|
|
|
|
Main Menu |
 |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Frequently Asked Questions |
 |
|
|
|
Is steel framing noisy?
Are steel frames expensive?
Are steel house frames electrically safe?
Do Steel frames intefere with radio and TV reception?
Are steel frames environmentally sound?
Why build in lightweight Steel?
Will my home look different to other houses in the street?
What about the amount of energy consumed to make steel compared with timber?
How do I hang pictures on steel framed home?
Will I be able to extend or renovate at a later date?
Can a steel home be energy efficient?
Will the steel frame rust?
Steel expands and contracts with temperature changes. Is this a problem?
Are steel framed houses new to Australia?
Will I need costly tools to build a steel frame home?
Will I be able to find qualified plumbers and electricians to work on the steel frame?
Will steel framing affect the indoor air quality?
Is steel framing noisy?
As myths go this is a beauty. The short answer is no and we have solid evidence to support our point of view.
How and where it started is a mystery. Maybe it began as a joke, but the long-term impact it has had on the steel framing industry is no laughing matter. Anyone stating that steel frames are noisy should be challenged and asked for proof in the form of hard evidence - facts and figures, not just hearsay or reference to a single isolated instance.
G. A. King, Dr. M. Ridge and G. S. Walker of the CSIRO conducted a properly structured study in which they surveyed a number of occupants of steel framed dwellings. They published the results in Building Materials and Equipment, Vol. 17, No. 1. They found that "most occupants either reported no sound emitted from the frame, or if they did, said that it constituted no problem".
Their findings were in accordance with another study (by Brealey) in which numerous people, living in remote tropical settlements were asked, among other things, their reactions to their houses.
"Many of these had steel frames, and no one complained of annoying noises. In considering the occurrence of thermal noises in steel framed houses it should be borne in mind that considerable noise may be provided in the timber parts of conventional dwellings. In fact four of the subjects volunteered the information that there was less noise in their present homes than in timber or brick veneer houses they had occupied previously."
From a technical viewpoint it is unlikely that steel framing would generate significant thermally-induced sounds. Steel framing expands and contracts at rates reasonably similar to those of other building materials, which means it is unlikely there will be either noise or cornice/plaster cracking problems.
Are steel frames expensive?
This is often an excuse you hear from old fashioned builders and builders especially those who are reluctant to change. Rather than face up to reality they "put you off" by suggesting a steel frame is more expensive. We would prefer them to be honest and to say they prefer timber rather than "bag" steel. You will find an increasing number of builders now only build in steel.
Prices for steel frames are very competitive! Since timber comes in all sorts of grades, quality and price variations, comparisons are tricky. However, if top quality timber is compared to quality steel, steel framing is competitively priced. Steel frames and trusses provide further savings in speed of erection, reduced labour and less callbacks. Also, many builders around Australia are now using steel framing systems so it must be competitive.
A steel frame is often cheaper in the long run and you never have to worry about termites eating the very heart of your home. You can avoid the costly annual inspections!
There are savings throughout the building process. There is no need to hire cranes to lift heavy wooden trusses or structural beams into place.
Installation of plasterboard, wiring, plumbing is often faster as the studs are predrilled for utilities and the frame remains straight and true, even if exposed to the weather for an extended time.
Consider the extra termite protection required for a timber frame and the regular savings as no ongoing termite treatment which is required on a steel frame. A steel frame is also borer proof, it will not rot and is not a source of fuel in a bush fire.
Many builders love steel frames as they recognise the savings of not having to call back for popping nails and cracking cornices/walls often resulting from the movement of a timber frame.
Are steel house frames electrically safe?
Steel house frames can actually be safer than alternatives and all steel frames are earthed as soon as they are erected.
It is a requirement that any new dwelling must be fitted with a safety switch, also known as an RCD (Residual Current Device) or an ELCN (Earth Leakage Circuit Breaker). These devices are designed to prevent death by accidental electrocution.
An electric current will follow the path of least resistance, the amount of current being in inverse proportion to the resistances involved. The stronger current being conducted through the lower resistance. If that resistance is very low relative to the other, nearly all the current will flow through it. This is how the process of "earthing" works. Steel is an excellent conductor of electricity. A broken or pierced wire in a timber frame can remain live, and leaking current can cause troublesome faults and fire risk. Also, a timber frame can get wet in a storm or heavy rain and can become live if there is an electrical short. Rubber electrical grommets are inserted into the pre-punched service holes in steel framing to prevent damage to the insulation. In the unlikely event of any shorting, current will be carried straight to earth.
Lightning has less effect on steel as the energy is conducted straight to ground and not released destructively within the frame.
Do Steel frames intefere with radio and TV reception?
Absolutely not!
Electro-magnetic waves can diffract around steel as easily as timber.
Are steel frames environmentally sound?
Construction with any building material will have some effect on the environment.
Whether steel frames are better or worse than alternatives is a moot point.
In weighing up the pros and cons of using any building material. The objective should be to minimise the impact over the life cycle of the product.
Anti-steel propaganda shows images of steel mills emitting into the atmosphere and also make statements such as "only young growing trees absorb carbon dioxide" (which is not true) etc.
This propaganda seems designed to damage the steel industry and protect the un-sustainable status quo.
We believe in a balanced presentation of facts and data. Timber is a great product, but it also has its downside and being "termite tucker" needs to be treated with toxic chemicals to survive. The long term affects on your family remain a matter of considerable debate. The costs of regular inspections and treatments does add the the your maintenance costs into the future.
Steel is 100% recyclable. About 60% of all steel in use has been recycled. It is estimated that 6 cars need to be recycled to produce the average house frame...now that good news!
Can build with minimum disturbance to fragile sites.
Why build in lightweight Steel?
Its the modern building material. Being lightweight it is easy to move and assemble on site. You do not need to hire expensive cranes and equipment. It is stronger than timber and being dimensionally stable will not warp, twist or rot. Termites cannot eat it. It is environmentally responsible, low on life cycle energy usage, recyclable and saves valuable timber resources.
Will my home look different to other houses in the street?
No. In fact because of steel's strength you can design your home with larger open spaces whilst the exterior looks like any normal home. As steel always remains straight and true you can expect a superior level of internal finish.
No wavy walls or ceilings!
What about the amount of energy consumed to make steel compared with timber?
This point is often made by the timber industry to demonise steel, but it has little relevance. When life-cycle energy consumption is calculated rather than embedded energy, steel stands up well in any comparison. And steel is fully re-cycled and re-cycleable. Studies have estimated that the energy consumed to produce the average house is only 6 % of the energy consumed in the running of the house over a lifetime. Homeowners can have a much greater impact on the environment with good design, thoughtful orientation of the building, efficient insulation and solar heating.
How do I hang pictures on steel framed home?
Exactly the same way as a timber frame and if you need to locate a stud. Its easy with a magnet and then screw directly into the steel stud.
Will I be able to extend or renovate at a later date?
Yes. As steel framing can support longer spans, often without load bearing walls. It is much easier to complete alterations without affecting structural integrity.
Can a steel home be energy efficient?
Yes. At least as efficient as a timber frame and because the steel does not shrink or warp the likelihood of cracks is reduced therefore less opportunity for outside air to enter or inside air to leak out.
Will the steel frame rust?
No. We use galvanized steel framing components to protect your home from corrosion.
Steel expands and contracts with temperature changes. Is this a problem?
In a properly fabricated and constructed house thermally induced movement is no more likely than with other materials. It is therefore not surprising that steel framed houses are preferred in some areas especially in North West Australia where the daytime temperature can vary more than 40 degrees.
Are steel framed houses new to Australia?
No. They have been used effectively since the early 50's and over the years constant technical advances have been made to further improve the product. It is estimated that more than 500,000 steel framed houses have now been built in Australia. We are working with the Gordon Institute and other technical colleges, to establish a steel frame module to train apprentices. The steel frame industry is becoming increasingly active in the trade schools as more trades people, especially young apprentices, are interested in learning about new techniques. The building industry needs to continually update. Lightweight steel for house construction is the material of the future.
Will I need costly tools to build a steel frame home?
No. All you need is a battery-operated screwdriver, tin snips, tape measure, clamps and spirit level.
Will I be able to find qualified plumbers and electricians to work on the steel frame?
These trades have been working on commercial steel buildings for years and they find steel framed houses very easy. In fact many prefer steel frames because all the studs are pre-punched, making for easier installation of cables and pipes.
Will steel framing affect the indoor air quality?
Yes! It will improve it. The Healthy House Institute, Bloomington, Illinois, USA, an institute for chemically sensitive and environmentally-conscious homeowners, recommends steel frames. These buildings do not require chemical termite treatment and steel is also free of resin adhesives and other chemicals often used as preservatives in other construction materials.
|
|
 |
|
|
|
