How Steel Frame Construction Stands Up to Extreme Weather

Living in Florida means preparing for the possibility of hurricanes every year. With these powerful storms, property owners need to ensure their buildings are equipped to handle extreme weather. One of the best solutions in hurricane-prone regions is constructing with steel framing, reinforced with OSB (Oriented Strand Board), DensGlass, and TPO roofing for a comprehensive approach to protection.

This blog will explore how this construction method stands up to hurricanes and why it’s a smart choice for Florida.

1. The Strength of Steel Frames

At the core of this construction method is a steel frame, known for its unparalleled strength and durability. Steel frames can endure high winds and lateral forces, common during hurricanes, without compromising structural integrity. This is crucial for hurricane-resistant buildings, where the framing must withstand winds exceeding 150 mph.

Why Steel?

• Wind Resistance: Steel frames are engineered to hold up against hurricane-force winds, protecting the structure from collapse.

• Impact Resistance: Unlike wood, steel is less prone to cracking or splintering when struck by debris carried by high winds.

2. OSB: Enhanced Structural Support

OSB (Oriented Strand Board) is a key component in this construction approach, used between the steel frames to provide added strength and rigidity. OSB panels are made from wood strands compressed with adhesives, offering great load-bearing capacity, making them ideal for withstanding the dynamic forces of a hurricane.

Benefits of OSB:

• Shear Strength: OSB adds rigidity to the steel frame, helping the structure resist racking forces caused by hurricane winds.

• Cost-Effective: OSB is affordable and readily available, making it an economically viable solution while still offering solid protection.

3. DensGlass: Moisture and Mold Resistance

DensGlass, a fiberglass-mat gypsum sheathing, is a popular choice for external walls in hurricane-prone areas. Installed between the steel frame and external finishes, DensGlass provides an essential layer of moisture and mold protection, which is particularly important in Florida’s humid climate.

Why DensGlass Matters:

• Water Resistance: After hurricanes, buildings often face heavy rains and flooding. DensGlass resists water absorption, preventing mold growth and structural damage.

• Mold Protection: Its fiberglass-mat construction keeps mold and mildew at bay, which is crucial in Florida’s humid post-hurricane environment.

4. Durable Exterior with Durock or Drywall

The exterior of the building is often finished with Durock (cement board) or drywall. Durock provides additional resistance to moisture and impact, making it a reliable material for the building’s outer layers. This multi-layer construction, combining steel framing, OSB, DensGlass, and Durock, creates a robust barrier against the elements.

Durock Advantages:

• Impact Resistance: Durock is highly resistant to damage from flying debris during hurricanes, maintaining the building’s structural integrity.

• Waterproof: It doesn’t degrade when exposed to water, ensuring long-term durability.

5. TPO Roofing: The Ultimate Shield

Thermoplastic Polyolefin (TPO) roofing is an increasingly popular choice in hurricane zones due to its excellent weather resistance. TPO roofs are single-ply membranes that offer superb protection against high winds, heavy rain, and UV radiation.

Why TPO is Ideal for Hurricanes:

• Wind Uplift Resistance: TPO membranes are often mechanically fastened and highly resistant to the wind uplift common in hurricanes.

• Waterproofing: The seamless nature of TPO roofing prevents leaks and water infiltration, safeguarding the building from water damage.

• Energy Efficiency: TPO reflects sunlight, reducing cooling costs, which is a bonus in Florida’s hot climate.

6. Fire and Moisture Resistance Throughout

This multi-layered construction method doesn’t just rely on one material’s properties but combines several to provide a holistic defense. Steel, DensGlass, Durock, and TPO each contribute specific qualities that make the building more resistant to hurricanes:

• Fire Resistance: Steel and Durock are both non-combustible, offering protection against fires, which can be sparked by lightning or electrical faults during hurricanes.

• Moisture Resistance: DensGlass and TPO roofing ensure that the building remains watertight, reducing the likelihood of damage from rain or flooding.

7. Meeting Florida’s Building Codes

Florida has strict building codes aimed at protecting structures from hurricanes. Using a steel frame construction method, reinforced with OSB, DensGlass, and TPO roofing, ensures that your building complies with these codes and offers maximum protection in extreme weather conditions.

Code Compliance:

• Steel frames, paired with these supplementary materials, exceed most of Florida’s stringent wind resistance and impact protection requirements.

8. Cost Efficiency in Long-Term Maintenance

The use of these materials not only provides superior strength and protection during hurricanes but also reduces long-term maintenance costs. Unlike wood, which can suffer from moisture, rot, and termite damage, steel, OSB, DensGlass, and TPO require minimal upkeep, lowering repair and maintenance costs over time.

Conclusion: A Comprehensive Solution for Florida’s Extreme Weather

When it comes to building in Florida’s hurricane-prone regions, steel frame construction with OSB, DensGlass, Durock, and TPO roofing is one of the most durable and resilient options available. This multi-layered approach combines the strength of steel with the moisture resistance of DensGlass, the structural support of OSB, and the weatherproofing of TPO to create a structure that can stand up to the toughest hurricanes.

Investing in this construction method means investing in the long-term safety and durability of your property, ensuring it can withstand the next big storm with minimal damage.

Looking to build a hurricane-resistant structure in Florida? Contact us today to learn how our multi-layered steel frame construction can protect your home or business from extreme weather!