Will my home look different than the others in my neighbourhood?
No. Unless your neighbours think it looks better. Because of steel's strength you can design your home with larger open spaces. And with a steel frame, your walls will always remain straight and true. And they can be finished with the same materials that are traditionally used.
What about cost?
The price of steel has been relatively constant over the last decade while the price of traditional framing materials has been erratic and growing at a rate much faster than inflation. Many builders affirm that framing with steel van be less expensive than traditional framing.
Will steel framing affect my indoor air quality?
No. Steel framing is recommended for chemically sensitive and environmentally conscious homeowners who seek good indoor air quality. Steel frames do not need to be treated for pests and are free of resin adhesives and chemicals normally present in other construction materials.
How do I hang pictures in a steel framed home?
As in a traditional home, depending on the weight of the picture, you can hang it from the drywall with toggle bolts or hangers. Heavier objects can be hung from screws attached directly into the studs, which can easily be found with a magnet.
Will I be able to remodel my home?
Yes, since steel framing allows for larger spans, a home can be designed without interior load-bearing partitions, making it easier for homeowners to complete alterations without affecting the structure.
Will my home rust?
The use of zinc-coated (galvanised) steel framing components protects your home against rust.
Will the steel interfere with portable radios, phones, or TV reception?
No. Waves pass through the spaces between studs allowing the use of all of the radios, phones, and television sets in your home.
What about lightning?
The steel frame offers the home occupants better protection than any other construction system. Scientists recommend seeking shelter in steel frame structures during lightning storms because the steel frame provides a path to the ground reducing the likelihood of explosions, secondary fires, or personal injury.
Can my house be built to resist earthquakes and hurricanes?
Yes! Positive connections and the strength of steel provide great protection against earthquakes and hurricanes. Steel's high strength and ductility make it the best construction material for earthquake resistant design.
Can my home be energy efficient?
Yes. Steel framing can be designed to meet or exceed governmental energy efficiency standards. In addition, by staying straight and true, the steel framing helps prevent cracks due to shrinking or warping, thus preventing air leaks that result in costly loss of energy.
Will I have to pay higher insurance premiums for my homeowner's insurance?
No. As a matter of fact, because of steel's excellent performance record in earthquakes, and because it is not affected by termites and is non-combustible, home owners may be able to save on insurance premiums.
Will I be able to sell my home?
Your home does not need to look any different than your neighbours and should sell just as easily. Because of steel's high strength and durability your home should last and retain its value for a long time. In fact, if you take advantage of steel's strength and flexibility by designing wide open spaces, you will have additional selling features.
Examples of internal steel framing.
Home > Home Construction > Building With Steel > Frequently Asked Questions