subject: The Use Of Steel In Residential Construction [print this page] The use of steel in residential construction
The use of steel in the construction of large buildings is well known. From office complexes to skyscrapers, some of the most architecturally impressive buildings in the world would not be here today without the continual advance in the technologies and methods of using steel frame structures.
The worlds very first skyscraper, the Home Insurance Building in Chicago, completed in 1885, was built with a steel frame supporting the whole weight of the walls; an unusual method at the time but ultimately successful. This led to the increasing popularity of using steel in the construction of bigger and better buildings and has opened up a whole new level of opportunity in the fields of architecture and design.
But people today are not just creating architecturally impressive buildings; steel frames are also being used to build smaller residential properties.
There are many good reasons for this, not least the surprisingly low cost of building with steel.
Light steel is mainly used in residential property building and is relatively lightweight and easy to work with. Its easy to transport and has the advantage over working with timber or brick by enabling the builder to more accurately estimate the amount of materials needed, eliminating the possibility of ending up with a surplus of materials at the end of a build.
Its also a quicker to build with a steel structure than with brick or timber for example. Its easy to construct and can be completed within weeks and unlike timber or brick builds, the steel will never rot, bend or warp in anyway, making it long lasting and extremely cost effective.
Safety is a big issue in why people consider steel framed buildings for their homes. Theyre less likely to be damaged beyond repair by fire for example, which is a major concern, especially when building with timber.
This type of building is particularly popular in areas of the world with severe weather issues. Steel builds have become increasingly popular in areas prone to hurricanes, cyclones and earthquakes due to the extra stability and durability of the material. It decreases the risk of permanent or irreparable damage and effectively eliminates the chances of having to completely rebuild.
Another big factor when deciding to build with steel is that it will take nothing away from the appearance of a property. All the added protection for the house is in the steel frame underneath which can be covered and made to look as traditional as you like. The steel generally comes in set lengths but the beams can be welded together to create any size or shape structure that you like.
More and more people are choosing this option when building a property and its not hard to see why. With the demand for building materials increasing, and the need for quick, cost effective building to keep up with the growing population, means that this method of building will become relied upon even heavier in the future.
