Extreme weather conditions account for billions of dollars worth of property damage annually across the U.S. However, resilient buildings, such as metal buildings, are far more durable against wind, fire, snow loads, or lightning than traditional buildings. Here are some of the advantages of metal buildings when it comes to extreme weather:

High Wind Resistance 

Buildings are generally designed to withstand certain weather conditions up to a certain point. However, metal buildings can withstand high wind loads since their structural integrity, anchoring, and bracing give them an extra edge against strong winds.

Some of these buildings can also be customized further to adhere to wind code requirements and resist more incredible wind speeds that may be common for particular areas. 

Severe Weather Protection

Bad weather conditions can lead to the development of hurricanes, tornadoes, or heavy snow loads. However, the strength of metal frames and roofing systems in metal buildings can withstand even such events to a certain degree.

For example, additional bracing or reinforced connections can be implemented into a metal building to make it even more resistant to extreme weather. 

Fire Protection

Metal is naturally resistant to fire as it is non-combustible. Therefore, it cannot contribute to fire spreading during an accident or due to extreme weather events. Yet, these types of buildings can be further fortified against fire through fire-resistant coatings or insulation materials. This makes metal buildings a great choice for industrial settings where fire safety is needed or areas that are prone to wildfire.

Snow Load Capacity

Snow accumulation contributes to structural damage in many types of buildings. However, such things can be avoided in metal buildings through design and proper engineering. Although metal roofs can handle heavy snow loads, they can also be designed to shed snow effectively. 

Resistance to Moisture and Mold

Many buildings meet their end prematurely due to poor maintenance or due to the frequent presence of mold, rot, or termite infestations. However, metal buildings made out of aluminum and steel do not have issues with these decaying factors. Compared to their traditional counterparts, these building materials are resistant to moisture, which often leads to the issues mentioned. 

Lightning Protection

Lightning damage accounts for several fatalities yearly in the U.S. and billions in property damage. However, metal buildings are conductive and can direct lightning safely into the ground. 

As the lightning is diverted, the risk of property damage is reduced, especially if additional lightning protection systems are installed. For example, metal buildings can be customized with lightning rods or grounding measures. All these features contribute to safety and damage prevention.

Maintenance and Inspection

Although metal buildings are highly durable and can provide more safety for the workers or equipment stored within, they must still be maintained. The good news is that metal buildings require little maintenance. To provide ongoing safety for employees and equipment and ensure the building's durability, inspections should occur regularly to check for damage, corrosion, or potential weaknesses that may have appeared after extreme weather events.