Fire Resistance: Why Steel Buildings Are Safer Than Wood

When planning a new structure—be it a commercial building, warehouse, barn, or even a home—fire safety is a top priority. In today’s construction industry, the demand for fire-resistant buildings is rising rapidly, especially in areas prone to wildfires or extreme heat. For many builders, contractors, engineers, and property owners, one material consistently stands out as the safest option: steel.

Unlike wood, which is a combustible material and accelerates the spread of fire, steel offers superior fire resistance, protecting lives, structures, and investments.

In this article, we’ll explore why steel buildings are significantly safer than wood buildings when it comes to fire, backed by modern standards, current statistics, and proven safety advantages.

Understanding Fire Resistance in Construction

Fire resistance refers to a building material’s ability to withstand high temperatures, limit the spread of flames and smoke, and maintain structural integrity during a fire. In fire-resistant construction, the goal is to give occupants time to evacuate and reduce the risk of structural failure or collapse.

Fire-resistant buildings aren’t just about the materials—they also incorporate fire safety measures such as:

• Fire suppression systems (sprinklers, extinguishers)
• Non-combustible walls and floors
• Fire-resistant windows and doors
• Compliance with the International Building Code (IBC)

Wood, although a common traditional material, fails in several of these categories due to its combustible nature.

Steel vs. Wood: How They React to Fire

Wood and steel react to fire in very different ways. Understanding these reactions can help you make informed decisions when designing and building your new structure.

Here is an overview of the differences between wood and steel buildings when it comes to fire resistance.

Combustibility and Ignition

Wood is a combustible material. It catches fire easily, fueling flames and accelerating the spread of heat and smoke. In contrast, steel is a non-combustible material—it does not burn, and it does not contribute to fire growth.

According to the Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety (IBHS), non-combustible materials like steel and concrete significantly reduce fire risk in structures located in wildfire-prone zones.

Structural Integrity at High Temperatures

While steel can weaken at extremely high temperatures (around 1,100°F to 1,800°F), modern engineering addresses this by:

• Using fire-resistant coatings
• Incorporating fire suppression systems
• Designing to delay structural failure

Wood, on the other hand, can ignite at just 500°F and continue burning once ignited. This can lead to a total collapse in minutes if the fire isn’t controlled immediately.

Steel buildings can be engineered to maintain load-bearing capacity much longer than wood, giving firefighters more time to respond and occupants more time to escape.

Fire Safety in Modern Steel Buildings

Today’s steel buildings aren’t just industrial sheds. Thanks to advancements in building design and technology, prefabricated steel structures are utilized in a wide range of applications, from schools and offices to barns and homes.

Key fire safety benefits of steel buildings include:

• Non-combustible walls and roofs that don’t spread flames
• Integrated fire safety systems
• Metal roofs that resist ember attacks during wildfires
• No fire cut joists, which in older buildings are designed to allow collapsing floors to break away from walls

These features make steel ideal for modern buildings that must meet stricter fire safety codes and insurance requirements.

Code Compliance and Regulations

The International Building Code (IBC) now mandates specific fire resistance ratings for various occupancy types and materials. Steel buildings are often used in commercial buildings, schools, and industrial applications because they more easily meet these stringent regulations.

Wood structures, especially older buildings, often fail to meet these requirements or require costly retrofitting to comply.

Real-World Risk: Wildfires and Urban Fires

The threat of wildfires and urban fires is growing in many areas of the country. The National Interagency Fire Center reported that over 2.6 million acres have burned in wildfires in the U.S. in 2024 alone.

Steel buildings have been proven to withstand even the most intense flames and flying embers—especially when paired with fire-resistant landscaping and comprehensive home safety planning.

Wood structures often become fuel in these scenarios, contributing to massive losses in residential and commercial areas alike.

Cost vs. Safety: Is Steel Worth It?

While steel buildings may initially cost more per square foot than wood-frame buildings, the long-term savings are significant:. These savings are attributed to several factors, including:

• Lower insurance premiums due to reduced fire risk
• Less frequent maintenance and repairs
• Better resale value thanks to compliance with modern fire safety standards
• Durability against other disasters (wind, termites, mold)

Additionally, the construction industry is seeing rising demand for prefabricated steel structures due to these long-term benefits, especially among homeowners, businesses, and agricultural companies looking to protect their property and assets.

How Builders Enhance Fire Resistance in Steel Structures

To further improve fire safety, contractors and engineers can enhance fire resistance in steel buildings by:

• Applying intumescent coatings or fire-retardant paint
• Adding fire-rated insulation materials
• Ensuring adequate fire separation between walls and floors
• Incorporating automatic fire suppression systems
• Designing egress plans for occupant escape

Builders also utilize steel of varying thickness and reinforce joints to minimize the chances of collapse during extreme heat events.

Steel Materials: Built to Last, Built to Protect

Steel is not just durable—it’s predictable under heat, unlike wood, which burns unevenly and may fail suddenly. Engineers can model the performance of steel in fire scenarios and plan accordingly, using tested methods and simulations.

Even in hot environments where steel may bend or warp, it does not ignite or produce toxic smoke, unlike wood, which can release hazardous gases as it burns.

For businesses and homeowners who value safety, predictability, and resilience, steel is the obvious choice.

Find Fire-Resistant Steel Buildings Now

When it comes to protecting lives, investments, and property from fire, the choice of building materials matters. Steel buildings offer superior fire resistance, enhanced safety for occupants, and long-term durability that outperforms traditional wood construction.

Whether you’re planning a commercial space, residential home, barn, or warehouse, choosing steel isn’t just a smart financial decision—it’s a commitment to safety, compliance, and peace of mind.

Find the highest quality American-made steel buildings at Titan Steel Structures. Explore our prefabricated steel buildings or get a customized quote for your project by contacting us today.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Do steel buildings require fireproofing treatments?

Yes, while steel is non-combustible, it can lose strength at very high temperatures. To mitigate this, builders often apply fireproofing materials such as intumescent coatings, fire-retardant cladding, or spray-applied fire-resistive materials (SFRMs). These treatments help delay heat penetration and maintain structural integrity during a fire.

2. Can steel buildings be insured for lower premiums due to fire resistance?

Absolutely. Because steel buildings are less likely to burn or collapse during a fire, many insurance providers offer reduced premiums for structures made with non-combustible materials.

Insurance companies also take into account the presence of fire suppression systems and compliance with local fire safety codes.

3. Are there building types where steel isn’t recommended despite its fire resistance?

While steel is ideal for many applications, it may not be cost-effective or necessary for small residential homes in low-risk fire zones. In some cases, hybrid construction (e.g., steel frame with wood finishes) is used to balance aesthetics, cost, and performance.

However, for industrial, commercial, and high-occupancy structures, steel remains the preferred choice.

4. How do prefabricated steel buildings handle fire compartmentalization?

Prefabricated steel buildings can be designed with fire-rated partition walls, barrier systems, and smoke control zones to compartmentalize fire. This approach helps prevent flames from spreading quickly, allowing occupants more time to escape safely and reducing property damage.

5. Are metal roofs safer than other types during a fire or wildfire?

Yes. Metal roofs are highly resistant to flame, do not ignite when exposed to embers, and don’t support combustion. This makes them especially valuable in wildfire-prone regions, where flying embers are a common ignition source for structure fires.

6. Can existing wood buildings be retrofitted with steel for fire safety?

In some cases, yes. Contractors can reinforce existing structures with steel framing, replace wooden roofs or joists with metal components, or install fire-resistant panels to enhance the structural integrity of the building. However, the feasibility and cost depend on the age, design, and condition of the building.