In the search for new methods, light gauge steel in residential construction has momentum. Over the past half-century, visionaries in the steel industry have worked parallel with key governmental agencies and support industries to systematically develop the infrastructure for today’s steel-framed home industry.
History of Steel
The steel-framed home concept is over a century old.
- Many notable attempts were made in the late 1800s to mid-1900s in the U. S. including custom homes using heavy gauge exposed steel as a form of artistic expression.
- Most early attempts were one-of-a-kind customs or prototypes that did not go into mass production.
- In 1948-1950, a home using structural steel plates was developed, but manufacturing facilities were too expensive to maintain.
- In the 1970s, heavy gauge steel structures became available but were too labor-intensive and costly to attract large tract builders, thus establishing only niche status.
- Light gauge pre-engineered homes have been available since the late 1940s but were too expensive in the engineering, manufacturing, and installation phases for tract builders to commit to – thus gaining only nominal market share.
Landmarks
1991-1993
High lumber costs drive the home building industry to find alternatives.
1992
AISI (American Iron and Steel Institute) forms the Residential Advisory Group.
1994
HUD-funded study by the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) Research Center identifies light gauge steel as the most viable cost-competitive solution.
1997
Still limited market share -97,000 tons supplied vs. 13,000,000-ton potential opportunity.
1998
It wasn’t enough to have a better product – it needed to be economically viable for the entire chain in time and money. AISI forms North American Steel Framing Alliance (NASFA).
NASFA Identified Barriers (1998):
- Cost of construction
- Standards
- Infrastructure
- Thermal performance
- Consumer preference
Major Progress
Building Codes, Standards, and Standardization:
- Standardized stud nomenclature and identifiers.
- Prescriptive provisions in IBC/IRC (International Building Code and the International Residential Code).
- Design standards for trusses, headers, walls, and lateral design.
Tools and Resources:
- Library of standard details.
- Shear wall and diaphragm design and tables.
- Expanded fire/sound-rated assemblies.
- Efficient shapes developed, documented, and into the building codes (L-headers).
- New Tools and Fasteners.
- Insurance Discounts.
Training:
- Standardized training curriculum.
- A comprehensive library of training programs.
- Implementation through training organizations, online/distance learning, partnering organizations, and members.
Residential Construction
- Steel has the highest strength-to-weight ratio of any framing material.
- Non-combustible – Steel will not contribute fuel to the spread of fire.
- Steel is termite resistant.
- Steel is rodent resistant.
- Steel is dimensionally stable.
- Will not rot, warp, crack or shrink.
- Lower builder’s risk insurance.
- Permanently straight walls.
- No callbacks for nail pops.
- Grounded against electrical storms.
- Structurally maintenance-free.
- No toxicity contribution (free of resins, adhesives, and chemicals normally present in other framing materials).
- Consistent material quality – no regional variation.
- Inorganic – not vulnerable to mold.
Early obstacles for the steel-framed home industry:
- High construction costs due to labor-intensive techniques.
- Increased cost due to delivery from few manufacturing locations.
- Steel was not in residential building codes.
- No prescriptive method for steel was available.
- Thermal performance in some markets formed a challenge.
- Consumer perception – most were not aware of steel as an option.
- Lack of infrastructure and supply chain.
Load Bearing Steel Framing has had Various Approaches:
- Stick Built – just like wood.
- Proprietary pre-engineered systems:
- Red Iron Systems.
- Panelized Systems.
- Others.
- Combinations
The wood framing industry has had an infrastructure in place since the 1930s:
- 5,500 lumber yards.
- 2,200 wood truss manufacturers.
- Local code acceptance.
- Tools and fasteners developed.
- Subcontractor familiarity.
Steel takes advantage of decades of technological, socioeconomic, and industrial advancements, including:
- Standardized stud nomenclature and identifiers.
- Prescriptive method.
- Design standards for trusses, headers, walls, lateral, and design.
- Library of standard details.
- Shear wall and diaphragm design and tables.
- Significantly expanded range of fire and sound ratings.
- Standard training curriculum.
- Recycled steel products.
- Parallel industries evolving with residential steel efforts.
- Automation.
- The general public’s growing exposure to steel as an option.
Economic Feasibility:
- No inventory of random lengths.
- No culling of bad materials.
- No cutting.
- No measuring.
- No layout.
- No jigging.
- No scrap.
- Just-in-time manufacturing of wall panels and trusses in a plant or on a job site.
- Panelization offers faster installation – lower construction labor costs.
- Steel is stronger and lighter – smaller crews on job sites – lower costs.
Advantages of Cold-Formed Steel
- Economical – cost-effective and fast
- Easy to install
- Fully compatible with other building materials and systems
- Completely pre-assembled panels
- Flexible design applications
- Manufactured from prime, high-strength steel
- Straight and square – permanently
More Reasons to Choose Cold-Rolled Steel
Lightning
Because steel is a positive conductor to the earth, the energy is conducted straight to the ground and is not released destructively within the frame as in conventional framing or cladding.
Radio and TV reception
Electromagnetic waves can diffract around steel as easily as timber. Waves pass through the spaces between the studs, allowing the use of all household appliances without any interference. Performance is no different than any other type of building.
Rust
Steel is a ferrous metal made with iron. Our steel products, however, are galvanized with a zinc coating which protects the iron from the elements and prevents rust.
Expand in cold and heat
Thermally-induced movement is not an issue in a properly constructed and insulated home with a light steel frame. Steel is engineered, inorganic, and will not rot, warp, twist, bow, shrink, or settle. There will be far fewer instances of plaster or cornice cracking because steel doesn’t change during its lifespan, so it is highly unlikely that there will be movement. Because a steel frame doesn’t settle over time, you will have fewer issues such as sticking doors, windows, etc.
The looks of the house/structure
Yes, they look better. Walls, ceilings, and roofs do not have ripples or bumps, and there are no “nail pops” in the drywall. Roofs of steel-framed homes do not sag over time, even under concrete tiles, so the finished job continues to look good. Steel house frames will not change or move over time, so gaps will not open up, letting air in. Insulating products work by creating a barrier between temperatures. Over time, a wood frame can settle and move, creating openings that allow air to travel through, thus rendering insulation far less effective. Steel will not settle over time, allowing other complementing products to continue performing how they were designed and specified. In fact, because of the light steel’s strength, you can design your home with larger open spaces while the exterior looks like any standard home, only better!
Hanging a picture
A heavy picture, which requires a bolt or hanger to be used, can be screwed straight into a stud. Studs are easily located with magnets.
Advantages to All: Home, Homeowner, Framer, Plumber, Electrician, and Inspector
- Benefits to Homebuilders:
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- Speed of erection.
- Lighter than other framing material.
- Straight and stable walls. No concerns about squareness.
- Pre-punched holes for plumbing and electrical wiring.
- Less labor intensive.
- No Scrap or waste.
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- Benefits to Homeowner:
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- Stronger structures.
- No structural maintenance.
- Fire safety.
- No termites.
- No fungi or other organisms.
- Lower risk of damage under different conditions, e.g., earthquakes and high winds.
- Lower insurance rates.
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