To learn why building with steel is the most efficient way to construct a home, while understanding the drawbacks, read on!
A steel-frame building taking shape.A steel framework is classified as being of non-standard construction as opposed to traditional house construction using wood frames. The steel frame is often not obvious, being hidden behind cladding, external brickwork or render.
Increasingly, more factories are making steel frames for the house-building industry using the `light gauge steel construction’ technique: light gauge steel is made from thin sheets of steel measuring between 1-3mm, which are cut and constructed using welding, bolting or riveting techniques, into the required shape at the factory.
On-site, they are fitted to concrete foundations before other materials are used to fill the structure of the house, such as brick or render.
Historically, steel has been regarded as a cheap construction method, used for instance, to build agricultural sheds, however, steel manufacture has undergone vast improvements and it is now considered a high-quality construction material with key attributes for modern building and could become more widely used.
The choice of any building material involves huge trade-offs, and it is difficult to optimise the design for any given situation because objectives such as cost, quality and aesthetics differ, points out Alan Muse, Head of Construction Standards at the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors. He said:
“Constructing houses from steel is not a new concept: it was commonly used to build houses after World War II. For residential construction, steel offers longevity; if it is fire-protected it will last longer than wood frames, and it is watertight. A disadvantage is that it is not so good at stopping noise, for example between apartments in a building.
However, steel is strong, therefore resistant to wind and earthquakes, it is adaptable and steel components can be made to any shape. It is particularly suited to the current trend for large spans in houses, as steel can span more quickly than cellular construction. It also encourages off-site fabrication which helps maintain high standards of construction.”
Mr. Muse added that while years ago steel corroded as it was not well protected, making it more difficult to obtain a mortgage for a steel built house, modern steel is of very good quality. Most steel production has a high embodied carbon content, which is a problem given the current focus on sustainability, but innovations are taking place to make low-carbon steel components and improve product quality.
These include the use of hot zinc coating, extra powder treatments and improved joining methods while low weight steel and mild steel are also being increasingly used.
While timber-frame construction is more sustainable than steel, it is more susceptible to fire damage; this is one example of the trade-off decisions which must be taken according to the location of a building, and different solutions may need to be implemented to achieve all the aims of a scheme.
However, if steel is well-designed and well-built, in many cases it can satisfy most scheme’s requirements.
Problems with resale and insurance mean that lenders view steel framed homes with caution due to their record of variable build quality. Steel-framed homes are often bought by cash buyerd but it is possible to get a mortgage. However, the range of lenders is limited due to a history of defective steel based houses. Lenders are restrictive over the specific type of steel property they will grant mortgages on.
A mortgage broker may be able to help with a search for the right lender. Mortgage lenders define steel-frame houses as category A, B or C.
Category A means that a house is mortgageable in its original condition. The B category means that a property is mortgageable following approved repairs and the C grading rules out a house for being defective and it is therefore not mortgageable.
It is important to be aware that uncertainty surrounding the reliability of steel-frames creates difficulties in obtaining insurance, leading to the potential for higher premiums.
While steel framed buildings can be difficult to spot for a lay person, steel may be evident in the loft space and roof structure. It is also possible to see parts of a frame at meter entry points into a property, at the back of cupboards, or at areas of corrosion. Other tell-tale signs include patterned cracking on the skin of external brickwork and crooked internal door and window openings.
At auction, a buyer should be sure of whether or not the house they are bidding on has been built using steel, especially if an agreed mortgage depends on it.
Internal view of a steel-framed building.Let us know what you think. If you have experience of either buying or living in a property with a steel construction, we would be interested to hear your comments.
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