In Australia today – and indeed across the world – light gauge steel framing is increasingly becoming the ideal framing system for all kinds of construction projects. When it comes to residential builds, we believe that cold formed light gauge steel is the ultimate choice. In fact, that is why we chose this super versatile material for AusSteel’s #ultimatebuildingsystem.
The Australian Market
AusSteel is one of many Australian steel framing companies across Australia working hard to service residential and commercial customers and – together with other suppliers – grow the Australian market. A large part of this growth comes from ongoing innovation. In fact, the Australian market has been a world leader in conceptualising higher-strength steel such as G550 – a material that allowed for even thinner and lighter framing components without compromising on strength and integrity. The design possibilities afforded by such innovation are seemingly endless!
Benefits for residential construction
Let’s look at some of the benefits of using light gauge steel in residential construction:
- Sustainability: This is becoming an even higher priority for our customers in recent years. When choosing steel framing, waste is minimised on many levels: precision design and manufacturing means less waste in this phase (with the added benefit of promoting higher quality construction), while also affording less wasted time on site for builders. Construction is quicker and smoother. To add to this, steel is infinitely recyclable and much of the water used in steel production is able to be purified and returned to the source.
- Durability: Steel is incredibly durable and resistant to corrosion, pests, fire and even severe weather events such as earthquakes and floods.
- Design flexibility: The high strength to weight ratio allows for greater design flexibility – affording customers greater opportunities to design and build the space of their dreams, while maximising efficiency also.
But is it really superior to timber framing?
This is a topic of hot debate in the construction industry, and there are pros and cons to building with both steel and timber. For us, the many benefits of steel framing make it the optimal choice for frames and trusses. For strength, sustainability, durability, and reliability – we believe nothing beats AusSteel frames.
On one hand, some argue that timber “locks away” more carbon than steel and yet it is also true that the timber industry requires more deforestation. On the other hand, steel production is more energy intensive and produces more carbon, however, steel can be recycled infinitely. Steel is equally as strong (if not stronger) than timber but is lighter, and efforts in innovation will only continue to improve on this. So when we consider what this means for transport and logistics, choosing steel can reduce our carbon footprint in this respect.
Whether you’re team timber or team steel, it is undeniable that light gauge steel framing is making its way to the top of the leaderboard for the framing system of choice for residential construction. At AusSteel, we have the privilege of guiding our customers and partners in the selection process, and the joy of seeing the end result – precision-perfect framing systems and consistently happy home builders!
AusSteel has factories in Crestmead – QLD, Goulburn – NSW, and Cameron Park – NSW. We partner with a vast number of reputable builders to service customers far and wide. Get in touch today if you’d like to know more!
