Myth #1: Metal Buildings Are Weak and Can’t Handle Harsh Weather
The Truth: Metal Buildings Are Engineered for Extreme Conditions
✅ Wind Resistance – Butler’s MR-24 system meets UL Class 90 wind uplift ratings and has been tested for hurricane-level winds.
✅ Snow Load Capacity – Supported panel splices and staggered seams prevent midair buckling, making metal roofs highly snow-resistant.
✅ Fire Resistance – Unlike wood structures, steel is naturally non-combustible, reducing fire hazards.
✅ Seismic Performance – Metal buildings are designed with flexible connections, allowing them to absorb seismic activity better than rigid masonry buildings.
📌 Data: Studies show that steel structures outperform wood in high-wind areas and seismic zones.
Myth #2: Metal Buildings Look Boring and Industrial
The Truth: Modern Metal Buildings Offer Customization and Aesthetics
✅ Variety of Exterior Finishes – Metal buildings can include brick, stone, glass, or wood paneling to match any aesthetic.
✅ Color Customization – Butler’s Butlerib II Wall System and other panel options offer a range of colors with long-lasting Kynar 500 coatings.
✅ Architectural Flexibility – Pre-engineered metal buildings (PEMBs) allow for high ceilings, unique rooflines, and expansive glass walls.
Myth #3: Metal Buildings Rust Easily and Require Constant Maintenance
The Truth: Advanced Coatings and Materials Prevent Rust for Decades
✅ Galvalume Protection – With proper maintenance, Butler’s MR-24 roof system has a 60+ year lifespan, thanks to its Galvalume coating that resists corrosion.
✅ Seamless Construction – Double-lock seams prevent water penetration, reducing rust risk.
✅ Minimal Maintenance – Metal roofs and walls require less upkeep than traditional materials like shingles or wood.
📌 Data: The Metal Construction Association found that galvalume roofs can last two to three times longer than asphalt roofing.
Myth #4: Metal Buildings Are Too Noisy in Rain and Storms
The Truth: Insulation and Engineering Minimize Noise
✅ Sound-Dampening Insulation – Modern metal buildings use insulation systems that absorb sound rather than amplify it.
✅ Cross-Fluted Roof Panels – Butler’s MR-24 panels feature cross-fluting, which helps break up sound waves.
✅ Structural Design – Floating roof clips help reduce vibration, preventing the “tin can” noise effect.
Myth #5: Metal Buildings Are Not Energy-Efficient
The Truth: Metal Buildings Outperform Traditional Construction in Energy Savings
✅ Cool Roof Technology – Highly reflective coatings like Butler-Cote reduce heat absorption, cutting cooling costs.
✅ High R-Value Insulation – Metal buildings can accommodate polyisocyanurate insulation up to R-40, reducing heating costs.
✅ Tight Construction – Precision engineering minimizes air leaks, unlike wood-framed structures that expand and contract.
📌 Data: Studies show that properly insulated metal buildings can reduce energy costs by up to 40% compared to traditional structures.
Myth #6: Metal Buildings Are Expensive to Construct
The Truth: Metal Buildings Save Money on Both Construction and Long-Term Costs
✅ Faster Build Times – Pre-engineered systems reduce labor costs and speed up construction.
✅ Lower Material Costs – Less waste due to precision manufacturing.
✅ Energy Efficiency = Lower Utility Bills – Cool roofs and high R-value insulation reduce energy costs over the building’s lifetime.
✅ Minimal Maintenance – No roof shingles to replace, no termites to treat, no repainting required.
Myth #7: Metal Buildings Are Only for Warehouses and Factories
The Truth: Metal Buildings Are Used for Retail, Offices, and Even Homes
✅ Retail & Office Spaces – Many modern shopping centers and corporate offices now use steel framing for durability and flexibility.
✅ Self-Storage Facilities – Butler’s self-storage systems are one of the fastest-growing construction segments.
✅ Residential Applications – Barndominiums and steel-framed homes are rising in popularity due to their energy efficiency and storm resistance.
Wrapping Up
- The myths surrounding metal buildings are based on outdated information.
- Modern engineering, materials, and design options make metal buildings superior to traditional construction in durability, efficiency, and aesthetics.
Interested in learning more? Contact us at MAR Building Solutions today!
