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As the need for cost-effective new homes, industrial buildings, commercial spaces, and other structures grows, more people choose prefabricated steel buildings for many projects. Prefabricated steel buildings offer many benefits over traditional construction: They are tough, versatile, and cost-effective.

Some choose traditional materials like concrete for their lower upfront cost. But are pre-engineered steel buildings more cost-efficient than concrete?

This article will give an overview of the price of steel vs concrete buildings. You will learn what factors can impact the overall cost of a steel versus concrete structure. You will also learn some of the many benefits of choosing pre-engineered steel buildings

Contact the experts at Titan Steel Structures to learn more about prefabricated metal buildings or get a customized quote for your project. Our knowledgeable team members can help you at any stage of construction. Reach out today with questions or to get started on your project.

Are Steel Buildings Cheaper Than Concrete?

Prefabricated steel buildings are a cost-effective option for a wide range of products. Domestic structural steel contains between 77% and 90% recycled steel, making it one of the most affordable construction materials on the market. Modern manufacturing methods can also decrease the price of steel products.

Concrete is also a very cost-effective building material. Raw concrete building materials may cost less than steel building components. However, it is important to look at the whole picture.

In most cases, the cost of concrete block wall buildings does not include the roof cost.  The material costs related to concrete do not take into consideration the cost of equipment or construction. It also does not include long-term maintenance or repairs.

While concrete construction may be less expensive upfront in some cases, opting for a prefabricated steel building is often the most cost-effective option in the long term.

What Factors Affect the Price of Steel vs Concrete?

Several factors can affect the price of steel and concrete buildings. Here is an overview of some of the most significant factors impacting the cost of these buildings.

Material costs

The materials used to make concrete are cheap and widely available, and the price of concrete itself is relatively stable over time. The price of steel, however, can fluctuate, making it difficult to determine the material costs.

However, steel is often the more affordable building material. Steel has the highest strength-to-weight ratio of any building material. Minimal steel framing has superior tensile and compressive strength. This means it’s possible to create a tough, durable structure with less material compared to concrete. Using fewer materials can equal big savings.

Modern manufacturing methods have streamlined the steel production process. Manufacturers can create one ton of steel in less than one man-hour, drastically reducing the price of steel building components.

Construction costs

Reinforced concrete buildings require skilled laborers and contractors. Construction is labor-intensive and requires precision. During construction, builders must wait for concrete components to cure, which can draw out construction time. Typically, the longer the construction time, the greater the cost.

Prefabricated steel buildings arrive at the job site measured, cut, and drilled. This means the kit is ready for assembly as soon as you receive it. Assembling a steel building is considerably simpler, reducing the need for skilled labor, which can lower the overall project cost.

Maintenance costs

Many people appreciate concrete’s insulating effects. Cast-in-place concrete can reduce wide temperature swings and leaks, reducing energy costs. However, many building owners find that concrete structures require considerable maintenance and repair.

On the other hand, steel buildings require very little maintenance or costly repairs. The fire-resistant materials mean you won’t have to worry about fire damage. Steel buildings also repel water, withstand hurricane-force winds, and are not prone to termites or other pests. Minimal maintenance can save money year after year.

The Benefits of Choosing a Steel Building

Steel buildings may be the most cost-effective construction choice. They also offer a range of other benefits over traditional methods and materials.

Here are some of the most significant benefits of choosing a pre-engineered steel building.

Durability

Steel is one of the most durable building materials available. Steel buildings last for decades with minimum maintenance. They withstand earthquakes, fires, extreme temperature fluctuations, heavy snow loads, and more without sacrificing structural integrity.

Durable steel buildings can support heavy layers of insulation, which helps with energy efficiency and significantly reduces energy costs over time.

Steel buildings also resist water damage, mold, and rot. They won’t bend or warp and require minimal ongoing maintenance.

Cost-effectiveness

Pre-engineered steel buildings can save you money in the long run. Minimum maintenance and repair costs, straightforward construction, and energy efficiency mean you will spend less money maintaining your building and more time using it.

Versatility

Prefabricated steel buildings are endlessly versatile. You can easily add or reconfigure your steel building to meet changing needs. Instead of building something new as your business grows or personal needs change, you can repurpose an existing steel building easily– and inexpensively.

Get a Quote

Contact the experts at Titan Steel Structures now to explore our pre-engineered steel building kits. You can also get a customized quote for your project or find other resources to help with construction.