Use of steel as a construction material has seen phenomenal growth in the last few years. Although steel buildings have been used in the commercial and industrial sectors for a long time, they are increasingly gracing the skylines of countries all over the world.
Use of metals in construction began in the 1700’s with the use of iron columns within walls. Iron beams and columns became a common feature in large industrial buildings over the years. Ever since Sir Henry Basserner invented steel in 1855, it has become an integral part of bridges, pipelines and even skyscrapers. Various difficulties with the use of wood, such as its expense and the impact its use has on the environment, have contributed to the popularity of steel.
Steel buildings offer many advantages. They are usually constructed much faster than buildings using other materials; the costs are usually lower compared to traditional building methods; they are lighter weight; they are easier to maintain; and they carry a reduced risk of fire. Moreover, steel is 66% recyclable, which makes it an especially cost-effective and environmentally sound alternative to any other construction material. Above all, strength is a major plus for steel. Steel structures can withstand unfavorable weather conditions such as hurricanes, high winds, heavy snow and even earthquakes. They are also resistant to termites, creeping, cracks, splitting and rotting, thus increasing durability.
Even though steel framed homes are still slightly more expensive than traditional wood-based buildings, savings from the fact that they are more energy-efficient and reduced maintenance make them an attractive alternative. Besides, they can be given a conventional look by covering them with traditional building materials like bricks, siding or stucco. There are various benefits such as lower insurance costs (since risk of fire is lower), lower assembly and labor costs, and decreased material costs due to prefabricated designing. Modern technologies have also influenced the growth of the steel building systems industry since it can be used for better design and fabrication.
Steel building products, including steel frames, are made of recycled steel. No less than 28% of steel frames are recycled steel, which can then be recycled in turn. This is better for the environment than wood, as it is estimated that a typical 2000-square-foot home uses the wood from around almost 50 trees. The same house, when built with steel, requires only about six scrapped automobiles.
Related Articles of Interest :
-
The Advantages of Pre-Engineered Steel Buildings
10 August 2010 8:30 PM |
No Comments
Steel is a remarkable material that has been steadily increasing in popularity for construction. It is 66% recyclable, which offers both environmental and financial benefits, and is especially strong and durable. There are a number of options available for building with steel, and one of...
-
The Benefits of Steel Storage Buildings
10 August 2010 8:30 PM |
No Comments
Steel is gaining in popularity as a building material due to the many options it offers, its strength, and its affordability. Steel storage buildings are one of the many options available; they range from airplane hangars to garden sheds. The most popular use for steel...
-
Custom Steel Buildings
10 August 2010 8:30 PM |
No Comments
Custom steel buildings offer a fast track approach to traditional methods of construction. Custom steel buildings are designed for unique application. The customer can design the size, shape or color and can include any equipment to custom steel buildings. Custom steel buildings offer high quality...
-
Steel Buildings Catalogs
10 August 2010 8:30 PM |
No Comments
Catalogs are promotional tools used in marketing. Catalogs are available in the printed form and as online versions. Steel buildings catalogs provide information about steel buildings. The printed forms may be short pamphlets or booklets with a number of pages. Steel building catalogs are necessary...
-
Pre-Fabricated Steel Buildings
10 August 2010 8:30 PM |
No Comments
More and more construction is being done with steel in recent years, as more people learn about the many benefits of using steel vs. other construction materials. One of the many features offered when building with steel is the option to purchase a prefabricated steel...
-
Steel Buildings
10 August 2010 8:30 PM |
No Comments
Though steel buildings may lack the old-world charm of wood, steel building become convenient as they can be constructed fast; they have strength and versatility. It is much cheaper to construct a building of steel than other materials such as concrete, brick, wood, etc. Steel...
-
Discount Steel Buildings
10 August 2010 8:30 PM |
No Comments
Steel buildings with standard facilities, available at lower prices than the market rates, are better known as discount steel buildings. Many companies specialize in discount steel buildings for commercial, agricultural, industrial and residential purposes. Steel building prices depend on the price of steel at the...
-
A Guide to Commercial Steel Buildings
10 August 2010 8:30 PM |
No Comments
Commercial steel buildings are prefabricated and custom-designed for use as offices, stores, distribution centers, freight terminals, service stations, aircraft hangers, commercial garages and more. Since they can be molded into a range of shapes and sizes, steel buildings are finding applications in most any industry...
-
Residential Steel Buildings
10 August 2010 8:30 PM |
No Comments
Residential steel buildings are becoming more popular in the construction industry. Different parts of a residential building are manufactured in a factory. Steel is the raw material used to make the skeleton of the building. Advantages of residential steel buildings are low building cost, durability...
-
Steel Building Construction
10 August 2010 8:30 PM |
No Comments
Steel building construction is the process of building a structure, using steel as the raw material. Steel is an advantageous building material that enables a simple and easy construction process. Steel building construction has 48% of the total market share of construction. It includes commercial...