10 Reasons to Frame Your Next Project with Steel - BuildSteel.org

09 Jun.,2025

 

10 Reasons to Frame Your Next Project with Steel - BuildSteel.org

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Choosing the right material to frame your next commercial project can significantly reduce costs while maintaining, or even improving, work quality and output.

Cold-formed steel (CFS) framing has a proven track record of providing sustainable benefits for low and mid-rise buildings. It also offers significant cost benefits over competitive building materials. This is especially true when the total cost of construction is considered.

Why should building professionals consider CFS framing for their construction projects?

Advantages of steel

Here are 10 advantages of steel cited by Construction Review Online:

1. Durability

Steel is dimensionally stable and does not expand or contract with changes in moisture content. Steel will not warp, split, crack or creep when exposed to the elements.

  • Wood or brick will swell when exposed to moisture
  • Wood will warp, crack, chip, split and spall when it’s dried
  • Concrete and concrete block will shrink and form shrinkage cracks

And, dimensional stability concerns are magnified when materials other than CFS are used in tall mid-rise buildings.

Free eBook: Strength in the Face of Disaster: How Cold-Formed Steel Framing Keeps Buildings Safe

2. High Tensile Strength

Steel has the highest strength-to-weight ratio of all structural framing materials, according to the Steel Framing Industry Association.

When CFS sheet is formed into a C-shape, like a stud or a joist, the folds act as stiffeners that increase the strength of the steel sheet dramatically. This gives CFS framing components a strength-to-weight ratio that is up to 7 times greater than that of dimensional lumber, for example.

Learn more: Specifying Cold-Formed Steel to Meet Project Goals

3. Time Efficient

Panelization — the ability to assemble wall, floor and roof sections off-site in a controlled environment — is frequently used in CFS framing projects. It has many advantages from speeding up construction to ensuring greater quality control.

Learn more: 6 Factors to Consider to Maximize the Benefits of Off-Site Construction

4. Cost Savings

CFS framing systems offer significant cost benefits over competitive building materials when the total cost of construction is considered.

See this recent study: The True Cost of Cold-Formed Steel v. Wood Framing

Free eBook: How Cold-Formed Steel Framing Solves Design Challenges for Architects

5. Non-Combustible 

It’s a common fact that steel is non-combustible. Unlike a wood structure, steel-framed structure can help safeguard your assets against fire accidents.

  • The melting point of steel is approximately 2,700 degrees Fahrenheit
  • Building fire temperatures average 1,000 degrees Fahrenheit, and rarely exceed 1,800 degrees Fahrenheit
  • Thus, the steel in structures will not melt

While the stiffness and yield strength of steel are reduced at ultra-high temperatures, modern building codes and fire protection methods take these reductions into account.

Learn more: Steel’s Fire Resistance

6. Longevity

CFS framing is impervious to the environmental factors that typically threaten the integrity, lifespan and stability of other framing materials. This is a major advantage of CFS.

  • CFS is resistant to corrosion, mold and vermin
  • CFS dimensional stability helps give it a longevity that few building materials can rival

Learn more: Building for Life: The Facts About Cold-Formed Steel & Durability

7. Less Maintenance

Steel-framed buildings provide lower maintenance and repair costs. How so?

  • CFS framing resists rot, termites and moisture.
  • CFS framing’s high quality and dimensional stability results in few warranty claims and call-backs

Learn more: Building Your Most Cost-Effective Mid-Rise Building

Want more information on Steel Construction Engineering? Feel free to contact us.

8. Pests Free

Termite infestation, sometimes called “the silent killer,” causes more harm to buildings in North America than fire, floods, and storms combined.

  • Steel is an inorganic material
  • Steel is not a desirable food source for termites

Thus, steel is arguably the best possible defense against a potentially catastrophic issue.

Learn more: One Simple Way to Save Billions of Dollars in Property Damage Caused by Termites and Dry Rot

9. Energy Conservation

Since , the steel industry has reduced energy intensity per ton of steel produced by 31 percent and CO2 emissions by 36 percent per ton of steel shipped, According to the American Iron and Steel Institute.

Learn more: Infographic: Resiliency of Cold-Formed Steel Framing

10. Sustainable 

Construction is increasingly “going green.” Building owners, architects, engineers and contractors are looking for ways to construct buildings with low environmental impact. The most recycled material on the planet is steel.

Build your dream structure

Steel framing offers endless customization opportunities. You can construct your commercial building, using steel framing to achieve:

  • Maximum usable space
  • Unique aesthetic features

Simply describe your project goals and customization needs to a design expert. They will provide a structure to fit your request.

As far as industrial construction goes, 95% of projects are now made from steel, according to Construction Review Online. Technology has evolved, and steel-framed buildings are part of the mainstream.

The Environmental Benefits of Using Steel in Construction

The Environmental Benefits of Using Steel in Construction

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Steel has long been a cornerstone material in construction, valued for its strength, durability, and versatility. Beyond its practical benefits, steel also offers significant environmental advantages compared to other building materials. This blog explores how steel contributes positively to environmental sustainability across various stages of its lifecycle.

Steel Production and Energy Efficiency

Efficient Resource Utilization

Steel production has become increasingly efficient over the years, with modern techniques minimizing waste and maximizing resource utilization. Recycling scrap steel is a key aspect of this efficiency, as it significantly reduces the need for virgin iron ore and other raw materials. According to the World Steel Association, recycled steel accounts for a substantial portion of global steel production, conserving natural resources and lowering energy consumption.

Energy-Intensive Processes

While steel production historically required substantial energy inputs, advancements in technology have improved efficiency. Innovations such as electric arc furnaces (EAFs) and other energy-efficient methods have reduced the carbon footprint of steel production. This shift towards cleaner energy sources further enhances the environmental profile of steel, making it a more sustainable choice compared to traditional materials like concrete or wood.

Durability and Longevity

Lifespan of Steel Structures

One of steel’s greatest environmental benefits lies in its durability and longevity. Steel structures are known for their resilience against environmental factors such as corrosion, moisture, and pests. Unlike wood, which may require frequent maintenance and replacement, steel buildings can last for decades with minimal upkeep. This longevity reduces the overall environmental impact associated with construction, including the use of resources and energy-intensive maintenance activities.

Reusability and Recyclability

Steel’s recyclability is another critical factor in its environmental advantage. At the end of a building’s life cycle, steel components can be easily dismantled and recycled into new products without losing their inherent properties. This closed-loop recycling process minimizes waste generation and reduces the demand for raw materials. Moreover, recycled steel retains its strength and quality, making it a cost-effective and environmentally sound choice for future construction projects.

Environmental Impact Reduction

Reduced Carbon Footprint

Steel’s environmental benefits extend beyond its production phase. The inherent strength-to-weight ratio of steel allows for lighter and more efficient structural designs, which can lower transportation costs and emissions during construction. Additionally, innovations in steel manufacturing have led to the development of high-performance alloys and coatings that further enhance durability while reducing environmental impact over the building’s lifecycle.

Waste Reduction and Efficiency

Compared to traditional building materials like concrete, steel construction generates less waste on-site due to its precise manufacturing process. Off-site fabrication of steel components minimizes construction waste and improves efficiency during assembly. This reduction in waste disposal not only lowers project costs but also reduces the environmental footprint associated with construction activities, making steel an environmentally responsible choice for builders and developers.

Steel and Sustainable Building Practices

Certification and Standards

The adoption of green building certifications such as LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) has spurred the use of sustainable materials like steel in construction projects worldwide. Steel manufacturers are increasingly adhering to strict environmental standards and certifications to ensure their products meet or exceed sustainability criteria. This commitment to eco-friendly practices underscores steel’s role as a sustainable building material for modern construction.

Design Flexibility and Adaptability

Steel’s versatility in design allows architects and engineers to create innovative and energy-efficient buildings that meet both aesthetic and functional requirements. From skyscrapers to residential homes, steel’s adaptability enables the integration of sustainable building systems such as solar panels, green roofs, and efficient HVAC systems. These design options contribute to overall energy savings and environmental stewardship, making steel a preferred choice for sustainable building projects.

Conclusion

Steel offers numerous environmental benefits throughout its lifecycle, from efficient production and resource utilization to durability and recyclability. As the construction industry continues to prioritize sustainability, steel’s role as a sustainable building material becomes increasingly vital. By choosing steel, builders and developers can reduce environmental impact, conserve natural resources, and promote long-term environmental stewardship. Embracing steel in construction not only supports green building practices but also ensures a resilient and sustainable built environment for future generations.

Need a Steel Construction Company in Terre Haute, IN?

Benchmark Fabricated Steel is a premium service provider for all your metal and steel needs since . We offer an array of services and products for commercial, business, and corporation work. Our fully trained team is available for project design, erect drawings, site construction, product procurement and delivery, engineering and consulting, and much more. Benchmark Fabricated Steel is fully accredited by the AISC and the Canadian welding association allowing for the highest quality product to be produced. Our business is also recognized by the Chamber of Commerce and is a fully certified fabricator. All of our products are manufactured by the highest quality of equipment, with an expert and knowledgeable staff. Contact us today to learn more about what we can do for you!

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