Here’s Why You Should Build with Steel Framing
In construction, timber concrete and steel are all common materials for structure building, and there are plenty of reasons to choose each one, but when it comes to steel, the benefits are so great, you really can’t look past it for all sorts of modern constructions.
So, before you make a decision on what your construction should be made from, consider the following reasons why steel fabrication in Kent is so popular.
Steel is Strong
Steel is known to have a higher density than both timber and concrete, which is why steel is the heavier option. That being said, steel, due to this density, is the strongest material. So, less steel is required to provide the same support you’d get from a lot of timber.
By using fewer materials you can bring down material shipping costs, reduce labour costs and allow for a more simplified foundation design.
Steel Lasts
Steel is known to last much longer than timber or concrete, assuming that it’s well-maintained. Unlike timber, steel cannot split, crack or creep as time goes by. It also can’t rot, warp or expand if moisture levels increase. But in general, corrosion can occur if water is exposed to steel.
To circumvent this, steel should be coated in fire- and water-resistant materials. To prevent steel from losing integrity in a fire, or becoming corroded by water.
Steel is Versatile
Steel can be fabricated into so many different shapes while still maintaining its strength. This means that you can have more creative and innovative designs if you use steel. If you work with an architect, you can even design a home that is aesthetically unique and structurally sound.
Steel has historically been used widely for skyscrapers, bridges and other such long-term buildings, so it’s a trustworthy choice for your home, no matter what the design may be.
Steel is Sustainable
In modern steel creation, crafters use computer modelling to reduce waste during construction. Even if waste is made, steel is infinitely recyclable, as it never loses inherent properties when it is melted down and recast. Other materials are also able to be reused, such as timber, but there’s always a point when the scraps are no longer able to be used.
Steel is Safe
Due to its high tensile strength, you can trust steel frames to last through snow loads, hurricanes and seismic activity as well as impact and explosions.
On smaller, lower structures timber has a lot of flexibility, but comes with a high fire risk. Steel is non-combustible, in the event of a fire but can lose strength and is subjected to extreme temperatures. Despite this, it is highly unlikely that a home will ever see these extremes.
Steel is Faster
Now that computer-assisted manufacturing exists, all that has to happen is that steel frames are prefabricated off-site and then sent to the construction site where they are just assembled by bolting or welding sections together. This also negates the need for temporary formwork, which will lead to faster construction times and much less waste.
Steel is Cost Effective
Due to the fact that steel frames are fabricated off-site, on-site labour comes down by at least 10-20%. This means fewer workers and less scope for accidents to occur. Then on top of this, steel has fewer construction times, which means that there are fewer interest payments and less financing overall.
On top of this, steel is so durable that repairs happen less often, and insurance companies may even offer cheaper premium insurance for steel structures.
Now that you understand why steel is such a popular construction choice, contact CKH Steel Ltd for your next steel construction.
