Why Is Steel So Popular in Construction

When using steel for buildings it’s easy to assume the material is only used for industrial buildings and skyscrapers, but nothing could be further from the truth.

There are a series of reasons as to why more and more people are using steel as part of their construction product.

The most popular reasons are its durability, affordability and sustainability, but this is only the tip of the iceberg as to why the modern builder is making use of steel.

As steel is so versatile, it’s often used in many phases of the building process, including the framing and the construction of floor joists.

When compared to other materials, it’s easy to see why steel is beneficial within the construction industry, but there are still a series of benefits according to Murray Steel Buildings.

The following is an overview of some of the other benefits that can be achieved with the use of steel in construction projects.

Projects are More Time-Efficient 

Given how strong steel is, it would be easy to assume that the construction process would take longer, but it’s the opposite that occurs.

Sure, if the work in relation of cutting steel is carried out on the site, then this can mean the project takes longer, but the mass of options available in relation to steel means that many parts can be pre-cut, which means the only assembly is needed when the steel us delivered.

As well as eliminating any potential errors when it comes to cutting on the site, the use of pre-cut steel also ensures that the amount of time used for the construction is minimised.

Even the slightest error on the site could mean that steel is being placed together, only to find that the structure needs to be taken down so amendments can be made.

This alone can be enough for the site manager to see their project fall behind by several weeks.

The options available in relation to the construction of steel ensures that time is used more constructively.

Steel Can Be Lighter Than Wood 

Of course, to some this claim can seem preposterous, especially as 2×4 of steel is often heavier than 2×4 wood because of the density, but this isn’t the case in relation to L-beams.

When using steel for framing, many will find that the design of the steel L-beam is much lighter when compared to even the structurally sound and lightest wood beam design.

Steel L-beams will also weigh less than glulams, Parallam beams and LVL.

Not only is the lighter weight more beneficial in relation to construction, but it also means less is being spent in relation to the shipping of materials.

Steel Is More Time-Efficient than Other Materials 

Although the cost of the materials being used, time is also another important factor of a successful project.

The longer a project lasts, the more expensive it is likely to be, especially if some of this time is being used to correct errors that may have occurred in relation to calculations.

The great thing about steel in the modern world is that technology has evolved tenfold. This means that the fabrication of beams, joists and other fixtures can easily be predetermined, so when it comes to collecting the steel, in most instance the alterations will have already been carried out.

Has the Potential to Reduce Waste 

Although waste management on a site must be in hand, it’s safe to assume that any alterations made to steel on the site will often incur more waste, which means more money is being spent on labour and clearing waste.

As already stated, the altering of materials on-site can also mean more human error, as well as the project taking longer than it should to complete.

The pre-cutting of the steel ensures that when it comes to using the material, many of the amendments will have already been made.

Of course, this will need a pro-active approach. For example, are you already aware of what kind of beams will be required for the project? Or maybe you already have a good idea what size the joists should be.

Is More Cost Affordable 

Much of the savings made when constructing with steel will often relate to labour costs, and the fact money can be saved in this regard.

However, this isn’t the only reason as to why steel is more cost-affordable than using other materials.

Another reason as to why steel is so appealing when it comes to creating structures is because steel can be recycled.

This means that even if the steel isn’t used within the structure itself, it can be recycled to create other parts, such as joists and fixtures.

As steel is very versatile, it means its easier to adjust when compared to other materials.

Steel also costs very little to maintain, so a business is never having to invest in costly repairs.

Using Steel Doesn’t Mean Limitations 

For all the benefits steels offers, there are still plenty of other reasons to use other materials.

For example, many enjoy the fact that steel is both versatile and robust, but they may not want the aesthetics to showcase this.

Although steel may be stronger than wood when it comes to structural aspects, steel can also be used in partnership with woof to ensure that the benefits of steel are in place, while the aesthetics of the wood can shine through.

Steel Is Kinder to the Environment as a Whole 

There are many benefits when it comes to using steel in construction, but one of the most appealing benefits is the fact that the use of steel is just kinder to the environment overall.

Over 80 million tonnes of steel is recycled each year, which makes it one of the most recycled materials in the world.

It’s also worth noting that all the steel industry was criticised for high emissions when manufacturing steel, this has changed drastically in recent years.

Energy consumption and carbon dioxide emission have reduced vastly when compared to the 1960s, as have dust emissions.

Add the fact that the industry is constantly looking to reduce these numbers further, it’s a further explanation as to why steel has become so popular in constriction, regardless of whether you’re using the material for joists, fixtures and support.