The construction industry is embracing a younger and stronger framing material that delivers benefits for architects, contractors, developers and tenants. Discover why this versatile steel design is outmatching everything else.
Light-gauge steel (also known as cold-formed steel and cold-rolled steel) is a cold-formed material that is used to make construction processes smoother and products stronger. It does not deteriorate, like wood. It is not bulky, like structural steel. It is not heavy, like concrete. It is something completely different, and if you have ever worked with it before, you know that there is a practically endless list of benefits. Let’s look further into this wonder material and how our light-gauge steel structural solutions can benefit you on your next project.
Light-Gauge Steel’s Inception for the Benefit of Contractors
Early in the 1900s, builders began searching for new ways to use steel. Hot-rolled structural steel was extremely strong, but expensive and difficult to install. The innovation and housing shortage after WWII spurred research into light-gauge steel as a load bearing and non-load bearing element. It was found to be 20% stronger than hot-rolled steel with a far superior strength to weight ratio, with significantly less material and energy use than anything else.
Once American design standards came around in 1946, builders quickly began moving forward on constructing homes and mid-rise buildings out of this newly approved building material. In the 1950s and 1960s, as the economy grew, so did the number of cold-formed steel structures in the commercial market.
Today, after further research and engineering support, light-gauge steel is standard use in many new single homes and mid-rise buildings, such as hotels, apartments and condominiums.
What is Possible With Light-Gauge Steel?
The question should be “What isn’t possible?” because there is an endless list of uses for this versatile steel product: everything from cars and bridges to storage racks and furniture.
TotalJoist by Bailey Metal Products mastered light-gauge steel in building structures and continues to research new possibilities. No matter the building use, we can pursue and work with its clients on coming up with a cold-formed solution: trusses, joists, walls, floor decking (Composite TotalJoist) and other components.
What is the Big Deal about Light-Gauge Steel?
It’s fairly new, but it’s rapidly growing in popularity. Why is that? This light and strong material makes the building process better for everyone, whether you’re an architect, contractor or developer.
Light-Gauge Steel Benefits for Architect
- We are a single-source supplier, backed by a design/engineering team
- Allows for large spans resulting in more spacious spaces
- Reduces/eliminates bulkheads
- Results in fewer plan changes and costly mistakes since materials are prefabricated
- Environmentally friendly choice using recyclable materials
- Each detail is planned prior to construction
Light-Gauge Steel Benefits for Contractors
- We are a single-source supplier, backed by a design/engineering team
- Reduces schedules, saving time and money
- Reduces the cost and number of labourers needed
- Creates a cleaner and safer work environment
- Building Information Modelling reduces measurement/production dilemmas
- Material weight is reduced
- Can be erected in winter
- Walls are load-bearing
- Easy integration with other materials
- Prefabricated components – each detail is planned prior to construction
- We support contractors with installation
- No shoring needed with Composite TotalJoist flooring
- Joists are adjustable to allow for small discrepancies
- In many cases, contractors secure lower insurance rates
- Follow-up trades can start sooner after Composite TotalJoist installation
Light-Gauge Steel Benefits for Developers/Owners
- Fast installation, so that you receive the keys sooner
- Lower cost of ownership with durable materials
- Increased fire ratings
- Highly recyclable content
- Resists moisture, pests and rot
- Lower building insurance rates
- High acoustic ratings with the Composite TotalJoist flooring system
- Vibration control that exceeds minimum standards
Much More to Learn About TotalJoist Innovations in Light-Gauge Steel
To learn more about TotalJoist and its proprietary light-gauge steel framing structural solutions, contact us at your convenience – we’re here to help.
