Faced with the threat of hurricanes, homeowners turn to
steel for building
When asked what construction material they would prefer
when framing their house if living in an area prone to hurricanes, 75
percent of United States homeowners prefer steel as their material of
choice. That is a 6 percent increase from July 2007, showing a rise in
consumer preference for steel.
The national consumer survey, conducted by the global research firm Harris
Interactive, also found that 42 percent of consumers say that steel is
the roofing material they would prefer. These findings indicate that
consumers recognize the important role that steel plays in protecting
their homes and families, especially in the face of a natural disaster
such as a hurricane.
“Steel framing is an optimal framing choice in hurricane-prone areas
because it can be designed to withstand hurricane-force winds and is
protected from corrosion by a galvanized coating that can last hundreds
of years,” said Larry Williams, president of the Steel Framing Alliance
“In addition, steel cannot be eaten by termites and does not burn. These
benefits help to protect homeowners and their families.”
Steel framing can be designed to resist damage by high winds, allowing
the structure to stay intact, and today's steel roofing can withstand
wind speeds up to 150 mph. In addition, steel framing does not contribute
to the growth of mold and mildew. In the aftermath of a hurricane, flooding
usually occurs, leaving homes susceptible to mold and mildew, which are
known to pose health risks, especially to those with asthma and other
respiratory ailments. Building with steel also helps preserve natural
resources and creates less waste, because 100 percent of steel is recyclable
and can be salvaged from the clean up debris.
The American Iron and Steel Institute (AISI) sponsored the hurricane-related
questions in preparation for a 2008 Atlantic hurricane season that the
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) predicts will
be above normal.
The Atlantic Hurricane season began on June 1 and will run until November
30, during which time the NOAA Climate Prediction Center has forecast
up to five major hurricanes, with August typically marking the beginning
of the most active months of Atlantic weather.