Why Do Designers Choose Structural Steel?

When constructing a new building a designer has a fresh slate to form and create a building completely like any other.  Lately, several designers have made the decision to design their building with structural steel framing.  There are several benefits to structural steel framing and we have outlined just some of the benefits to explain why designers are regularly choosing this type of construction.

Steel is lighter than wood.  We know, comparing a 2x4 piece of wood to a 2x4 piece of steel you would not believe this, but because of the construction method required for framing a steel frame is much lighter than a wood frame.  Plus, due to the lighter weight costs decrease.  There are fewer man-hours required to assemble, shipping costs decrease because the weight is less to ship, and the framing design is much simpler with steel reducing overall material costs.

Designers are also choosing to work with structural steel because the construction process is much faster.  Many steel components come prefabricated.  There are standard sizes and shapes that come already engineered from the manufacturer and ready to install.  This means that a large construction project can be assembled in a matter of just weeks.  The nature of prefabricated material also means that there is less time required measuring and cutting traditional wood framing.  We all know time is money, so prefabricated parts not only save time they save money also.

Plus, choosing to build with structural steel is good for the environment.  Steel is one of the most recycled material with nearly 80 tons of steel recycled each year.  Aside from the material being environmentally friendly, the actual structures are greener also.  Steel construction fits together with airtight seams and joints which means that there is less of a need for additional insulation.  Steel constructs are better at regulating temperature and do not require as much additional material.  When used in roofing applications, steel constructs are ready to go for solar panels and the steel roofs do a remarkable job at keeping a cool environment indoors.  

For more information on steel fabricators or if you need assistance with construction design, contact the team at Midwest Steel today.

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