Earthquakes and Steel Framed Homes

On occasion, we get questions about how our homes will react in an earthquake. Luckily for all of us, none of our homes have been put to the real world test of a high magnitude earthquake. However, there has been scientific testing and real world testing of strong ground movements on light gauge steel buildings. Nucon Steel has recently published an article in NuTimes magazine that outlines the benefits of steel as they relate specifically to earthquakes. The article covers both commercial and residential use of light gauge steel in construction. These benefits also transfer to other types of disasters as well as regular wear and tear that homes undergo year after year. Steel structures simply remain dimensionally and structurally stable much longer than wood ones. Steel is not a food source for termites, ants or mold and it's not combustible so it doesn't contribute fuel to a fire. As we've said before, there are reasons commercial buildings are made of steel. The same reasons apply to residential construction.

You can read the full article on pages 9 and 10 of NuTimes Magazine HERE or by clicking on either of the pictures above.

Mark Mecklem - Miranda Homes