Sustainability has drastically affected the American marketplace over the past decade. People have realized the effect that our behaviors can have – not only on the world economy, but to the world environment. As this occurred, consumers shifted their focus and started purchasing organic foods and items made with recycled materials. After seeing garbage floating in oceans and pouring out of landfills, people stopped buying disposable water bottles and started using refillable ones. Companies and corporations took note, and employed their own measures to keep up with the environmentally-friendly market trends. Suddenly, is was cool to recycle and care about the earth.

The Process of Recycling Steel

The steel industry has been recycling materials for more than 150 years. It is much more economically advantageous to recycle steel rather than to mine iron ore and manipulate it to form new steel. Steel does not lose any of its inherent physical properties during the recycling process.  It is much more energy and cost efficient to recycle old material than to refine iron ore. At a difference of nearly 75% less energy consumption, that’s enough energy to power 18,000,000 homes for a year. Also, building with steel over lumber is more friendly for forests and animals and offers a more sustainable and affordable alternative.

Forged in Fire

One method of steel recycling creates what is called electric arc furnace (EAF) steel. This process includes placing recycled steel goods (cars, cast iron, railroad components) in a large bucket (ranging from a one ton capacity to 400 tons) and introducing active electrodes to strike an electric arc and heat the materials. Oxygen-fueled burners located on the interior walls of the bucket add heat to help melt the mixture, effectively creating new (recycled) steel. EAF steel making uses almost 100% recycled steel and contains a greater concentration of residual elements. The unintentional addition of residual elements like tin and copper into the recycled steel can create a lesser-quality product. The only way to avoid this is to dilute the recycled mixture by adding pure steel, or to employ methods of well-aimed scrap selection.

A huge variety of items can be produced from this mixture, including steel tubes and sheets used in our buildings. Our siding and roofing panels are roll-formed to create an attractive and functional panel. The uniform and sturdy composition of each panel ensures that your building and everything inside will be protected from the elements.

Our Commitment to Sustainability

Here at Steel Building Garages, we have cared about the earth for decades by using recycled steel in all of our structures. Manufactured right here in the United States, our buildings are strong and durable enough to last for generations. All of our building frames are made with 14 gauge steel tubing, which can be upgraded to 12 gauge steel tubing for added strength and rigidity. The siding and roof of each building features 29 gauge steel sheeting, painted in your choice of color for added protection and visual appeal. This material is incredibly tough and meant to stand up to serious abuse, and is made from recycled steel for added sustainability and affordability.

Steel is one of the most recycled items in the world, ensuring high standards for quality and strength. Our brand is synonymous with sustainability. When considering a home addition, don’t overlook our steel buildings and the quality they offer.