Steel framing is not just for skyscrapers. At Weirton Steel, we supply our customers with quality construction grade steel for manufacture into cost-effective steel framing for home construction that literally builds value into a home. Steel framing has been around since the 1920's. In those days, wood was cheap and plentiful. Today, forest conservation efforts and rising lumber prices combine to make steel framing an excellent alternative for cost-conscious contractors.

• Steel is engineered and manufactured, unlike wood, to provide consistent quality and a stronger frame.

• Steel framing allows for larger open spaces in a home with fewer framing members.

• Steel doesn't rot, splinter, chip, crack, twist, split or warp. And it doesn't change with humidity. There are none of the nail pops you get from the drying and warping of other house framing materials.

• Steel studs are dimensionally stable ensuring straight walls and square corners. Drywall can hang straight and true and will not bulge from bowed framing members.

• Steel studs can be pre-cut to size, meaning less time on the job site and less waste.
  
• Steel weighs about 1/3 the weight of wood studs. It is lighter to handle and the overall house frame weighs less. This can have a positive effect on the foundation settling common in new construction.

• Steel is connected with screws, not nails or mortar. This means strong connections that resist high winds and earthquakes.

• Steel framing is termite proof. This means less need for environmentally detrimental insecticide.

• Steel framing is non-combustible and withstands fire, floods, snow buildup, intense sun, high humidity. Even hurricanes and earthquakes.

• Steel's price is much more stable than wood pricing. So, instead of weekly changes in price on the wood rollercoaster, you can predict the price of steel long into the future.

• Steel is made from recycled material. While precut studs can minimize waste, any waste that does occur can be recycled. So, while some speak of renewable resources, remember that over 68% of all steel products are recycled -- the highest recycling rate of any material. And if a home is remodeled or demolished, the steel framing can be placed back into the recycling stream, not into a landfill.

• Steel used in residential framing is made from zinc-coated (galvanized) steel to ensure long life. Load-bearing studs are available in 20 gauge material and heavier (.033 inches and heavier) and non-load bearing studs are available in 25 gauge and 22 gauge (.018 inches and .027 inches respectively). The steel is formed into a "c" shape resembling dimensional lumber.

• Steel studs are available in a variety of lengths. This means that one length of steel can be used to cross long spans (with proper support) or be used from first to second floor in a wall section.

For more information on steel framing please check out the Steel Framing Alliance web site.

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