Are Steel Frames All They’re Cracked Up To Be?

If you're reading this article, you might be asking yourself if steel frame homes are a wise choice and what drawbacks they might have. In this overview, we've compiled all the essential information about steel frame homes to help you make a well-informed decision.

First, let's define what a steel-framed house is.

What are steel frame homes?

Steel frame homes are constructed using a structural framework made of steel Beams, Studs, Plates, Nogging, Joists and Roof Trusses, which serve as the house's skeleton and provide the foundational structure for the floors, walls, ceilings, and internal fixtures of the home. The frames are typically made from light gauge steel.

Steel-framed homes offer several advantages, such as strength, durability, and resistance to termites and fire. However, they also come with some challenges and considerations that might be viewed as disadvantages in specific contexts.

Here's an overview of some potential issues associated with steel-framed homes:

1. Thermal Conductivity

Energy Efficiency: Steel frames have a higher thermal conductivity than timber, which can lead to poor insulation properties if not adequately addressed. Some people think that steel's higher heat conductivity could make steel-framed houses cooler in winter (and hotter in summer). Nonetheless, with appropriate insulation, this temperature difference can be minimal. Additionally, the precise construction of steel frames ensures a tighter fit for doors and windows, leading to improved sealing and reduced heat loss at the joints.

2. Condensation

Moisture Issues: The difference in temperature between the inside and outside can cause condensation on the steel, potentially leading to moisture-related issues inside the home if proper vapour barriers and insulation are not installed.

Wood, by comparison, is susceptible to humidity and contracts as it dries, whereas a steel-framed home doesn't creak or shrink due to humidity variations.

Actually, cracks in plaster or cornice are significantly reduced with steel, as it maintains its form throughout its lifespan without undergoing any state changes.

3. Acoustic Transmission

Noise: Steel can transmit sound more readily than wood, potentially leading to issues with noise levels inside the home. Special acoustic insulation materials generally fill a steel-framed house's exterior walls, interior walls, and ceiling, restricting outside noise and sound within the house travelling. So overall, this is not really an issue; the other upshot of steel is that it won't creak due to how it is mechanically fastened.

4. Thermal Expansion

Structural Movement: Steel expands and contracts slightly more with temperature changes than wood. Thermal expansion is measured as the degree of expansion divided by the change in temperature; this measure is called the material's "coefficient of thermal expansion".

Pinewood exhibits a lengthwise coefficient of expansion of 5 x 10^-6, while steel has a corresponding coefficient of 12 x 10^-6.

For such calculations, the temperature is expressed in degrees Kelvin, meaning 10 degrees Celsius equals 283.15 degrees Kelvin. To determine the change in length of a 1 metre (1,000mm) length of steel and the same length of pine, multiply the coefficient of expansion by the temperature change and then by the original length. For steel, this calculation is 0.000012 x 283.15 x 1000, resulting in a change of 3.3mm, and for wood, it's 0.000005 x 283.15 x 1000, leading to a change of 1.4mm.

So overall, it's not a huge difference, but it's a difference.

5. Electrical Conductivity

Electrical and Electronic Equipment: There is a view that the conductive nature of steel can interfere with wireless signals within the home, potentially affecting cell phone reception and WiFi connectivity. This is simply a myth; WiFi, radio, and television wave frequencies pass through the spaces between the studs, allowing the use of all household appliances without any interference just as easily as they do with timber framing.

RECOMMENDED READING: Are Steel Frames Electrically Safe?

6. Corrosion

Rust: Steel is susceptible to rust when it comes into contact with moisture and specific environmental elements. It's crucial to apply appropriate protective coatings and perform regular maintenance to avert corrosion, especially in regions with salty coastal air. Although steel frames typically resist rust due to galvanisation in the production stage, post-manufacture scratches can leave them vulnerable to corrosion, particularly in coastal zones where the air has a higher salt concentration. Employing treatments such as powder coating and hot zinc dipping can effectively mitigate this risk.

7. Cost and Availability

Initial Costs: The initial cost of a steel frame can be higher than traditional wood framing, depending on the local availability of materials and skilled labour experienced with steel construction.

RECOMMENDED READING: How Much Do Steel House Frames Cost?

8. Modification and Repair

Flexibility: Modifying or repairing a steel-framed structure can be more challenging and expensive than working with wood. Cutting and welding steel require specialised tools and skills.

In Conclusion

Steel frame homes present a compelling option for modern construction, offering unparalleled strength, durability, and resistance to common challenges like termites and fire. Throughout this article, we've explored the potential drawbacks of choosing steel over traditional materials like timber. From thermal conductivity and condensation issues to considerations around acoustic transmission and thermal expansion, it's clear that while steel frames come with specific concerns, many can be effectively managed or mitigated with the right approaches and technologies.

Moreover, concerns around electrical conductivity and corrosion have proven manageable with modern building techniques and materials, ensuring that steel frame homes can offer a safe, durable, and efficient living space. While the initial costs and the need for specialised skills for modifications may be seen as drawbacks, the long-term benefits of steel, such as its sustainability and low maintenance requirements, offer a persuasive argument for its use in residential construction.

Ultimately, whether steel frame homes are the right choice for you will depend on your specific needs, priorities, and the conditions of your local environment. By understanding the unique properties and requirements of steel framing, homeowners can make informed decisions that balance the upfront costs with the long-term advantages, ensuring a safe, comfortable, and sustainable home for years to come. As the construction industry continues to evolve, steel frame homes stand out as a forward-thinking choice for those looking to build or renovate their living spaces.