Steel Structure Building Materials Video
Steel is a superior construction material with many benefits, including strength, durability, versatility and sustainability. The proven performance and quality of steel have also caused it to dominate commercial interior wall framing applications for many years. Developers and builders ar...
Steel Structure Building Materials Video
Steel framing is easy to handle on-site. It is light in weight because steel has the highest strength-to-weight ratio of any construction material, resulting in the use of less framing material compared to wood for an equal size structure. While many construction sites may have large amounts of construction and demolition waste to dispose, using steel will minimize that problem as it can be easily recycled responsibly. In addition, builders reduce their disposal costs, and divert material from local landfills. More builders are taking advantage of panelizing: either building or purchasing reassembled wall, floor and truss components. Steel framing is cost-effective. It can be purchased to specific lengths, minimizing jobsite scrap. Steel does not twist, warp or split, so there is no need to sort out poor-quality product, which saves time and money. Steel’s consistent quality and dimensional stability enhance efficiency in-plant or at the jobsite. Panelizing helps speed the framing process for the builder. Steel is noncombustible, performs well in high wind and seismic areas and resists corrosion. It doesn’t shrink or swell with time or humidity changes, so steel framing contributes to better drywall and exterior appearance, as well as the fit of doors and windows.
All steel products, including steel framing and steel roofing, contain recycled steel. Steel framing contains at least a minimum of 25 percent recycled steel and is continually and completely recyclable. Using recycled steel takes the pressure off renewable resources. In contrast to many other building materials, steel is routinely collected in aggregate quantities from construction and demolition sites and recycled into new steel products. Often times the money brought back into a project from selling the recyclable scrap steel can offset many project expenses.