The Many Advantages of Using Steel as a Structural Frame
When you're having a new home or commercial facility built, you may leave many decisions to the builder or contractor. However, he or she may also ask for you to decide on certain factors because they will affect your overall budget and the durability of your structure, and the like. If you have been asked to choose the structural frame material, you might want to consider steel. Note a few reasons why this is and the advantages it offers over standard wood and other such materials.
1. Poor hosts to pests
If termites or rodents are a problem in your area, note that steel is a poor hosts to these pests. You won't need to worry about getting infestation inspections done or having to constantly fumigate against bugs and other such damaging critters when you choose steel.
2. Moisture
While wood used for building frames is typically treated with sealants to keep it as dry as possible, it does still often collect moisture and allow for mold and mildew growth. This moisture can also cause wood to expand and then contract, which in turn can cause your building to shift. This is why cracks often form in the ceiling, walls, and floors. Steel, however, doesn't absorb moisture and isn't affected by moisture in the air or the ground. This is especially important to consider in tropical areas or in areas near water features when the ground might be especially moist.
3. Fire resistance
For those whose homes or buildings may have a high risk of fire, such as when located in dry brush lands, near the desert or in areas prone to lightning strikes, or for production facilities that use welding or smelting processes, steel can be the better option. It is fire resistant and it requires a very high heat to warp or weaken. It also does not contribute fuel to any fire if a fire should start, so a fire is less likely to spread in a building with a steel frame than one with wood.
4. Environmentally sound
Steel is easy to recycle; older pieces can often be bent, cut, or otherwise fabricated for use in new projects. You can often find recycled steel for your structure's frame rather than relying on virgin materials, and if you should decide to have your building torn down or otherwise renovated for any reason, you know that the steel frame itself can be recycled rather than having to be tossed into a landfill.