be done in ways that were unheard of before the use of steel in buildings to achieve the desired effect. Curves formed by steel beams bent to a particular radius, segmented beams, or a combination of both methods, can be used to follow the outlines of irregular domes, arches or facades.