The landscape of every city around the globe would be a very different sight today if steel frames had not been introduced to construction. This is because these days almost all structures, including high-rise buildings, residential dwellings, garages, offices, schools, factories, public buildings, large agricultural buildings and warehouses, etc. are made with steel frames.
Structures built of steel are strong enough to withstand extreme weather as well as the seismic events that occur every once in a while because steel possesses a unique combination of properties that makes it the ideal material for construction. The overwhelming benefits of steel make it the go-to solution for most builders in Perth, WA.
In this article, we have listed seven reasons why it is beneficial to use steel frames for construction.
- True Straight Finishes
A building frame made from BlueScope’s TRUECORE® steel never settles, swells, flexes, twists or warps over time. Steel gives your home a true straight finish because it is made to remain straight forever and not change in size over time. Steel frame construction ensures that the walls, ceilings and roofs remain straight and don’t sag over time, even under the weight of concrete tiles. It also prevents the opening up of any gaps that would allow the air to flow in and impact the thermal performance of the house. As a result, cracks in plaster linings and other fixtures and fittings are minimised considerably over time, leading to a lower cost of ownership.
2. Strength of Steel
Steel has a high weight to strength ratio, which is why steel frames exhibit a high strength per unit mass. Also, steel displays a higher density than timber or concrete, which signifies that steel is heavier. However, owing to its shape, a steel frame can be lightweight and yet actually carry more structural weight and last longer than a timber frame of the same dimensions. That is why using steel frame construction for building your home is beneficial, as it can help to simplify structural support systems, and reduce labour requirements and shipping costs, as well as lowering construction project budgets overall.
3. Fire Resistant
Steel frame constructions are highly fire-resistant due to the fire protective anti-flame coatings that are applied to the structural steel beams while fabricating. These special flame retardant coatings ensure that the overall fire risk to a building is minimised, and if a fire should break out its spread is impeded. Another major advantage of steel frames is that steel is incombustible, so once the temperature cools down it returns to a stable condition.
4. Termite Proof
Termites are the ‘silent destroyers’ that eat away at the depths of your home without being detected. Having a steel-framed house ensures that your home is 100% termite and borer proof because structural steel components are immune to burrowing animals and insects. It is also better than treated timber that may be termite resistant, but has been doused in harsh chemicals and toxins that are not good for health, to achieve that benefit. Therefore, using steel frame construction is a far better option as it provides a lifetime guarantee against termites without the effects of any harsh chemicals and toxins!
5. Fast Build
Time is of the utmost essence in the construction business. That is why most reputed builders of Perth, WA depend on implementing steel frame constructions as such steel parts can be pre-engineered to a specific design in the manufacturing plant. This makes them ready for erection right from when they are shipped out of the factory. With no measuring or cutting needed onsite, construction time is considerably reduced. As a result, builders can fast-track their construction projects and complete even large-scale projects within weeks.
6. 100% Recyclable
Steel is 100% recyclable, which is why steel frame construction is a far more sustainable option for the environment. It not only saves you from paying hefty landfill fees for non-recyclable construction wastes, but also allows you to save money in other ways. For instance, many waste removal companies offer subsidised programmes that allow them to pick up steel and metal building waste from construction sites at no cost, to reduce unnecessary construction waste. When 100% recyclability is added to the infinite lifespan, it makes steel one of the best materials to use for construction.
7. Large Open Spaces
Steel is well known for its long-spanning ability, which gives rise to large open plans and column-free internal spaces with column grid spacing that can extend over 15 metres. Steel’s unique capacity to bend to a certain diameter helps in creating free-form combinations or segmented curves for domes, arches, or facades. Most buildings made of trusted steel components like TRUECORE® steel are adaptable and have a greater potential for alterations to be made over time, thus extending the lifetime of the structure. Steel beams also offer more usable space at a lower cost using fewer materials as compared to other building materials.
Steel has numerous economic and environmental benefits, which is why it has gained immense popularity in the construction domain in recent times. The list of benefits is much longer than the seven mentioned here. Steel is versatile, sustainable, resilient, cost-effective, safe, easy to fabricate, and can be constructed in any weather. That is why every builder in Perth, WA suggests using steel frame construction from trustworthy brands like TRUECORE® steel for a long-lasting, energy-efficient and aesthetically pleasing building.
Make the base of your house strong with OJ Building so that your home can be the happy dwelling place for you. To find out more about steel frame constructions, contact us at info@ojbuildingwa.com.au.