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The use of wood frames in building construction dates back thousands of years — you need only look at the structures of ancient Egypt and Greece for proof. Wood was easy to locate and easy to manipulate. Since then, its diverse qualities have made its application in construction even more popular. Wood is excellent for insulation, is relatively lightweight, and makes for generally short construction times. It is a practical construction material but has, undoubtedly, some drawbacks.

If you are still in the beginning stages of a construction projection and are thinking about material options, know that wood isn’t the only answer. It may just be time to transition to steel for your construction needs. It’s an easy, no-brainer switch, and this blog details why!

Use of Steel in Architecture

The use of steel in architecture is a relatively new concept in the human story. It wasn’t until the 1880s that its application came into the construction industry. One would assume that most of our buildings would be constructed from steel due to its excellent tensile and yield strength. But in fact, the opposite is true. Wood is still the most popular building material for low-and mid-rise construction. Today, 90% of homes are built out of wood. The lack of steel used in construction is primarily because of a lack of education. Many developers and architects are either just simply unaware that steel is a viable option or don’t understand how to incorporate it into their building plans.

Thankfully, MSS has brought cold-rolled steel construction to the Southeast and beyond! If you’re ready to save money and discover a new medium’s qualities, consider cold-rolled steel. The transition is easier than you think.

What is Cold Rolled Steel?

In most instances, steel is rolled into shape while smoldering hot. Cold rolling describes the process by which steel is forced into the necessary shape via mechanical force. This strain-hardening process rearranges the metal’s crystalline structure, improving its strength by 20%.

Cold rolling produces a glossier surface finish to precise measurements. See, as hot steel cools, its shape warps and expands, shifting the intended measurements ever so slightly. Cold rolling bypasses this distortion because steel will not expand or warp because of room temperature forming.

Modern Structural Systems uses computer-controlled cold-rolled steel. This technology gives you an alternative to the traditional supply chain to get construction materials — built to your specifications — without availability issues. Computer-controlled cold-rolling contributes to greater engineering capabilities, as it not only allows you to fine-tune the measurements for panelized components, but it stores that information for repeat orders.

No more getting bogged down by measuring, cutting, and prepping. Our machines will take care of all the details. Once complete, the panelized materials can be delivered directly to the construction site, thereby streamlining the entire process.

Wood Versus Steel for Construction

1. Woods warps and bends. Even kiln-dried wood has the potential for warping, bending, and rotting. When wood has too much moisture, it swells. As moisture leaves a piece of wood, it shrinks. The problem stems from the fact that all the parts of the wood do not hold moisture the same. As wood dries unevenly, it shrinks in some places while maintaining its size and shape in other places. This causes the wood to take on a deformed shape that may not match the desired measurements. Even humidity in the air can cause the shape of wood to distort. Cold-rolled steel is more structurally sound and does not change shape in response to moisture.

2. Wood is prone to breakdown. Wood is highly susceptible to material breakdown. Mites, mold, and decay all produce enzymes that break down the cellular matter of the wood. Steel is much more resistant to biochemical breakdown. While untreated steel is susceptible to corrosion, galvanized steel (like the type used by Modern Structural Systems) is very highly resistant to rust. Galvanized steel has the potential to last 100 years with little or no maintenance.

3. Steel is stronger than wood. Another thing to be mindful of when choosing between constructive materials is the strength-to-weight ratio. This ratio compares the load capacity of a material to the weight of the material. When it comes to the strength-to-weight ratio, it is hard to find a better material than steel. Steel structures use less material than wood structures to bear the same amount of weight. With immense tensile and yield strength, steel is often used for taller structures. It is this strength that makes steel perfect for dealing with natural disasters.

4. Steel withstands the tests of Mother Nature. We’ve all seen videos of hurricane-force winds tearing apart wooden structures, but the same cannot be said for steel structures. Steel frames have been proven to stand strong in winds above 170 mph. Steel is also among the only structures capable of withstanding both the intensity of earthquakes and the disintegrating power of fire.

5. Wood is easily combustible. Wood is highly combustible. Most building fires register 1,500 to 1,650 °F. In comparison, wood begins to break down at around 1100 °F. Even in structures deemed non-combustible, wooden components are a fire hazard. Steel, on the other hand, is non-combustible. While flames may weaken its integrity, they cannot burn through the metal. With a melting point of approximately 2500 °F, its capacity to withstand heat is far beyond that of most construction materials.

6. Steel is sustainable and eco-friendly. Steel can also benefit your bottom line. Made of 25% recycled material and 100% recyclable itself, cold-rolled steel may qualify you for certain eco-friendly grants and tax rebates. Steel, too, tends toward a lower builder’s insurance rate than what is typical for wood construction. This is thanks to its tenacity in the face of fire and natural disasters.

Transition From Wood to Steel

Before you embark on your next great construction project, take some time out to think about the differences in building materials. You may be surprised to learn that those materials most familiar to the process, i.e., wood are not the best suited for your needs. Transitioning from wood to steel is a relatively easy process that reaps endless benefits.

Our Modern Structural Systems team is here to help you every step of the way! We can guide you from the designing and planning stage to the materialization stage to ensure perfect results.

Ready to make the transition from wood to steel? Learn more about the materials and products we offer here. Let’s bring your dream build to life!

Let’s Get Rolling – Contact Us

The benefits of steel speak for themselves. It’s time to make the switch! Transition your building materials from wood products to steel and improve your production. Contact Modern Structural Systems for quality, cost-effective steel materials for your next build. See what we have to offer and get your free quote from our team today!