Why choose steel frame construction for commercial buildings?

Steel frame structures are not only for skyscrapers, large buildings, and garages. There are many reasons why steel is a practical building option from start to finish. The steel frame structure can provide durability and is more sustainable and more affordable than other options.

Commercial building general contractors have more than one option to choose from full metal building projects to hybrid building projects. Steel is a versatile construction material that has led to its usage in almost every stage of construction.

The era of wood construction is long gone as steel is becoming more popular among commercial building owners. Given below are some reasons why general contractors in Pittsburgh consider steel a reliable option.

1. Steel weighs less than wood

This can surprise many people because if you consider a 2×4 of wood and 2×4 of steel, the steel would be heavier due to its density. But when it comes to framing, a steel beam’s design would always be lighter than wood. A steel I-beam is more lightweight than glulams, LVL, and Parallam beams.

It also decreases the labor cost; the lighter weight also reduces shipping cost and can even the building design, reducing the project budget.

2. Easy and faster to build

Money is always equated with time, every client wants their project to come within budget and ahead of schedule. But fast-tracking and finishing projects in a hurry can lead to unsafe building practices and a finished project that is not up to the mark.

Steel parts for a building are predesigned inside a manufacturing plant and are ready to use. It speeds up the construction time, making it possible to complete large scale projects faster.

3. Steel is cheap

The primary reason why general commercial contractors use steel is that it helps in reducing the overall cost of the project. You will save a lot from labor and cost benefits of decreased construction time. There are many other ways how you can save money with steel.

Due to the high durability of steel, it requires less maintenance and is a more economical choice for building owners. Low maintenance fees, repairs, and minimal replacements can save thousands of dollars throughout the building’s lifetime. Steel can also be recycled. Rather than paying landfill fees for non-recyclable construction waste, you will be able to recycle steel and reduce construction waste.

4. Versatility of steel

Steel is incredibly versatile. From the ability of steel to be molded into any shape to its exterior ability to yield roofing patterns and wood-like sliding, the versatility of steel is what makes it popular among constructors.

Architecture and constructors like steel because they let their imagination go wild while having the ability to design and construct a building that is safe and secure. This durability is the reason why the versatile design of large structures like a warehouse, airplane hangar, or indoor arena.

5. Wood and steel hybridization

This is the area where hybridization comes into play. As most of the constructors like the idea of steels versatility and durability, they are moving away from wood ultimately.

As a result, many companies like to use hybrid steel/wood building which can give the benefit of strength, durability, and support benefits of steel along with insulating properties of wood.

Conclusion

Structural steel has become the norm in the construction industry of the 21st century. If you want to build yourself a commercial building that will last long and saves you money in the construction process, then steel is the way to go. When combined with other design enhancement, steel buildings are incredibly efficient.

Are you starting a new commercial project? TBI Contracting has helped many companies in the Pittsburgh area, delivering quality projects – on time and on budget! Give us a call to learn more at (412) 896-1455.