Why Fire Departments Choose Steel Buildings for their Fire Stations?

Steel Buildings and Firehouses

When local municipalities require a new building, steel is often the construction method of choice due to its strength and cost-effective design. Most regional governments have precise timetables in which they’re required to operate and work stringently to maximize the ‘bang’ for their buck.

And that’s precisely why so many fire departments trust steel buildings for their firehouses and equipment storage buildings. These sturdy structures offer the flexibility required to work for any job or application and deliver the dependability expected from the community. Today, we’ll walk through some of the biggest reasons fire departments across the US choose metal buildings for their firehouses.

 

Essential Things to Consider When Purchasing a Steel Building

Buying a new metal building of any size is an immense investment. That’s why it’s critical to perform the necessary research to find a structure that works for you and your needs. Below, we’ve put together a few things you’ll want to keep in mind when buying your new steel structure.

1. Building Size?

How large of a building will you need? Having a solid grasp on the structure size that best suits your requirements is a fundamental step that will help you throughout the remainder of the process. You’ll want to take measurements of vehicles and generate an idea of how much square footage you’ll require. Performing these steps will minimize any issues or headaches you may encounter along the way.

2. Budget

All building projects will require a budget. Drafting a budget will allow you to complete a project on time while considering any extra expenses that may occur. For many government departments, a budget will already be drafted before the construction of any structure.

3. Foundation

What foundation will you pick for your metal building? While there are several options available, most fire stations will require concrete slabs, which are one of the strongest, most durable foundations.

4. Functionality

How will you use your structure? Fire departments will need a building that features vehicle storage, changing rooms, kitchens, sleeping quarters, and more. You’ll need to design your structure to account for all these necessities.

5. Location

Do you have an installation site ready? If not, you’ll need to ensure your build location is level, properly graded, and cleared of debris. Additionally, a concrete foundation must have ample time to properly cure before construction begins.

6. Customization

One of the most prominent features that sets metal buildings apart from the competition is their customizability. From top to bottom, almost every facet of a steel structure can be customized and adapted to fit your needs. You can change the paneling, trim, roofing styles, windows, doors, and even the wainscoting!

 

Why Steel is the Best Option for Fire Stations and Government Buildings

While metal buildings have been around for years, modern engineering has made them the go-to solution for many construction projects. At one point, metal buildings were relegated to garages and backyard sheds, but now they’re the most popular choice for commercial, industrial, and governmental facilities. This prevalence is due to:

1. Construction Speed

Steel buildings can be built in a fraction of the time it takes to construct a similar-sized wooden structure. For example, a wood building might take weeks or months to complete, but a metal building can be completed in mere days.

2. Low Cost

With lumber prices soaring, it’s no surprise that people are turning to steel buildings for cost-efficiency. As a result, your average steel structure can be built for much less than you’d spend on traditional construction options.

3. Strength and Durability

You’ll be hard-pressed to find a building more stable and capable of taking on the elements than a metal building. These structures are engineered to withstand high winds, heavy rain, snow, and seismic activity.

4. Energy Efficiency

Since metal buildings are constructed using precise mechanical components, they fit together more snugly than a wooden structure. And combined with proper insulation, a metal building provides a more even internal temperature and can drastically lower your energy consumption.

5. Eco-Friendly Construction

Did you know that steel is 100% recyclable? Not only does it carry a much smaller carbon footprint than lumber, but it can also be melted down and reused with no detriment to its strength.

6. Insurance Savings

Many insurance companies base their rates on the relative risk of a structure. And since metal buildings are resistant to rust, mold, pests, and even fires up to 1,200 degrees Fahrenheit, insurance providers will often quote lower rates on policies covering steel buildings.

7. Reduced Maintenance Costs

Since metal buildings are forged from galvanized steel, they’re naturally resistant to elemental dangers like moisture, mold, pests, and fire. As a result, you’ll spend far less time maintaining or repairing metal buildings than you would with a wooden structure.

8. Customizability

Steel buildings can be customized for a wide variety of purposes, putting you in the driver’s seat to change your paneling, roofing, color schemes, trim, and much more. The only limit here is your budget and your imagination!

 

Important Features for Your Metal Fire Station

When designing and building a fire station, there are a few qualities your structure will need to possess.

1. Strength and Heavy-Duty Design

Your building will likely undergo years of intense wear and tear from heavy equipment, traffic, vehicles, and more. Therefore, your new building needs to be built to handle it.

2. Space

A building that houses an entire fire department will need plenty of room. And that’s why metal structures are the superior option! Some metal buildings, like our clear span buildings, can be built at enormous sizes with no need for internal supports.

3. Fire-Resistance Capabilities

While firefighters aren’t likely to bring fire back home with them, having a structure that can stand up to potential fires is vital. Luckily, steel buildings are designed to resist temperatures as high as 1,200 degrees Fahrenheit, making them one of the most fire-resistant construction types on the market.

4. Extensive Planning

As with most government agencies, the planning and design phase takes considerable time. These institutions will have many procedures, regulations, and rules they must abide by. Planning your structure early is a great way to avoid potential pitfalls.

Safeway Steel is Your Number One Choice for All Metal Buildings

Whether you’re building a new firehouse, governmental building, or residential metal structure, you can count on Safeway Steel to deliver premium quality structures at affordable prices. Our buildings are engineered for strength, durability, and flexibility, allowing them to work well for a wide array of purposes.

So, if you’ve been planning your next building project, you’ve come to the right place. Give our building specialists a call today at +1 (800) 818-2245 and let them help you design, customize, and construct a steel structure that works for you!