(Newswire.net — February 28, 2024) — Steel frames are the secret ingredient to many of today’s architectural wonders. Steel is a durable and versatile material that is lighter and stronger than ever thanks to advanced forging processes. Here are 4 key advantages of using steel frames in a construction project:
1: Resistant to Most Hazards
Steel-framed buildings are resistant to weather damage, insect infestation, fire, and other pests. Wood is highly susceptible to damage from moisture, insects, and rodents. In truth, wood buildings can be a matchbox waiting for a spark and burn down to the ground from something as insignificant as a cigarette.
Depending on the type of steel, it may be treated with flame retardants, zinc, and other rust inhibitors that ensure its longevity in all conditions. A lot of homeowners have to replace their entire roof in just a few decades because wood doesn’t stand up well to weather. Termites, rats, water damage, mold, and other problems with wood make it a poor choice for framing and holding up heavy loads.
Pressure-treated lumber is the wood alternative to steel framing. Yet, many homeowners refuse to use it because of its toxicity. Although it is pressure-treated for durability, it is also treated with toxic chemicals to resist rot, fungi, insects, and pests.
2: High Tensile Strength
The tensile strength is the amount of load the material can handle while being stretched before breaking. The high tensile strength of steel allows it to support heavy loads when concrete and other materials fracture. In fact, you would likely have to build a wooden structure of nearly twice the weight to handle the same pressures as steel. This durability is attractive because the lighter materials are easier to transport and enable architects to maximize interior space within a thinner frame.
3: Infinitely Recyclable and Scalable
Steel construction components come in a wide variety of sizes. This enables contractors to use steel frames in a project of any scale and with the highest level of precision. Steel beams and studs can be assembled like virtual Lego bricks to complete just about any project you can imagine.
Steel components can also be custom-forged to create unique architectural designs. This is generally found in custom homes and bridges that require strength, durability, and precision components engineered for specific purposes.
This scalability also allows projects to be manufactured off-site in factories, reducing the costs of on-site labor. Contractors can also salvage materials and recycle them more easily if they are tearing down a building. In fact, it is said that steel is infinitely recyclable and can be reconditioned to safely adapt old steel to new buildings.
4: Competitive Pricing
Steel is one of the most affordable materials to build with because the pieces do not have to be custom cut like woodwork. The steel components have universal applications that allow for ease in mass production. As a result, the prices of components are reduced by simple supply-and-demand economics.
Using steel-framed buildings in construction offers numerous advantages and should be a top consideration when choosing building materials.