Why are metal shores considered better for long-term use?

Metal shores are considered better for long-term use primarily because they can be welded in place. This ability to weld allows for a more secure and stable installation, which is critical in damage control scenarios where structural integrity is paramount. Welding provides a stronger bond compared to other forms of securing the shoring, ensuring that the metal shores can withstand greater loads and stresses over time without shifting or failing.

In contrast, the other choices do not fundamentally compare with the strength and stability offered by welding. While painting metal shores can indeed enhance their weather resistance, this factor does not affect their structural efficacy or longevity as directly as the capability to weld. Flexibility is also an important property in shoring, but metal shores are generally less flexible than wood, making the comparison against wood less favorable in this criterion. Lastly, the requirement for tools to install metal shores, including the need for potentially complex machinery for welding, makes the practicality of installation less straightforward than the option of using tools to secure other types of shoring. Thus, the capability to weld metal shores in place makes them a superior choice for maintaining structural integrity in long-term applications.