Steel Framing: Questions and Answers for Homeowners

Why build with steel?
Residential steel framing is cost effective, lightweight, easy to handle, and manufactured under strict quality control guidelines. Steel framing is also termite proof and non-combustible.

Will my home look different that the rest in my development?
NO. In fact, because of steel's strength you can design your home with larger open spaces. With a steel frame, the walls will remain straight and true and can be finished with the same materials traditionally used.

What about the environmental impact of steel construction?
The overall recycling rate of the steel industry is 66%, the highest of any industry in the country, offering an environmentally sound home framing alternative. Steel framing scrap is a valuable commodity that should not end up in a landfill.

What about cost?
The price of steel has been relatively constant over the last decade. While the price of traditional framing materials has been erratic and growing at a rate much faster than inflation, steel prices have only experienced small quarterly adjustments. Builders interviewed nationwide have affirmed that framing with steel is commonly less expensive than traditional framing.

Can my home be energy efficient?
YES. Steel framing can be designed to meet or exceed governmental energy efficiency standards. In addition, by staying straight and true, the steel framing helps prevent cracks due to shrinking or warping, thus preventing air leaks that result in costly loss of energy.

Will the steel frame interfere with portable radios, phones or TV reception?
NO. Waves pass through the space between studs allowing the use of all of the radios, phones, and television sets in your home.

What about lightning?
The steel frame offers the home occupants better protection than any other construction system. Scientists recommend seeking shelter in steel frame structures during lightning storms, because the steel frame provides a path to the ground reducing the likelihood of explosions, secondary fires or personal injury.

Will my home rust?
The use of galvanized steel frame components protects your home against rust.

Can my house be built to resist earthquakes and hurricanes?
YES. Positive connections and the strength of steel provide great protection against earthquakes and hurricanes. Steel's high strength and ductility make it the best construction material for earthquake resistant design.

Will steel framing affect the indoor air quality?
NO. Steel framing is recommended by The Healthy House Institute for chemically sensitive and environmentally conscious homeowners who seek good indoor air quality. Steel frames do not need to be treated for termites and are free of resin adhesives and chemicals normally present in other construction materials.

Will I be able to remodel my home?
YES. Since steel framing allows for larger spans, a home can be designed without interior load-bearing partitions, making it easier for homeowners to complete alterations without affecting the structure.

How do I hang pictures in a steel-framed home?
As in a traditional home, depending on the weight of the picture, you can hang it from the drywall with toggle bolts or hangers. Heavier objects can be hung from screws attached directly into the studs, which can be easily found with a magnet.

Will I have to pay higher insurance premiums for my homeowners insurance?
NO. As a matter of fact, because of steel's excellent performance record in earthquakes, and because it is not affected by termites and is non-combustible, homeowners may be able to save on insurance premiums.

Will I be able to sell my home?
Your home does not need to look any different than your neighbor's and should sell just as easily. Because of steel's high strength and durability your home should last and retain its value for a long time. In fact, if you take advantage of steel's strength and flexibility by designing wide-open spaces, you will have additional selling features.