When we’re looking to purchase a new product or service, whether it be an American-made steel building, television or new bicycle, it helps to be informed about the core principles and standards within the industry that provides it. After learning more about the basics, we’re able to discern what we really need and get the most out of our money.

If you’re not very familiar with steel building design, you may be asking yourself the question “What’s the difference between a building built from metal and one built from steel? After all, isn’t steel a metal?”.

While many talk about metal and steel in the same context, there is a significant difference between the two. You’ll likely hear both steel building manufacturers and your average Joe alike refer to buildings built with steel as “metal buildings”.

So what’s the distinction?

If you took a look at the periodic table of elements, like you would find in a chemistry classroom, you’ll find many metals such as copper, iron, nickel, etc. But one thing you won’t find is steel. It’s alright to think of steel as a metal and call it by that name, but if you want to be completely accurate it’s actually called a metal alloy.

An alloy is defined as a substance composed of two or more metals or a metal and nonmetal fused together. For instance, bronze is an alloy of copper and tin. Steel happens to be an alloy of iron and carbon, which results in a much stronger and much more durable material. Exactly the kind of material you would want when purchasing your Pre-Engineered Building kit.

There’s a bit more that goes into creating top-quality steel you should know about, like the importance of removing the impurities from the iron or that the amount of carbon used in the process can change the composition. If you’re curious, here at Renegade Steel we prefer to use 100% red iron top grade steel with high tensile 26 gauge panels.

And Why Else Is Steel A Better Choice?

Aside from being cheaper to buy, faster to build, easier to maintain, friendlier to the environment and safer from fire and termites? Well, how about Five Remarkable Ways Steel Has Been Used In Art?

If you do some research, you’ll find it’s true that Pre-Engineered Steel Buildings are one of the most cost-effective and economical choices one could make. It’s one of the most affordable building materials available, and ordering a Pre-Engineered kit cuts costs down even further due to the highly efficient, streamlined assembly process.

These prefabricated building kits allow for a much quicker installation, which lowers labor costs and in many cases can be done with a do-it-yourself attitude and a few friends or colleagues. You’ll also sleep much more soundly knowing that your hard-work and money won’t burn down in case of an unexpected fire or crumble apart from a termite infestation.

Steel buildings don’t require a lot of maintenance and steel can be recycled to remain an earth-friendly product, reducing the use of natural resources throughout the world. So there’s an abundance of reasons that steel has been a number one choice in the market, which is why you’ll find it in sheds, kitchen utensils, garages, cars, microwaves, warehouses, aircraft hangers and all throughout our daily lives.