Benefits of Steel Framing for Homes

Steel framing has been around for decades in the commercial building sector. It’s only more recently that home owners have started to realise the value and benefits of this system. And to be honest, we reckon it’s the best thing since double-glazing.

Steel frame homes are healthier homes. Steel framing is free of the harsh chemicals that are used to stop timber from rotting, and it can’t harbour mould or mildew spores. For your family, that means less exposure to chemicals and fewer problems with allergies and asthma.

Throughout the industry there is increasing concern over the use of timber preservatives which have varying levels of toxicity. Trades people must take suitable health and safety precautions when handling and working with freshly treated timber. The challenge of dealing with toxic waste is also a major issue for the industry.

Just a few of the reasons why we recommend steel frame homes:

Fire Safety
Steel frames do not ignite, propagate or add fuel to a fire. By significantly reducing the amount of flammable materials in your home, we are effectively increasing the fire safety of your home.

Electrical Safety
Steel frames are earthed to be electrically safe. When exposed to a live wire they will create a short and trip the residual current safety device, unlike timber frames which remain live.

Earthquake Safety
Steel-framed homes hold up better in earthquakes. A steel frame actually weighs about a third of timber framing. A lighter frame means less weight for a quake to throw around. So if your home is in an earthquake, it will stop moving sooner and will suffer far less damage.

Weather Tightness
Steel framing effectively eliminates the risk of “leaky home syndrome”. Not only does steel repel and evaporate moisture highly efficiently, but it cannot absorb or transfer moisture which can cause significant damage to your home.

Longevity and Durability
Steel frames will not twist, shrink or warp which significantly reduces the chance of unsightly plaster cracking, saggy ceilings, bowed walls and jamming doors or windows.

Affordability
We use 100% New Zealand steel meaning our steel framing system will cost about the same as a timber one.