Why You Need Steel-Framed Buildings

Steel-Framed Buildings vs. Wood-Framed Buildings

Although wood frame designs are timeless, steel-framed buildings are the construction building material for the future. Below are a few advantages of installing steel-framed buildings:

High resistance
Versatility
Reduced costs over time
Easy handling

Wood-framed buildings will do the job, but they offer a significantly lower lifespan and are susceptible to the elements. A few issues with wood construction are:

Low fire resistance
Low wind resistance
Poor durability
Shrinkage

Disadvantages of Wood-Framed Buildings

For centuries, wood-framed buildings were the only construction available. Wood building has now fallen behind with modern steel construction, as traditional structures are prone to damage that steel can withstand. Below, we’ll run through significant issues with wood-framed buildings:

Shrinkage

Shrinkage is a major concern, especially when a wood-framed building is a multistory project. This is because wood naturally shrinks when dry. Depending on the type of framing, wood can shrink up to a quarter of its original size per floor. The larger the structure, the more shrinkage over time, requiring costly repairs and maintenance.

Sound Insulation

Constructing a wood-framed building with efficient sound insulation is challenging. Property owners have to pay more to add insulation in wood building. Sound insulation also significantly increases construction time.

Durability

Termites and moisture significantly impact wood, ruining structural integrity faster than any other building material. Termites weaken wood, while moisture rots its core. Both factors cause thousands of dollars in damage.

Wood swells when exposed to moisture
Wood shrinks and forms cracks over time
Wood cracks, chips, spalls, splits, and warps when dried

Wind

Wind-resistant wood-framed building can cost 25 to 30% more than other systems. A continuous load path to the floor is required throughout the structure for a wind-resistant building, significantly extending labor time.

Fire

The spread of fire in wood-framed buildings is severe. Cladding a wood frame with fire retardants is necessary to reduce fire spread. Wood-framed buildings in the early stages of construction are vulnerable to extensive damage before retardants are applied.

Still researching reinforced building material for your property? Check out this blog highlighting the advantages of metal and steel-framed buildings with Calahan Construction.

The Advantages of Metal Building Construction

Key Advantages of Steel Building Construction

There’s nothing more important than the core and framework of your structure. Every property owner needs to understand the importance of material selection before construction begins. If you’re looking for cost-effective material that will prolong the life of your building, steel is the answer. Broken down below are the benefits of steel building construction:

Fire Resistant

Steel frames are designed to reduce the spread of fire and damage to the internal core.

Cost Effective

Steel may be more expensive than wood upfront, but you will invest much more in repairs and replacements over time with a wood-framed building. Steel buildings offer a prolonged lifespan with minimal maintenance required. Steel-framed buildings also significantly reduce insurance costs compared to wood structures.

Durable

Steel is a dimensionally stable material that isn’t affected by moisture content, unlike wood-framed building panels. Steel also doesn’t crack, creep, split, or wart. Steel also is immune to rotting, pests, and warping. It withstands strong wind, heavy snow, and other severe weather without the need to add extra features during construction.

Strong and Flexible

Steel-framed material is stronger and lighter than any other material available. Steel structures are about 20 to 30% lighter and designed ahead of time by a manufacturer according to your specific project requirements.

Quick Construction Time

Time is money throughout the construction process. Before any ground is broken onsite, you should have prepared a budget and schedule to keep construction on track and within your price range. With wood construction, crews can take shortcuts during installation to stay on schedule and under budget.

Those aren’t concerns when choosing steel and metal material because most components are prefabricated, reducing human error and speeding up installation time. Standard codes and dimensions are completed before any parts arrive at the construction site. The quality of the material is already guaranteed, and construction crews have to account for one less thing throughout the process.

Types of Steel Frame Construction

Steel frame designs consist of vertical and horizontal beams that are either bolted, welded, or riveted together to reinforce a structure. These materials also form the skeleton of the building and are available in various forms for commercial and residential properties.

Conventional Steel Fabrication

Conventional steel fabrication is a versatile process that can be completed onsite or through a manufacturer before construction begins. Conventional fabrication involves cutting steel material to specified lengths for welding.

Bolted Steel Construction

The bolted steel method is convenient for onsite construction crews because the material is prefabricated and painted by a manufacturer. This is the most common approach to construction since little assembly is required at the project site.

Light Gauge Steel Construction

Small commercial buildings and residential structures use light gauge steel construction. Light gauges are beneficial for construction speed, flexibility, and lightweight reinforcement.

Why Pre-Engineered Manufacturing Facility Construction Is More Cost-Effective

Warehouses and industrial buildings: Used to build large-size spaces at lower costs with reduced maintenance requirements
Residential structures: Used for a safe and prolonged life span, typically via a technique called light gauge steel construction
High-rise buildings: Chosen for low weight, strength, and speed of construction
Temporary structures: Used for quick setup and removal

Calahan Construction: Colorado’s Top Choice for Steel-Framed Buildings

There’s no better full-service general contractor in the Colorado area than Calahan Construction. With over eight decades of building experience, we bring expertise, integrity, quality, and value to every commercial steel building construction project. Contact our team today to install your steel-framed building.

What Are Steel-Framed Buildings?