Thinking about building something quickly and economically? Prefab steel may be just what you need for your next construction project. The material is making a resurgence in the construction industry. And it isn’t without good cause.
Features such as corrosion resistance, durability, and low maintenance costs make prefabricated steel a popular choice among commercial and industrial construction projects.
Let’s look at these and more features in more detail:
- Easy Assembly
The modular nature of prefabricated steel means it’s incredibly easy to assemble on-site because each section can be customized during manufacture. The manufactured sections are therefore extremely efficient when it comes time to assemble them. This is because they’re constructed with a high degree of precision and accuracy by professionals who have extensive experience building using this method. This speed-to-market further enhances the cost-effectiveness of prefabricated steel.
- Fast Construction
Because professionals have already taken care of the basics, you won’t have a hard time setting up your steel structure. The pieces can be quickly assembled by unskilled workers with only basic tools making it easy for projects to meet deadlines and remain on budget.
The quick installation time may also mean you’ll take less time off work, or spend fewer days away from your family.
- High Strength-To-Weight Ratio
When compared with traditional wood products, steel components are stronger and more durable, but lighter in weight. To ensure this, you should check if any steel building warranty is provided by the manufacturer. This speaks on how thorough their manufacturing process is. The longer the warranty, the better.
Due to its ability to provide strength without adding too much weight, steel pieces can be safely transported to the site without adding significantly to shipping costs, or disrupting traffic flow.
- Cost-Effective
Because of its flexibility, speed-to-market, ease of assembly, and lengthy lifespan, prefabricated steel is an incredibly cost-efficient solution for new construction projects as well as renovations or extensions.
Prefabricated steel’s resistance to corrosion means fewer instances where coatings or treatments need to be reapplied, which saves time and money. Workers are also spared from having to replace panels frequently. The alloys used in fabrication make them resistant to scratches, dents, and others.
- Environmentally Friendly
A metal structure is environmentally friendly when compared to materials like wood, concrete, or masonry because it doesn’t require an additional finishing step. In addition, steel is recyclable when a building reaches the end of its lifespan.
Prefabricated steel reduces waste at the construction site. On-site scrap rates for this method of construction are as low as 1% compared to an average of 10% for standard structural steelwork. Therefore, it’s more environmentally friendly than other methods of construction.
- Corrosion Resistance
The need for durable and corrosion-resistant materials is especially large in industrial settings where harsh environments can wear on even the most protective coatings and treatments. Steel’s natural properties lend themselves well to these conditions since rust–the bane of any metal–can easily be prevented using chemical coatings or paint that prevents oxidation from occurring.
- Customisable Design
On top of having corrosion-resistant properties, prefabricated steel is malleable enough to be formed into any design or shape. This allows architects and engineers to come up with creative solutions for problems that might seem insurmountable without prefabricated components.
- Fire-Resistant
Thermal breaks prevent the spread of flames between panels, increasing fire safety during construction, and reducing insurance rates after completion. The finished structure is also highly fire-resistant because the pieces prevent the hanger from contacting wood or other flammable materials.
- Energy-Efficient
Thermally broken steel framing reduces heat transfer by 25% when compared with traditional wood construction methods. This helps maintain comfortable interior temperatures, and make long-term operating costs more affordable.
- Reliable
With a lower risk of human error and a consistent product, steel construction is ideal for projects where safety is a concern. It also allows workers to focus on their tasks rather than having to worry about assembly discrepancies.
- Reusable
The metal panels may be used again after the initial construction project finishes. This could reduce waste, and make it easier for you to generate revenue during the construction process.
Prefab Structures: The Basics
If you’re just finding out about prefab structures then you might need additional information about some of the basics of the structures.
There are basically two types, detachable and re-locatable. Detachable cast-in steel structures usually consist of removable columns or vertical beams which can be extended or reduced in height during erection.
Re-locatable are the most common type of cast-in steel structure. They are built in a factory or on-site using standard components which are then shipped to the construction site and assembled. Because there is no need to build foundations for this type of system, it greatly reduces installation time and labour costs (up to 50%).
- Detachable Steel Structures: Detachable structures come in two common types. One is the bar joist or girder system which has columns that are often adjustable in height to be able to use later on, for example on another project. This can be done by either telescopic extenders or hydraulic extenders (used exclusively for bathrooms). The other type is the box plate system where beams of different lengths are made and then bolted together as needed for different projects.
- Re-Locatable Steel Structures: Re-locatable steel structures commonly have a standard base which is either a concrete slab or a metal base plate depending on the type of mill it came from. These slabs usually carry rolled beams that form the structure’s frame. The beams have a flange to which different flooring materials can be attached. There are also a variety of purlins and custom trusses that attach to the frame for sloping or flat roofs.
Conclusion
When it comes to home and commercial construction projects, there are numerous benefits of using prefabricated steel, such as speed and accuracy. Because the steel is manufactured in a controlled environment, the finished pieces fit together more precisely than site-assembled components. If you’re thinking about building something quickly and economically, this may be just what you need for your next construction project.