Steel Framing

Clark Western Building Systems	Marino/Ware	Dietrich Metal Framing

Advantages of Steel over Wood

Steel framing components are precision manufactured in a controlled environment. There are significant advantages that home owners, builders and construction workers can all enjoy.

• Screw-attached components eliminate squeaks, nail pops and resulting callback for repairs.
• Corrosion resistant members won't shrink, warp, rot or split.
• Consistent dimensions mean straighter, stronger walls and floors.
• Superior strength for longer floor spans and taller walls.
• Cut-to-length material reduces in-field cutting and waste up to 75%.
• Engineered performance; designed to withstand hurricane and earthquake forces.
• Noncombustible, and will not support termites or other insects or vermin.
• Environmentally friendly; easy to recycle or reuse. Saves trees and wildlife.

Since the advent of steel framing, components were designed to be compatible with wood framing materials. As a result, steel and wood often is used in combination for residential construction framing.

There are four phases of framing where steel components can be used: floor joists, exterior and load-bearing walls, non-load-bearing partition walls and roof rafters and supports.

Define load-bearing:

Outer or interior walls that support the weight of the roof or higher floors.

Define non-load-bearing:

Walls that do not support the structure above, such as ends of joists or trusses and partition walls.

Please note:

25 gauge steel studs are designed for use in non-load-bearing construction only. For load-bearing application, consult a qualified and licensed architect or engineer.