Residential Framing
Today's lightweight steel framing members are produced from coated sheet steel offering a strong, accurate, dimensionally stable and durable framing system that is ideal for residential construction.
This, in addition to its construction benefits and excellent recycling capabilities, is making lightweight steel framing a superior choice for residential construction.
A growing number of home builders are turning to lightweight steel framing. Fluctuating wood prices, diminishing wood quality and continued tooling and engineering advancements have contributed towards the growth of lightweight steel framing. Some builders have made the switch to framing the entire home with cold formed steel framing, while homeowners and basement finish contractors are also using interior non-structural framing members due to their superior framing quality, ease of use and great value.
Builder Benefits
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Steel will not rot, shrink, swell, split, or warp and it is non-combustible.
- Steel framing is of consistent quality. Every steel stud is a good stud.
- Steel framing can be supplied to the exact lengths required thus eliminating much of the on-site cutting and most of the waste.
- Steel framing is a proven technology that is user friendly allowing for a smooth transition from other materials.
- Steel framing members are available in a variety of standard shapes and sizes and in varying thicknesses to accommodate any structural requirements.
- Steel framing members are manufactured with pre-punched holes for running piping and electrical wiring, minimizing preparation work for other trades.
- Steel members can easily be prefabricated at the construction site, at a central assembly point near the site, or be assembled in panels at a factory. Steel provides a flexible solution to nearly every home builder requirement.
- No heavy equipment is necessary when light gauge steel framing is used.
- Assembly details are easy for workers to quickly pick up, and they can be easily trained to work with steel framing elements.
- Job-site scrap has resale value.
Homeowner Benefits
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Steel's inherent strength and non-combustible qualities enable a steel framed building to resist such devastating events as fires, earthquakes, and hurricanes. Homes can be designed to meet the highest seismic and wind load specifications in any part of the country.
- Due to its strength, steel can span greater distances offering larger open spaces and increased design flexibility without requiring intermediate columns or load bearing walls.
- Steel framing does not need to be treated for termites. It is free of resin adhesives and other chemicals used to treat wood framing products.
- Steel framed walls are straight and remain that way. There is no shrinkage to cause nail-pops and squeaking floors.
Environmental Benefits
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All steel products are 100% recyclable. The overall recycling rate of steel products in North America is approximately 66%, the highest rate of any material.
- Steel products can be recycled repeatedly without degradation or loss of properties.
- The steel industry is the single largest recycler in North America.
- The steel used in the manufacturing process for Bailey construction components is certified to Environment Canada's Environmental Choice Program and it carries the Eco Logo. This provides customers with the assurance that they are making an environmentally responsible decision when using Bailey Metal Products for their lightweight steel construction needs.
Durability
A research project was initiated in 1996 by the National Association of Home Builders Research Center (US) and the International Zinc Association. To measure the actual zinc and zinc-iron alloy corrosion rates of steel framing in four different home environments in the US and Canada over a 10-year period. The report shows that corrosion was minimal for all four sites tested. In fact, for exterior exposures, or semi-exposed locations in an aggressive environment subject to higher humidity and exterior pollutants, the service life was extrapolated to be over 150 years. For interior environments this life expectancy was even higher.