A Solid Option
The Benefits of Cold-Formed Steel Framing
by Ted Hartner
For hundreds of years, wood has been the standard material used in homebuilding. Even with the many other materials available today, most homebuilders continue to rely on wood because it is what they have always used. As is often true, traditions can be hard to break.
While wood remains the most often-used material for framing a home, it may no longer be the best material available. Why? Wood is an organic material and therefore vulnerable to parasites, weather, moisture, fire and the effects of time. Creatures such as termites that feed off wood damage the structural integrity of a home. Humid and damp climates can spur mold growth on wood studs, weakening the structure.
In addition, most wood structures have difficulty withstanding high winds and hurricanes, even with additional connection requirements. Wood is combustible and feeds fire, causing it to spread through a home quickly. And time is also a dangerous force for wood as aging wood can bend and warp, causing walls to crack and seals to break.
Steel is one of the materials coming to the forefront as a viable alternative for residential construction. Cold-formed steel framing is a strong, durable yet lightweight material that can withstand the test of time. It has the highest strength-to-weight ratio of any building material, and is produced within strict guidelines for national standards, so the quality is consistent. Steel is also 100 percent recyclable, an attribute that is becoming increasingly important as consumers consider environmental impact and are demanding products that are environmentally friendly
Benefits of Steel Framing
While the cost of steel materials is initially higher per linear foot than wood, the benefits for the builder and end-user often outweigh the initial investment. In many cases, steel framing can save the builder and end-user time, hassle and money in the long run.
The main benefits of framing with steel include:
- Reduced labor costs: Steel-framed homes can be built in a more time-efficient manner because no time is spent culling wood or surveying each stud for its usability. According to the Steel Framing Alliance, the scrap and waste ratio is 2 percent for steel and 20 percent for lumber. Because the majority of steel members are cut to length and nearly every piece of steel is usable, disposal costs are greatly reduced.
- Less repair work: Steel is dimensionally stable, so it will not crack, warp, expand or contract, which means less warranty callbacks. According to the National Association of Home Builders, each home averages four to five callbacks, which cost builders an average of $350 each time. Steel reduces this cost and the lost time spent repairing these imperfections. We estimate that steel framing can also save one to two days on punch out work for the builder.
- Ability to withstand natural threats: During the building process, exposed wood beams can be damaged or weakened by rain, whereas steel is not affected. Steel cannot promote the growth of mold, which has become a major litigation issue for builders. Steel is also 100 percent non-combustible, so there is no risk of fire damage to the material during the build, which can reduce builder insurance premiums.
- Higher quality and more reliable: Steel's strength and durability produces a reliable structure with straight walls and square corners, doors and windows that open and close appropriately, and a home that ages more slowly. Homeowners are pleased with their homes and with the builder, enhancing the builder's reputation and the likelihood of gaining a customer for life.
- Opportunities for "green" benefits: Steel is 100 percent recyclable and, according to the Steel Framing Alliance, is created from a minimum of 25 percent recycled steel. Some builders who use steel may qualify for points in the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Green Rating System from the U.S. Green Building Council. LEED certified homes cost less to operate and maintain, are water- and energy-efficient, and are healthier and safer for homeowners.
- Stability and durability: Steel-framed homes offer a durable solution to owners of rental property such as apartment buildings and military housing. Steel is becoming a product of choice because of its sustainability and durability features compared with wood.
- Opportunities for reduced insurance premiums: Reduced insurance premiums are available for steel-framed homeowners as well as the builder because steel will not fuel a fire.
- Creates a home with a tighter envelope: With steel, end-users won't experience warped walls or nail palms that can occur once a wood-framed home settles. Homeowners enjoy straighter walls and tighter seals, which can be evident by windows that stay sealed over time. Steel-framed homes also provide superior acoustic insulation, reducing the impact of sound transmission from outdoors as well as room-to-room.
- Social responsibility using recyclable material: The focus on "green" products is permeating everything from shopping bags to fuel to homes. With steel, homeowners can feel good about the structural integrity of their homes as well as its reduced environmental impact.
- Ability to withstand climate changes and natural threats: Home owners in most climates can realize the benefits of a steel-framed home, but especially in areas with extreme weather concerns.
- Regions where mold is an issue: Whereas wood absorbs moisture, creating an environment for mold growth, steel will not grow mold.
- Hurricane-prone areas: Steel framing systems create tighter connections for greater structural integrity that can resist high wind loads.
- Seismic zones: Steel creates lighter structures with strong connections that can lessen the damage from an earthquake.
For a homebuilder, using steel is an effective way to differentiate itself in the market because the benefits of steel for the end-user are plentiful. Builders can utilize the marketing advantages of building with steel by leveraging the material's inherent benefits to the homeowner:
Framing with Steel
Despite understanding the benefits of using steel, it can sometimes be difficult to understand the process. There are two ways cold-formed steel can be used to frame a home. The methods can also have an impact on the cost comparison of steel versus wood. The first method is "stick framing," which is similar to the construction method most often used for wood-framed homes. As with wood, steel stick framing involves assembling individual studs and joists on site. When using steel, this process can be work-intensive and requires a highly skilled and experienced workforce.
The other method is panelization, which occurs when the home's components?walls, floor and roof?are assembled within a controlled manufacturing environment and transported to the build site. Panelization reduces construction time and can be more cost-effective because steel fabricators are able to service a large market and thus realize economies of scale.
Though many trade professionals, such as plumbers and electricians, may be unfamiliar with steel-framed homes, they often appreciate the benefits and ease of working with the material. For example, steel members have pre-notched holes, so contractors don't have to drill holes through the beams to run wires and cables as they do with wood.
What to Look For
After deciding to use steel, builders should identify an experienced partner to help them with the nuances of steel framing. For example, some companies provide steel kits that include a library of engineered homes to choose from and either ship the material panelized or for stick frame use. Some companies offer a vertically integrated solution to builders by providing roll forming equipment and engineering software so the homebuilder can produce the steel panels. Other companies offer turnkey framing services that provide engineering solutions, framing labor and site-management for production builders.
Builders should work with the framing company to determine a solution that best meets the individual project's needs?both product- and cost-wise. For example, a hybrid solution featuring steel stud and floor framing with a wood roof is a commonly used, cost-effective solution.
Lastly, builders will need to hire a workforce experienced with steel framing. Though steel framers may be difficult to locate, experienced companies can call on a pool of qualified workers to complete the job.
Ted Hartner is the National Sales and Marketing Manager for Worthington Integrated Building Solutions. W-IBS, a Worthington Industries company, offers a full complement of construction operations services surrounding steel framing. W-IBS has been a leader in steel framing for 15 years and will complete approximately 3,000 homes this year.
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