If this is not your first visit to our blog, you’ll know that we’ve discussed the many benefits of steel framing for both residential and commercial construction before; sustainability, durability and design flexibility being amongst the top benefits of building with light gauge steel. However, today we consider even more reasons why building with steel is better than alternatives, and how these benefit all major parties in the design and build processes.
Benefits of designing with light gauge steel
Architects, designers and detailers are no doubt all too aware of the benefits of designing structures to be built with light gauge steel frames and trusses. Just some of those benefits are:
- Design flexibility: The impressive strength-to-weight ratio of light gauge steel framing components means greater design flexibility. Think more expansive spaces thanks to the potential of greater spans, and the reduced need (if any) for components such as bulkheads, concealing hefty structural steel beams.
- Detail, detail, detail: Designers and detailers have the ability to consider and include every little detail in the design and detailing phases, such as electrical service holes, plumbing noggins and A/C ducts – which also benefits contractors during the build phase.
- Time and cost savings: With precise design and detailing, and therefore more efficient planning and prefabrication – there is a much lower risk of costly rectifications on site, along with the time saved in avoiding such things.
Benefits of building with light gauge steel for contractors
As we can see above, the benefits of working with light gauge steel begin in the design phase but don’t end there. Here we see some examples of how the benefits flow on to contractors in the planning and building phase:
- Labour costs are reduced: Faster more efficient erection of framing systems on-site (in comparison to traditional timber framing methods) can result in lower labour costs and faster build times.
- Human errors are reduced: With prefabricated components, on-site human error such as measuring/cutting errors commonly experienced with timber are virtually non-existent with steel framing systems. Plus, eliminating cutting and other processes commonly used with timber framing results in a tidier and therefore safer work site.
- Still a flexible material: Despite the precision that prefabrication affords, flexibility is still possible with steel framing systems. For example, even our joists remain adjustable to allow for minor modifications. Add to this the effortless integration with other materials and trades, and we see that steel framing systems really allow contractors to work smarter, not harder.
While we can’t take credit for the many intrinsic benefits that light gauge steel affords designers and builders alike, we believe our #buildbetter approach to innovative design and precise manufacturing further enhances those benefits. At AusSteel, we don’t rest on the fact that – in most cases – prefabricated framing systems eliminate errors and wasted time. Our team is here to support our customers and partners through every step of the process, regardless of what that looks like.
Looking to partner with Australia’s most reputable steel frame and truss supplier? We’ve got you covered. With facilities in Cameron Park NSW, Goulburn NSW and Crestmead QLD, we work with builders far and wide. Get in touch today for a chat with our helpful team!
