It’s common knowledge amongst new home builders that steel framing is the most logical choice when it comes to a strong, non-combustible framing choice. You can read more on the benefits of steel framing when building in bushfire-prone areas here.
But did you know that steel framing is also considered the best choice for building in flood zones?
The National Association of Steel-framed Housing (NASH) conducted a case study in 2010 after severe flooding occurred in Dubbo. In particular, the study focused on a transportable homes business which occupied 35 acres of land at the time, on which their projects were constructed. During the floods, the buildings on the property at the time were impacted by flood waters of between 500mm and 1 metre in depth – for up to 5 days.
The case study considered the impacts of the flood waters on the steel framed structures once flood waters had receded, and the findings were significant:
- Buildings on site that were built upon steel frames all withstood the flooding and were repaired relatively quickly at minimal cost. Adjacent timber framed buildings (such as the site office and displays) were eventually written off due to the extensive damage and the cost involved to complete repairs.
- Once plasterboard was removed from the steel framed structures, the frames were pressure washed and only required minimal drying time. Whereas, the timber framed buildings required long drying periods – during which components of the timber frames shrank.
- The odour common after floods dissipated quickly in steel-framed buildings, however, lingered for a significant time in timber framed buildings on site.
- Steel framing components of on site structures did not experience any discolouration or deterioration.
- The same yard also housed flat pack steel products, which – despite being submerged in flood waters – were completely fine to be used afterwards. Similar timber products, however, were significantly damaged in the same conditions.
Much like in the instance of fire, the benefits of steel framing over timber in structures prone to flooding are easy enough to understand once given some thought or professional advice. Our teams across our three facilities (Cameron Park – NSW, Goulburn – NSW, and Crestmead – QLD) are happy to walk you through the features and benefits of our AusSteel #ultimatebuildingsystem and help you make an informed decision on the best framing choice for wherever it is you intend to build, regardless of whatever natural disaster you may be exposed to.
Reference: NASH Case Study: Dubbo Floods, accessed 14/12/23: https://www.spec-net.com.au/press/0811/nas_030811/Steel-Framed-Buildings-and-Dubbo-Floods-from-NASH
