WHY SHOULD I BUILD WITH STEEL?
Residential Steel Framing members are cost effective, light weight, easy to
handle, and manufactured under strict quality control guidelines. Steel framing
is also termite proof and non combustible.
WILL THE STEEL MAKE MY HOME LOOK DIFFERENT FROM THE REST OF THE DEVELOPMENT?
No. In fact, because of steel's strength you can design your home
with larger open spaces. With a steel frame, the walls will remain
straight and true and can be finished with the same materials traditionally
used.
WHAT ABOUT
THE ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT OF STEEL CONSTRUCTION? The overall
recycling rate of steel industry is 66%, the highest of any industry in the
country, offering an environmentally sound home framing alternative. Steel
framing scrap is a valuable commodity that should not end up in a landfill.
WHAT
ABOUT THE PRICING? DOES IT COST MORE TO BUILD WITH STEEL? 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, steel prices have only experienced small quarterly
adjustments. Builders interviewed nationwide have affirmed that framing with
steel is commonly less expensive than traditional framing.
IF
I USE STEEL FRAME, WILL THE STEEL AFFECT THE INDOOR AIR QUALITY?
No. Steel framing is recommended by The Healthy House Institute for chemically
sensitive and environmentally conscious homeowners who seek good indoor air
quality. Steel frames do not need to be treated for termites and are free of
resin adhesives and chemicals normally present in other construction materials.
HOW DO I HANG
OBJECT OR PICTURES IN A STEEL FRAME HOME? As 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 THE STEEL FRAME ON MY HOME
RUST? The use of galvanized steel frame components protects your
home against rust.
WILL THE STEEL INTERFERE WITH PORTABLE RADIOS, PHONES, OR TV RECEPTIONS?
No. Waves pass through the spaces between studs allowing the use of all of the
radios, phones, and television sets in your home.
WILL LIGHTING EFFECT THE STEEL IN MY HOME? The steel frame offers the home occupants better protection than any other construction system. Scientists recommend seeking shelter in steel frame structures during lighting storms because the steel frame provides a path to the ground reducing the likelihood of explosions, secondary fires, or personal injury.
CAN
THE STEEL FRAME BE BUILT TO RESIST EARTHQUAKES AND HURRICANES?
Yes. Positive connections and the strength of steel provide great protection
against 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
prevents cracks due to shrinking or warping, thus preventing air leaks that
result in costly loss of energy.
WILL MY
INSURANCE PREMIUMS GO UP 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 neighbors 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.
SteelFrameHousing.us® | PHONE: 1 (678) 382-0335 | FAX: 1 (678) 382-3710 | Updated DECEMBER 4th, 2007
