Fire-Resistant Steel Buildings: A Solution for Rebuilding

Whether you’re reconstructing a residential home or a commercial business, steel buildings offer exceptional durability and inherent fire resistance to provide you with much-needed peace of mind. We understand that rebuilding can feel daunting, which is why we’re here to guide you through the process. In this blog, we’ll delve into the specific benefits of steel construction regarding fire resistance. We’ll also address frequently asked questions about fire-resistant structures and share practical fireproofing tips to help you rebuild confidently and protect your investment.

What makes a building fire-resistant?

Fire-resistant buildings are designed to reduce the impact of fires using construction materials and techniques. The goal is to prevent or slow the spread of flames. These structures use fireproof building methods and non-flammable construction materials to protect structural integrity and the occupants. With a fire-resistant design, you have extra time to evacuate and put out the flames, reducing damage to your property.

Steel is an excellent choice for fire-resistant buildings

Steel buildings achieve the primary objective of a fire-resistant design: allow ample time for evacuation and minimize damage. That’s because steel is non-combustible, meaning it won’t ignite or cause fires to spread. Plus, it maintains structural integrity even at high temperatures. This makes our prefabricated steel structures an ideal foundation for a modern fire-resistant building design.

How fire-resistant is steel?

Steel is highly fire-resistant because it has a very high melting point, between 2,500 and 2,800 degrees Fahrenheit. This means it can withstand a lot of heat before it starts to melt. To put that in perspective, even extreme wildfires usually only reach about 2,200 degrees Fahrenheit, so steel can handle the heat of most fires.

Design a fire-resistant building with steel

Steel buildings are fire-resistant, especially when they are designed and finished with fire-rated construction materials. From the steel framework to the floors and ceilings, we will work with you to design a structure that will give you more peace of mind.

Materials to use for a fire-resistant steel building

Specific materials and techniques are used to maximize fire resistance in steel buildings:

• Steel frameworks: The foundation of fire resistance is the steel itself. Strong and non-combustible, steel inherently resists fire, but specialized coatings and insulation can be applied to further enhance its protective capabilities. These additions create an extra layer of defense against intense heat.
• Fire-rated building systems: Floors, ceilings, and walls need to be designed to withstand fire for a predetermined duration, typically one to two hours. This timeframe provides valuable time for evacuation and fire suppression to reduce the risk of complete structural collapse.
• Reinforced concrete: Steel buildings are versatile and can incorporate various construction materials, including concrete. Similar to steel, concrete is non-flammable and can endure high temperatures for extended periods. It contributes to a robust and highly fire-resistant structure when combined with steel.

Our prefabricated steel buildings will allow you to rebuild your home or business safely. We combine innovative designs with fireproof materials to increase the safety of our structures and ensure they won’t easily be damaged by fire.

Increasing your steel building’s fire resistance

You can improve your steel building’s fire resistance by making smart design choices and using fireproof materials.

• Start with a strong foundation: build with steel-framed structures that naturally resist fire even under intense heat due to their durability and non-combustible nature.
• Actively incorporate solutions that enhance your structure’s fire resistance. Apply exterior fireproof coatings, install fire-rated windows and doors, and add fire-resistant insulation to dramatically improve your building’s ability to withstand flames.
• Maintain a clean environment around your building. Clear flammable foliage and vegetation from the perimeter to minimize fuel for potential fires. Invest in roof-line sprinkler systems For an extra layer of defense against wildfires.

At Armstrong Steel, we design steel buildings according to your area’s fire safety and building codes. This ensures your structure is properly engineered to minimize fire risk without compromising durability.

Assessing your steel building’s fire-resistant design

Here are some ways to create fire-resistant steel buildings:

• Use fireproof construction materials such as steel. You can also finish your building and meet aesthetic requirements with concrete and fire-rated wood.
• Choose non-flammable roofing, such as fire-resistant shingles and metal roofs.
• Check fire resistance ratings to understand how long a construction material or system can withstand exposure to fire and high temperatures.
• Invest in fire barriers like partitions and firewalls. These can help limit the spread of flames in your structure.
• Install safety features like fire alarms and sprinkler systems.
• Apply fireproofing measures on your building’s exterior, such as fire-resistant coatings on the roofing and walls.

Working with an experienced prefab steel building fabricator takes the guesswork out of designing a fire-resistant structure. At Armstrong Steel, our building consultants can recommend materials and solutions to enhance your building’s fire resistance.

Rebuild with Armstrong Steel building systems

Our steel buildings bring an unmatched solution for fire-resistant building construction. With their high durability, fast assembly times, and non-combustible nature, they will give you more peace of mind as you rebuild your home or business. Contact us here for a price quote, or call 1-800-345-4610 to learn more about our steel building systems.