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Steel frame homes are beginning to gain popularity in Australia and the world at large. This has sparked reactions on whether it is a wise investment or not. Some people are confused as to how good and reliable it is.
Others are very concerned about its disadvantages and how long it can last. All this and more is why this article summarises all you need to know about steel frames and how long they can last.
What is a Steel Frame House?
A frame is essentially the foundation or the structure upon which a house is constructed. Most people refer to it as the skeleton of the building. It comprises columns, joists, and beams around which ceilings, walls, and floors are built.
Many house owners use timber framing, but the activities of termites and moisture have proven to be serious downsides that cannot be overlooked. On the other hand, steel is starting to get more mentions in the home building market because of its strength, safety, and lovely aesthetic.
Advantages of a Steel Frame House
There are so many benefits of a steel frame house, some of them include:
Quick to construct
Steel frames are delivered pre-fixed according to your preferred specifications and are ready to be mounted. They are very light compared to timber and provide insulation just as much as timber if not more. Due to these reasons, the construction process can be sped up since fewer resources and workers are needed.
Weather-proof and lasts long
Steel is known to be able to stand wearing and also resists the effects of very harsh weather conditions. Specifically, in cases of flood, timber is at risk of getting soaked and will take a long time to dry out when compared with steel.
Furthermore, steel is not susceptible to the growth of mould and fungi. Hence, it is better for climates with high flood risk and humidity.
Resistant to fire
One remarkable thing about steel is that it is incapable of burning, at least not easily. This invariably means that it can withstand fire outbreaks compared to timber that will likely burn. However, the strength of steel might be compromised under extreme heat.
Termite-proof
Significant concerns about buildings, especially in countries like Australia, are termites. Steel frames offer their users a safer option in that they do not get affected by termite infestation, including other bugs and even rodents.
Low upkeep or maintenance
Timber frames require a lot of high maintenance since they can shrink over time. In situations of fire or adverse weather conditions, timber would need to be replaced or repaired. All of these problems do not occur with steel frames.
Recyclable
Steel is one of the most recycled items in the world. It is entirely recyclable and can be melted and reutilised numerous times.
How Long Does Steel Framing Last?
A vast majority of people are beginning to bet on steel-frame houses. Some people want to invest in it and would like to know if it lasts longer and would be worth their hard-earned money. This is one of the reasons there is a lot of hesitation when steel frame houses are mentioned.
It is understandable why this is so since it is not as common as timber frames, and there is not much information about it. The straightforward answer to this question is yes, they do last long. They can even last a lifetime. This should be evident already if you have been reading the article from the beginning.
There is a considerable difference between steel and wood. Think of the majority of things that have been created to be tough and long-lasting, from cars to tools and even buildings – almost all of them have been made with steel.
Reasons Why Steel Frames Last Long
Steel frames are majorly constructed to be long-lasting and rigid. More so, there are steel frames that are not only fire and termite resistant but can also be resistant to earthquakes and cyclones. Whenever house damage is mentioned or discussed, the primary source of concern is a natural disaster.
Australia is a country that is known to experience a lot of bushfires. So, having a house resistant to fire is a huge plus. Such places should not even encourage the use of timber frames since wood fuels fire. Even if you do not reside in areas where bushfires are such a significant concern, termites are another problem that can be bypassed using steel.
Termites generally bore holes into your frames (typically timber) by eating through the wood, thereby reducing the quality of the house. Harsh winds, earthquakes, and cyclones are all hazards associated with house damage.
With steel framing, your mind can be at rest as little or no damage would be done to your building even after experiencing any of this. Although you cannot say precisely how long this house will last, as no specific number of years can be guaranteed, you can anticipate it to last a lifetime.
Extending Longevity of Steel Frame Houses
There are specific ways you can extend the longevity of your steel frames. Maintenance practices can carry this out. Some of these maintenance practices include:
Regular inspection and cleaning
You can wash your steel frame house at least twice a year. That way, you can easily remove winter remains, which will improve the look of the steel. Some people decide to do their own washing every spring; this will help remove dangerous substances that could build on the frames.
An annual inspection should also be done to look for scratches and scuffs. They can be caused by flying elements that get whipped up when it storms. They leave behind certain marks that can render the property unattractive.
Gutter sanitation
Rain gutters in buildings should be emptied because if left unattended, it can lead to problems of moisture seeping through your roof. This could eventually lead to structural damage, reducing steel quality and increasing maintenance costs.
Repainting
Repainting is done to improve the aesthetics of the steel frame house. This is encouraged because, in due time, the property's colour might begin to fade due to the climatic condition of the location. Repainting the building gives it a better look and, of course, will make you happier.
FAQs About Steel Frame Houses
As far as steel frame houses are concerned, there are frequently asked questions by people who seek knowledge about it and might want to invest in getting a steel frame house. Some of these are answered below.
How expensive are steel frame houses?
Concerning the number of benefits associated with steel frame houses, one will wonder if steel is more expensive than timber. The answer to this question is no. It is less costly now. Although, in the past, steel frame houses used to be more expensive because they required more labour to produce steel.
Aside from this, when you consider how much it will cost to install and termite-proof a timber frame, you will realise that steel frame houses are cheaper.
How good are steel frame houses?
Steel frame houses are some of the best homes around. This is so because of the points mentioned earlier. There are many merits to owning a steel frame house, with the most important ones involving stability, safety, and resistance to environmental hazards.
How cold are steel-framed houses?
Steel is generally known to be a better conductor of heat than timber. This makes certain people think they are colder during winter and warmer in summer. Be that as it may, windows and doors are better shut in steel-frame homes, and hence less heat is lost during cold seasons.
Do steel houses have issues of rusting?
When manufacturing steel, many industries galvanise them so it won't be vulnerable to rusting. While they can get corroded after possible scratches, this issue can be addressed by coating the scratched surface with hot zinc and powder treatments.
Always Work With Reputable Steel Fabricators
Steel frame houses have many benefits, and longevity is definitely one of them. It is vital to get a professional steel fabricator to handle your steel framing, as attempting to handle the steel frame building process yourself or working with low-quality fabricators can result in steel frame housing that will not last as long as expected.
