Residential
Despite the myths that still surround the use of light gauge steel framing, it has come to the forefront as the best and most feasible alternative building material for residential construction.
For generations, we have relied on the strength and durability of steel in commercial buildings, hospitals and in our children's schools. Now you can get the superior quality and safety of steel in your home.
Light weight zinc-coated (galvanized) steel framing is a cost-effective quality alternative to more commonly used wood framing. More builders are realizing that steel framing is a proven technology that is actually easier to build with than wood. It is beginning to be recognized as the cost-effective winner over wood across the entire spectrum of the housing market.
These Benefits Highlight the Reasons:
- Steel studs, joists, and trusses save time, money, material and labor.
- They weigh as much as 30 percent less than wood so foundations can be lighter.
- Galvanized steel framing, in the thicker gauges, is stronger than wood, so longer spans are possible.
- Steel members are dimensionally more stable, machine precision forming techniques translate into level and true surfaces.
- Unlike wood, steel framing will not rot, shrink, swell, split or warp, thereby eliminating nail-pops, dry rot, and ant and termite infestation.
- Fire insurance rates are frequently less than those charged for wood-framed homes. Steel framing can easily meet one-to-four hour fire ratings.
- In addition, steel framing has inherent benefits that can be found in no other product. And that's just the beginning. For the benefit of the steel go to: About Steel
Applicable Building Code Requirements and Standards
- FHA: Federal Housing Administration (Minimum Property Standards)
- ICBO: International Conference of Building Officials (Uniform Building Code)
- BOCA: Building Officials and Code Administrators (Standard Building Code)
- SBCCI: Southern Building Code Congress International (Standard Building Code)
