Steel structures are used for a wide array of purposes. While many different materials are used at construction sites, steel remains one of the most popular due to its myriad of benefits.
For example, steel tends to be less expensive than many other construction materials and also tends to be far more durable. Steel is also more energy-efficient and eco-friendly when compared to many other construction materials in the industry. Yet another benefit is that steel can withstand the elements and natural disasters better than most construction components.
If you want to add a commercial steel structure to your home, you can do so in an economical and relatively simple manner. Your business space or your residential property will also increase in both its curb appeal and its real estate value after steel structures have been added to it.
Here we discuss how steel structures can increase the resale value of your property.
Usage of Steel Structures.
Steel structures are commonly used in many areas of construction. For example, steel may be used for roofing systems, bracing, framing elements, and window and door frames. The majority of high-rise buildings that are built in your city are made with steel.
Steel boasts impressive strength properties while also being low in weight. In most cases, a combination of concrete and reinforced steel will be used to build large-scale industrial complexes.
Steel frames are also almost always used to build skyscrapers that are over 500 feet tall. Yet another benefit of steel is that it is easy to fabricate. The result is that production can be ramped up relatively easily to produce large quantities of steel without compromising the integrity or quality of the material.
Regarding residential properties, steel goes through a specialized process to be transformed into light gauge steel. Lightweight gauge steel has superior strength properties, and steel will commonly replace wooden 2x4s due to its excellent durability properties.
Moreover, most parking structures, such as parking garages, will also be made with steel. Steel’s long-term durability and reduced construction time and economical price make it a very attractive material for many contractors.
The strength-to-weight ratio that steel provides also makes it the ideal material for most bridges. A typical bridge will be subject to great amounts of weight and pressure daily, so it must be made with a durable yet lightweight material.
Types of Steel Used in Construction.
The steel structure utilized in buildings will depend heavily on the design implemented in the home and the type of project involved.
Structural steel is fabricated with a certain cross-section or shape in mind. The strength properties and chemical composition also tend to be a particular amount and type depending on its intended purpose.
In other words, the shape, composition, size, and strength of structural steel are usually controlled. Structural steel works well for smaller construction projects, but it can also build monolithic high-rise buildings.
Light gauge steel is known for its lightweight properties. To be fabricated, very thin gauge materials will need to be cold-formed to make specific section profiles.
While the shapes and sizes may differ from project to project, the resulting product will almost always be resistant to premature failure and local buckling issues. Light gauge steel is also easy to handle, cost-effective, and safe.
Carbon steel has an elevated carbon concentration when compared to other forms of steel, hence the name. Its strength characteristics, in particular, are noteworthy, making it an ideal choice for heavy construction projects.
In addition to being very durable and strong, carbon steel is affordable and fire, tornado, hurricane, and earthquake resistant. It is also available in many different forms, including high, medium, and low carbon steel, making it an ideal solution for a wide array of construction jobs.
Alloy steel is formed when amalgamates carbon steel with one or several different alloying elements, such as chromium, manganese, titanium, nickel, aluminum, or copper. Alloying elements are added to create properties that will augment the value of carbon steel.
For example, nickel may be added to boost the strength and toughness of carbon steel while also increasing its resistance against corrosion. As for manganese, it may be added to carbon steel to augment its resistance against hammering, shock, and strain issues.
Mild steel is a type of carbon steel. However, what sets it apart from other types of steel is its low amount of carbon. Due to its lower concentration of carbon, mild steel is more weldable, machinable, and pliable than other types of steel. In addition, mild steel tends to have large quantities of ferrite and iron, making it a highly magnetic type or steel grade.
Benefits of Steel Structures.
As mentioned, steel constructions are known for their long-term durability as well as their high dependability. You can enjoy peace of mind knowing that your property will be protected in the event of a natural disaster.
Also, if you are environmentally conscious, you take advantage of the eco-friendly benefits that steel provides compared to other construction materials. The strength that steel provides is impressive, and the fact that steel is also a cost-effective material makes steel one of the most valuable construction materials in the industry.
Protect Your Property.
If you plan to customize your commercial home using a metal framework, the sky’s the limit. Stylish, durable, eco-friendly, economical, and strong, steel will also increase the real estate value of your property when you are ready to sell it.
However, due to the many types of steel available, you may want to speak to your contractor to compare the different properties and benefits that steel types provide before deciding on your choice.
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