Steel framing is a type of construction that makes use of steel beams and columns to support the weight of a building. Steel framing has been the go-to choice for new construction projects for quite some time now, and it’s easy to see why. There are several benefits to using steel framing over other types of framings, such as wood framing. If you’re having trouble deciding whether or not to use steel framing in your next project, keep reading to find out why you should always choose steel over wood when building a new structure.

Strength and durability

When compared to other types of framing materials, steel framing is significantly stronger and more durable. This is due to the fact that steel is a much more dense material than most other framing materials, making it incredibly difficult to break or tear. Steel framing can also withstand high amounts of pressure and weight without bending or tearing, making it a great option for supporting the weight of heavy items or large roofs. Steel framing is extremely resistant to rust and corrosion, meaning that it will last for decades without needing to be replaced or repaired. This is one of the biggest advantages of steel framing over wood framing: it’s incredibly durable.

Fire Safety

Another advantage of steel framing over wood framing is that it’s significantly more fire resistant. When choosing a material to frame your next building with, it’s important to consider the fire safety of that material. Due to the fact that steel has a much higher melting point than other materials, it’s much safer in the event of a fire. In the event of a fire, wood framing will catch on fire and burn within minutes, while steel framing will not catch on fire until it reaches an extremely high temperature. Because steel framing is so much safer in the event of a fire, it’s required by most building codes in North America for commercial buildings.

No Rot or Mould Growth

While wood framing is resistant to fire, it’s also very susceptible to rot and mould growth. Wood framing usually requires regular maintenance and upkeep in order to ensure that it doesn’t rot or become infested with mould. Steel framing, on the other hand, doesn’t have to be maintained nearly as often. Steel framing will not rot or become infested with mould, making it a good choice for areas that are susceptible to high levels of humidity. Because steel framing doesn’t need regular upkeep, it’s much cheaper to maintain than wood framing.

Speed of construction

Steel framing can be erected at a much quicker rate than other types of framing materials. Wood framing is a much slower process that can take several weeks or even months to construct a building, but steel framing can be assembled in a matter of days. Because steel framing is put together using special industrial cranes and tools, it can be assembled in a much shorter amount of time than wood framing. This makes steel framing a great option for special projects where speed is of the essence.

Cost efficiency

Steel framing is significantly cheaper than other types of framing material. Wood framing is a very expensive framing material, but steel framing is much more cost-efficient. Steel framing can be used for almost any building project, while wood framing is more limited in the types of buildings and structures it can be used to construct. Steel framing is a great option for large or heavy structures, which usually require more steel than wood framing to support the weight.

Conclusion

Steel framing is a great choice for any new construction project because it’s significantly stronger and more durable than other framing materials, it’s fire resistant, it doesn’t rot or mould, it can be erected at a quicker rate than other materials, and it’s much cheaper than other framing materials. Although steel is a more expensive framing material, it’s worth the investment when you consider all of the benefits it offers over other framing materials.