Breathing Easier with Pre-engineered Metal Buildings
People do not think often enough about health issues when building. Pre-engineered steel buildings supply a number of health benefits, especially for people living in a metal building all the time.
The choices made about building materials affect the environment, certainly, both in the present and long term. However, eco considerations aside, building material choices also affect the health and well-being of the structures’ occupants. Whether you’re working in or living in a steel building, explore the benefits of metal building materials below.
1. Steel Buildings Avoid Chemical Termite Treatments
Lumber often requires pressure treating with harsh chemicals to provide at least some resistance to termites. Building codes in many parts of the country call for the injection of dangerous chemicals in the soil around wood-framed structures to reduce the chances of a termite invasion.
Steel is an inorganic substance. No termite can make a meal of steel. Steel framing needs no treatment with cancer-causing termicides that can leech into soil or outgas into the building envelope.
2. Steel Buildings Do Not Affect Indoor Air Quality
Steel is not an organic substance. It releases no volatile organic compounds (VOCs) which contribute to poor indoor air quality.
3. Steel Framing Uses No Composite Materials
Engineered wood products allow the lumber industry to make more efficient use of their dwindling supply of forests. However, these wood products often contain resin adhesives or formaldehyde-based glues which can outgas and affect indoor air quality.
Steel, of course, contains no adhesives or glues.
4. Steel Buildings are Mold-Resistant Structures
The Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America reports approximately 44,000 people experience an asthma attack every day in the U.S. Any mold could potentially cause health problems— especially for those with allergies, asthma, or other diseases. People at risk can become very ill from being exposed to even small levels of mold.
Mold and fungi must have two things to live and spread: an organic material to feed upon and water. Wood is organic, creating the perfect breeding ground for mold.
Again, because steel is inorganic, it does not support mold and other fungi.
Coupled with the superior waterproofing benefits built into the RHINO steel building system, mold should not be a problem in a RHINO steel building.
5. A Quieter Building is a Healthier Building
Noise pollution is, unfortunately, a fact of life— especially in urban environments. Increased noise levels affect not only hearing, but also stress levels for those exposed.
Because prefabricated metal buildings use commercial-grade steel, the framing creates deep wall cavities. Thicker walls provide an opportunity to use thicker insulation, which drastically reduces the amount of outdoor noise penetrating to the inside.
6. Steel Buildings and the Environment
According to the American Iron and Steel Institute, “The steel plant is a lean, green, recycling machine— making new steel from recycled steel scrap. Enough iron and steel is recycled each year to save the nation 74% of the energy that would be needed to make new steel.”
RHINO steel buildings average 89% recycled steel content.
Currently the industry is investing in new ways to increase productivity— while emitting little or no CO2.
7. More Steel Framing, More Forests
Using steel-framed buildings not only improves indoor air quality, but also helps reduce outdoor air pollution. How? It works two ways.
First, the more structures framed with steel, the less are framed with wood. Consequently, more trees remain alive— and hard at work converting carbon dioxide into sweet, fresh, oxygen-infused air.
Secondly, since steel is far more durable and lasts so much longer than wood structures, the buildings will need to be replaced far less often. That also helps reduce the pressure on dwindling forests.
Contact RHINO today to learn all the other benefits of strong, durable, health-protecting, RHINO prefabricated steel buildings.
You may call us at 940.383.9566.
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