Standing on the ground, staring up at a giant skyscraper, is one way to make yourself feel tiny. To think of all of the materials, planning, and construction that went into such a magnificent building is mind-blowing. But what if the same materials used in the most iconic buildings of the world could be used in your next home construction project? Steel beams are efficient, strong, recyclable, resilient, and versatile. Steel beams are not reserved for monstrous city buildings. They can be used in residential properties to create a safe, strong, and sturdy home. Why should you consider steel beams for residential construction? Keep reading to discover the benefits steel provides a home.
1. Steel Beams Are Efficient
One of the top reasons steel beams are an efficient building material is because they are quickly created. Steel beams only take a few days of construction time. For residential construction, steel has less contact with the earth, so no excavation is required. Since steel beams do not take weeks to manufacture, they come at a low cost. Most steel beams are premade to fit a specific design, saving a homeowner on labor costs. Steel’s efficiency leads to faster project completion.
2. Steel Is Strong
Steel is powerful and impact resistant. The Mohs Hardness Test rates materials from on a 10-point scale, with one being the softest. Carbon steel has a 6.0 score on the Mohs scale. Steel beams create a strong foundation for your building. They can withstand rough weather and should last up to 30 years. With steel beams, homeowners don’t need to worry about the material warping or splintering like wood.
3. Steel Is Eco-Friendly
When it comes to environmentally-friendly building materials, steel is a top choice. Steel itself is created using recycled materials. An estimated 80 million tons of steel are recycled every year, making it the world’s most recycled product. At the end of its life, your steel beams can be repurposed. According to the book Structure In The New Millennium, 45% of steel manufactured through the 1960s and 1970s is being reused to create new steel. Producing steel requires 35-40% less energy than manufacturing iron.
4. Steel Beams Are Durable
When you choose steel, you receive a durable product. Steel can withstand extreme temperatures and natural disasters, so your home will become safer than ever before. One example of steel’s durability is its fire-resistance. Since steel is non-combustible, steel-framed buildings decrease your risk of a fiery disaster. Wood, on the other hand, is the third most-ignited material in a home. Steel structures won’t just protect your home from a fire. Steel beans can withstand seismic waves, creating a more secure building in the event of an earthquake. Multi-story steel buildings are 60-70% lighter and 10 times stronger than concrete buildings, making them a top choice for residents in earthquake-prone areas.
5. Steel Allows for Design Freedom
Steel is versatile, which is a homeowner’s dream come true. Steel beams can bend to fit a particular radius to create beautiful arches, facades, and domes. Construction teams can explore different shapes and designs thanks to steel’s malleability. Architects love using steel because it allows for complete design freedom. Steel beams can be placed under ceilings to create an open floorplan to creating a durable new staircase. The possibilities for homeowners who choose steel beams are endless.
Steel Beams For Residential Construction
Steel beams are resistant, efficient, eco-friendly, strong, and give homeowners freedom of design. Steel beams for residential construction are an excellent choice, which is why more and more homeowners are incorporating them into their construction projects. If you’re looking for a way to incorporate steel beams into your next home project, get in touch with our team. Contact us to learn how we can transform your residential property using the power of steel.
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