Framing buildings with cold form steel (CFS) rather than with wood is becoming the norm rather than the exception. There are many advantages for using CFS to frame any type of construction project, especially multifamily structures such as apartments. Some of these benefits are looked at below.
Durability
Steel is a strong material, so the durability of framing material made from CFS is assured. Technological advances have resulted in steel being coated with a protective material that can resist fungi so there is no resistance that moisture will result in fungi growth. Rusting is also no longer a problem, especially if galvanized steel is used.
Aging can cause wood to twist and become warped which can cause structural problems, but CFS will not twist. This is a good thing especially if there is a natural disaster such as an earthquake or hurricane.
Withstand the Elements
In areas prone to heavy rains and powerful storms such as hurricanes, CFS framing material is a blessing. Steel frames are better able to withstand exposure to the elements. They won’t absorb water and rot like wood frames tend to do.
Resistant to Pest
Unlike wood, frames made from CFS are resistant to termites and other insects so that it lasts longer. This also has added advantages since there is no need to spend money on pest control or exposure to chemicals as you try to control ants and termite infestation.
Quality Control Measures
The manufacturers of cold form steel generally implement quality control measures to ensure that any framing material that leaves the factory is top notch. This is done by using high tech machines and software to ensure that CFS framing material is cut to specification and that the steel is free of defects.
Environmentally Friend and Sustainable
Made mostly from recycled material, cold form steel is a good alternative to wood. In addition, steel manufacturers are becoming increasingly aware of the need to protect the environment, resulting in more environmentally friendly manufacturing processes. Some are even replanting mined out lands instead of leaving it bare s was the practice. Steel can be recycled and reused fr a variety of purposes repeatedly, making steel a very sustainable material. This also means that the amount of electricity needed for some recycled steel uses will be far less.
Steel may initially be more expensive than wood, but when used for framing you will use less steel than you would wood so there will be savings there. However, when all the advantages of CFS over wood are compared, using cold form still is by far the better choice. Call us at 407-316-8544 to discuss ways to improve your upcoming construction project in the Orlando area or in other areas of central Florida with cold formed steel.