we build in steel and timber framing

Steel is a Superior Construction Material:

1. Highest strength - to - weight ratio of any building material Steel possesses the highest strength to weight ration of any building material being utilized today. It remains one of the strongest, most durable and economically manufactured materials. No wonder 80% of all commercial buildings are constructed with steel as the primary structure. Stronger, straighter, non-combustible, longer lasting and many other characteristics contribute to the undeniable superiority of steel as a building material.
2. Non-combustible - and will not contribute fuel to a fire... With gypsum interior finish material supported on a steel frame you have a combination of non-combustible products and the likelihood of a fire being further fuelled is nearly eliminated"
3. Inorganic – steel will not warp, rot, split, crack or creep...
4. Consistent material quality - Dimensionally stable - does not expand or contract
5. 100% recyclable - Steel is the most recycled material on planet! You can frame a typical home with 6 recycled cars... or take down 40-50 trees!
6. Less waste - 2% in steel verses 20% in wood construction
7. Reliability - Square corners stay squared; windows and doors open & close as they should.
8. Lightweight - Steel is 60% of the weight of wood framing... making it easier to handle.
9. Termite Proof - Not vulnerable to termites

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Why build with steel?
   Residential steel framing members are cost effective, light weight, easy to handle, and manufactured under strict quality control guidelines. Steel framing is also termite proof and non combustible.
2. Will my home look different than the rest in my development?
   No. In fact, because of steel's strength you can design your home with larger open spaces. With a steel frame, the walls will remain straight and true and can be finished with the same materials traditionally used.
3. What about the environmental impact of steel construction?
   The overall recycling rate is the highest of any industry in the country, offering an environmentally sound home framing alternative. Steel framing scrap is a valuable commodity that should not end up in a landfill.
4. What about cost?
   The price of steel has been relatively constant over the last decade. While the price of traditional framing materials has been erratic and growing at a rate much faster than inflation, steel prices have only experienced small quarterly adjustments. Builders interviewed nationwide have affirmed that framing with steel is commonly less expensive than traditional framing.
5. Will steel framing affect the indoor air quality?
   No. Steel framing is recommended by The Healthy House Institute for chemically sensitive and environmentally conscious homeowners who seek good indoor air quality. Steel frames do not need to be treated for termites and are free of resin adhesives and chemicals normally present in other construction materials.
6. How do I hang pictures in a steel framed home?
   As in a traditional home, depending on the weight of the picture, you can hang it from the drywall with toggle bolts or hangers. Heavier objects can be hung from screws attached directly into the studs, which can easily be found with a magnet.
7. Will I be able to remodel my home?
   Yes, since steel framing allows for larger spans, a home can be designed with interior load-bearing partitions, making it easier for homeowners to complete alterations without affecting the structure.
8. Will my home rust?
   The use of Red Oxide painted and galvanized steel frame components protects your home against rust.
9. Will the steel interfere with portable radios, phones, or TV reception?
   No. Waves pass through the spaces between studs allowing the use of all of the radios, phones, and television sets in your home.
10. What about lightning?
    The steel frame offers the home occupants better protection than any other construction system. Scientists recommend seeking shelter in steel frame structures during lightning storms because the steel frame provides a path to the ground reducing the likelihood of explosions, secondary fires, or personal injury.
11. Can my house be built to resist earthquakes and cyclones?
    Yes. Positive connections and the strength of steel provide great protection against earthquakes and cyclones. Steel's high strength and ductility make it the best construction material for earthquake resistant design.
12. Can my home be energy efficient?
    Yes. Steel framing can be designed to meet or exceed governmental energy efficiency standards. In addition, by staying straight and true, the steel framing helps prevent cracks due to shrinking or warping, thus preventing air leaks that result in costly loss of energy.
13. Will I have to pay higher insurance premiums for my homeowner's insurance?
    No. As a matter of fact, because of steel's excellent performance record in earthquakes, and because it is not affected by termites and is non-combustible, home owners may be able to save on insurance premiums.
14. Will I be able to sell my home?
    Your home does not need to look any different than your neighbours and should sell just as easily. Because of steel's high strength and durability your home should last and retain its value for a long time. In fact, if you take advantage of steel's strength and flexibility by designing wide open spaces, you will have additional selling features.

Benefits to the Builder Straight walls Square corners Windows and doors function properly Less scrap and waste (2% for steel vs. 20% for lumber) Lighter than other framing materials Environmental selling and green positioning

Benefits to the Homeowner Not vulnerable to termites High strength results in safer structures, less maintenance and slower aging of structure Fire safety increased with substantially less combustible material Not vulnerable to any type of fungi or organism Reduced probability of foundation problems - less weight results in less movement Reduced probability of damage in high winds - stronger connections with screws versus nails Reduced probability of damage in an earthquake - lighter structure with stronger connections results in less seismic force