What is light gauge steel used for?

Light gauge is most commonly used in residential or light commercial construction as an alternative to wood framing. It’s similar to wood in that little cutting and sizing is required on the job site because the studs are manufactured to precise lengths.

What are light gauge steel sections?

Light-gauge steel sections are also known as cold formed steel sections. These sections are made from thin sheets of uniform thickness without the application of heat. The thickness of the sheet used is generally between 1 mm and 8 mm. Nowadays, these are widely used, especially, in pre-engineered steel buildings.

What are light gauge steel studs?

Light gauge steel construction is very similar to wood framed construction in principle – the wooden framing members are replaced with thin steel sections. The steel sections used here are called cold formed sections, meaning that the sections are formed, or given shape at room temperature.

Is light gauge steel framing expensive?

Myth #1: Light-Gauge-Steel Framing is Expensive Not always. In many mid-rise construction projects, light-gauge steel saves money. Additionally, a light-gauge-steel supplier like iSPAN not only manufactures the product, but also cuts project expenses by streamlining the design process with their in-house team.

How strong is light gauge steel?

Light-Gauge Steel’s Inception for the Benefit of Contractors It was found to be 20\% stronger than hot-rolled steel with a far superior strength to weight ratio, with significantly less material and energy use than anything else.

What are the advantages of light gauge steel construction over wood light frame?

The longer spans means less fastening and faster construction. As a metal, light gauge steel won’t rot, split, warp, shrink twist, burn or become termite food. Steel framing produces far less on-site waste than wood framing, making debris removal less costly.

How are light gauge steel framing members manufactured?

How are light gauge steel framing members manufactured? Sheet steel is fed from continuous coils through machines at room temperature that cold-work the metal and fold it into efficient structural shapes, producing linear members that are stiff and strong.

Which is cheaper lumber or steel?

Metal tends to be cheaper than wood, with an average of $19-$25 per sq ft for a steel building and $20-$35 per sq ft for a wood building. Also, using metal in your build has a lower lifetime cost due to near-zero maintenance, and it can be nearly 100\% salvaged and sold if it is ever torn down.

Is light gauge steel load bearing?

The innovation and housing shortage after WWII spurred research into light-gauge steel as a load bearing and non-load bearing element. It was found to be 20\% stronger than hot-rolled steel with a far superior strength to weight ratio, with significantly less material and energy use than anything else.

Can light steel framing be used in a structural application?

Steel framing offers a strong, accurate, dimensionally stable and a durable framing system. Lightweight steel framing will appeal to any one interested in building construction.

What are the standard light gauge steel framing members?

Cold-Formed / Light-Gauge C-shaped framing members for axial loadbearing walls, curtain walls, tall interior partitions, floor joists and roof truss assemblies. Flange Sizes: 1-3/8”, 1-5/8”, 2”, 2-1/2”, 3”. Thickness: 33 mils (20ga), 43 mils (18ga), 54 mils (16ga), 68 mils (14ga) and 97 mils (12ga).