While construction starts are predicted to slow in 2023, there will be an even greater shift towards sustainable building practices and resiliency of construction projects. In the not so far off past, conventional building materials included wood and concrete. However, LGS, or light gauge steel, is now becoming popular due to its sustainability, design flexibility, and reduced time of construction. Of course, the construction materials all builders use are highly determined by cost. Read on to learn how INNO Metal Studs Corp. can help you lower costs and save money by opting for steel rather than traditional framing products.
Increased Safety
Steel supersedes all forms of outdated framing products. It is resistant to mold, fire, wind, and other typical natural challenges. In areas with seismic activity, steel is dependable to not shift with the earth as much as wood or concrete; steel can be engineered to allow for certain construction methods to handle an amount of ground movement without adverse effects, which helps reduce repair costs.
Maintenance
Speaking of repair costs, another advantage of LGS reduced maintenance costs. Since steel is resistant to mold, or termites, rotting and warping, it requires almost zero maintenance. Also, as you do not have to treat steel for insects, it means you can enjoy a higher quality of air, free of harsh and potentially harmful chemicals.
Comparatively, wood will eventually rot and become infested with termites that require frequent maintenance. Concrete, while durable, also requires maintenance against weather and mold. This makes steel an overall superior material for saving maintenance costs.
Reduced Cost
One of the biggest advantages of a steel building is cost. On average, steel frames cost about 5% to 7% less than concrete and traditional wood frames. Aside from this, the price of steel has steadily decreased, while lumber materials are volatile and prone to steep increases. When it comes to construction, time is money, and steel is quicker to build than concrete.
Flexibility
Last but not least, LGS has great environmental impact load capacities, and the installation process is not as labor intensive as wood and concrete construction. No doubt, you will save on labor costs, which are often the highest budget buster. It is also easier to add square footage or alter structural plans when the need arises. You only have to add frames and bays for the expansion. When it comes to steel vs. wood, steel remains flexible in terms of design as it has a larger span capability. Common LGS / CFS structures include medical buildings, warehouses, multifamily structures, single family homes, shopping centers, and many more!