Like anything that’s new to you, there can be a lot of misperceptions about a product or a process. That can certainly be true of cold-formed steel, even though it’s been used in construction since the 1850s!
Let’s start by answering a few basic questions.
What is Cold-formed steel?
Most steel products are formed while white hot and malleable. By contrast, cold-formed steel, abbreviated CFS, is formed when metallic sheets are shaped via mechanical force at room temperature. CFS has applications in various structural components such as interior and exterior framing, roof trusses, and load-bearing walls. Thanks to its durability, low cost, yield, and tensile strength, CFS is a welcome alternative to construction materials like wood or concrete.
What are the benefits of Cold-formed steel?
Cold-formed steel has several benefits that make it a better construction material.
Very high strength-to-weight ratio. Strength-to-weight ratio is a measure of the material strength of an object in proportion to its mass. 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. Essentially, less CFS is required to bear the same amount of weight as other construction materials. With immense tensile and yield strength, lightweight CFS is ideal for taller structures. And it is this strength that makes steel perfect for dealing with natural disasters.
More structurally sound and does not change shape in response to moisture. Wood 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.
Unlike wood, steel is not 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 highly resistant to rust. Galvanized steel has the potential to last 100 years with little or no maintenance.
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.
Steel is non-combustible. Versus wood which is highly combustible. Most building fires register 1,500 to 1,650 °F. 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.
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.
With all the invaluable qualities of cold-formed steel, it is a wonder why it is not used for construction more often.
Considering all the above qualities, it is easy to see why cold-formed steel is so useful in construction. Why, then, isn’t its use more widespread? Why do construction companies not use CFS for their construction materials? Well, a couple of common misconceptions surround CFS and keep some people from trying it.
Misconception #1: Cold-formed steel is weaker than hot-rolled steel.
Contrary to popular assumption, CFS is not weaker than hot-rolled steel. CFS is created when steel is mechanically forced into a new shape. This strain-hardening process rearranges the steel’s molecular structure—making it up to 20% stronger than it would be otherwise. As a result, CFS typically enjoys a higher strength-to-weight ratio than hot-rolled steel or wood.
Misconception #2: Cold-formed steel has only non-structural use.
CFS is most often used for interior walls, ceilings, and partitions. While well-suited to these constructions, the applications of CFS extend far beyond these common uses. By way of proper engineering and design, CFS can be used in a manner similar to conventional wood framing systems. In fact, CFS is better to use when framing mid and high-rise residential and commercial buildings.
Misconception #3: Cold-formed steel is not good vs. fires.
The melting point of steel is much higher than that of other construction materials. Building fires most often reach temperatures between 1,500 and 1,650 °F. Steel, in comparison, has a melting point of about 2500 °F and is non-combustible. CFS is galvanized (coated with a layer of zinc), which helps reflect the flames and reduce heat transfer.
Misconception #4: Cold-formed steel is environmentally unsafe.
Many assume that because this building material is made of steel, it is not environmentally friendly. In actuality, CFS is made of 25% recyclable material and is 100% recyclable. Its impressive strength-to-weight ratio means that less CFS is needed to bear the same amount of weight as other materials. This results in less material usage, thereby reducing the building’s carbon footprint. Opt in for CFS; you may be eligible for certain tax rebates and eco-friendly grants.
Misconception #5: Cold-formed steel is prone to corrosion.
A thin layer of zinc protects CFS. This coating affords the steel resistance to corrosion. Unlike other construction materials highly susceptible to degradation, CFS is ideal for environments with moisture or chemicals.
There you have it. The most common misconceptions about cold-formed steel debunked. We hope this article has made you more aware of the incredible benefits of using cold-formed steel as a construction option.
Contact Us
If you are interested in using CFS in your construction project, please reach out. Modern Structural Systems is committed to helping you build a better building. We offer the most cost-efficient construction materials on the market and deliver on time, on budget, and to your specifications. We’d love to address any questions or concerns you may have about this great construction material option.
