Often used in the construction of commercial real estate, steel frames were rarely used for the construction of residential buildings. The main reasons were the shortcomings of steel as a building material, including its low insulation capacity, as well as the need to use expensive equipment and complex technologies during construction. But with the insulating power of new finishing materials and improved manufacturing processes for steel structures, construction companies are no longer hindered to reap the many benefits of safe and durable frames.
Benefits of steel frames
Strength of steel
The most significant advantage of a steel frame is its durability. Unlike a traditional wood base, steel does not deform or expand. Steel elements resist water more effectively, as they do not rot and are highly resistant to fungi. Steel is not attractive to termites, ants, and other wood-eating insects. In addition, the steel frames are capable of withstanding earthquakes up to level 9 and wind speeds in excess of 140 km /h.
Safety Features
The steel frame of the building is installed directly on the ground. This allows the entire frame of the house to act as a lightning conductor. So, when lightning strikes the ground during a thunderstorm, current discharges will not harm the structure. The steel frame also acts as a conduit for electrical leakage when electrical wiring is damaged to avoid fires.
Disadvantages of founding a steel house
Low energy efficiency
The steel frame is not energy efficient. Steel conducts heat 300 to 400 times faster than wood, reducing the insulating properties of walls by 60 percent. This is due to a phenomenon known as thermal bridging, where heat travels along the most conductive pathways. The conductive pathway in the frame of the house is steel itself, and heat will quickly move inside your house through the steel studs in the walls. In addition to cooling a home quickly, thermal bridges can create black spots on cold areas of walls. You can get rid of waste energy and stains with additional insulation materials.
