Steel – The Perfect Choice for the Environmentally Conscious
Today, building with eco-friendly materials has become more important than ever for homeowners who want to limit the environmental impact of their home improvement projects. Steel has been the foundation of the construction industry for decades. Deck frames made from steel have become the answer for builders looking for longer-lasting and more sustainable solutions. If you're new to the environmental benefits of steel, here are three things to know before you plan your next project.
Steel Is The Most Recycled Material on the Planet
Did you know your first car may now be part of a skyscraper? That's not an exaggeration. Steel construction and steel-framed buildings can be dismantled, and the debris can go right back into the supply chain to become steel again and again. More steel is recycled every year than all other materials in the world combined. Instead of going to a landfill or an incinerator, it can be melted down at any point and reused an infinite number of times while still maintaining the quality and properties of virgin steel.
The recyclable nature of steel also dramatically reduces the environmental impact of creating it from raw materials. Some steel mills only use scrap to produce new steel. For every ton that gets recycled, almost 2,500 lbs of iron ore, 1,400 lbs of coal, and 120 lbs of limestone are saved.
Less Waste
Building with wood and other materials often results in unusable offcuts that end up in a landfill. Steel is made-to-order for every project, right down to the smallest detail, with very little wastage. Building with structural steel also means the construction process as a whole is simplified. Less manpower, faster construction, and machine-cut precision are a builder's dream.
Today's structural steel mills also have sophisticated systems that minimize waste. They are highly automated and environmentally conscious, innovating ways to use byproduct gases for power generation and even as CO2 for carbonated drinks. Steel production releases no harsh chemicals or toxins, making its impact on the environment minimal compared with many other materials.
Sustainable Steel Endures
Steel is a highly durable material that offers resistance to corrosion, insects, and most environmental and weather conditions. Steel deck frames will withstand everything from high winds and rain to fire and earthquakes. It will virtually last forever. The lumber used for traditionally framed decks is notorious for twisting, warping, and shrinking and is only sometimes sustainably sourced. When considering the environmental concerns of using large amounts of pressure-treated lumber, it makes sense to explore longer-lasting and more sustainable solutions.
It's essential to make an informed decision about the materials you choose for your deck's substructure. Other deck framing systems may seem sturdy and supportive, but their environmental impact can be huge.
New Castle Steel can withstand time without shifting, splitting, warping, rotting, or rusting—all while using materials that are kinder to the earth.