Why You Should Be Using Steel for Historical Renovations

24 Oct Why You Should Be Using Steel for Historical Renovations

Restoring historical buildings requires considerable creativity from architects. Retaining their original structure while adhering to new planning guidelines and repair methods requires a delicate balance.

Steel has long been used in historic renovations, dating back to its introduction via the Bessemer Method during the 1800s as it proved more cost-effective and had greater tensile strength than iron.

Preserves the Building’s Character

Steel has been an indispensable material in society and civilizations worldwide for over 4,000 years, playing an essential role in industries, trades, and civilizations worldwide. Additionally, its efficiency and resilience make it ideal for renovating or restoring historic buildings.

Steel is an ideal material to ensure the structural integrity of any renovation project, as its durability makes maintenance simpler than more traditional building materials and expansion more easily than expected. When selecting materials for renovation projects, steel should always be considered an option as it has proven its resilience over time.

Although steel has historically been associated with World War II-era Quonset Huts, modern commercial and residential steel buildings offer many qualities that correspond with today’s construction priorities – from storm resistance to energy efficiency and design aesthetics. Furthermore, unlike wood, brick or stone structures, steel buildings are fireproof – an invaluable feature when used in areas prone to wildfires as this feature helps protect precious items contained within.

Versatile

Before the turn of the century, windows were typically made from wrought iron and wood; with steel windows’ introduction however, these types can now be replaced without losing their original design or aesthetic. 

Steel windows make an excellent solution for historical renovation projects as they maintain both structural integrity and appearance while remaining long-term durable investments that can last decades longer than their wooden predecessors.

Energy-Efficient

Steel products, such as steel doors and steel windows, also offer an energy-efficient option when you are taking on a historical renovation. While you can certainly keep the character of the building, you can also make it function better with steel. This type of material is an upgrade from older materials, such as wood and iron, in most cases. 

Steel windows, for example, will have insulated glass and multiple panes to make them more energy-efficient. They also offer a water-tight design to help protect the historic building from weather and moisture.

Customizable

Steel is an extremely adaptable construction material. You can use it to construct nearly anything imaginable from homes, garages, workshops, man caves, storage sheds, horse barns, or airplane hangars.

Buildings constructed with steel are also suitable for remodeling or expanding without needing to remove load-bearing walls, saving both time and money in remodeling costs. Furthermore, metal buildings offer greater mold and mildew resistance than structures with wood frames as well as being impervious to fire, termites earthquakes, tornadoes, or hurricanes.

Since steel has been used for years in construction, it makes a great choice for any historical renovation project. Whether you need to keep the character of a facade found in a downtown area or you it’s necessary to get the exact look of an Industrial Revolution-era building, steel is a great choice.