It has nothing to do with Rocket Science - quality steel buildings are accessible to just about everyone - and, the best part is that every so often they come out with innovations that just make our lives even better still.

Some of those innovations include lighter steel framing technology (LSF), dry building construction on steel profiles' frames, the ability to build strong and multiple stories as well as green steel construction.

Also, in genesisworlwide . com, they discuss 3 issues which are inherently important to the construction of quality steel buildings - performance, price and preference - the 3 P's.

Light steel framing is not an impediment to constructing quality steel buildings. "Light steel structure building is a new type of building structure system, which is formed by the main steel framework linking up H-section, Z-section, and U-section steel components, roof and walls using a variety of panels and other components such as windows and doors." (india mart . com)

The main benefits of using light steel framing are that it places less weight on the roof and columns. This, in turn, ensures that the structure is more stable. Also, "Light steel framing ensures straight true walls and quiet, squeak-free floors." (genesis worldwide . com)

(Photo courtesy of Steelmaster Building, Elizabeth Anderson, Flickr.)

When erecting any kind of building using the conventional methods, on-site you will find the element of water for mixing cement. Dry building construction on steel frames simply means that most components - primarily, wall elements, are manufactured off site and transported to the client. They are either shipped already assembled, or individually assembling upon arriving at their destination.

The benefit of this arrangement is that construction crews need to spend less time piddling around with these structures. Also, less specialized personnel are required and, since we all know how expensive labor is, this is a definite way in which you may save money. Another benefit is that it keeps moisture away.

Now, quality steel buildings do not need to be one or two stories tall, only. Another of the innovations in this industry is the erection of multiple stories within one edifice. "Steel's strength-to-weight ratio is the highest of any residential building material and it can be easily formed and joined. And, this high strength-to-weight ratio enables it to span large distances gracefully and economically, more so than any other building material. Whether single or multiple-story buildings, steel's long spanning capability enables the creation of large areas of unobstructed space." (living steel.org)

Because steel building components are manufactured according to specifications, companies may request that the steel building foundations and frames be built to withstand high winds of hurricanes and the tremors of earthquakes without harming the floors above.

(Photo courtesy of Christian Haugen, Flickr.)

This type of steel construction is designated as a hybrid for it is composed of different building systems integrated into one project. The most obvious advantage of quality steel buildings constructed with the hybrid system is that of noticeable design flexibility. Such allows you include all of your design specifications, no matter how complex they may be. "Hybrid systems have a really effective design profile that allows them to meet any heavy loading requirements. The need to shop from multiple vendors for additional options is precluded by the use of a hybrid steel building system which is generally provided by just one supplier." (prefab buildings help .com)

Quality steel buildings are green from the get-go - all of the steel used is recycled and recyclable and it only takes 25% energy to create new steel. The environmentally desirable properties of steel buildings include minimal waste materials during processing, "It also will not rot, sag, split, crack or be subject to insect infestation. Steel studs are also utilized with thermal breaks that allow for less heat loss than wood. Steel is also nontoxic because it does not off-gas and contaminates the quality of indoor air. Steel simply bolts together so that steel members can be simply unbolted and reused when a structure is scheduled to be demolished.According to the most recent numbers the total post-consumer recycled content of steel in the United States is 50.8%. Structural steel (for buildings), however, tops in at 66%. Scrap steel makes up most recycled steel, in large part from project waste materials and junked cars. All steel remains 100% recyclable and the most recycled material in the world. The value in recycling steel is also seen in the use of only 25% of the energy required to create new steel from raw materials when mining, manufacturing, and transportation are all part of the equation. Each ton of recycled steel saves twenty five hundred pounds of iron ore, one thousand pounds of coal, and forty pounds of limestone." (ccsis steel buildings .com)." (csis steel buildings .com)

Steel buildings are now being erected taking into consideration possible seasonal natural disasters that occur frequently in the area such as hurricanes and tornadoes. For starters, steel buildings do not use as many and as large screws as normal buildings, so that is one less thing flying around that may hurt someone during these types of natural disasters. When high winds start to push the wind force is transmitted to the frame and the fasteners.

Today, steel is considered the best material to use in areas that are prone to natural disasters due to its ductibility. Whether we are discussing high winds or an earthquake, steel buildings are now being designed to take more advantage of their flexibility under these circumstances.

The three p's - performance, price and preference are important requirements that no one should overlook.

Performance

The major plus of quality steel buildings is that the material is dependable and consistent. "A product that is consistent and dimensionally accurate every time, is protected by a coating of GalvalumeT or galvanized, and won't rot, shrink, swell, split, or warp, is not affected by insects and, of course, does not add fuel to a fire. As well, steel's high strength-to-weight advantage means that it can span larger distances and thus provide greater design flexibility-with larger open spaces minus intermediate columns or load-bearing walls. Since a steel member weighs up to 60% less than its wood counterpart, seismec and foundation loads can be reduced." (genesis worldwide .com)

Price

When you want to buy steel buildings, "price" is not related to the actual cost of the materials - though, that is important also, for the wood prices fluctuate more readily than does that of steel.

In this particular case, price is relevant to the savings incurred during the actual construction. Due to the fact that quality steel buildings just require setting up, there is less labor force, with less specialization, required to erect the buildings.

With regard to actual pricing, ".floor joists, steel is $0.15 per square foot less than engineered wood products, and in non-load-bearing applications, $0.12 per square foot less than 2x4s." (genesis worldwide .com)

Preference

Market trends clearly indicate that quality steel buildings are the builders'choice. ".available data show that North American shipments of light gauge steel for residential construction have increased by over 40%. For single family dwellings, LSF shipments have increased over 52%, with combined interior and exterior wall stud shipments increasing 84% and floor joists over 25%." (genesis worldwide .com)

This same trend is reflected on the side of home buyers. Each and every time, the consumer has chosen quality steel buildings over conventional structures once informed about that "safety, comfort, indoor air quality and utility can be combined in a compact structural component." (genesis worldwide .com)