Browse Forums General Discussion 1 Jun 20, 2014 4:07 pm What are the main considerations when chosing between steel and timber framing? What are the benefits of each? Re: Steel vs timber 3Jun 20, 2014 8:31 pm The main problem with steel framed constructions is that they do not meet the NCC/BCA requirements for thermal efficiency. The building industry has been very tardy in coming to grips with this particular issue. If you go to your typical "Bunnings" type store you will struggle to find suitable products that satisfy the "Thermal Bridging" requirements that are specified in the NCC/BCA. There are steel framed project homes & steel framed transportable homes that do satisfy the NCC/BCA but these homes typically use polyurethane high density insulation to prevent thermal bridging but these products cannot be used in high Bushfire risk areas. Thermal bridging must be provided in roof, walls and floors. In summary, steel frames construction with thermal bridging can be used in suburban (non BAL areas) but is problematic in high bushfire risk areas. If an owner builder, you will struggle in building with steel frame in high bushfire risk area due to the unavailablity of suitable products from general hardware stores. Most steel framed project builders cannot build in high fire risk areas as they typically use flammable products in their floor and wall insulation. In normal suburban, non-BAL areas steel framed construction does inherently provide structural protection from termite damage and walls are almost guaranteed to be straight and square. Steel frames are typically manufactured off site with speedy erection once delivered to site. Another disadvantage with steel frame construction is that structural changes are more difficult to make once the frames have been manufactured. Timber frames (unless termite treated) could be damaged by termites if termite barriers are compromised during or post construction. Timber frames can twist & warp if left exposed to the elements during construction. Structural changes to timber frames are relatively easy to make on site during construction. Steel fames are lighter than equivalent timber frames meaning that usually one less man/person is required on site when erecting steel frames. Re: Steel vs timber 4Oct 02, 2014 1:20 pm Many friends of mine have built with steel and they all complain about the creaking in the home from the steel expanding and contracting. Timber would definitely me my choice out of the two products. Hi I am wanting some opinions about the build of a steel shed I am going to get one about 4.5 x 2.5 m steel shed and the height will be about 2.3-2.4m high The one I am… 0 16621 I've gone for pre-fab walls. I did it because I wanted to remove the idiot factor from the construction on site , control theft and reduce waste its supposed to be… 12 14468 |