Frequently Asked Questions About Steel Framing

Does Lightning negatively impact steel if struck?

Because steel is a positive conductor to the earth. The energy is conducted straight to the ground and is not released destructively within the frame as in conventional framing or cladding.

Can It Negatively impact my Phone and Internet Reception??

Electro-magnetic waves can diffract around steel as easily as timber. Waves pass through the spaces between the studs, allowing the use of all household appliances without any interference. Performance is no different from any other building.

?Will Steel Expand in cold and hot climates?

In a properly constructed and insulated home with a light steel frame, thermally induced movement is not an issue. Steel is engineered, inorganic, and will not rot, warp, twist, bow, shrink or settle. There will be far reduced instances of plaster or cornice cracking because steel doesn’t change state during its lifespan, which means it is highly unlikely that there will be noise, and in fact, because a steel frame doesn’t settle over time you enjoy fewer issues with movement such as sticking doors, windows and so on.

How will steel affect the look of the house/structure?

Yes, they look better. Walls, ceilings, and roofs do not have ripples or bumps in them and there are no “nail pops” in the plasterboard linings. Roofs of steel-framed homes do not sag over time, even under concrete tiles, so the finished job continues to look good. Steel house frames will not change or move over time, so gaps will not open up letting air in. Insulating products work by creating a barrier between temperatures. Over time, a frame that can settle and move will create openings, which will allow air to travel through, thus rendering insulating products far less effective. Steel will not settle over time allowing other complementing products to continue performing how they were designed and specified. In fact, because of the light steel’s strength, you can design your home with larger open spaces whilst the exterior looks like any normal home, only better!

Can I still hang a picture on a metal stud?

A heavy-weighted picture, which will require a bolt or hanger to be used, can be screwed straight into a stud. Studs are easily located with magnets. A heavy-weighted picture, which will require a bolt or hanger to be used, can be screwed straight into a stud. Studs are easily located with magnets.

How does steel perform against the high wind? Such as from tornadoes or hurricanes?

Steel is the super-metal for homes that need to combat the weather from hurricane season. Most steel-reinforced buildings can actually withstand hurricane winds of up to 170 mph. Just a bit of engineered and specified steel can withstand even the most furious gale-force winds.?

Will steel perform well around earthquakes?

Absolutely! Steel construction is much lighter than other traditional materials like concrete or even wood without compromising strength. Because steel has less mass, therefore less force, it’s less likely to damage itself under seismic shaking.?

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