The Benefits of Steel

Superior and Uniform Quality

Steel is roll formed into precise, uniform shapes with exacting tolerances for consistent material quality. There is no need for sorting (culling) or special handling to inspect for crown.
Steel studs are straight. They don't wrap, twist, bow, split or have knots, which means straight walls, square corners and doors and windows that open and close properly.
Steel is dimensionally stable and won't shrink like wood, eliminating nail popping, wall cracking or floor squeaking.
Steel does not rot, promote mold or mildew and is impermeable to termites, vermin and insects.

Steel has one of the highest strength-to-weight ratios of any building material.
Because of its strength, steel can mean fewer framing members with wider on-center spacing, reducing material and labor costs.
Steel framing can weigh substantially less when compared to traditional building materials like masonry and concrete systems.
Light-gauge framing can reach spans for greater than traditional or engineered lumber, providing larger open spaces, taller walls and flexible floor spans.
Steel framing lightens structures, reducing foundation requirements and often reducing or eliminating piling.
Stick for stick, steel can weigh up to 50% less compared to lumber.
Steel can adapt to almost any application and works well independently or in combination with other structural systems.

Steel framing members in wall cavities, attic spaces or crawl spaces that are not exposed to water will last over 300 years, per a study conducted in England.
Forensic studies recently conducted on Oahu residences built over 30 years ago showed steel wall studs with no visible signs of corrosion.
Zinc coating protects steel by providing a physical barrier as well as cathodic protection to the underlying steel. When the base is exposed, such as at a cut or scratch, the steel is cathodically protected by the sacrificial corrosion of the zinc coating adjacent to the steel.

Steel framing is non-combustible and will not add fuel to a fire. It improves fire safety in compliance with local codes and regulations.
Steel framing offers code approved increases in allowable floor area and/or allowable building heights compared to conventional wood framing.
One-third of all fires start in the wall cavity.
Actual case studies show steel houses perform very well in house fires, with little or no damage to the framing structure.

Steel does not promote the growth of mold and reduces the threat of staggering litigation.
Mold requires an organic nutrient source and moisture to grow and flourish. Steel is inorganic and does not contain moisture like wood. Kiln dried lumber still has between 11-14% residual water content.
California has already passed mold-related laws, and nine other states have legislation pending.

Over $1 billion is spent each year for prevention, control and repair.
Steel framing provides a termite-proof solution for the structural integrity of your project.
The most ferocious termite is the Formosan Subterranean "Super Termite."
An average colony consists of about 3 million termites, but can be as large as 10 million. A single colony normally survives about 35 years.
A well-fed Formosan queen can live for 25 years and lay 1,000 eggs a day.

More economical than traditional masonry, concrete and other construction methods.
Significantly less costly than wood 2x4s for non load-bearing wall framing.
Lower costs for construction and homeowner's insurance.