Lightweight steel framing is increasing in popularity amongst homebuilders. Brookfield Homes was the first to utilize this type of construction in its debut Landsend projects in Northwood Pointe. The core group of Brookfield Homes in OC was founded in 1996 by 3 individuals also were responsible for the success of Taylor Woodrow Homes. Their vision has remained cutting edge since its inception in construction, design, merchandising and marketing.
Other builders quickly followed the steel framing program of Brookfield Homes such as Lennar and Richmond American in North Park Square.
Metal framing providing fire resistant framing structures, pest resistance construction, straighter smoother walls, as well as load strength for weather-proofed residential structures.
Although “Steel” may conjure up images of a heavy, cumbersome material for construction, steel studs are just the opposite. Steel studs offer a strong, accurate, dimensionally stable and durable framing system, and are ideal for residential construction as long the design is simple and restraint. That was not the case in Irvine during the housing boom and design was overly complicated.
Residential steel framing members were originally designed as a substitute for wood framing. However, they are now being manufactured in systems, which reflect the superior strength and consistency of steel. The variety of available steel shapes, strengths and sizes has expanded beyond that of standard lumber, and this versatility offers the advantage of savings in both material cost and time while delivering a consistently high quality product.
Environmental and economic concerns have prompted the building industry to research alternative building materials and methods. This, in addition to its construction benefits and excellent recycling capabilities, is making steel framing a growing choice for residential construction. This follows the long time use of steel framing in commercial construction where steel has proven quality and performance records.
The reasons why home builders are turning to steel framing members as replacements for wood are as varied as the homes they build. Here are just some of the most significant benefits for both user groups, the builder and the homeowner, that give steel an edge over the wood construction.
Builder Benefits:
Steel will not rot, shrink, swell, split, or warp and is non-combustible.
Every steel stud is a good stud. Steel framing is of consistent quality.
Steel framing can be supplied to the exact lengths required thus eliminating much of the on-site cutting and
most of the waste.
Steel framing is a proven technology that is user friendly allowing for a smooth transition from other materials.
Steel framing members are available in a variety of standard shapes and sizes and in varying thicknesses to accommodate any structural requirements.
Steel members weigh as much as 60% less than wood members; therefore, foundation and seismic loads can be reduced.
Steel framing members are manufactured with pre-punched holes for running piping and electrical wiring, minimizing preparation work for other trades.
Steel is competitively priced and consistent in quality. Steel prices are more dimensionally stable than wood and steel supplies have historically been more readily available. Wood warping, twisting and bending due to moisture in the air was the biggest problem in warranty issue.
Steel members can easily be prefabricated at the construction site, at a central assembly point near the site or can be assembled in panels at a factory. Steel gives a flexible response to nearly every home builder requirement.
No heavy equipment is necessary when light gauge steel framing is used.
Homeowner Benefits:
Steel’s inherent strength and non-combustible qualities enable a steel framed building to resist such devastating events as fires, earthquakes, and wind.
Because of its strength, steel can span greater distances offering larger open spaces and increased design flexibility without requiring intermediate columns or load bearing walls.
Steel framing does not need to be treated for termites. It is free of resin adhesives and other chemicals used to treat wood framing products.
Steel framed homes respond well in every climate.
Steel framed walls are straight and remain that way. There is no shrinkage to cause nail-pops and squeaking floors.
The idea was a novel idea but it was way ahead of its time. The unskilled labor force available in OC was extremely cost efficient but few knew how to frame with steel studs. A trained team meant union labor and costing more. As homes in the last 10 years became much more complicated and with many angles, curves, and building corners steel was not a choice material. Wood remained as the most flexible material because it can be cut and nailed at any angle while steel studs lack the flexible surface area for fastening. Although steel was short lived in Irvine but the remaining structures are far more superior in strength and durability.
