By Anson Lee
Steel-framed structures have been around in the 1800s when the first skyscraper was built in Chicago. It gained popularity in the 20th Century during the time of World War II as it was used to build strong oil storages and military shelters quickly.
Post-WWII, it became more available to the public and became the new standard material for construction. Steel is for sale commercially and is readily available to anyone anywhere. Though initially used with commercial establishments, it is slowly becoming the norm for residences.
5 Reasons Why You Should Use Steel in Residential Construction
- Steel is a highly durable material.
Steel is a long-lasting material, able to withstand the test of time. It is the world’s strongest construction material to date. No wonder it has been widely used as the material of choice for contractors and engineers. It is less likely to warp, bend, or deform under any weight, heat or force. It is heavier and denser compared to aluminum.
- Steel is very malleable and adaptable.
Steel is one of the most versatile metals known to man. It is a combination of iron and carbon and has a set of unique properties that prove beneficial in a lot of ways. It can be used in different ways, from a set of railroad tracks to a can of soda. That being said, steel can be manufactured and produced depending on its purpose. Its malleability and ductility allow it to be fashioned into different shapes, forms, and sizes without compromising its tensile strength. That is why we have thin steel wires and large steel auto parts.
- Steel is endlessly recyclable.
One of steel’s most admirable and outstanding properties is its recyclability. You can recycle and repurpose steel without any loss or damage of properties. Unlike plastic, it does not lose any of its qualities and properties each time it gets recycled. Not one bit goes to waste. Demolished steel-framed structures take all the steel components to a steel recycling facility for meltdown and repurposing. This process saves up on raw resources as most of the new steel we have today comes from recycled steel.
- Steel is earthquake resistant.
Since steel has great ductile and flexible properties, it can withstand not just vertical loads but lateral loads caused by strong winds and earthquakes. It “bends and flexes” to under extreme pressures and loads and does not crumble or get crushed.
- Steel has less impact on the environment.
As opposed to its concrete counterparts, steel is a lot lighter and does not require extensive foundations. Lighter and fewer materials are moved easily which helps reduce fuel consumption significantly. It is recyclable (as mentioned earlier) and is more sustainable due to its durability and strength. Combined with other building materials that are eco-friendly, steel is often integrated into green architecture and utilized in other green building projects.
There are a lot more benefits that steel has to offer that make it the obvious material of choice for builders and contractors everywhere. It is for the same reason why it continues to enjoy its growing popularity, especially in residential construction.
