Modern architects and home designers are increasingly choosing innovative building solutions over traditional standards. While these next-level corrosion resistance materials often come with a higher upfront cost, they often pay for themselves over time due to improved energy efficiency, fewer ongoing maintenance costs, and improved resale value.
One such material is structural steel. While steel is a premier building material along many of these important considerations, one potential drawback is the unmitigated spread of rust. Keep reading as we explore the benefits of choosing a steel frame house and how to choose corrosion-resistant complements for ongoing structural integrity.
Benefits of Choosing Steel Frame Houses
With the construction and real estate industries looking for ways to improve the sustainability of contemporary structures, more and more homes are bypassing less durable structural wood panels in favor of more robust insulated concrete forms and steel beam framing solutions.
Specifically when looking at steel frame houses, there are numerous structural benefits, such as:
Durability - steel is far more durable than the standard oriented strand board (OSB) commonly used for framing. It will not absorb moisture, rot, or warp. It is also resistant to termites and other pests that eat wood. All of these factors add up to elite durability for the most sustainable framing solution possible.
Fire resistance - wildfires of mass destruction are occurring with greater frequency in the era of climate change. The crisis is so acute in some western states that some homeowners are even being denied insurance coverage. As a non-combustible material that can be treated with fire-protective coatings, steel beam framing gives the bones of the home the best chance of surviving a blaze.
Design flexibility - the strength of steel allows for longer spans without requiring vertical support columns. This makes it a premier choice when designing the open floor plan, with the potential to create free-flowing areas that enhance the sense of spaciousness in the home.
Other benefits of building steel frame houses include shorter construction times for greater energy efficiency, lower maintenance for fewer ongoing upkeep costs, and less waste than standard timber construction.
How Does Corrosion Impact Steel?
Although steel is one of the world’s most durable building materials, corrosion can eventually undermine its structural integrity if left unchecked. Some of the threats that corrosion poses to a steel frame house include:
Loss of strength - as corrosion forms, the steel is gradually consumed. This reduces the load-bearing capacity of the steel frame.
Pitting - this occurs when localized corrosion forms concentration points, or “pits.” This can cause acute cracking and damage to the home’s frame, even if the overall prevalence of corrosion appears minimal.
Reduced ductility - corrosion can make steel more brittle, leading to unexpected failure under stress.
Other potential risks associated with corrosion formation include deformation and weakened steel/concrete bonds.
The Best Corrosion-Resistant Complements to Steel Frame Houses
To take your steel frame house to the next level, there are numerous complementary accents that can help limit the formation of corrosion.
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Waterproofing Measures
Although steel frames will not absorb water, moisture will be one of the root causes of corrosion on the steel’s surface. As such, to reduce the risk of rust, it is vital to take any and every measure to keep water away from the home. Some of the best waterproofing measures to take include:
Assess the quality of the flashing and gutter system. This will guarantee that precipitation is directed away from the house and does not make its way inside the building envelope.
Ensure that all lawns are sloped away from the house to keep runoff from causing issues. Add slot drains to sidewalks, driveways, and patios. Apply liquid flashing or install permeable membranes to foundation walls to create a more waterproof basement.
Check the transitions between the walls and window/door frames. Apply a silicone-based sealant to all degraded joints to eliminate the threat of moisture transfer. Consider adding trim as an additional layer of moisture protection.
Other steps to consider for a more waterproof home include adding a metal roof and upgrading the siding to an inorganic fiber cement or steel log option.
Add Insulation
While moisture is one of the primary culprits of rust formation, oxygen is the other. As such, it is crucial to create an airtight barrier for the home.
A robust insulation infrastructure is one of the best ways to accomplish this.
Add insulation to all exterior walls, ceilings, and below-grade areas of the home. Spray foam insulation works especially well for steel, as it snugly adheres to hard-to-reach crevices in the frame.
Zinc Fasteners
Although corrosion is not necessarily “contagious,” it can spread quite quickly from one metal surface to another if left unmitigated. Therefore, choosing zinc fasteners is one of the best ways to slow the spread and add a non-corrosive element to the building envelope. Many people wonder “will zinc bolts rust?” In short, no.
They are galvanized or electroplated with a corrosion-resistant layer of zinc, making standard stainless steel bolts and screws even more resistant to the impact of rust.
Choose the Most Corrosion-Resistant Materials for Your Steel Frame House
Steel is one of the most innovative building materials for creating a high-performing, sustainable home. By adhering to any of the ideas listed above, you can guarantee that corrosion is never a threat to undermine your steel fortress.
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