Steel is used more and more frequently in construction – these days, it is rather rare to see a construction project being completed without the use of steel. There are many reasons for its popularity and ubiquity, some of which we will get to in a minute or two.
Just like any other material you could use, the use of steel has its own advantages and disadvantages. These may change depending on the task at hand, of course, but typically they will remain the same.
If you are thinking about perhaps using steel in your next construction project, or if you are merely curious as to why it is such a popular material in the section, simply read on: we have listed the main pros and cons of the alloy below.
Using Steel in Construction: the Pros
Steel is incredibly cost-effective – because it is made out of some really commonly found elements (steel is an alloy of carbon and iron, sometimes with other elements thrown into the mix), it is a material in abundance. We aren’t going to run out of it any time soon.
And because it is relatively easy to come by, it tends to be cheap. Using steel for a structure’s framing, for example, is typically around 5% cheaper than using concrete to do the same job. This means that you will be able to get more bang for your buck, and have some money left over to spend elsewhere.
Another advantage of its ease to produce is that it is quick. Whether you use steel suppliers in Houston or in Dubai, it will be the same – your overall project will come to completion at a much quicker rate. This applies to all the major phases, from design and fabrication right the way through to erection.
Steel is light, lighter than wood, bricks and concrete. Unlike a lot of these other traditional materials, it cannot warp, absorb water, be eaten away by termites, expand or contract, catch on fire, or rust, making it steadfastly reliable. Steel is flame retardant, meaning your home insurance rate might be reduced.
What else? Well, it can arrive in large, pre-assembled pieces, saving a great deal of time that would typically have been used in on-site construction. It is recognised as being energy efficient, meaning you might benefit from some government tax credits. And it’s also resilient, able to stand up to even the most ferocious of natural disasters.
Sounds like a dream material, right?
Using Steel in Construction: the Cons
Thankfully, we are not about to shatter those dreams. Steel does have its downsides, just like anything else, but they’re mostly not game changers.
Firstly, not all builders will be familiar with steelwork, meaning that you might have to hire in some specialists. Steelworking tools are also somewhat specialist, so not all builders will have these to hand. Some steel is coated in oil, which can actually cause a toxic odour during the construction.
But the main disadvantage is that steel is a great heat conductor. This may cause problems in colder areas, as the heat will be absorbed and quickly dissipate. To combat this, simply use high-efficiency insulation, or a double-wall system.
Just like any other material you could use, the use of steel has its own advantages and disadvantages. These may change depending on the task at hand, of course, but typically they will remain the same.
If you are thinking about perhaps using steel in your next construction project, or if you are merely curious as to why it is such a popular material in the section, simply read on: we have listed the main pros and cons of the alloy below.
Using Steel in Construction: the Pros
Steel is incredibly cost-effective – because it is made out of some really commonly found elements (steel is an alloy of carbon and iron, sometimes with other elements thrown into the mix), it is a material in abundance. We aren’t going to run out of it any time soon.
And because it is relatively easy to come by, it tends to be cheap. Using steel for a structure’s framing, for example, is typically around 5% cheaper than using concrete to do the same job. This means that you will be able to get more bang for your buck, and have some money left over to spend elsewhere.
Another advantage of its ease to produce is that it is quick. Whether you use steel suppliers in Houston or in Dubai, it will be the same – your overall project will come to completion at a much quicker rate. This applies to all the major phases, from design and fabrication right the way through to erection.
Steel is light, lighter than wood, bricks and concrete. Unlike a lot of these other traditional materials, it cannot warp, absorb water, be eaten away by termites, expand or contract, catch on fire, or rust, making it steadfastly reliable. Steel is flame retardant, meaning your home insurance rate might be reduced.
What else? Well, it can arrive in large, pre-assembled pieces, saving a great deal of time that would typically have been used in on-site construction. It is recognised as being energy efficient, meaning you might benefit from some government tax credits. And it’s also resilient, able to stand up to even the most ferocious of natural disasters.
Sounds like a dream material, right?
Using Steel in Construction: the Cons
Thankfully, we are not about to shatter those dreams. Steel does have its downsides, just like anything else, but they’re mostly not game changers.
Firstly, not all builders will be familiar with steelwork, meaning that you might have to hire in some specialists. Steelworking tools are also somewhat specialist, so not all builders will have these to hand. Some steel is coated in oil, which can actually cause a toxic odour during the construction.
But the main disadvantage is that steel is a great heat conductor. This may cause problems in colder areas, as the heat will be absorbed and quickly dissipate. To combat this, simply use high-efficiency insulation, or a double-wall system.
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