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Rely on steel to produce more lumber
Houses are built with wood; forestry operations require the strength of metal construction.
Our forestry and timber industries are important partners in supporting a growing economy. To succeed, companies need tough and resilient infrastructure to handle processing and storage needs as well as forestry management and silviculture practices. While timber producers provide the raw materials, such as lumber for residential building, these same companies rely on steel as a main building material. Read about the metal facilities designed specifically for the forestry, timber, lumber and pulp and paper industries.
Timber and steel are the most significant building materials to use in building construction – wood being ideal for residential houses and steel better suited for industrial and warehousing buildings. As Canada’s premier pre-engineered metal facilities supplier, Summit Steel Buildings is focused on commercial structures,
especially for the forestry and lumber sector supplying building materials for the nation’s much-needed residential housing.
Steel creates a safe and comfortable environment for production
Once a building is occupied and open for business, operational effectiveness and safety become critical measures of success. Facility construction using steel offers several benefits over wood or mass timber in industrial operations:
1. Build with steel to maximize durability
Pre-engineering steel buildings’ reputation for toughness and reliability are essential for maximizing the value of your long-term investment. A sturdy steel shell shields the interior environment – and your valuable resources, including people, machines and materials – against the harshest of weather and climates. You can be assured that your steel structure is as protected as possible against heavy rains, snowfalls, tornado and even earthquakes. Industrial buildings take a lot of abuse from the inside as well. Trucks and forklifts occasionally bump into things, and when the worst happens, pre-engineered panels can be quickly and easily replaced at minimal cost or interruption without affecting the structural integrity of the rest of the building.
2. Regulating the interior environment
Cutting and processing equipment (such as debarkers, chippers, planers and forklifts) produce a lot of heat and mess. Proper insulation and temperature controls are essential for maintaining a cool environment, which is ideal for teams to work in. Unlike wood construction materials, steel siding creates conducts temperatures better and allows interior environments to be closely regulated. Cool-coated roofing panels ensure energy-saving expenditures during the summer season and lower heating bills during winter. Tight seals, good insulation and plenty of windows for sunlight create ideal working conditions and lower utility costs.
Along with temperature control, steel materials and a concrete foundation are built to allow for proper drainage and airflow, ensuring sawdust and other air pollutants can be safely eliminated. All these factors work to ensure better quality final products and safer working conditions.
3. Reducing the risk of fire
Wood is combustible. Whether it’s the raw materials being processed or those used in the building’s construction, fire is a tremendous hazard with immense potential for damage, loss and liability. Non-combustible steel creates protection against risk and helps lower the potential for disaster. Treating wood to prevent fires is not the best alternative. With jobsite safety being a priority, companies can use their steel structure to reduce insurance rates and prevent damage claims. These, and other ongoing costs saving, make an affordable steel structure an intelligent and safe investment, both at the outset and as the building is operated year after year.
4. Resistance to rot, mold and insects
Even compared to treated wood, steel clearly outperforms in preventing rotting to your completed structure. Metal’s impervious nature means water will not cause it to deteriorate over time and pests won’t be able to bury in and destroy the material’s structural integrity. Without water leakage, mold and other harmful bacteria can’t make your building their feeding ground, ensuring your facility’s hygiene and sanitary standards. Once bugs and mold invade your building, it becomes very difficult and expensive to get rid of them. Why allow them inside in the first place? Just imagine how much your company can save in spoilage and inventory loss while guaranteeing your clients receive pristine final products. Your building is built to last and to protect the valuable contents inside.
Steel is the best choice for industrial operations
It may seem strange at first that Canada’s biggest and best forestry and timber companies would build with steel for their infrastructure when wood materials are so readily abundant. In Canada’s forested areas, the rugged conditions require resiliency and toughness, regardless of the final need or budget. Whether it’s a small shed or a 50,000 square foot production facility, custom-built steel structures provide the durability that will serve over many years. Contact us today so we can learn about your building need and prepare the ideal solution for you.
About the author
Frank Melo has a construction civil engineering technology and business background with over 25 years of experience as a business owner and contractor. He was born and educated in London, Ontario and now divides his time between projects primarily in Ontario and British Columbia. He can be contacted at Summit Steel Buildings at (778) 951-4766 or by email at frank.melo@summitsteelbuildings.com or through LinkedIn.
