Steel vs. Wood Frame Homes: Which is the best?

Homes are a way to protect ourselves from the elements and danger. They give our families shelter and safety, but which is the best? Steel or Wood Frame? Homes have always been made from wood. The ancients created homes from wood, and in modern times we have used wood for new construction home designs. There are advantages and disadvantages to each one. It depends on your needs and wants in a home.

Cost

When it comes to building a home, wooden frames have been considered more affordable than steel. However, this is not always the case, as steel has become less expensive. The prices of different types of steel depend on their quality and how durable they are.

While steel is more expensive than wood in many cases, it’s important to note that the cost difference is minimal and should be weighed against all the benefits of building with steel.

Steel costs more to manufacture in most cases. The machinery and equipment used to produce steel must be regularly maintained and upgraded to keep changing technology. Steel also requires a great deal of energy to create and transport.

Strength

There are a couple of reasons steel trusses are more robust than wood. The first is that wood is a naturally occurring material. It can shrink, expand, and warp depending on the humidity of its environment. In addition to this, it is also subject to infestation by termites, mould, and other pests.

On the other hand, steel is a manufactured material that does not shrink or warp and is entirely resistant to termites and other pests.

The second reason steel trusses are more robust than wood is their design. Wood trusses tend to have significant gaps at their joints where they meet at their apexes. Steel trusses do not have these gaps, making them more solid and durable than their counterparts made from wood.

Durability

While wood provides a unique aesthetic value, it’s not the most durable material. Wood can rot, warp, shift and splinter over time. This means homes built with wood frames need to be inspected regularly and repairs made as needed. On the other hand, Steel homes are not prone to rot or warping and are far more structurally sound than their wood counterparts. Durability is critical when it comes to building a new home. Your investment should last for generations, so choosing the correct building materials is of utmost importance.

Fire safety

In general, steel frame homes do better in a fire than wood-frame houses. The frames of steel houses can be treated with a fire retardant while being manufactured. Steel is also more resistant to burning than wood is; it doesn’t smoke or release flammable gases slowly over time. In addition, most steel construction includes a fire-resistant layer between floors so that even if the outside of the house burns, the interior will stay safe for longer.

Pests

Steel frame houses are less appealing to pests such as termites and ants than wood ones are. This makes them a better investment in areas where termites or other pests are common. It’s also true that any bugs that find their way into your house won’t be able to eat through steel as they would through wood, making your home more secure against infestations.    

If you are looking for a steel frame home, contact Straight Edge. They have engineering marvels that will blow your mind away. And the best thing is the price.

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