Questions and Answers
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Does a Steel Framed home look different?
No. A steel framed home will look exactly like any other home; the same exterior finishes can be applied to a steel frame as those applied to a wood frame.
Does steel framing interfere with radio or television reception?No. Radio Waves pass through the spaces between the studs, allowing the use of electronic equipment without any interference.
Is it easy to hang pictures on steel framed walls?Yes. Lighter pictures can be hung with toggle bolts or hangers. Heavier objects can be hung with screws attached directly into the steel stud, easily found with a magnet.
Is a steel frame safe in lightning storms?Yes. A steel frame actually provides superior protection. The Steel Frame provides a direct path to ground, reducing the likelihood of explosions or secondary fires.
Can a steel framed home be remodeled?Yes. Since steel framing allows for larger spans in the design of the home, less interior load bearing walls are needed, making renovation very easy while allowing more flexibility in design.
Will a steel framed home rust?No. The use of zinc coating on the steel framing protects the steel from corrosion for the life of the structure.
Professional FAQsHow does the cost of steel framing compare to wood framing?
Historically steel prices have remained comparatively constant, while wood prices fluctuate. Steel framing generally costs about the same as wood framing, but can be slightly higher or lower depending on current wood prices.
Is it easy to learn how to use steel instead of wood?
Steel framing uses the same layout, spacing and general framing techniques used in traditional wood framing. So learning how to use steel is very easy because many of the same principles apply. The only difference lies in fastening and cutting.
How do I start using steel framing in homes?Many builders start by using steel framing in one or more applications of the home, e.g., floors, walls (non-load bearing and load bearing), ceilings, roofs and rafters. Today, two steel framing products offer a cost advantage over wood: floors and interior walls. Steel studs in interior walls can save up to $2.00 per stud at 24" on center and provide an uncommonly straight wall. Steel floor joists are generally cheaper than dimensional lumber products and perform better.
If builders use steel floors or interior walls, they can realize cost efficiencies where steel is cheaper to install and simultaneously train their framing contractor and other subcontractors, one steel framing application at a time.
How do I insulate my steel framed home?You will need at least as much cavity insulation (providing the same R-value) in a steel framed home as with wood. In some markets, you will need to add exterior rigid insulation. Consult NASFA’s Thermal Design Guide for Exterior Walls (NT14-95) available on-line at www.SteelFramingAlliance.com, or you can order the publication [by calling 800.79.STEEL, the Steel Home Hotline.]
Note: Open shape metal studs will require the use of full width batts, commonly used in commercial framing and available at most building materials dealers.
What fastening system should I use with a steel framed home?Typically rivits, self-drilling, and self-tapping screws are used to fasten steel members together, or to apply sheathing, subflooring, drywall, or siding. The Prescriptive Method for Cold-Formed Steel Framing (NT3-98), the Builders Steel Stud Guide (NT2-97) and the National Training Curriculum are all excellent resources with details and charts showing the proper fasteners to use. Visit the NASFA web site, www.SteelFramingAlliance.com, for more information [or call 800.79.STEEL, the Steel Home Hotline.]