As roof trusses replace rafters as the standard choice for roof support in most multi-family residential buildings, Architecture & Design completed a quick overview of timber versus steel roof trusses.
Resiliency has become an oft-used buzzword in the architecture and design industries as building professionals seek methods for countering increasingly intense hurricane activity, wildfires, flooding and other natural events. Natural disasters cost the U.S. a combined $136 billion in 2018 and 2019, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), a sign that a growing number of extreme weather events are taking a significant economic toll
Cold-formed steel (CFS) has been available in construction for more than a century, but some specifiers, architects, engineers, and other building professionals do not yet understand the full range of the material’s benefits and applications. Lightweight, strong, noncombustible, and easy to install, it is versatile enough to address many common obstacles (such as code, time, and cost restrictions) faced by specifiers and other building professionals.
Cold-formed steel has taken the industry by storm. Even though most of us are no stranger to cold-formed steel and all of its advantages, we continuously learn how to use this material to give the structure increased personality, make the building sturdier and safer, and save the project money.
Cold-formed steel refers to zinc-coated steel sheets, strips, plates or flat bars fabricated using rolled-formed machines (press or bending brake processes) to produce cold-formed steel structural sections.
One of the major material advantages of cold-formed steel (CFS) framing is that it is impervious to the environmental factors that typically threaten the integrity, lifespan and stability of other framing materials. The material’s resistance to corrosion, mold and vermin, plus its dimensional stability, helps give it a longevity few other building materials can rival. Read on to learn more about cold-formed steel’s many durable attributes.
Cold-formed steel has taken the industry by storm. Even though most of us are no stranger to cold-formed steel and all of its advantages, we continuously learn how to use this material to give the structure increased personality, make the building sturdier and safer, and save the project money.
Buildings endure a lot stress over their lifespan. From climactic activities to natural disasters, there are a number of things that could affect a building’s structure.
As technology improves, so do construction techniques – often in ways that can be complex to understand. With so many burgeoning trends and methodologies, it can be challenging to decide which opportunities are worth the investment needed to properly evaluate and implement, and which are not.
Cold Formed Steel (CFS), also known as light gauge steel (LGS), construction is a practical, code approved solution to many of the limitations that builders face today when using traditional construction materials.
Trusses are essential in supporting the external loads of bridges, towers, and your precious home roofs.
Cold-formed steel (CFS) framing is rapidly becoming the material of choice for student dormitories, assisted living facilities, hotels, multi-family homes and other mid-rise buildings across the country.
Timber has long been the framing material of choice for buildings. A sturdy and familiar material, it has been used on structures all over the world for hundreds of years. However, steel framing is fast becoming a popular alternative which is increasingly being specified.
Keeping at the forefront of technological advances in construction is how intelligent clients and designers are maximising construction outputs and increasing profit margins.
These steel frames offer a cost savings approach to construction insurance, plus many other advantages.
As the largest contributor to carbon emissions across the globe, the construction industry is looking to develop more socially responsible methods and structures. A trending solution: Using cold-formed steel (CFS) to frame greener structures.
As global demand for solar power as an alternative energy option rises, solar photovoltaic (PV) panel manufacturers and installers increasingly look for superior product quality while using cost-effective, reliable materials in assembly.
Resiliency has become an oft-used buzzword in the engineering and construction industries, as building professionals seek methods for countering increasingly intense hurricane activity, wildfires, flooding and other natural events. Natural disasters cost the U.S. $91B in 2018, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, a sign that a growing number of extreme weather events are taking a significant economic toll.
Choosing the right material to frame your next commercial project can significantly reduce costs while maintaining, or even improving, work quality and output.
The building method for wood-framed homes in the United States has changed little since the mid-1800s. Due to current construction methods, maintenance is often required after only a few decades for wood-framed homes.
Have you heard the saying “In a world full of thorns, be a rose”? It means that in a world full of commonality… stand out! So, we’d like to say “In a world full of commercial steel, be a house”! Don’t just do what everyone else is doing and build your home with wood or concrete. Understand that there is another – and in many ways, a better – option available to frame your residence. Cold-formed steel is not just for commercial use anymore!
Pre-fabricated, structural cold-formed metal framing (CFMF) bearing walls are a trending construction system and an economical alternative to structural steel or reinforced concrete systems for mid-rise construction. CFMF wall systems are particularly desirable for 6- to 12-story multi-family apartments or condominiums, student housing, senior living, and hotels. Vertically-aligned residential demising and partition walls allow the CFMF to stack like timber-framed or concrete masonry unit (CMU) bearing wall construction. However, CFMF wall buildings are less height restrictive than timber due to steel’s higher strength and not as labor-intensive as CMU because of pre-fabrication. Additionally, CFMF systems integrate wall panels as the structural system in what would typically be non-structural, stick-built partition walls.
Cold-formed steel (CFS) is a material that has been used in the construction industry for decades. The list of benefits to engineer and build with light steel framing steel studs, also known as cold-formed steel, is long and impressive. This material is resilient and reliable, and will easily conform to the needs of the job.
Cold-formed steel framing presents designers and contractors with some significant advantages
Framing is one of the most important steps in the building process; it is the frame that sets the stage for overall project results. Without a sturdy frame and a reliable foundation, a building will crumble – just like a house of cards.
Builders, contractors and design professionals are concerned with overall system construction costs from the design phase through to the operational phase, and not simply the raw material costs of structural and nonstructural systems.
Cold-formed steel brings a lot of ingenuity to the construction industry that many people simply take for granted. While it’s certainly not a new material, there are new things learned daily about the capabilities of cold-formed steel.
If you are not careful, construction can quickly become a budget-nightmare with sky-high prices for equipment, labor, and materials. In fact, materials alone can quickly kill your budget and have you second guessing whether or not it’s even possible to complete the project.
Cold-formed steel (CFS) is one of the most reliable, durable, and sustainable building materials around, making it a great option for almost any low- or mid-rise construction project, no matter where it’s located. That said, there are some areas in the United States and beyond where framing with CFS isn’t just a good idea — it’s highly advisable.
Quality assurance, and the sourcing of cost-effective, superior materials, is a primary concern in any modern building project. One approach that can make a substantial difference in project quality and efficiency is to use roof trusses made with cold formed steel (CFS).
Steel metal siding isn’t new; it’s been around for almost 100 years. But thanks to a host of innovative improvements, there’s been a resurgence of interest in this surprisingly beautiful, durable, and environmentally friendly alternative to fiber cement, vinyl, and wood.
The demand for multi-family housing is growing. A study commissioned by the National Multi-Family Housing Council and National Apartment Association found that population growth and a preference for multi-family rental units will require 4.6 million new apartments by 2030. Fewer renters are interested in swapping out their apartments for homeownership, and more seniors are choosing to rent.
Effective project management is the result of thorough planning, which leads to cost-efficient project delivery. To achieve this, many companies will focus on additional project controls. However, this overlooks one of the most crucial ways to save money – by implementing design-led construction.
As the price of wood rises, more and more builders are considering cold formed steel (CFS) as an alternative to lumber.
Cold-formed steel (CFS) framing is a versatile building material because it can be connected to a variety of other materials. But how do you make those unions work? How do you connect CFS to hot-rolled steel, aluminum, concrete, masonry, or wood?
Panelization — the ability to assemble wall, floor, and roof sections off-site in a controlled environment — is frequently used in cold-formed steel framing projects and provides many advantages, from minimizing costly weather delays to ensuring greater quality control.
Quality assurance, and the sourcing of cost-effective, superior materials, is a primary concern in any modern building project. One approach that can make a substantial difference in project quality and efficiency is to use roof trusses made with cold formed steel (CFS).
Because Cold-formed steel (CFS) framing is light weight, extremely strong, noncombustible, and relatively easy to install, it has dominated the market for interior, non-loadbearing partition walls in commercial construction. Now, with advanced technological developments like panelized systems, the building community is using CFS for structural applications in mid-rise and multi-housing buildings.
Reducing construction waste by building with cold-formed steel framing can help building owners reign in project costs and protect the environment.
Recently, a major fire raced through the AvalonBay at Edgewater apartment community in New Jersey, destroying several hundred units and displacing the residents of the luxury development in the middle of winter.
Prefabrication has long been touted as the answer to smarter, faster, and safer construction. The prefabrication revolution is quietly changing the way engineering and construction works. Many companies are starting to see how this change in construction is enhancing their business and granting a competitive edge, particularly when paired with the right materials.
Although some builders may think of cold-formed steel (CFS) as an ideal material for interior framing, that’s not the extent of its utility. CFS delivers many advantages in the construction of wall panels, floor joists, roof trusses, and structural walls as well.
How is steel energy efficient? Is Cold Formed Steel a robust construction material? Does it limit home design capabilities? Will a steel framed home look different to other homes? What are the advantages of CFS for residential construction projects?
Timber has long been the framing material of choice for buildings. A sturdy and familiar material, it has been used on structures all over the world for hundreds of years
How does cold-formed steel (CFS) compare to cast-in-place concrete when framing a building? Neither material has the monopoly on benefits. The “best” material depends on the project.
Cold-formed steel (CFS) framing has a proven track record of providing cost benefits for multi-family and mid-rise building projects. In this video, learn how the use of CFS framing can lead to savings in several areas, from lower insurance premiums to shorter construction cycles.
When some building owners consider structural systems for their construction projects, they overlook cold-formed steel (CFS) framing. Why? There are many common misconceptions about the effectiveness of CFS as a structural material.
Cold-formed steel (CFS) is one of the most reliable, durable, and sustainable building materials around, making it a great option for almost any low- or mid-rise construction project, no matter where it’s located. That said, there are some areas in the United States and beyond where framing with CFS isn’t just a good idea — it’s highly advisable.
Keeping at the forefront of technological advances in construction is how intelligent clients and designers are maximising construction outputs and increasing profit margins.
In construction, understanding the latest, most efficient technologies and building methods is key to success… not to mention high levels of skill and familiarity with those methods, and an engineering staff that’s always ready to create high-quality building components at scale.
