Should I have A Steel Framed Home?

Are Metric Steel Frame Homes The Future

For builders, the materials they use play an essential role in determining the quality of the final output. When it comes to the frame of a building, the material used provides necessary structural strength. 

When it comes to building frames, builders often choose between steel or wood. But why are steel-framed homes always the best choice? 

Steel is lightweight

It surprises most people that a steel-framed building system weighs less than a timber frame! This leads to a whole bunch of benefits meaning that less labour is needed and shipping costs are lower when building with steel.

Steel is versatile 

Steel is a very versatile building material, making it a popular choice for building homes. Structural steel can be moulded into virtually any shape, resulting in more creative home designs. For builders and architects, steel helps even the most innovative designs can be quickly transformed into a reality.

Steel is environmentally friendly

Steel is made from recycled materials and is recycled at the end of its lifespan, making it one of the most environmentally friendly building products.

Steel is termite proof

Termites pose a significant risk to American homes. They feed on wood and cause devastating damage to many homes. Thankfully, steel-framed homes provide a lifetime guarantee against termites.

Steel is fire safe

Conversely to wood, steel is a non-combustible material and will not bend or warp in the event o a fire. For many in America, where the risk of fires is high, having a steel framed home can be the difference between having to rebuild a home or repair it.

Steel is strong against weather conditions

It has never been more important for homes to be built strong and to last, especially in areas where the risk of tornadoes is high. Homeowners that choose to build with steel frames can rest assured that their home with withstand cyclonic winds.

Avoid Injuries while welding metric metal

Safety For Welders

Let’s take a look at some of the essential safety measures that help protect welders in the metal fabrication industry.

Safety hazards for welders

Without the proper safety measures, welders are at significant risk of low-quality outputs or even injury. Risks include:

  • burns/spatter on exposed or unprotected skin
  • Cutting mistakes due to poor visibility from smoke
  • Rashes or skin ulcers from exposure to hexavalent chromium 
  • Nosebleeds, sores, or even holes inside or around the nose
  • Asthma or lung cancer from long-term exposure to smoke 
  • A build-up of combustible gases can ignite an explosion

Safety measures for welders

Putting the right safety measures in place can ensure that welders are protected from potential risks. The following measures are particularly useful:

Safety-First Welding Practices: Implementing safety-first welding practice is the first step to protecting welders from potential risks. This includes a quality control program with a strong focus on educating welders on proper, safe welding practice. Education in the form of ongoing training and quality control prevents metal fabrication mistakes such as spatter injuries and will result in higher quality outputs. Furthermore, all equipment should be inspected regularly to maintain safety and standards of quality.

Avoid Spatter Hazards: Generated at, or close to the welding arc, spatter can be caused by working with metals of various thicknesses or alternatively, from mistaken welding settings, such as setting the voltage or amps too high. Spatter poses a significant risk as it can reach up to 35 feet from any welding area which places welders and all surrounding employees at risk of severe injury. To avoid spatter, the correct protective equipment must be used including a welding hood and shield, leather gloves and a leather apron, vest or suit. Furthermore, using the best quality welding equipment will allow workers to avoid spatter from occurring in the first place. 

Minimize Indoor Air Quality Risks: Welding dust and fumes can threaten the safety of welders and surrounding workers. These airborne contaminants can also diminish the life of cooling fans and expensive machinery, significantly impacting fabrication quality. Proper ventilation and fume-extraction tools should always be used to minimize this hazard. 3M masks may also be required to ensure a safe and productive welding environment. 

If you need quality steel that is fabricated to suit your unique needs, contact Spahr Metric today. Our team of expert metric steel consultants have the experience and knowledge to answer any of your questions and will ensure that you find the best solution to suit your needs.

Why should builders choose steel for their construction projects?

Spahr Metric Carbon Threaded Rod And Hex Nut

When builders embark on any construction project, they are faced with a plethora of options when it comes to design. One of the many decisions they must make is what material will most adequately fulfill the desired outcomes of the project. Of course, steel is always a frontrunner when it comes to highly effective construction materials. 

The advantages of using steel in construction are almost endless. Let’s take a close look at why steel is a great material for builders in an array of construction projects.

Strength and durability

Steel is synonymous with strength and durability, which is something all builders require. As a raw material, it has extremely high tensile strength and an excellent strength-to-weight ratio meaning that it will never twist, bend or buckle, no matter how much pressure it is under. Builders also rely on steel due to its resistance to corrosion.

Sustainability

The clients of builders and construction companies increasingly desire more sustainable materials and a more environmentally friendly focus. While wood is highly unsustainable, steel is one of the most recycled materials in the world. Steel can be melted down, reshaped and re-used an infinite number of times without losing its structural integrity.

Affordability

Of course, the cost of a construction project should be as low as possible without compromising on the quality of the final product. That is why, time and time again, builders choose steel. This incredible material is inexpensive compared to other materials and has become much less labor intensive. Furthermore, transport and ongoing maintenance costs of steel are far less than other materials such as wood. Its strength and durability mean that replacement and repairs are barely ever required.

Versatility and aesthetics 

Builders and architects alike love working with steel, as it allows for an infinite array of design options. Easy to customize and create stunning and modern aesthetic effects, steel has become one of the most popular material options among America’s best builders. For sleek and bold contemporary designs, no material looks better than steel.

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These are just a few of the many advantages for builders using steel in the construction industry. However, what is for certain is that steel is a vital resource and provides the framework for builders in the modern world.

What factors influence the price of steel?

Metric Metal Round Tube Up Close

Steel is a commodity which is widely known for its price fluctuations, and there are many events that see the price of steel move up and down. Everything from the time of year, to the basic supply and demand, will have an impact on steel prices.

Take a look at some of the major influences on the steel market, which work to affect the price of steel.

Energy costs

Energy is one of the most important factors in the pricing of steel, as it is used in almost every facet of the industry, from steelmaking and transport to construction. Oil is the most commonly used fuel in the steel industry, so when oil prices are low, so are finished steel products, and obviously, when oil costs more, steel becomes more expensive.

Supply and demand

While this factor is not unique to steel, it is still important nonetheless. As demand for a product increases, so too will its price.

Time of year

The time of year is significant in most industries, especially in the price of steel. Weather can affect shipping, and other modes of transport and seasonal highs and lows can affect the demand for new products.

Shipping

In many cases, materials and products in the steelmaking process may need to be imported or exported, so shipping is essential. Of course, naturally, all the costs involved in labour, shipping and transport will affect the final price of steel products.

Iron ore availability 

The cost of raw materials is a significant factor in the price of steel. Iron ore, coal and scrap steel are all important for creating new steel. While scrap steel comes from other buildings being torn down, iron and coal are dependent on the mining industry, which in itself has its own set of complications.

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If you have any questions about the price of steel or would like to order quality steel that is fabricated to suit your unique needs, contact Spahr Metric today. Our team of expert structural steel consultants have the experience and knowledge to answer any of your questions and will ensure that you find the best solution to suit your needs. To contact us