What You Need To Know About Cold-Formed Steel Home Construction

Builders are urgently exploring other framing methods for residential construction due to the supply chain delays of lumber. Cold-Formed Steel (CFS), commonly used in multi-storey buildings, is presented as a better alternative to wood but it’s not widely considered for home construction. With the fluctuating cost and unreliable availability of lumber, CFS has the potential to increase its market share in residential construction which is currently at 1%.

Prescriptive provisions for Cold-Formed Steel, also known as Light Gauge Steel, have been a part of the International Residential Code since the beginning. CFS is the material of choice for medium construction applications such as schools, apartment buildings, retail stores, etc. 

CFS vs Lumber

If you tried to purchase a single 2×4 recently, then you know that the price of wood has skyrocketed to levels never seen before. The cost alone makes it difficult to justify the need for an easily combustible material to build a lasting home. Rotting is always a concern with wood, making it susceptible to potential hazards like molds, fungi, and insects such as termites and carpenter ants.

It’s a no-brainer that CFS is better because it is not prone to such deterioration. But unlike lumber, it costs more to heat a home built with steel frames. Another score for wood is its shorter lead times prior to construction. 

CFS is pre-fabricated which requires architects to plan longer than usual. For example, most owners don’t confirm window placements until after the building is up. Using CFS would push them to lock design decisions in the planning stage requiring longer lead times. Is the extra wait worth it?

CFS vs Structural Steel 

Structural Steel – used in building massive structures from bridges to skyscrapers to ships – is hot rolled, and is much thicker and stronger. You can think of CFS as the lighter version of Structural Steel with the same load-bearing elements (framing and joists), making it a suitable structural material for residential and commercial buildings up to 10 storeys. 

Both CFS and Structural Steel are made of iron ore – extremely strong, resilient, non-combustible, rodent-proof and mold resistant.  They also share the following qualities:

  • Flexible – adjusts to design specs 
  • Efficient – prefabricated in offsite facilities
  • Long-lasting – up to 700 years 
  • Recyclable – containing 93% recycled material
  • Durable – won’t sag or warp over time

CFS Advantages

1. Cheaper in the long-term

The cost of steel framing is significantly higher than wood framing but most people don’t think about the maintenance costs overtime. Steel frames require almost no maintenance and generally have lower insurance fees in some areas. Builders certainly enjoy significant cost savings in builders’ insurance with CFS due to its non-combustible properties. 

2. Stronger and more flexible

We need to emphasize the flexibility of CFS despite its inherent strength. Architects will have more design opportunities with CFS. For example, it can span large rooms with extensive walls and floors and bear a greater load. CFS works well for single-storey structures, such as commercial plazas, and excels for mid-rise buildings such as hotels, dorms and retirement homes.

3. Smarter and more efficient 

Since CFS fabrication is done in a quality-controlled environment off site, the outcome is more consistent and the measurements are more accurate. Mechanical and electrical systems are already stamped in the steel during the production process. With all work prior to installation accomplished offsite, there is a significant reduction in waste. CFS is also lighter than wood, easier to transport, and doesn’t require specialized crews to mount which saves both time and money. 

4. Superior Acoustics

A place with “good acoustics” means a comfortable, well-balanced, sound reproduction experience. Having good acoustics is great for the overall well-being of occupants in the space and a structure built with cold-formed steel apparently has the best acoustics of all – 60% better than precast concrete and 34% better than wood.

Source: 

ISPAN Systems, Not All Steel is the Same

CFS Build Process 

1. Planning 

Building with CFS begins with planning led by designers. Using advanced design and engineering software systems, designers are able to deliver accurate work, speed up compliance, reduce engineering cost and minimize room for error on-site.

2. Manufacturing

CFS frames and components are produced and fabricated in a manufacturing facility based on approved plans. From structural quality steel coils, CFS panels are shaped at room temperatures by roll-forming machines. They can be produced in large quantities at high speed with consistent quality and size accuracy.

3. Construction

CFS fabricators deliver pre-assembled and clearly identifiable frames on site, doing away with welding or cutting most typical in traditional projects. Frames, trusses and joists can easily be carried into place by on-site labor. This means that the erection process is fast and simple – requiring less labor time and heavy-lifting equipment. Also, CFS construction is predictable and doesn’t have to suffer delays due to bad weather. 

Conclusion

Cold-formed steel may be more expensive and require more lead time in the planning stage but its advantages for architects, builders, owners and occupants alike, definitely outweigh the short term, cost benefits of wood.

If you want a deep-dive on CFS and the design possibilities it may bring to your dream residential project, book your free consultation with one of our experts today!