6 Ways Metal Buildings Hold Up to Extreme Weather

If you’re looking to build a commercial, industrial, or institutional building but want to be sure it can stand up to the harsh elements of New England, you may want to consider metal construction. 

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Metals buildings are durable and versatile options and can be customized to your specific needs. At D.R. Poulin Construction, we use high-quality materials to create metal buildings that offer both low maintenance and high resistance to extreme weather patterns.

 

Here are 6 ways that metal buildings can withstand extreme weather conditions:

1. Prevent large snow buildup 

Here in Massachusetts, significant snowfalls and snow buildup on roofs can present big problems, including roof collapses and costly ice dams. When properly engineered, sloped metal roofs allow the snowfall to slide off easily due to their relatively slick surface and can eliminate the need to shovel off the roof.

2. Resist high winds 

Metal buildings can be designed to withstand significant wind loads without compromising its structural integrity. With its high strength-to-weight ratio, metal can sustain more pressure than wood, making it an attractive option in areas of extreme weather patterns such as hurricanes or tornadoes. Our construction is engineered to distribute load and withstand the forces of high winds and even reduce damage from flying debris.

3. Naturally fire resistant

Protecting your structure from destructive elements such as fire is critical. Since metal is non-combustible, it will not spread fire as quickly as wood or other organic materials. This can protect your assets inside and could potentially affect your insurance.

4. Contend with extreme heat  

With heat resistant materials combined with the proper insulation and ventilation, metal buildings can beat the heat. Using technology such as reflective roofing and other coatings,we can significantly reduce the heat buildup within the structure and help keep energy costs low. 

5. Absorb the impacts of earthquakes  

Despite its strength, metal can also be flexible enough to absorb force from high winds or ground movements from earthquakes. In many circumstances, this allows the metal to actually bend without breaking and ultimately resist collapsing, potentially protecting the inhabitants and possessions inside. 

6. Coatings can prevent corrosion  

Having a physical location in humid areas such as Massachusetts, or even in salty air along the coast, can make many structures susceptible to corrosion and rust. Thankfully, many metal building materials can be treated with corrosion resistant coatings, extending the lifespan even under exposure to high humidity and heavy rains.

While all structures should be occasionally inspected and properly maintained, metal buildings require much less ongoing maintenance than their wooden counterparts. Steel does not usually split, rot, or warp like wood can, nor does it need to be painted or stained on a regular basis. Wood is also more susceptible to pests like termites. In general, steel buildings will last longer and with less maintenance costs than wooden ones.

Find out if metal buildings are right for your next project

To learn more about how metal buildings can stand up to the extreme Massachusetts weather, and might be the right choice for your commercial, institutional, industrial, or recreational needs, contact D.R. Poulin Construction at 978-353-6740.

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