Steel Construction Vs Concrete-Why Steel Is The Better Choice

When it comes to choosing a material for your next project, you're likely considering either concrete or steel. So how do the two measure up against each other? See why steel is really the best choice for longevity, maintenance, and the environment. 

Environmental Factors

Much of the steel made today comes from recycled materials, which is not only a great use of our resources, but it can also bring the costs of a project down. While extreme exposure to fire and water can damage the structural integrity of steel, it's essentially made to be used and reused for many, many generations. Concrete ends up landfills over the nation, which only add to our waste problems rather than solve them. 

Durability and Maintenance

Because steel continues to remain strong despite the passage of time, you can expect the building to need very little effort to survive. In fact, steel is one of the leading choices when it comes to creating strong structures that can withstand some heavy wear and tear. On the other hand, concrete constantly needs repairs and maintenance. While it may seem like the better choice when you have a tight budget, you'll need to factor in your costs for the entire life of the building. Even when it comes to fire and water damage, there are safety measures (e.g., flame-resistant treatments, etc.) you can use for a building to reduce the chance of damage. 

Versatility 

Concrete can be made into different shapes, but steel can be used in an infinite amount of applications. If you're hoping for a building that looks as good as it is, then steel is really the only choice for you.

If you need steel contractors or assistance with construction design for your building project, contact the team at Midwest Steel today.

 

Questions You Should Ask Your Design Contractor

A design contractor can help you put together a plan for an upcoming remodel. As you look to hire one of these professionals, there are many questions you should ask to help ensure you are hiring a reputable contractor who is right for your job....

Why Steel is a Better Building Material

Wood has been the preferred material for the construction of homes and most other types of structures for many years. The wide availability, self-replenishing nature and ease of use are the reasons for this. However, with today’s modern...

When to Hire a Construction Design Assistant

A construction design or architectural design assistant is not a licensed architect - much like a paralegal, they do the work of helping turn the architect's vision into reality. Because of this, they are normally hired by architects - if you...

Interesting Facts About Steel Recycling

When it comes to the types of materials you can recycle, steel comes in at number one. There are a number of reasons why steel recycling is important, but knowing more about the full story can make you more likely to actually contribute to the...

How Different Alloys Change Steel's Properties

Modern manufacturing demands make steel alloys necessary for industrial applications. Different alloys have different properties. They retain steel’s strength and in some cases can add new properties. Here are a few examples of common alloys...

Steel: The More Sustainable Building Material

Sustainable development, or sustainability, is aimed at making everyone’s lives better, both for now and for our future generations. It encompasses social, economic, and environmental dimensions along with the idea of stewardship and...

The Importance of Steel in Today's Construction

Steel has been used in construction since the first skyscrapers were built in the late 19th century. But recently, steel has become an option for smaller buildings and even personal residences. Using steel has certain advantages: Steel is...

What is Steel Fabrication?

Steel fabrication is the process of making raw steel into a product or an item that can be used in construction or assembly. Steel is an alloy of iron and other metals - and there are many kinds of steel - which are used in structural and...

The Difference between BIM and Virtual Construction

Constructing a new building means having a plan - and these days, the plan is often created with the help of a computer. This involves two things - BIM and Virtual Construction. BIM stands for Building Information Model. This refers to a model...

What is Metal Fabrication and Welding?

People often use the terms metal fabrication and welding interchangeably, although they are closely connected in some ways, there is a difference between the two. What is metal fabrication? Metal fabrication includes bending,...

What it Takes to be a PCI-Qualified

The purpose of the Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard, or PCI DSS, is to protect the customer account data of organizations. The main PCI Standard objectives for organizations include: protecting cardholder data, maintaining security...

What Is an AISC Certification?

The AISC's certification programs are the most widely recognized standard for the structural steel industry. Their goal is to help companies build quality structures, focusing on error prevention at the beginning of the project, rather than...

What is a Fabricator?

The term “fabricator” can be used to describe a number of different occupations. In general, the word refers to anyone who builds or creates a machine or other object. In practice, however, the term most often is used to refer to people...

Midwest Steel Participates in Habitat for Humanity

Members of the management and staff of Midwest Steel, Inc. participated in the 2013 Habitat for Humanity "Blitz Build" project on Saturday, August 24th. This home is one of seven homes being built in one week by volunteers from the...
Page: 123 - All