The Distinct Advantages Of Prefabricated Metal Buildings As Compared With Wood Structures
For a relatively small office space, prefabricated metal buildings can be more cost-effective, environmentally friendly, and easier to maintain than wood-frame construction. These structures provide distinct advantages for a small business owner who needs to expand out of the home. If the person owns enough residential land and zoning allows it, the building can be installed there.
Important Considerations
Metal buildings do not have to consist of one big open space like a garage. Interior walls can be included if more than one person will be working in the structure and they want separate offices. A storage area could be created for inventory and office supplies so the main spaces don't look cluttered. That's desirable in a setting where clients occasionally visit.
Steel frames have larger spaces behind the walls compared with wood frames. Manufacturers that fill these spaces with insulation create better climate control and energy efficiency for their customers. The insulation is essential for people who want to use the building as an office in cold or hot weather. Otherwise, the structure will be vulnerable to chilly drafts and hot spots and will cost more to heat and keep cool.
Environmentally Friendly Material
Metal buildings contain a large amount of recycled material, making them more environmentally friendly in that aspect than wood structures. Wood buildings generally are constructed entirely from virgin timber. Unless that wood comes from managed forests, this leads to further deforestation on the planet. The logging and transporting of wood require much more fossil fuel usage than the recycling of metal.
Lower Pricing
Wood-framed buildings cost more than metal ones of the same size. Especially when lumber prices are unusually high, as happened in 2020 and 2021, this means a substantial difference.
Less Maintenance
Metal doesn't need staining or painting to prevent deterioration. The building won't be susceptible to damage from insect and rodent activity.
These structures are significantly less prone to mice invasions because rodents can't chew through metal. Tiny holes can develop in wood over the years, especially if the building owners don't keep organic debris away from the bottom. Mice easily get in through those holes. Termites and carpenter ants also are not attracted to steel or aluminum buildings.
Metal doesn't tend to develop mildew or algae along the bottom in shaded, damper parts of the property. If this does happen, it's easy to clean off with a damp soapy cloth or sponge and a hose.