Steel is becoming very attractive to many builders due to its
- Longevity
- Good structural integrity
- Weather resistance
- High strength-to-weight ratio
- Steel is eco-friendly and endlessly recyclable
Let’s Consider Some Of The Pros Of Building With Steel
As steel is lighter than wood, this reduces the overall transport costs of materials. Steel foundations and support structures can be simpler and smaller using steel. You also get less time needed for construction and subsequently need less labour force, reducing overall building costs.
Another saving that you can make with steel is that less construction waste needs clearing and paying to put into landfills. All steel and metal waste can be recycled and reused.
Due to steel durability, you can expect your steel building to outlast concrete or wood. The expected life span of a steel building is 50 -100 yrs, and then you can be responsible and recycle it! You can also consider buying a steel building kit, which again reduces the number of specialised workers involved in the project.
Cons Of Building With Steel
Steel can be subject to corrosion because it is an iron alloy. The application of an anti-corrosion substance can help. Epoxy coatings are popular, or you can use galvanised steel, where you coat steel with Zinc – a substance that inhibits steel corrosion.
Steel is not fireproof and requires fireproofing. Also, buckling is a potential problem. The higher the building, the more likely buckling can occur. However, this problem is solvable by having an experienced design team, builder, and the expertise of a reliable steel manufacturer. At National Steel Buildings, you can speak to steel experts and discover their range of quality steel buildings.
Summary of Overall Savings Using Steel Construction
Manufacturing steel off-site or purchasing prefabricated steel kits allows for faster build times. Plus, fewer workers are required onsite – this has the additional benefit of fewer onsite accidents and a saving of 10 -20% in labour costs. Other savings you can make using steel include,
- Prefabricated steel building construction is less handicapped by the weather, so there is no need for costly ‘down’ days.
- Overall, construction time is lessened, impacting financing – fewer interest payments, and the building is ready to use, rent, or sell much sooner.
- A smaller labour force is required.
- Impact on the use of other materials such as
- smaller foundations with steel due to the strength-to-weight ratio
- Substructure requirements
- Lightweight Roofs
- Reduced cladding with lower storey heights
- Prefab steel buildings allow much more flexibility if changes to the structure are required.
- Insurance costs are often lower due to a steel building’s resistance to pests, decay and natural disasters.
