Can steel frames be used for building in a bushfire zone?
Yes. When used as part of the NASH bushfire standard, frames made from TRUECORE® steel 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.
Is there initial or ongoing movement of steel frames?
There will be no initial shrinkage or swelling of a frame made from TRUECORE® steel 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.
Have steel framed buildings been proven over time?
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 recognize the benefits of TRUECORE® steel and building steel framed houses.
How do I know that Steel Frames and Trusses™ frames will be strong enough?
Steel Frames and Trusses™ uses BlueScope steel which is strong and meets the requirements of all relevant Australian Standards. Steel Frames and Trusses™ is further manufactured and engineered to meet the relevant structural requirements of the National Construction Code.
Are there on-site benefits for construction with Light Gauge Steel Framing Systems?
Steel frames are precision engineered, dimensionally accurate, straight and true (there is no need for frame straightening), and they arrive at the site pre-fabricated and ready for installation. Builders and tradies have told us they appreciate the lightweight nature of steel. And arriving at the site pre-fabricated can improve on-site efficiency and also help to reduce on-site waste.
Are Steel Frames and Trusses™ frames quick to install?
Since Steel Frames and Trusses™ wall frames come pre-fabricated and are ready to be installed straight away, they save time compared to some other building materials such as timber and concrete.
How can I be assured that frames made from Steel Frames and Trusses™ are good quality?
Steel Frames and Trusses™ is made by BlueScope, which ensures strict tolerances and fully complies with all relevant Australian Standards. Steel frames don’t shrink, twist, or warp over time which may help reduce builder callbacks and ongoing maintenance issues.
What warranty is available on Steel Frames and Trusses™?
Steel Frames and Trusses™ comes with a 50-year warranty from BlueScope. The warranty is offered to eligible applicants for residential applications and is subject to terms and conditions. For full terms and conditions and to determine eligibility, please visit warranties.bluescopesteel.com.au or call BlueScope on 1800 800 789. In addition, consumers have rights under Australian Consumer Law that cannot be excluded, modified, or restricted, and BlueScope’s warranties do not affect those rights.
Are steel-framed buildings successful in the long run?
Steel framing is not a new technology; rather, steel-framed houses have been built since the early 1950s and in recent years have gained in popularity.
How will termite-proof frames benefit me?
Every year in Australia, many houses are damaged by termites and borers which are not visible to the naked eye. Rectification of these damages may incur thousands of dollars or, in the worst-case scenario, the damage is not repairable and is not covered by a standard insurance policy. So it is wiser to get Frames made from Steel Frames and Trusses™ that 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.
How much flexibility in design can I have with steel frames?
Due to its high strength-to-weight rate and high durability and rigidity, Steel Frames and Trusses™ can be used to make almost anyone or two-story houses as seen in Australia. However. it is possible to make three and four-story houses as well with Steel Frames and Trusses™. Long spans, open spaces and any roof design are achievable with Steel Frames and Trusses™.
Do I need any specialized tradesmen to work with steel frames?
Due to the ease of use of Steel Frames and Trusses™, any trade can work with steel framing. Steel Frames and Trusses™ comes with pre-punched service holes making it easier for plumbers and electricians to work around. Most frames are installed by qualified framers who can work with both steel and timber.
How can I install Steel Frames and Trusses™ frames?
Steel Frames and Trusses™ frames and trusses are easy to handle and work with. Steel Frames and Trusses™ frames come with an installation manual that can be referred to at any time. All the connection details are in the manual provided. Steel Frames and Trusses™ aims to always give support and guidance.
Can window flashing be accommodated by Steel Frames and Trusses™ frames?
Yes, steel framing has been successfully used in the housing industry since the 1950s. Specific advice is available from window and cladding manufacturers.
Does Steel Frames and Trusses™ comply with the relevant Australian Standards?
Steel Frames and Trusses™ uses BlueScope steel to manufacture frames and trusses. BlueScope steel meets all the relevant Australian Standards (AS1397:2011 and AS/NZS 1365:1996) for thickness, width, mechanical properties and coating mass.Is Steel Frames and Trusses™ insecticide free? What does this mean?
Since HARDCORE™ is termite and borer-proof, Steel Frames and Trusses™ doesn’t need to be treated with insecticides to keep these harmful pests from eating your frame. So, if minimizing insecticides around your home is a priority for you and your family, building your home with Steel Frames and Trusses™ is a great way to start. Visit the National Association for Steel-Frame Housing’s (NASH) information page: www.nash.asn.au/nash/why-choose-steel/structural-pestsAre Steel Frames and Trusses™ moisture proof? What does this mean?
Steel Frames and Trusses™ frames are strong, durable and free from twisting and wrapping. This is made possible 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 like 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.Can I build on piers or a concrete slab?
Yes, steel framing can be fixed directly to a concrete slab, or to steel flooring systems on brick, concrete, or steel piers.
Can you hang pictures on the walls of steel-framed homes?
Most pictures can be adequately supported by a variety of commonly available plasterboard anchors. Heavier items can be drilled and screwed directly into the studs and the studs can be easily located with a magnet or stud finders which are readily available from hardware stores.
Are steel-framed houses thermally efficient?
A frame made from Steel Frames and Trusses™ can be lined, insulated and clad in a variety of ways which can deliver the desired thermal and acoustic properties.
Does the steel design comes with any Certificates?
All the designs are certified by a third-party structural engineer who issues us the structural integrity certificates.
What comes along with the steel frames or floor joists or roof trusses?
All the steel frames, roof trusses or floor joists come with fasteners and other fixing materials required internally and externally.