Steel Floor Joists: Benefits

Steel is roll formed into precise, uniform shapes with exacting tolerances for consistent material quality. There is no need for sorting (culling) or special handling to inspect for crown.
Steel joists are straight. They don't warp, twist, bow, split or have knots.
Steel is dimensionally stable and won't shrink like wood, eliminating nail popping, wall cracking and floor squeaking.
Steel does not rot, promote mold or mildew and is impermeable to termites, vermin and insects.

Steel has one of the highest strength-to-weight ratios of any building material.
Because of its strength, steel can mean fewer framing members with wider on center spacing, reducing material and labor costs.
Steel framing can weigh substantially less when compared to traditional building materials like masonry and concrete systems.
Light-gauge framing can reach spans far greater than traditional or engineered lumber, providing larger open spaces, taller walls and flexible floor plans.
Steel framing lightens structures, reducing foundation requirements and often reducing or eliminating pilling.
Stick for stick, steel can weigh up to 50% less compared to lumber.
Steel can adapt to almost any application and works well independently or in combination with other structural systems.

Steel framing is non-combustible and will not add fuel to a fire. It improves fire safety in compliance with local codes and regulations.
Steel framing offers code approved increases in allowable floor area and/or allowable building heights compared to conventional wood framing.
One-third of all fires start in the wall cavity.
Actual case studies show steel houses perform very well in house fires, with little or no damage to the framing structure.

Over $1 billion is spent each year for prevention, control and repair.
Steel framing provides a termite-proof solution for the structural integrity of you project.
The most ferocious termite is the Formosan Subterranean "Super Termite."
An average colony consists of about 3 million termites, but can be as large as 10 million. A single colony normally survives about 35 years.
A well-fed Formosan queen can live for 25 years and lay 1,000 eggs a day.

Steel does not promote the growth of mold and reduces the threat of staggering litigation.
Mold requires and organic nutrient source and moisture to grow and flourish. Steel is inorganic and does not contain moisture like wood. Kiln dried lumber still has between 11-14% residual water content.
California has already passed mold-related laws, and nine other states have legislation pending.

Steel framing members in wall cavities, attic spaces or crawl spaces that are not exposed to water will last over 300 years, per a study conducted in England.
Forensic studies recently conducted on Oahu residences built over 40 years ago showed steel wall studs with no visible signs of corrosion.
Zinc coating protects steel by providing a physical barrier as well as cathodic protection to the underlying steel. When the base is exposed, such as at a cut or scratch, the steel is cathodically protected by the sacrificial corrosion of the zinc coating adjacent to the steel.

Steel framing can be engineered to meet the highest seismic and wind loads prescribed by building codes.
Steel has the highest strength-to-weight ratio of any framing material; a lighter structure with stronger connections results in lower damage from seismic force.
Steel's strength and resiliency help it to survive earthquakes.
Smaller probability of damage in high winds; stronger connections (screwed vs. nailed) can withstand greater winds.
For generations we have relied on the strength and durability of steel in our commercial buildings, hospitals and schools.

Simply twist metal studs into place and screw attach. Make a mistake and simply reverse the screw gun.
Up to 50% lighter than wood.
Pre-punched holes eliminate drilling for electrical and plumbing lines.
Special order cut-to-length material eliminates field cutting and waste.

Steel offers builders an environmentally friendly alternative to wood.
There is little waste when using steel framing materials.
Builders can reduce their disposal costs and divert material from local landfills (2% - steel vs. 20% - lumber).
Building an average wood-frame home generates approximately 50 cubic feet of landfill waste, while a comparable steel home generates about 1.5 cubic feet of waste.

The Healthy House Institute recommends steel framing for good indoor air quality.
Chemically sensitive homeowners and those susceptible to asthma are exposed to fewer toxins in a steel-framed home.
The American Lung Association encourages the use of steel framing with its Health House program.
Steel resists mold spores that can lead to chronic illness.
No pesticides or toxins are required to protect the framing from termites or vermin.
No off gassing from resins, adhesive or chemicals normally used for wood construction.
Better insulation values with EPS foam reduces outside noise pollution.

Steel is 100% recyclable and considered a green building material.
Steel framing materials contain on average 67% recycled steel.
Steel can be a significant contributor to the LEED certification process.
It takes 25 old growth trees to build a 2,500 square foot home, compared with 7 recycled automobiles for the same steel-framed home.
60 million tons of steel scrap are recycled each year: more than paper, aluminum, glass and plastic combined.

The Benefits of Steel