With Arizona’s construction industry continuing to grow, the need for sustainable, durable, and affordable materials is more prevalent than ever. We’re seeing that builders, purchasers, and consumers alike are increasing their focus on eco-friendly practices in the metal fabrication and metal building industries in Arizona. Also, with the unique challenges that builders in Arizona face with the ever-present heat, wind, and sun exposure, utilizing strong and low-maintenance materials is vitally important. To meet the evolving needs of Arizona customers, metal industry professionals are relying more and more on the “backbone of Arizona construction” which is structural steel.

In Arizona, many types of natural resources are scarce and precious. Our hot and dry climate makes water preservation, energy efficiency, and lower carbon emissions difficult to achieve, yet ever more imperative. One way to conserve and protect our state’s valuable resources is by choosing to work with sustainable building materials such as structural steel. 

Here are just a few of the reasons why structural steel in Arizona is a smart and sustainable choice:

• It is infinitely recyclable and is up to 100% reusable, reducing the need for raw materials and invasive mining practices such as mining for raw materials. When steel is recycled, it retains all of its valuable properties. 
• Steel is notoriously strong. Its durability lessens the need for time-intensive repair or replacement, reducing the need for downtime or additional resources.
• Steel structures can withstand rain, sun, wind, heat, and even fire without impact to its integrity. This feature helps keep overhead costs low, and also lessens the need for structure maintenance.
• Structural steel has a high strength-to-weight ratio, meaning that fewer materials are needed to complete a project. In turn, this results in lower transportation costs and a lesser impact on the environment.
• Building frames made of steel are not apt to settle or shift over time. Not only does this mean that you’ll have happier customers for the long-term, but steel structures are not likely to form gaps in structures, which would decrease energy efficiency.

Aside from the sustainability features, structural steel also offers beauty and artistic potential. Steel can easily be shaped, bent, or even rolled to achieve desired visual effects. Its relative light weight allows for more drastic or daring designs with fewer structural components. Also, its naturally reflective surface creates beauty and visual interest, changing with light and shadow patterns. Structural steel is also versatile, complementing other building materials such as wood, tile, or glass, beautifully.

Today’s metal industry professionals are seeking materials that deliver sustainability, durability, and beauty. Structural steel shines through as an ideal choice for its recyclability, strength, and flexible design capabilities.