The Pros and Cons of Steel Frame Houses

If you are considering having a new home built, you may be wondering whether or not to go for a steel frame construction. Steel frame buildings have long been associated with storage buildings, but have more recently been incorporated in home building. Steel frame buildings come with a number of advantages and disadvantages.

Here's a brief overview of the pros and cons of having steel frame home built.  

The Pros of Steel Frame Houses

One major benefit of using steel in the construction of the frame of a house is its longevity. Steel is extremely durable and will last for a very long time without the need for repair. Unlike timber, steel won't rot or become distorted and you won't need to worry about having the material weatherproofed either.

A further massive plus of steel frame housing is that your home will not be as vulnerable to attack by wood-eating pests, such as termites and wood borers. Termites and wood borers are attracted to timber as a food source for their larvae, meaning that colonies are far more likely to become established in homes with lots of wooden beams in their fabric.

Homes with wooden frame construction will require annual inspection and treatment with termiticides, incurring further expense and potentially attracting higher insurance premiums too.

The durability and long-lasting qualities of steel will undoubtedly save you money on maintenance and repairs in the long term. If you live in an area that is prone to earthquakes, hurricanes or extreme weather, steel frame buildings can be constructed specifically to mitigate this risk.   

The Cons of Steel Frame Houses

Although the advantages of steel frame houses do seem to outweigh the disadvantages, there are still a few cons to be aware of.

Due to the high cost of making steel, steel frame houses can be slightly more expensive than those constructed from timber. It is also much quicker to assemble a timber frame house than it is to build a steel frame one, meaning that you will incur higher labour costs.

Timber is a very efficient natural insulator, whereas steel has no insulating qualities. This will also add to the construction costs of a steel frame house.

In Conclusion

If you are considering having your home newly built, you will need to decide whether to opt for a timber or a steel frame. Bear in mind the pros and cons outlined above and discuss the project in greater detail with an experienced home builder for more advice and guidance.

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