 How does steel frames and trusses compare in price to timber?- How different in construction is steel to timber?
- How is your system put together?
- Is a steel frame noisy? Does it expand or contract?
- What size thickness are your studs?
- How do you fix Gyprock or skirting?
- Is pest control needed for a slab using a steel frame?
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1. How does steel frames and trusses compare in price to timber?
Generally speaking, compared to untreated timber, steel frames are about 15 to 20 percent more expensive. But in saying that, by purchasing a steel frame, you will save a lot of money in Pest Control, as you don't have to maintain your property as regular for termites. You have the peace of mind of knowing, termites don't eat steel. With treated timber, our steel frames and trusses are about the same price. |
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2. How different in construction is steel to timber?
The main difference in construction between steel and timber is the hand tools you need to use. Also steel frames are assembled using tek screws not nails.
But in regard to constructing the frames and trusses, it is very similar to a timber frame. Steel has many advantages over timber. It is no where near as heavy as timber, which is important when lifting larger frames and trusses, especially on two story buildings or on difficult sites. Also steel frames don't have much settlement problems like timber does, and is straighter and more exact giving you straighter walls to finish off Gyprock. |
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3. How is your system put together?
Our system is a dimple and rivet system, one of the strongest in the market. Used overseas in cyclone areas where wind speed ratings are W56.
Its advantages over a welded system is its flexibility in construction. Also being a galvanized system, the galvanized coating doesn't have to be touched up like you have to with a welded system. It also travels better. Alterations to frame if you want to reposition a door or windows are simple. Studs can be moved without destroying them. There are no complicated jigs required to assemble our system.
It has a standard wind rating of W41. Most of Sydney is no greater then a W33. |
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4. Is a steel frame noisy? Does it expand or contract?
Our system is no noisier than a timber system. There are many reasons for a house to make noises, too many to list, but the frame is only a very small part. Also our steel frame doesn't expand or contract due to moisture content.
Steel has a very similar co-efficient of thermal expansion to Gyprock, so cornice cracking is less than a problem. |
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5. What size thickness are your studs?
Our stud size is 75mm * 0.8mm thick lipped in G550mpa hi tensile steel. It is built to Australian Standards, Engineered to AS4600.
While some wielded sections are 1.2mm thick, they are usually only grade 300mpa. 1.2mm * 300 = 360. Compared to 0.8 * 550 = 440. Strength wise our sections are 20% stronger.
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6. How do you fix Gyprock or skirting?
In fixing Gyprock to steel you simply screw sheets to studs or under side of trusses or ceiling battens. With skirting boards you can either use a screw or a twist nail gun. |
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7. Is pest control needed for a slab using a steel frame?
It all depends on the council you are in. Some councils will not require you to pest spray if you are building in a concrete slab using a steel frame and truss house. Others will require an initial spray. But you will never have to worry about termites causing any damage to you steel frame. That kind of peace of mind is pricesless. |
