In the United States, where coastal regions face the annual threat of hurricanes, the choice of building materials becomes a critical consideration. Metal buildings, with their inherent strength and resilience, emerge as a formidable solution in safeguarding structures and, more importantly, the lives within them against the ferocity of hurricanes.
Hurricanes are common in many states of the United States of America. For decades, numerous states have witnessed devastating hurricanes that can cause catastrophic damage to humanity.
Below are the top 10 states of the USA that witnessed the strongest hurricanes between 1851 and 2018.
- Florida: 120 hurricanes
- Texas: 64 hurricanes
- North Carolina: 55 hurricanes
- Louisiana: 54 hurricanes
- South Carolina: 30 hurricanes
- Alabama 24 hurricanes
- Georgia 22 hurricanes
- Mississippi: 19 hurricanes
- New York: 15 hurricanes
- Massachusetts: 12 hurricanes
For newbie readers, hurricanes are tropical cyclones that cause disaster to mankind and nature.
There are five categories of hurricanes:
| Category | Sustained Winds | Types of Damage Due to Hurricane Winds |
| 1 | 119-153 km/h | Very dangerous winds cause some damage |
| 2 | 154-177 km/h | Extremely dangerous winds caused extensive damage |
| 3 | 178-208 km/h | Devastating damage will occur |
| 4 | 209-251 km/h | Catastrophic damage will occur |
| 5 | 252 km/h or higher | Catastrophic damage will occur |
Among all, categories 3, 4, and 5 are considered as the dangerous and most disastrous hurricanes that cause huge damages.
Today, the use of certified metal buildings has made it possible to confront hurricanes and safeguard your valuables, equipment, and vehicles from high winds.
Metal buildings, constructed with robust steel frames, provide unparalleled structural integrity. This inherent strength becomes a crucial line of defense when facing the intense winds and torrential rains associated with hurricanes.
Unlike traditional construction materials, steel resists warping, cracking, and deterioration, ensuring the building remains steadfast in the face of nature’s wrath.
Metal buildings have multiple traits that make them perfect for standing against harsh weather conditions.
High Durability: Steel is the most robust construction material that can keep your structure standing still for long without facing heavy damages by hurricanes.
Fire Resistant: Steel has a high melting point, making it the perfect option to protect your essentials from wildfire or other unnatural fire accidents.
Wind Resistance: The aerodynamic design of metal buildings contributes to their ability to withstand hurricane-force winds. Engineered to meet or exceed stringent building codes, these structures are tested against wind speeds characteristic of severe storms. This wind resistance is especially vital in coastal areas prone to hurricanes, where the force of the wind can pose a significant threat to conventional structures.
Durability Against Debris Impact: One of the primary dangers during hurricanes is the impact of flying debris. Metal buildings, designed with durability in mind, offer a crucial advantage in this scenario. The strength of steel significantly reduces the risk of damage from projectiles, providing a safer environment for occupants.
Quick Construction: The rapid construction timeline of metal buildings is a strategic advantage in hurricane-prone areas. Swift construction means less time exposed to potential weather threats, reducing vulnerability during the building process. This quick turnaround can be crucial for emergency response facilities, community shelters, or residential structures in hurricane-prone regions.
Rustproof: Steel used in metal buildings is galvanized with zinc coating that makes it rustproof. All metal building components used in construction are 100% galvanized, extending your structure’s life to 3-4 decades.
Collapse Resistant: Certified steel structures are highly recommended to withstand in states like Florida that witness heavy snowfall. A certified metal structure can hold a snow load of up to 120 pounds per square.
Cost-Effective: Prefab steel buildings have an affordable price that makes them the right and ideal investment for long-term buyers. Its longevity and less upkeep further extend its demand.
Enough Storage Space: A certified metal building can be used for numerous purposes, including car parking, livestock housing, haystack storage, and various other personal/professional purposes.
Customizable Design for Resilient Structures: Metal buildings offer a high degree of customization, allowing for the design of structures tailored to the specific needs and challenges posed by hurricanes. From reinforced doors and windows to advanced roofing systems, these customizable features enhance the overall resilience of the building.
Less Upkeep: Post-installation, steel structures don’t require frequent and heavy maintenance. Instead, an all-vertical steel building encourages easy runoff of water and snow, minimizing the need for excessive maintenance.
Can Prefab Steel Building Withstand Hurricane?
The shortest answer to this query is YES! Metal buildings have been tested to stand still against most weather conditions, including hurricanes, earthquakes, floods, and heavy snowfall. A certified steel building is best suited to confront hurricanes and provide utmost care to your valuables.
A certified metal building is built with high-quality steel that meets the local building codes and is resistant to harsh weather hazards. Humanity has already faced disastrous hurricanes like Katrina in the past. This led the engineers to design certified steel structures with high-end wind resistance. A highly certified metal structure can withstand wind speed up to 170 mph.
Insurance Advantages: A Practical Consideration
Many insurance providers recognize the resilience of metal buildings against hurricanes. Property owners in hurricane-prone regions may benefit from lower insurance premiums, reflecting the reduced risk of damage associated with these robust structures. This financial advantage adds a practical incentive for individuals and businesses to choose metal buildings for their properties.
Building a Hurricane-Resilient Future
The choice of construction materials plays a pivotal role in fortifying structures against the impact of hurricanes. Metal buildings, with their structural strength, wind resistance, durability against debris, quick construction, and customizable design, emerge as a strategic and reliable solution.
As we navigate the challenges of living in hurricane-prone areas, investing in metal buildings not only protects property but, more importantly, safeguards the well-being of communities against the unpredictable forces of nature.