Light Gauge Steel Structures is easy to construct, maintenance, handling due to low self-weight and replaces traditional wooden frame structures.
Here are the reasons why you must consider LGS.
Fire Resistance
Soft wood like pine, spruce are the trees of choice in wood frame construction. However these ignite quickly and spread faster than the hardwood timber framing. To make wooden structure fire-resistant, designs must include fire-rated gypsum wallboard, sprinkler systems & sufficient exits.
Steel doesn’t have inflammable properties. However, to maintain its strength against high temperatures fire-resistant materials must be applied to minimize the direct exposure.
Seismic Resistance & Performance
In wooden structure to protect a structure against earthquake a structure must be braced with lateral reinforcements enough to act against horizontal loads. Steel’s flexibility adds to major advantage in terms of lateral load resistance. LGS frames provides engineers multiple options. Alternatives like flat-strap X-bracing, steel sheathing and plywood are used.
Flood Damage
Wood can rot, shrink and develop molds which exposed to water for a long time. Water-repellent paint is applied to the frame with the help of XPS insulation boards.
Galvanized steel is coated with zinc, which provides moisture barrier. Galvanizing the steel gives it protection against salt air, strong acids & alkalis and submersion. Anti-corrosion coatings applied added after galvanizing adds to longevity of the steel.
Durability
Woods’s ability to maintain and match moisture with the prevailing air provides it durability. Though its able to drain water and stay dry which allows it to perform well in highly humid climates, it still can develop mold and rot after being soaked in the water for long time.
Steel being inorganic in nature has an upper hand in durability. Being non-porous, it cannot retain water, warp, shrink or crack. Although its immune to mold, rot and vermin, anti-corrosion measures must be taken to protect it from oxidation from water and salt air.
Time is money
Schedule of a project can have direct impact on financials related to it. Steel gets installed faster than lumbers/wooden frames. Although skills of the person installing would have deep impact on the schedule of completion.
How can we help you?
If you are unsure about which material is suitable for your structure, Blueladder can help you. Our design personnel and engineers can assess your requirements and provide you with a cost effective solution. If you want to discuss your project, call us at 7666900370 for a FREE consultation and quote.
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