WHY STEEL
Steel frame construction is a long recognised solution for a range of frequent building challenges.
When speed and efficiency are essential, steel frames provide an option that delivers in spades.
Manufactured using a cold-working process, steel frames are also known as ‘cold-formed steel’ and ‘light gauge metal’. Thanks to a low manufacture temperature, construction frames are precisely formed and have properties such as strength and durability.
STRENGTH
Steel is a byword for strength and steel frames are no exception, boasting a strength to weight ratio higher than that of most building materials.
DURABILITY
Steel frames will neither warp nor rot and require less maintenance over the life of a structure than traditional timber frames. This reduces long-term maintenance costs. Steel framing has also been shown to be suitable for high wind and seismic zones.
FIRE RESISTANCE
Fire resistant to high temperatures, steel provides additional protection in the event of a fire. Along with gypsum board linings, concrete slab floors and brick external cladding, steel frames are a key factor in reducing fire danger. In particular, eliminating roof timber and using steel roof framing is recommended. See ‘Fact File 1 - Fire’ produced by the National Association of Steel-Framed Housing and see also the NASH Standard - Steel Framed Construction in Bushfire Areas.
PEST RESISTANCE
Termite and borer-proof, steel frames provide guaranteed protection against these common pests. While timber must be treated to resist pests, steel requires no chemical treatment to achieve resistance.