Home / Why steel
Why steelLight-gauge steel, plainly.
Galvanized sheet steel, roll-formed into studs, joists and trusses.
Properties
What steel brings to the frame.
- Dimensionally stable
- Noncombustible
- No rot, mould or pests
- High strength-to-weight
- Precise & repeatable
- Recyclable
Comparison
Steel vs. timber.
| Light-gauge steel | Dimensional timber | |
|---|---|---|
| Consistency | Uniform, made to the model | Natural variation |
| Moisture | No shrink or swell | Shrinks as it dries |
| Combustibility | Noncombustible | Combustible |
| Pests & rot | Not affected | Needs protection |
| Off-site fabrication | Excellent | Good |
| Thermal | Plan continuous exterior insulation | Lower stud conductivity |
Design considerations
Plan for these.
C-01
Thermal bridging
Use continuous exterior insulation.
C-02
Corrosion
Heavier coating for coastal exposure.
C-03
Engineering
Coordinated with your engineer of record.
C-04
Acoustics
Tested assemblies for party walls and floors.