benefits of steel
Start with the best material Nucor provides the highest quality steel produced from nearly 100% recycled material.
Insurance Savings Steel Framing offers big savings from commercial project insurance underwriting.
Earthquake Facts The (SFA) Steel Framing Alliance fact sheet on the performance of steel framed buildings during an earthquake.
Green Durability Learn why cold formed steel is one of the most durable building products on the market today.
Superior Strength-to-Weight Ratio
Because cold-formed steel has the highest strength-to-weight ratio of any building material, it is by nature a superior construction material and offers numerous solutions to problems builders face all over the U.S. and Canada. Cold-formed steel is highly durable, noncombustible and will not contribute fuel to a fire.
Furthermore, its galvanized zinc coating (a natural element) prevents corrosion. This means the life of a steel-framed structure can last hundreds of years, which also reduces the need for future building resources.*
Steel is inorganic and therefore does not rot, warp, split, crack or creep and will not expand or contract with moisture content. It is also resistant to termites and other wood-eating pests. And since a steel-framed building or home will always have straight walls and square corners, owners will be relieved to find no aggravating nail pops or drywall cracks. Steel framing’s versatility can also take popular finishes like brick, stucco, stone or siding.
Structures built with steel look better, perform better and provide a safer environment for inhabitants. Steel-framed structures have a much lower probability of sustaining foundation problems, earthquake and high wind damage, and produce far less job-site waste (2% for steel vs. 20% for lumber).
* NAHB Research Center Study