Building a home out of steel has become an increasingly popular option. Of course, it’s not a new option, it’s been used for centuries in commercial buildings but the domestic sector has been slow to utilize it.
This may be because most steel industrial buildings are a collection of steel posts and beams, it’s not the most attractive look. Fortunately, if you’re building a home the inside, or the outside, doesn’t need to look like this!
What is important is that you choose a structural steel fabrication company that knows what it’s doing, this will ensure you get access to the entire range of options and get the very best quality steel.
Steel Frame Homes Pros and Cons
The Pros
There are plenty of advantages to building steel frame houses:
- Cost
Steel panels can be created in the factory and delivered to your door. This means the quality can be guaranteed and the cost s dramatically less than building a wooden framed house. The panes are made in set sizes in a commercial process, you just need to order the right quantity for your intended design.
In fact, the cost of building a steel frame house can be as much as 50% less than traditional methods.
- Strength
Metal is stronger than wood, this will give your house better protection against the elements or anything else that happens. The steel is coated and will last for many years, rivaling the lifespan of well-looked after wood.
In fact, it can last as long as 60 years.
- Lighter than wood
You may be surprised to find that steel is actually lighter than wood. This makes it easier to build intricate structures. Panels can be prefabricated to the exact shapes you want and less support is needed than in a traditional build.
In short, you’re going to find it easier to build a steel frame house than a traditional wood-framed one.
- Ease of construction
Because the panels can be constructed off-site they can be delivered when you’re ready for them and be installed virtually instantly. The process of creating a house is dramatically simplified. In fact, constructing the frame can take a matter of days.
- Minimal Maintenance
Steel is coated to protect it from the elements, all you’ll need to do is clean it regularly and inspect for damage. Damaged areas will need to be repaired quickly to ensure they don’t cause a bigger problem. But, that’s all the maintenance you’ll need to do.
Don’t forget that steel is also fireproof, which could literally be a life-saver.
The Cons
Of course, no building material is completely perfect. There are a few things you need to be aware of.
- Insulation
Unfortunately metal attracts heat, this means it will reduce the temperature inside your home in the winter and increase it in the summer. That’s not the right way around for a comfortable interior space, you’ll need to consider this before you build and include insulation and a cooling system.
- Professional Help
Even if you want to complete the self-build project yourself it’s unlikely you’ll be able to do it all without professional help. The bolts holding the steel together are usually specialized and need to be tightened to specific torques.
It’s still cheaper than a traditional home but you do need to be aware that it’s hard to complete the entire build yourself.