What is light gauge metal framing used for?

Metal framing withstands earthquakes, high winds, heavy snow and hurricanes better than wood framing. In the event of a fire, light-gauge steel framing improves the amount of time available for egress prior to structural collapse.

What is considered light gauge framing?

Light-gauge steel (also known as cold-formed steel and cold-rolled steel) is a cold-formed material that is used to make construction processes smoother and products stronger. It is not bulky, like structural steel. It is not heavy, like concrete.

What is light gauge steel joists?

Light Gauge Framing System (LGFS) is a construction technology using cold-formed steel as the construction material. It can be used for roof systems, floor systems, wall systems, roof panels, decks, or the entire buildings.

What gauge is metal studs?

Conventional metal studs are available in 25, 22, 20, 18, and 16 gauge steel for your convenience (1-5/8″ available in 20, 22 and 25 gauge only). Structural studs are also available.

What are light gauge 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.

Is steel framing cheaper than lumber?

Cost-effective: While never as cheap as wood, steel studs are now only about 30-percent more expensive than wood studs. Lightweight: Steel studs are lighter to carry and store than wood because they are hollow.

Is steel cheaper than wood?

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.

Why would we not want to use light gauge steel for the exterior walls of the house?

Light gauge steel structures are non-combustible, which is a code requirement for some types of structures. Since steel loses its strength in fire quite easily, it must be protected from fire with fire rated sheeting.

What is cold formed steel framing?

Cold formed steel framing (also called metal studs or lightweight steel framing systems) makes the steel shapes differently than the hot rolled structural steel. The cold forming process passes steel sheets between large rollers to deform the steel, but at a lower temperature than hot rolling.

What is light gage steel?

light-gauge steel. A cold-rolled steel product, commonly available in the shape of flat sheets, angles, or channels; often used to frame non-structural partitions.

What is a steel frame in construction?

A steel frame is a structural system used for constructing residential or commercial buildings. The steel frame serves as an alternative to traditional wood framing, and offers a number of advantages to both builders and buyers. The metal frame forms a skeleton to support the remainder of the building, including roofing, siding, and other finishes.

What is steel framing?

Steel framing is a construction technique that uses steel supports to form the basic shape, or “skeleton” of a building. The steel frame provides structural support for other building elements, including siding, roof, floors, walls, and occupants.