The Pros and Cons of Steel Construction

Steel is one of the most common and important construction materials. This is evident in the current demand for steel today. The popularity of steel is largely due to the many benefits it brings to a structure. However, there are some disadvantages when it comes to using standard steel that make weathering steel an ideal choice for building material. 

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The Pros of Steel Construction

You are probably familiar with the combination of properties that make steel an advantageous construction material relative to other building materials. First and foremost, steel is an extremely high-strength, durable and flexible material that is significantly lighter than other materials, such as concrete. These properties work together to increase the safety of the project, lower the costs of overall construction, and allow for faster construction. 

Another popular property of steel is its versatility. Not too many building materials are as versatile as steel. Steel can be cut and molded to fit different designs, which gives architects more creative freedom to accomplish their vision for the structure. 

The Cons of Steel Construction

While there are many advantages of steel construction, there are a few disadvantages to take into account. Unlike concrete and wood materials, steel is notorious for rusting in certain environments. Consequently, the costs of painting and maintaining a steel structure can be high. Steel can also be a conductor of heat, which means it needs to be adequately fireproofed. And lastly, steel can be susceptible to fatigue, fracture or buckling due to manufacturing inconsistencies. 

Weathering Steel is the Solution 

With weathering steel, you reap all the benefits of standard steel construction and more. Unlike standard steel, weathering steel can be used unpainted in structural and architectural applications, which eliminates painting and maintenance costs while reducing overall construction time in the short and long-term. 

While weathering steel is silver in its original state like standard steel, it develops a patina over time that serves as a protective, corrosion-resistant barrier. The naturally-developed patina regenerates continuously when exposed to weather and stops further access of oxygen, moisture and pollutants. This patina layer is not only practical, but its rustic, orange-brown color blends also well in many environments from natural areas and contemporary interior design. 

The corrosion-resistant and aesthetic benefits of weathering steel appeal to many, and weathering steels have increased in popularity over the years. Builders, architects and landscape designers utilize it for various applications in both commercial and residential projects. From roofing and siding to building facades and bridges, here are a few ways weathering steel is commonly used in construction. 

Contact Central Steel Service for Weathering Steel 

Established in as a high-strength, corrosion-resistant steel distributor, Central Steel Service specializes in the distribution of weathering steel across several categories to meet the needs of our customers. 

Photo Credit: ClarkDietrich

Choosing the right material to frame your next commercial project can significantly reduce costs while maintaining, or even improving, work quality and output.

Cold-formed steel (CFS) framing has a proven track record of providing sustainable benefits for low and mid-rise buildings. It also offers significant cost benefits over competitive building materials. This is especially true when the total cost of construction is considered.

Why should building professionals consider CFS framing for their construction projects?

Advantages of steel

Here are 10 advantages of steel cited by Construction Review Online:

1. Durability

Steel is dimensionally stable and does not expand or contract with changes in moisture content. Steel will not warp, split, crack or creep when exposed to the elements.

• Wood or brick will swell when exposed to moisture
• Wood will warp, crack, chip, split and spall when it’s dried
• Concrete and concrete block will shrink and form shrinkage cracks

And, dimensional stability concerns are magnified when materials other than CFS are used in tall mid-rise buildings.

Free eBook: Strength in the Face of Disaster: How Cold-Formed Steel Framing Keeps Buildings Safe

2. High Tensile Strength

Steel has the highest strength-to-weight ratio of all structural framing materials, according to the Steel Framing Industry Association.

When CFS sheet is formed into a C-shape, like a stud or a joist, the folds act as stiffeners that increase the strength of the steel sheet dramatically. This gives CFS framing components a strength-to-weight ratio that is up to 7 times greater than that of dimensional lumber, for example.

Learn more: Specifying Cold-Formed Steel to Meet Project Goals

3. Time Efficient

Panelization — the ability to assemble wall, floor and roof sections off-site in a controlled environment — is frequently used in CFS framing projects. It has many advantages from speeding up construction to ensuring greater quality control.

Learn more: 6 Factors to Consider to Maximize the Benefits of Off-Site Construction

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4. Cost Savings

CFS framing systems offer significant cost benefits over competitive building materials when the total cost of construction is considered.

See this recent study: The True Cost of Cold-Formed Steel v. Wood Framing

Free eBook: How Cold-Formed Steel Framing Solves Design Challenges for Architects

5. Non-Combustible 

It’s a common fact that steel is non-combustible. Unlike a wood structure, steel-framed structure can help safeguard your assets against fire accidents.

• The melting point of steel is approximately 2,700 degrees Fahrenheit
• Building fire temperatures average 1,000 degrees Fahrenheit, and rarely exceed 1,800 degrees Fahrenheit
• Thus, the steel in structures will not melt

While the stiffness and yield strength of steel are reduced at ultra-high temperatures, modern building codes and fire protection methods take these reductions into account.

Learn more: Steel’s Fire Resistance

6. Longevity

CFS framing is impervious to the environmental factors that typically threaten the integrity, lifespan and stability of other framing materials. This is a major advantage of CFS.

• CFS is resistant to corrosion, mold and vermin
• CFS dimensional stability helps give it a longevity that few building materials can rival

Learn more: Building for Life: The Facts About Cold-Formed Steel & Durability

7. Less Maintenance

Steel-framed buildings provide lower maintenance and repair costs. How so?

• CFS framing resists rot, termites and moisture.
• CFS framing’s high quality and dimensional stability results in few warranty claims and call-backs

Learn more: Building Your Most Cost-Effective Mid-Rise Building

8. Pests Free

Termite infestation, sometimes called “the silent killer,” causes more harm to buildings in North America than fire, floods, and storms combined.

• Steel is an inorganic material
• Steel is not a desirable food source for termites

Thus, steel is arguably the best possible defense against a potentially catastrophic issue.

Learn more: One Simple Way to Save Billions of Dollars in Property Damage Caused by Termites and Dry Rot

9. Energy Conservation

Since , the steel industry has reduced energy intensity per ton of steel produced by 31 percent and CO2 emissions by 36 percent per ton of steel shipped, According to the American Iron and Steel Institute.

Learn more: Infographic: Resiliency of Cold-Formed Steel Framing

10. Sustainable 

Construction is increasingly “going green.” Building owners, architects, engineers and contractors are looking for ways to construct buildings with low environmental impact. The most recycled material on the planet is steel.

Build your dream structure

Steel framing offers endless customization opportunities. You can construct your commercial building, using steel framing to achieve:

• Maximum usable space
• Unique aesthetic features

Simply describe your project goals and customization needs to a design expert. They will provide a structure to fit your request.

As far as industrial construction goes, 95% of projects are now made from steel, according to Construction Review Online. Technology has evolved, and steel-framed buildings are part of the mainstream.

Want more information on Steel Structure Projects(de,ru,fr)? Feel free to contact us.