FAQ
Most frequent questions and answers
Steel Frame provides the strength, stiffness and geometric stability of the building. Its ability to stay straight and square indefinitely, through varying seasons with temperature and humidity changes. Because steel has consistent material strength and complies with strict quality controls and tolerances, every stud is a good stud. This means there is no time wasted sorting material to select suitable pieces. “Every stud is a good stud”
No – this is one of the most ‘popular’ myths of light gauge steel framing.
Steel expands and/or contracts as the temperature changes. Is this a problem?
In a properly constructed and insulated home by Dynamic Steel Frame, thermally induced movement is not an issue. Steel is engineered, inorganic, will not rot, warp, twist, bow, shrink or settle. There will be far reduced instances of plaster or cornice cracking because steel doesn’t change state during its lifespan, which means it is highly unlikely that there will be noise.
Yes. Steel Framing allows for larger spans, meaning a home can often be designed without interior load bearing walls. This makes alterations easier without affecting the structure in any way. Furthermore, the existing steel structure will remain straight and true regardless of its age, making the job of lining up the extension easier than for conventional timber framing.
Yes. In Australia, steel structure has been used successfully in housing since the early 1950s. The Australian steel framing industry has a well-earned reputation for being highly innovative.
Will my builder charge more for building a steel frame?
Progressive builders are aware that steel frames are the way of the future and are generally prepared to quote competitively: a premium product at a competitive price. It represents value for money and brings peace of mind.
Yes, they look better. Walls, ceilings, and roofs do not have ripples or bumps in them and there are no “nail pops” in the plasterboard linings.
Steel framing is used widely all over the world. Australia is now catching up. There have never been any reports of interference and there is no reason why this should occur.
A heavy weighted picture, which will require a bolt or hanger to be used, can be screwed straight into a stud. Studs are easily located with magnets.
Environmental Sustainability an objective for every company with a great vision. For the environmentally conscious homeowner, steel framing is 100% recyclable and currently 60% of all steel used in Australia is made from recycled scrap. When steel is recycled it can be recreated to exact performance and structural criteria, unlike timber products that always become a lesser grade, lesser quality product. To put steel framing into perspective an average steel house frame can be fabricated by recycling around 6 cars. Alternatively, the use of a timber frame will consume around 40 to 50 trees.