Steel frame construction is an increasingly popular choice. We’ve seen many new buildings using steel in Pittsburgh and surrounding areas. Steel frame construction has many benefits; however, is it the right choice for your project? Reviewing the pros and cons of this type of building construction can help you make an informed decision.
What Are the Pros of Steel Frame Structures?
Steel frame buildings are famous because they offer numerous useful benefits in various scenarios. These include:
- Fabrication ease: Steel buildings are readily available in an amazing array of shapes, sizes, and styles, and they’re readily customized. As a result, it’s easy to make them a perfect match for almost any purpose.
- Resistance appeal: Steel naturally resists fire and most pests and insects. If you have concerns, additional coatings can be applied. It’s also moderately weather-resistant. Again, coatings can be used to enhance this resistance.
- Strength to go the distance: Steel is notoriously strong, and building with steel means that the resulting steel frame commercial building will be strong, too. Using steel allows you to create long spans or great heights because steel can handle the load. Steel also works well when you need to ensure support for heavy equipment.
- Speed of construction: Steel-framed buildings go up quickly. Construction is streamlined because many of the pieces are prefabricated offsite in controlled conditions. Prefabrication limits onsite labor and weather delays, which helps to keep costs down and allows for faster completion.
- Adaptability for the future: As your business grows, a steel building can expand. Additions like new wings or floors can be connected to existing steel buildings.
- Eco-friendly edge: Customers today are often eager to do business with green companies. A steel structure commercial building gives you an eco-friendly edge. After all, steel has a low carbon footprint. It has incredible longevity, and when its lifespan as one product is completed, it’s recyclable.
What Are the Cons of Steel Frame Construction?
A steel frame building has lots to offer, but sometimes it’s not the best solution. Understanding the strengths of steel frame construction and potential pitfalls can help you pinpoint when another option might be better. The downsides include:
- Construction noise: Working on metal can be noisier than other common building materials. This can be troublesome for people around the job site during construction.
- Heavier weight: Due to the weight of all the metal, a steel building requires additional foundational support. An experienced steel frame contractor will automatically prepare for this.
- Initial cost: A steel building generally has a higher initial price than a stick-built facility. However, this cost will often be offset over the years since a steel building requires less maintenance and repairs.
When searching for an experienced steel frame contractor, trust CBF Contracting Incorporated. We are a commercial contractor specializing in steel frame construction in the Pennsylvania, Western NY, West Virginia and Ohio areas. We’re ready to discuss how we can assist you with your next project. Contact us today to learn more about our services or request a quote.
