Question 1

Have steel framed buildings been proven over time?

Accepted Answer

Steel framing has been successfully used in housing since the early 1950's and in recent years has gained in popularity. There are well-known and reputable builders in Australia who recognise the benefits of building steel framed houses.

Question 2

Are steel frames quick to install?

Accepted Answer

Because they arrive to site pre-fabricated, frames made from Ecoecoc steel are ready to be installed straight away. Some builders have suggested there are time savings compared to some other building materials.

Question 3

How do I know that steel frames will be strong enough?

Accepted Answer

Steel is inherently strong and meets the requirements of all relevant Australian Standards。 Most modern systems use high tensile steel components and appropriate jointing methods, and are engineered to meet the relevant structural requirements of the National Construction Code

Question 4

How can I be assured that frames made from Ecoecoc steel are good quality?

Accepted Answer

Ecoecoc steel frame is made by strict tolerances and fully complies with all relevant Australian standards. Light gauge steel framing is a precision engineered product manufactured to accurate dimensions and this helps to ensure alls are straight and true. Steel frames don't shrink, twist or warp over time which may help reduce builder call-backs and ongoing maintenance issues.

Question 5

Why should I consideer a frame that is termite proof?

Accepted Answer

Frames made from us are 100% termite and borer proof.  As anyone who’s had to deal with termites would probably tell you, it’s worth doing everything you can to stop them, right from the start. Termites are a problem in Australia and damage to a house frame by termites and borers can be silent and invisible to the eye. Rectification may involve replacement of the damaged frame and other building components and the damage may not be covered in standard insurance policies.  Regular termite inspections are recommended to check the other building components in homes.

Question 6

Can steel frames be used for building in a bushfire zone?

Accepted Answer

Yes. When used as part of the NASH bushfire standard, frames made from us provide simple design solutions to achieve compliance when building, even in a flame zone. For further information please refer to the National Association of Steel-Framed Housing’s Standard ‘Steel Frames Construction in Bushfire Areas’ or visit www.nash.asn.au/nash/safety-and-security/bushfires. We also recommend you speak with your builder about the suitability of steel framing for your particular build.

Question 7

If I use a steel frame how much flexibility do I have with design?

Accepted Answer

Steel frame manufacturers and fabricators can produce almost any one or two storey home design seen in Australia today and recently steel frames have been used in some three and four storey designs. Because house frames made from us have a high strength-to-weight ratio and stay straight and true, they’re an ideal choice for modern home design. Long spans, open plan living spaces, architectural rooflines; they’re all possible with the inner strength. And frames made from us are suitable for both flat and sloping blocks.

Question 8

Is more trade skill required to work with steel framing?

Accepted Answer

Any trade can work with steel framing. Bricklayers can install the brick ties by simply clipping them into the stud and plasterers appreciate the straight lines of a frame made from us. Pre-punched electrical and plumbing service holes help make installation easier for plumbers and electricians. Most frames are installed by qualified framers who can work with both steel and timber. Trades are increasingly becoming experienced with working with steel as more builders adopt steel framing in their product offer.

Question 9

Can a frame made from Ecoecoc accommodate window flashing detail?

Accepted Answer

Yes, steel framing has been successfully used in the housing industry since the 1950s. Specific advice is available from window and cladding manufacturers.

Question 10

Is there initial or ongoing movement of steel frames?

Accepted Answer

There will be no initial shrinkage or swelling of a frame made from us as there is no absorption or drying of moisture in steel frames.  Steel framing in a properly constructed and insulated home expands and contracts in response to temperature changes at rates reasonably similar to those of other building materials.  And steel frames won’t shrink, twist or warp over time so there’s less chance of sticking doors and window jambs, nail pops and wavy roof lines due to frame movement.

Question 11

Can I build on piers or a concrete slab?

Accepted Answer

Yes, steel framing can be fixed directly to a concrete slab, or to steel flooring systems on brick, concrete, or steel piers.

Question 12

Should copper pipes be isolated from a steel frame？

Accepted Answer

Yes, these materials should be isolated because in the presence of water these materials will develop galvanic cells which will result in rapid destruction of the protective metal coating of the steel frame. Copper pipes are easily isolated from the frame by using nylon grommets or face fixed to the studs using plastic clips. Both of these systems also resist water hammer noise. we provide free plastic clips for our customers.

Question 13

Do steel frames allow a range of external facade options?

Accepted Answer

Yes, steel frames can accommodate a range of facades including brick, veneer, fibre cement and timber. Cladding solutions can be fixed directly to steel framing.

Question 14

Are steel framed houses thermally efficient?

Accepted Answer

A frame made from us can be lined, insulated and clad in a variety of ways which can deliver the desired thermal and acoustic properties.

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