Do you remember the California wildfire that consumed almost the entire California? Although Florida wildfires are not as big a threat as the LA wildfires, they are still a major hazard in the state. Given that the houses in almost all of America are made of wood, your home can likely be affected if such events happen. Added to that is the risk of lawsuits regarding construction defects, which can massively increase your overall living expenditure.
Is there a better solution that solves this problem and also provides added benefits? There is, and that is contacting a steel construction company in Florida instead of a regular real estate builder. Not only does it protect your home from wildfire and construction damage, but it also increases its value.
Why is Steel Construction a Less-Common Service?
Before we start discussing what advantages it gives and why you should contact steel home builders in Jacksonville, FL, we first need to know why it is generally a less common service. Although people prefer wooden homes because of he price difference, the ratio of steel frame homes to wooden homes should not be as low as it is in America, especially in Florida, because of wildfires. The reason why it is a less common choice is due to the following reasons:
- Building codes and industry inertia.
- Abundant timber and a limited steel supply.
- Speed and flexibility of wood framing.
- Contractors trained for wood construction.
- The perception that wood feels warmer and steel feels colder.
So, although steel homes are much safer than wooden homes in Jacksonville, there are other factors that play their role as well.
Why You Need to Contact Steel Home Builders in Jacksonville
Even though steel homes are a lot less common than wooden homes, finding a steel construction company in Florida isn’t as hard as you think. You are just a search and quote away from finding the best steel home builder in Jacksonville, and you should consider the option because it provides the following benefits:
Steel is Lighter in Weight
This one might sound strange, but steel is lighter than wood when it comes to home construction. Take a 2×4 of wood and a 2×4 of steel, and the steel will be noticeably heavier because of its density. But when it comes to steel frame buildings, steel will almost always be lighter than the lightest, structurally sound wood, because of its expansion property. This also decreases the overall labor required to build steel.
High Customization Potential
This is the best property of steel. When it comes to the construction or design of any sort, steel is generally among the most customizable materials for construction purposes. Design teams love steel because it is known to have incredible design flexibility.
Surprising Cost-Effectiveness
This one might surprise you, but steel is more cost-effective than wood. Not only does the lighter weight of steel contribute to its cost-effectiveness, but there are other factors as well. Steel buildings require less maintenance, are resistant to costly damage, and often last longer. Not only that but steel parts are often pre-engineered, decreasing construction time and saving you money on labor costs.
Environmental Sustainability With Steel’s Low Carbon Effect
Many people think steel is not very environmentally friendly because of its long decomposition time, although it is not quite true. Although it takes a lot of time to decompose, it is also recyclable and has a low carbon footprint. Steel is recyclable and reusable, reducing your construction’s environmental footprint.
Fire and Hurricane Safety
Florida’s building codes are among the strictest in the country, thanks to the frequency of hurricanes and wildfires. Steel-framed homes are non-combustible and engineered to withstand high winds and flying debris better than wood structures and are also resistant to fire. This makes steel one of the most weather-resistant materials, and it also doesn’t get fire damage.
Pest and Mold Resistance
Wood almost always catches molds and pests unless you take regular care, and is resistant to such conditions. Wood can also be affected if exposed to the direct high heat of the sun, and though steel can get incredibly hot, it never gets any damage. Wood damages and steel don’t, and in regions where temperature is a major safety hazard, steel structures provide peace of mind and may even lower your insurance costs.
Minimal Maintenance Over Time
Steel structures require far less maintenance than traditional wood-framed homes. You won’t have to deal with warping, termite infestations, dry rot, or repainting as often. This translates into lower long-term maintenance costs and fewer surprise repair bills, which is an appealing benefit for homeowners who value low maintenance and efficiency.
Preservation of Forests
Lastly, you also protect the environment when getting steel construction services by not cutting trees. Even if your steel building needs to be rebuilt, high-quality structural steel can be recycled and reused repeatedly. Using steel helps reduce the demand for timber, indirectly protecting forests and contributing to long-term sustainability.
What You Should Look for in a Steel Construction Company in Florida
Although contacting a steel construction company in Florida isn’t as difficult as most people think, it is also not a very straightforward process. There are certain characteristics you need to look for when searching for steel home builders in Jacksonville. These qualities are:
- Licenses and insurances, especially for hurricane-prone Jacksonville
- Familiarity with Florida codes and coastal requirements
- Proof of past projects in the form of a portfolio and specific knowledge
Don’t Wait for the Next Storm to Rethink Your Building Materials
Though wood may still be the preferred choice in Florida’s construction scene, normal doesn’t always mean better. With rising climate threats and the long-term costs of repair and insurance, the smarter homeowner is starting to ask more specific questions and find steel as the answer. Whether you are planning a new build, a renovation, or just exploring smarter ways to protect your home investment, don’t overlook what an expert steel construction company in Florida can offer.
