An alloy is a combination of two or more metallic elements that, together, are stronger or more corrosion-resistant than they would be separately. Steel is an alloy of iron and carbon and is one of the strongest fabricated materials on Earth. Due to its incredible strength, durability, and resistance to corrosion, steel is used in a variety of objects that need to withstand the test of time. As a result, steel buildings have become a popular, enduring, and cost-effective alternative to literal brick-and-mortar structures. The question is, how long do steel buildings really last, and what makes this metal such a popular building material?

Typical Lifespan of Steel Structures

To get right to the point, steel structures can last anywhere from 50 to 100 years, but the true number can vary depending on the quality of construction and maintenance. This isn’t to say that steel structures are high maintenance; in fact, it’s quite the opposite. Steel is one of the most low-maintenance building materials you can use, and you only need to apply a protective primer every 5 years to keep it in good shape. The only other material that comes close to the durability of steel is concrete, but it has a hard limit of about 50 years and requires much more maintenance due to its porous nature.

Factors That Affect Steel’s Lifespan

As previously mentioned, the lifespan of a steel building can vary quite a bit—but what factors can decrease or increase a structure’s lifespan? The biggest aspects are the type and quality of steel a company uses, and whether the manufacturer has heat treated and tempered the steel properly. You also have to consider the quality of the welding work, the type of foundation, and what you’re using the structure for. For example, if you’re working with corrosive substances or chemicals within your structure, this can affect the air quality and, in turn, cause the structure to lose integrity more quickly.

Why Steel Structures Last

We know how long steel buildings last and what affects their lifespan, but why do steel structures last so long? There are a number of different factors that make steel a superior material, starting with the fact that steel is naturally mold- and corrosion-resistant. Steel is highly resistant to mold due to its low porosity, which makes it harder for water to settle into the material and develop mold.

Also, steel is an inorganic material, so it’s much more resistant to pest and insect infestations. And steel’s natural resistance to weather, rot, mold, mildew, and even fire largely contributes to the versatility of steel storage buildings and other structures. With that, it’s likely that steel will continue to be a popular construction material for decades to come.

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