Structural steel framing has become an industrial standard for projects like high-rise buildings, manufacturing plants and agricultural buildings. Houses with steel frames are becoming more common because buyers are looking for cost-effective and sustainable alternatives. Steel outlasts and outperforms other framing materials like wood, concrete blocks and structural insulated panels. This is mainly because of its durability and resistance to damage from pests, water leaks and fires.
There are a few different types of steel framing structures to consider during the initial planning phase. Standard steel building frame structures can withstand heavy vertical and horizontal loads. This is especially important in areas with high wind loads or seismic activity. Aviation buildings are typically made of structural steel with a rigid portal frame. Sometimes called clearspan buildings, these buildings feature tapered outer columns that bear the entire weight of the roof, so no interior columns are needed. High rises are commonly made with steel grid structures, which distribute stress evenly and provide flexibility during windstorms and earthquakes. Finally, structural steel can also be used for post-frame constructions, which are like pole barns.
Aside from its strength, steel has some other properties that make it an ideal material for framing structures of all shapes and sizes. Keep reading to learn about the top 10 benefits of choosing a steel frame for your next building project.
10 benefits of building with a steel frame
Structural steel is a loose term for hot-rolled steel alloys with more carbon than others. This makes it heavier, stronger and more ideal for creating I-beams, trusses, rebar and other framing materials. But steel in general is versatile enough to help you achieve almost any ambitious architectural goals you have in mind. Steel frames can be combined with other building materials, such as concrete, brick or even glass. Steel can be formulated with different levels of carbon to achieve the right amount of strength and ductility for your project.
Here are more details about structural steel and why it’s a popular material for building frames:
- Durable and long-lasting
Structural steel is a great framing material because it’s resistant to corrosion, rust, mold, infestation and other types of damage. Sometimes called red iron, structural steel gets this nickname from the red-tinted iron oxide paint that provides a waterproof coating. Other types of coating and sealants can be applied to eliminate known problems like corrosion and rust. With just a bit of maintenance, structural steel building frames can have a life span of 50 to 10 years or more.
- Cost effective
Structural steel is often the most cost-effective framing solution in the long run because it lasts longer than other framing materials and requires little maintenance. Investing in a steel-framed building will increase your property value because it’s likely to stay standing well after you’re done using it. Steel even retains its value after a building is torn down — more on that later.
- Strong
To stand up against severe winds and earthquakes, buildings and bridges need a bit of flexibility. Steel’s high tensile strength and ductility make it both flexible and strong. Steel rebar supports the heaviest parking structures and bridges that carry thousands of cars safely every day. Cities on the West Coast are full of steel-framed buildings because of seismic activity. And many of Chicago’s high-rise buildings are framed with steel as well because of the strong winds from Lake Michigan. The Windy City definitely earns its name!
- Versatile
Different types of steel framing structures require slightly more or less carbon to achieve the right amount of strength and hardness. Steel’s tensile strength, ductility, and ability to bear vertical and horizontal loads are what make incredible architectural designs possible. Some of the biggest steel buildings we’ve worked on include an agricultural building measuring 110×765 feet in Berlin, New Hampshire, and an industrial building 120×376 feet wide in Thornburg, Pennsylvania. In addition to framing, steel roofing materials, insulated wall panels and siding can also be preengineered to meet your exact specifications.
- Noncombustible
As the climate keeps changing, areas with forest fires will need more flame-resistant building materials. Carbon steel has a melting point of around 2,600 to 2,800 degrees Fahrenheit. Most building fires will never get close to that temperature. Structural steel framing can make the difference between a building collapsing or staying intact in the event of a fire. Steel roofing provides even more protection from flames and flying embers.
Steel can be a very effective conductor of heat. But with the proper sealant, you’ll never have to worry about burns from hot surfaces.
- Pest-free
Steel is much too strong for termites to burrow into. Ants, cockroaches, mice and other common pests typically don’t nest in steel building frames because it’s strong and inorganic. In buildings made from prefabricated steel, the connection points have laser-perfect seals. So there are no cracks, holes or weak points where critters can get in.
- Low maintenance
Structural steel framing doesn’t typically need to be repaired or replaced because of the above reasons. There’s very little maintenance required at all. For buildings made entirely of steel, biannual inspections and some cleaning with water should be all you need. Many of the Varco Pruden products we build with come with a warranty. We’ve gone through the rigorous and strict process to become a certified Varco Pruden Builder, which means we’ve been approved to represent the second-largest steel building manufacturer in the United States.
- Wide interior spans
Steel portal frame structures or clearspan structures can accommodate large interior spaces without freestanding support columns. In some cases, steel frames or beams are built into the building’s foundation for extra support. Recreational buildings and riding arenas are just a couple of examples of buildings that may need uninterrupted interior space.
Take a look at this steel building project we helped with in Wright City, Missouri. It has no interior columns, and its longest side measures 120 feet.
- Sustainable
Steel is close to 100% recyclable, and steel manufacturing processes have been updated to emit less carbon than they used to. Steel building projects typically don’t generate much waste, either. Builders looking for sustainable components should consider steel because it’s infinitely recyclable — and it lasts much longer than other materials.
- Retains its value
Even after your building is no longer useful, a steel frame can still be recycled. The price of steel fluctuates, but steel scraps should retain a high percentage of their original value. Few other building materials can be sold after decades of use like steel can.
In the event that you want to add an extension to your steel-framed building, it’s very simple to do. Your engineer should be able to advise you on creating room for building expansions during the design process.
Start your next building project with a steel frame from National Steel Buildings
You can build almost anything on a solid concrete foundation and some steel framing. In fact, lighter-weight cold-formed steel (CFS) buildings don’t even need a foundation. But if you’re embarking on an industrial or commercial building project, there’s a structural steel alloy with the exact amount of strength and ductility to support your new structure.
Over the past 35 years, we’ve helped hundreds of companies make smart investments in high-end steel buildings and components. Our design experts can help generate plans from your vision and ideas, and our construction teams can bring them to life. We manage every step of the process so you don’t have to juggle multiple contractors and vendors.
What will your next building project look like? We can help you determine if structural steel is the most cost-effective and durable framing material for you. Contact our team today for more information about our steel building options and pricing.