Pre Engineered Metal Buildings vs. Environmental Challenges: Which Structures Perform Best?

If it feels like extreme weather events are becoming more common, you’re not imagining it. From wildfires and flooding to hurricanes and record-breaking heatwaves, severe weather is no longer the exception—it’s the new norm. Scientific research shows that climate change is driving the increase in both the frequency and intensity of these events.

That’s why now, more than ever, it’s important to invest in structures that can withstand the unexpected. One of the most reliable and durable options available today? Pre-engineered metal buildings (PEMBs). Built for strength and designed to last, PEMBs offer long-term resilience in the face of extreme weather conditions.

Built for Resilience: The Strength of Steel

Steel offers key advantages over traditional building materials like wood and concrete. When it comes to unpredictable or severe weather, here’s why steel gives you the upper hand:

• Superior strength-to-weight ratio: Steel is significantly stronger relative to its weight, meaning you can construct lighter buildings without sacrificing structural integrity. Your frames, walls, and support systems carry more load with less bulk.
• Stable in any climate: Wood expands and contracts with temperature and humidity changes, which can cause shifting, warping, and cracking over time. Steel remains dimensionally stable—no swelling, shrinking, or settling, no matter the weather.
• Durability under pressure: Unlike concrete, which can crack under stress, steel maintains its shape and strength even when put to the test by shifting forces or heavy loads.

These properties make steel the ideal core material for buildings in environments prone to high stress, whether from wind, water, heat, or seismic activity.

Weathering the Storm: How PEMBs Stand Up to Hurricanes and Tornadoes

If you live in a region prone to high winds, hurricanes, or tornadoes, steel should be your first choice. Pre-engineered metal buildings are specifically designed to handle these intense weather conditions.

According to the Metal Building Manufacturers Association (MBMA), PEMBs have repeatedly outperformed traditional buildings during major storms. Here’s why:

• Flexible strength: Steel can bend slightly under pressure and return to its original shape, which helps it absorb the force of high winds without cracking or collapsing. This flexibility protects the structural integrity of the roof, walls, and frame.
• Reinforced connections: Steel structures are assembled using bolts, rivets, and welds—far stronger than nails or screws. These reinforced joints distribute wind loads evenly, making the building more resistant to uplift and failure during storms.
• Debris resistance: In a storm, flying debris poses a serious threat. Steel is much harder to puncture than wood or lightweight siding, offering greater protection for people and property inside.

Fire-Resistant and Flame-Defying

In wildfire-prone areas, building materials matter—and steel is one of the safest choices you can make.

• Non-combustible protection: Steel doesn’t burn. It won’t ignite, melt, or contribute to a fire, which makes it an ideal choice for buildings near fire-prone landscapes.
• High-temperature resistance: PEMBs built with metal roofs, galvanized framing, and fire-resistant insulation create a strong barrier against flames. Additional fireproof coatings can further enhance your building’s ability to withstand extreme temperatures.
• Lower insurance premiums: Because steel structures significantly reduce fire risk, insurance providers often reward that lower risk with reduced rates.

Built to Withstand Earthquakes

Earthquake safety isn’t just about strength—it’s also about flexibility. And steel provides both.

• Shock absorption: Unlike brittle concrete, steel can flex and move with seismic activity. This ability to absorb and dissipate energy reduces damage to the structure during an earthquake.
• Strong, secure joints: PEMBs use bolts and welded connections that hold firm even when the ground shifts. This kind of reinforcement helps prevent structural separation that often occurs in wood-framed buildings.
• Engineered for seismic zones: Pre-engineered metal buildings are custom-designed with seismic activity in mind. Engineers factor in ground motion and structural load paths to make sure your building holds together under stress.

Flood-Ready and Moisture-Resistant

Water damage is a leading cause of long-term structural issues, especially in flood-prone areas. Here’s how PEMBs help minimize that risk:

• Rust-resistant steel: PEMBs typically use galvanized steel, which resists rust and corrosion even after prolonged exposure to rain or high humidity. That means lower maintenance costs and longer-lasting performance.
• No swelling or rot: Wood absorbs water, leading to swelling, splitting, and rot. Steel doesn’t absorb moisture, so it retains its strength and structure during and after flooding.
• Proven performance in hurricane zones: Steel buildings have been used in coastal areas for decades and have consistently outlasted traditional structures when it comes to flood resistance and structural integrity.

Why Choose Clark Roofing for Your PEMB Project?

At Clark Roofing, we’re more than just a roofing company—we’re a trusted manufacturer and installer of pre-engineered metal buildings. Clients across industries turn to us for durable, weather-resistant structures that perform under pressure.

Here’s what sets us apart:

• Precision engineering: We custom design every building to meet the unique demands of your location, site conditions, and purpose.
• Clear communication: You’re kept in the loop from start to finish. Our team is responsive, transparent, and dedicated to delivering on time.
• On-budget execution: We respect your investment and make every effort to stick to your schedule and your financial plan.

Whether you’re building a manufacturing facility, a community center, a warehouse, or a commercial property, our PEMBs are engineered to deliver top-tier performance, safety, and efficiency.

Complete PEMB Solutions from Start to Finish

We manage every step of the process—from design and engineering to fabrication and construction. Our team uses advanced tools and techniques to ensure every structure meets today’s building codes and performance standards.

No matter your level of involvement—hands-on or hands-off—we’re here to make the process smooth, straightforward, and successful.

Industries we serve include:

• Education
• Healthcare
• Industrial & Manufacturing
• Commercial Retail
• Sports & Leisure Facilities

Let’s Build Something That Lasts

When the weather turns severe, you need a building you can count on. Clark Roofing delivers pre-engineered metal buildings that are built for the future—strong, safe, and cost-effective.

Ready to get started? Give us a call at 254-374-4477 and let’s talk about your project.