Light Gauge Galvanized Steel Framing: Homesteel

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The key takeaways are that steel framing provides benefits to builders, homeowners and the environment compared to wood framing and that it is being increasingly used for residential construction.

Some benefits of steel framing mentioned are that it is strong, durable, economically manufactured, allows for large clear spans, requires less material to frame, and is recyclable.

Some common steel framing components mentioned are studs, purlins, rafters, joists, roof trusses, and wall panels.

SHEET STEEL

CSSBI BUILDING INSTITUTE

AN
CANADIAN
SHEET STEEL INTRODUCTION
BUILDING INSTITUTE
TO RESIDENTIAL
CSSBI

652 Bishop Street North, Unit 2A


Cambridge, Ontario N3H 4V6
Telephone: (519) 650-1285
STEEL FRAMING
Fax: (519) 650-8081

G E T T I N G I N TO

Light Gauge Galvanized Steel Framing E L

FR
TE

D
AM I N
A S E OF M

CSSBI 54-94
ISBN 1-895535-20-4
Homesteel
AN INTRODUCTION TO
RESIDENTIAL STEEL FRAMING

CONTENTS
Introduction ......................................................................1
Why Use Steel Framing?....................................................2
PREFACE Builder Benefits
Homeowner Benefits
This publication is intended as a guide for
Environmental Benefits
home builders, developers, engineers and users
Manufacturing and Design................................................3
of light gauge steel framing (LSF) in residential
Product Standards .............................................................4
applications. LSF products are cold formed
Materials.............................................................................4
structural members for applications such as
Steel framing Components...............................................4
studs, purlins, rafters, joists and for use in such
Floors
constructions as steel roof trusses and
Walls
panelized wall assemblies.
Roofs
Other Applications
The CSSBI would like to acknowledge the
Framing Methods ..............................................................6
support and assistance provided by the
Stick Built Construction
American Iron and Steel Institute in the
Panelized Systems
creation of this document. The growth of
Pre–engineered Systems
residential steel framing is spreading
Joining & Fastening...........................................................7
throughout North America and the AISI is a very
Corrosion Protection ........................................................8
active supporter of this effort. The CSSBI and
Thermal Performance .......................................................8
the AISI cooperate on many issues of joint
Fire & Acoustic Performance............................................9
concern to everyone's benefit.
Professional Involvement..................................................9
Additional Information ...................................................10
The material presented in this publication has
Residential Steel Framing Case Studies .........................11
been prepared for the general information of
the reader. While the material is believed to be
technically correct and in accordance with
recognized good practice at the time of
publication, it should not be used without first CANADIAN
securing competent advice with respect to its SHEET STEEL
suitability for any given application. Neither the
CSSBI BUILDING INSTITUTE

Canadian Sheet Steel Building Institute nor its Copyright © December 1994
by
Members warrant or assume liability for the Canadian Sheet Steel Building Institute
suitability of the material for any general or
All rights reserved. This publication, nor any part thereof,
particular use. may not be reproduced in any form without the written
permission of the publisher.
CANADIAN
ISBN 1–895535–20–4
SHEET STEEL
C S S B I BUILDING INSTITUTE
AN INTRODUCTION TO RESIDENTIAL STEEL FRAMING
HOMESTEEL

Residential steel framing members were originally


designed as a substitute for wood framing. However,
INTRODUCTION
For more than 150 years, steel has been used in the they are now being manufactured in systems which
North American construction market. Today it remains reflect the superior strength and consistency of steel.
one of the strongest, most durable and economically The variety of available steel shapes, strengths and sizes
manufactured materials. While it has typically been has expanded beyond that of standard lumber, and this
associated with skyscrapers and bridges, steel is versatility offers the advantage of savings in both material
emerging as the material of choice for residential cost and time while delivering a consistently high quality
framing. Across Canada and the United States, builders, product.
developers and homeowners are finding out about the
many benefits that steel has to offer in the residential Environmental and economic concerns have prompted
marketplace. the building industry to research alternative building
materials and methods. This, in addition to its
Although the name "steel" may conjure up images of a
construction benefits and excellent recycling capabilities,
heavy or cumbersome material, the coated steel
is making steel framing a growing choice for residential
products used in residential framing are just the
construction. This follows the long time use of steel
opposite. Cold formed sheet steel is a light weight, easy
framing in commercial construction where steel has
to handle, economical and high quality alternative to
proven quality and performance records.
traditional wood framing materials. Among its other
advantages, steel offers the builder a strong,
dimensionally stable, easy to work with framing system.

The first
Homesteel project
was built in
Ancaster,
Ontario. This
home featured
steel wall studs
and floor joists in
an otherwise
traditional home.

CSSBI 1
HOMESTEEL

construction site, at a central assembly point near the site


or can be assembled in panels at a factory. Steel gives a
WHY USE STEEL FRAMING?
The reasons why home builders are turning to steel framing flexible response to nearly every home builder requirement.
members as replacements for wood are as varied as the homes • No heavy equipment is necessary when light gauge steel
they build. Here are some of the most significant benefits for framing is used.
both user groups, the builder and the homeowner, that give
steel an edge over the competition. “Steel framing was cheaper to install and featured

Builder Benefits:
many labour saving components. This product is an
environmentally sound alternative to wood. It’s the

• Steel will not rot, shrink, swell, split, or warp and is


product that will lead the residential construction

non–combustible.
industry into the next century.”
John Bruzzese, President
• Every steel stud is a good stud. There is no longer the Armour Steel Framing Systems

need to sort through lifts of framing members to select


Hamilton, Ontario

suitable pieces. Steel framing is of consistent quality. "In working with steel framing the major differences

• Steel framing can be supplied to the exact lengths required


we found as a builder were the use of light weight

thus eliminating much of the on–site cutting and most of


materials, the various dimensional qualities, the use
of screw guns and cut off saws in lieu of hammers
the waste.
and circular saws."

• Steel framing is a proven technology that is user friendly


Wayne Barry, President
Metallic Homes Inc.
allowing for a smooth transition from other materials. St. Albert, Alberta
• Steel framing members are available in a variety of standard
shapes and sizes in varying steel thicknesses to
"As a builder of quality homes, it is important to us to
ensure that we are providing an excellent product at
accommodate any structural requirements.
a competitive price. Our experience with the

• Steel members weigh as much as 60% less than wood


Ancaster Homesteel project has shown us that steel
framing has a place in residential construction and
members; therefore, foundation and seismic loads can be we plan to build more steel framed houses in the
reduced.
future."

• Steel framing members are manufactured with pre–punched


Robert Cooper, V.P. & G.M.
Alterra Developments Ltd.
holes for running piping and electrical wiring, minimizing Toronto, Ontario

preparation work for other trades. "I know this (steel framing) goes against the great
• Steel framing accommodates all types of commonly used Canadian tradition of wood frame houses, but we
finishing materials.
are convinced it's the house of the future."

• The inherent strength of steel can be utilized to reduce the


Joe Vella, V.P.
Fifthshire Homes Ltd.
number of framing members required. It is not necessary to Concord, Ontario

replace steel for wood stick–for–stick. "Our commitment to LSF was brought about by the
• Steel is competitively priced and consistent in quality. Steel vagaries of lumber quality, supply and pricing. The

prices are more stable than wood and steel supplies have
ability of the manufacturers to produce LSF

historically been more readily available.


members to required lengths, tolerances and
structural quality, greatly reduces the waste factor in
• Steel framing does not dry out and shrink over time, thus the the cost equation, in addition the decreased risk of

costly call backs to repair warped walls, nail–pops and


drywall problems due to the stability of LSF

squeaking floors are eliminated.


components further enhances the desirability of
using steel."
• Building waste and pilferage from the construction site is Peter J. Laughlin

greatly reduced.
Wessex Construction Management

• Steel members can easily be prefabricated at the


Shawnigan Lake, B.C.

2 CSSBI
HOMESTEEL

• Workers can be easily trained to work with steel framing • Steel framed walls are straight and remain that way. There
elements. Assembly details are easy for workers to quickly is no shrinkage to cause nail–pops and squeaking floors.
pick up.
• Steel framing has been used for decades in commercial and Environmental Benefits:
condominium construction. It is a tried and well proven • All steel products are 100% recyclable. The overall
technology now available to home builders as an alternative recycling rate of steel products in North America is 66%;
to wood framing. the highest rate of any material.
• Job–site scrap has resale value. • Steel products can be recycled repeatedly without
degradation or loss of properties.
Homeowner Benefits: • The steel industry is the single largest recycler in North
• Steel's inherent strength and non–combustible qualities America because recycled steel is an integral ingredient in
enable a steel framed house to resist such devastating steel production.
events as fires, earthquakes, and hurricanes. Homes can be
designed to meet the highest seismic and wind load
specifications in any part of the country.

The NAHB Resource Conservation House in


Bowie, Maryland features steel framing.

• During the last decade, more than 1 trillion pounds of steel


Steel can accommodate distinctive
scrap have been recycled, keeping a valuable commodity
architectural details.
out of the country's landfill sites.
• Because of its strength, steel can span greater distances • Magnetic separation makes steel the easiest and most
offering larger open spaces and increased design flexibility economical material to remove from the solid waste
without requiring intermediate columns or loadbearing walls. stream.
• Remodeling can be easily accomplished. Non– loadbearing • The amount of energy needed to produce a ton of steel has
walls can easily be removed, altered and relocated. been reduced by 34% since 1972 and continues to
• Steel framing does not need to be treated for termites. It is decrease.
free of resin adhesives and other chemicals used to treat
wood framing products.
• Steel framing can be used for every home style from
MANUFACTURING AND DESIGN
traditional to contemporary to ultra–modern and from low Steel framing members are manufactured by a cold forming
cost to luxury. Steel framed homes can be found in every process in which strips of coated sheet steel are put through a
climate. series of roll forming dies which shape the sheet into the

CSSBI 3
HOMESTEEL

desired profile, usually a "C" shape. The thickness of the Standard CAN/CGSB–7.1 "Cold Formed Steel Framing
sheet can be varied to meet the structural requirements and Components". This specifies minimum dimensions as well as
the length is cut precisely to order. The manufacturing establishing material and structural requirements for
process automatically punches regularly spaced holes into the non–loadbearing, wind loadbearing and axial loadbearing
centre of the section to accommodate the installation of members. For residential applications, the NBCC also
bridging and electrical or other services. specifies other specific requirements that must be met.

The basis of cold formed steel design stems from the shape of
the cross–section. A flat sheet of thin steel is not very strong,
MATERIALS
but when this sheet is formed into a "C" section, the bends act The coated sheet steel used in the manufacture of steel studs
as stiffeners and increases the strength of the sheet many and joists must meet very specific material standards. Most
times over. Since most of the strength and stiffness of the commonly, ASTM A653 standard specification for structural
section depends on the shape, not the thickness, quality cold rolled sheet (replacing ASTM A446) is used to
strength–to–weight ratios are very favourable. ensure the sheet steel is suitable for structural applications.

Steel is available in many different thicknesses and strength


levels. The common design thicknesses are 0.018, 0.033,
0.036, 0.044, 0.048, 0.060, 0.075, and 0.105 inches (exclusive of
any metallic coatings). It is important to specify sheet
thickness by the decimal thickness to guarantee a minimum
thickness of delivered product.

The sheet steel can be supplied in different strength levels to


meet the structural requirements of the project. In general,
for loadbearing product it is common to use material with a
yield strength of 33 ksi for thicknesses up to 0.048 inches. For
material in thicknesses 0.060 inches and greater, a 50 ksi yield
strength material is common.
The most common shape is the “C” section.
The material is also available with a number of different
The design of all cold formed steel structural products in metallic coats needed for corrosion protection. A discussion
Canada is covered by the National Building Code of Canada on corrosion resistance is presented in a later section.
(NBCC) where the CSA Standard S136 "Cold Formed Steel
Structural Members" is referenced. The design of these The manufacturer of the steel framing products will specify in
structural members is well developed over many years of their product literature the thicknesses and material strengths
research and development. on which their load tables are based.

PRODUCT STANDARDS STEEL FRAMING COMPONENTS


Canadian manufacturers of light gauge steel framing follow a There is a cold formed steel framing component for virtually
number of standards to ensure the quality of the components any application. This variety allows for the simplification of
they produce meets the building code requirements. The the framing system while providing maximum structural
standard used to specify these requirements is the CGSB efficiency, design flexibility and ease of installation.

4 CSSBI
HOMESTEEL

Construction elements of a framed house are divided into joist spans. It is possible to increase the joist thickness to
three main assemblies: floors, walls and roofs. While these span the long length of a room to open up the area between
assemblies are often consistent with wood framed the joist to run the HVAC ducts. This can add to the head
construction, some steel assemblies may also involve new and room in basements without significant cost.
innovative framing systems.
Walls
The steel component known as the structural "C" is the There are two basic types of steel studs: structural studs for
predominant shape. The greater strength of steel can offer interior and exterior loadbearing walls, and drywall studs for
wider spacing between members and longer spans, a feature non– loadbearing interior partitions. The structural "C" studs
that makes for increased design flexibility as well as decreasing used in the wall construction range in size from 2–1/2 to 8
material and labour costs. Steel members can easily be spaced inches and in thicknesses from 0.033 to 0.071 inches. The
at 24 inches on centre. drywall studs are available in sizes from 1–5/8 to 6 inches and
have thicknesses from 0.018 to 0.034 inches.
Floors
Generally, builders opt for joist depths ranging from 6 to 12
inches with a steel thickness from 0.034 to 0.101 inches.
Instead of using lapped joists on multiple span conditions, a
single length of joist can be used to span continuously.
However, a lap in the joist can be helpful in accommodating
the deviations in the concrete or masonry foundation walls
and for transportation.

Steel stud walls can be stick-built or panelized

Although 3–5/8 and 6 inch walls are common in stick–built


residential construction, wall thickness can be varied to meet
the structural and insulation requirements of the building.
Exterior rigid insulation is applied to the walls to minimize
thermal bridging and comply with building code
requirements.
Steel floor joists are easily installed and can
span continuously across supports. Roofs
Floor joists can be supplied with knock–outs pre–punched The broad range of available sizes and thicknesses allow steel
into the webs at regular intervals. This will accommodate the framing to be used in virtually any roof system, from the
installation of electrical and plumbing services. simplest shed roof to the most complex hip and valley
construction. Trusses can be built on–site or off– site in truss
Another advantage of the range of steel joist thicknesses and plants, in complete or sectioned assemblies.
depths is in the flexibility it provides for the orientation of the

CSSBI 5
HOMESTEEL

• Sheet steel can be used as the sheathing material on


exterior walls.
• Mouldings can be formed out of prefinished sheet steel
material.
All of these systems have been used in Canada and illustrate
the innovations possible with steel while still complying with
current building code requirements.

FRAMING METHODS
There are three basic residential steel framing assembly
methods:
• Stick built construction
Roof framing can include steel • Panelized systems
trusses or rafters. • Pre–engineered systems

Other Applications Stick Built Construction


It is easiest to consider the substitution of wood framing with Stick built construction is virtually the same in wood and steel.
steel framing because the two systems are essential This framing method has actually gone through a
interchangeable. It is also possible to use steel in many of the transformation incorporating many of the techniques used in
other components of a house, for example: panelized construction. The steel materials are delivered to
• The concrete foundation can be replaced with an insulated the job site in stock lengths or in some cases cut to length.
steel framed wall system. The layout and assembly of steel framing is the same as for
• The asphalt shingles can be replaced with steel roof tiles or lumber, except components are screwed together rather than
steel roof cladding systems. nailed. Steel joists can be ordered in long lengths to span the
• The traditional floor construction using joists and sheathing full width of the home. This expedites the framing process
can be replaced with a composite steel and concrete floor and eliminates lap joints. Sheathing and finish materials are
system. fastened with screws or pneumatic pins.

Basements can also be framed out of steel. The Ancaster Homesteel Project utilized
stick-built construction methods.

6 CSSBI
HOMESTEEL

Panelized Systems materials. Engineered systems may space the primary load
carrying members more the 24 inches on centre, sometimes
Panelization consists of a system for prefabricating walls,
up to 8 feet. These systems use either secondary horizontal
floors and/or roof components into sections. This method of
members to distribute wind loads to the columns or lighter
construction is most efficient where there is a repetition of weight steel in–fill studs between the columns. Furring
panel types and dimensions. Panels can be made in the shop channels used to support sheathing materials also provide a
or in the field. Steel studs and joists are ordered cut to length break in the heat flow path to the exterior, which increases
for most panel work, placed into a jig and fastened by either thermal efficiency.
screws or welding. The exterior sheathing, or in some cases
the complete exterior finish, is applied to the panel prior to Many of the pre–engineered systems provide framing
erection. members which are pre–cut to length with pre–drilled holes
for bolts or screws. Most of the fabrication labour is done by
Shop panelization can offer several significant advantages to the supplier, allowing a home to be framed in as little as one
the builder. The panel shop provides a controlled day.
environment where work can proceed regardless of the
weather conditions. Application of sheathing and finish JOINING AND FASTENING
systems is easier and faster with the panels in a horizontal Steel framing procedures are much the same as conventional
position. The panels are then transported from the panel framing, using similar tools, but with different attachments.
shop to the job site. The main tools used in steel framing are tin snips, a screw gun,
nibblers and a circular or chop saw. Construction workers
A major benefit of panelization is the speed of erection. A job who know how to use a power drill with a screwdriver
can usually be framed in about one quarter of the time attachment will have no trouble with steel framing assembly.
required to stick–build. When you consider that the exterior Circular or chop saws are used for cutting steel by substituting
finish system may also be part of the panel, the overall time abrasive wheels for wood cutting blades. It is as simple as that.
savings may be even greater.
Self drilling screws are the most common fastener used in
steel framing. These fasteners can be much more durable

This project in Ottawa was built up from


prefabricated panel assemblies.

Pre–engineered Systems Screwing is the most common means


With steel's high strength and design flexibility, innovative of connecting steel framing
systems are possible which are not possible using other

CSSBI 7
HOMESTEEL

than nails and can resist forces more effectively. It is


recommended that zinc plated or phosphate coated screws be
CORROSION PROTECTION
Everyone knows that steel left unprotected in the
used on exposed exterior surfaces. A wide variety of
environment will rust. This perceived drawback to steel has
self–drilling and self–tapping fasteners are available from local
been addressed many years ago with the introduction of
construction material suppliers. Make sure that the proper
galvanizing. Galvanizing is the coating of the steel sheet with
screw is selected for the job.
a layer of zinc. More recently, another coating system that
uses an aluminum–zinc alloy coat (tradename Galvalume)
A question often raised by trim carpenters is how to attach
has been introduced to the construction market.
interior trims and moulding to the steel frame. There are
many different methods to accomplish this easily. Around
The metallic coating (i.e. zinc, or aluminum–zinc alloy) has a
windows and doors, a wood trimmer piece can be framed into
much lower corrosion rate than uncoated steel and protects
the rough opening. This trimmer simplifies the installation of
the steel from the environment. The metallic coating will also
the window or door and provides a wooden member to fasten
provide sacrificial protection to the steel.
trim pieces to. For baseboards, there are finishing screws
available that act the same as finishing nails. These screws
Metallic coated steel is designed not to rust while on the
have a small head that automatically countersink, ready to be
construction site, during construction, or after construction.
finished.
Corrosion is inhibited first by the coating acting as a
protective barrier on the steel surface. This barrier
protection does not allow moisture to contact the steel:
without moisture there is no rusting.

Metallic coatings also protect the steel through sacrificial


action. If scratched or dented, the metallic coating will
continue to protect the exposed steel by sacrificial action.
The importance of the metallic coating to the service life of
the sheet steel is a key design criteria. Zinc or
aluminum–zinc alloy coatings are available in a range of
coating weights to suit different applications. The most
common coating specifications for residential steel studs are
Chop saws cut members to length. G90 galvanized or AZ150 Galvalume.
Homeowners will also ask how they can hang a picture on a
steel stud. In the majority of cases, the desired location for a
THERMAL PERFORMANCE
picture never seems to line up with the location of a stud In the colder climates of Canada and the northern United
(true in any type of construction). When this happens, the States, providing the appropriate thermal resistance for a
picture is hung on the drywall using some type of common building is an important design consideration. The following
toggle bolt or expansion anchor. When it is necessary to points should be kept in mind.
fasten to a steel stud, it is simple to drill into the stud and • Thermal bridging can be controlled by the addition of rigid
install a screw the same as in wood construction. insulated sheathing on the cold side of the stud. This acts
as a thermal break which has been shown to provide
increased thermal resistance greater than just the added
insulation R–value.

8 CSSBI
HOMESTEEL

• You can use the same types of insulation products for both many loadbearing and non–loadbearing wall assemblies,
wood and steel framing (e.g. glass fibre, mineral wool, made from both wood and steel framing with different
cellulose fibre, foams, etc.). It is important to realize that a combinations of drywall and insulation. The results of this
wood 2x4 is rectangular in shape, and when spaced 16" on work shows the advantages of steel in both fire and acoustic
centres, the insulating batts need to be roughly 14 1/4" performance. These results will be published in the Appendix
wide to fill the cavity. However, because steel framing uses to the 1995 National Building Code of Canada.
"C" sections, 16" wide batts are used to fill the wall cavity.
This results in a greater percentage of the wall being
insulated.
PROFESSIONAL INVOLVEMENT
The design and construction of single family homes in Canada
• It is expected that the National Energy Code for Housing
is covered by Part 9 of the National Building Code of Canada.
(NECH) will be completed and referenced in the 1995
For most houses it is possible to obtain a building permit
National Building Code of Canada. The NECH will stipulate
without the involvement of a professional engineer or
targets for thermal performance of housing. Steel framing
architect. This is possible because the building code provides
methods will be included in this new code.
span tables and other rules for the construction of wood
The insulation manufacturers should be consulted to answer framed houses. However, if a builder wants to use steel
specific questions about using their products in a residential framing for the same house, the building code requires that
steel framed building. the structure be engineered.

The need for professional involvement in steel framed


residential buildings is an important consideration that can
affect the success of the project.

Typically, a builder or developer will have house plans drawn


up by an architect based on wood framing. These drawings
are then given to a structural engineer who is retained to
convert the design to steel framing. The engineer will size the
members, design the connections, bracing and other details
needed to build the house in steel. The engineer will then
create shop drawings which show the details needed to build
the house according to the design. These drawings are fixed
Insulating rigid sheathing is an important
with the engineer's stamp and are included as part of the
part of the building envelope.
submission for the building permit.

FIRE & ACOUSTIC PERFORMANCE There are some important aspects of this process that should
be considered to ensure a successful transition for wood to
The questions about fire resistance and acoustical ratings are steel.
normally not an important design criteria for single unit • There are many structural engineers who are very
residential buildings. However, for multiple unit structures, experienced. When selecting an engineer, review their
the code requires fire resistance ratings and minimum STC previous work in residential buildings. The engineering, if
ratings for party walls. A research project was recently overly conservative, can put an extra burden on the cost
completed on the fire performance and acoustical ratings of of the house. However, an engineer with experience can

CSSBI 9
HOMESTEEL

often recommend changes that will create a more cost ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
effective design.
• The amount of detail shown on the shop drawings will Additional information about lightweight steel framing
depend in part on the experience of the framing contractor systems is available from the CSSBI, the AISI and the LSF
hired for the job. The engineer should interact with the manufacturers. Contact the CSSBI for a list of current
framing crew to make sure that the house is built according publications and the phone numbers of the LSF
to the design. If the engineer has worked with the framer manufacturers in your area.
before and knows that the framer has experience, there is
less need for extensive details on the shop drawings. The
Canadian Sheet Steel Building Institute
opposite of this can also be true.
• It will help the project if the engineer and the framer get 652 Bishop St. N., Unit 2A
together before construction to review the plans. They Cambridge, Ontario, Canada N3H 4V6
should agree that the details created are practical and that Telephone (519) 650–1285
the framer understands what must be done. This prior
Fax (519) 650–8081
review is an important communication process.
• At the present stage in the growth of this market for
residential steel framing, it is typical for a prospective The American Iron and Steel Institute also has
builder to take plans created for wood framing and convert information available on residential steel framing.
to steel stick–for–stick. While this is very easily You can call the Steel Home Hotline at
accomplished, it does not recognize the inherent benefits 1–800–79–STEEL, or write to AISI at:
of steel. There are many innovative ways to use steel at
almost no cost penalty. An engineer can help in this regard. American Iron and Steel Institute
• One of the real cost advantages for steel can be achieved
through panelization. For multiple projects that can be
1101 17th Street, N.W.
designed with some standard wall or roof sections, it can be Suite 1300
worthwhile to set up a fixture to panelize these assemblies. Washington, D.C., U.S.A. 20036–4700
This will increase productivity and reduce construction
time dramatically. This is another area where an engineer can
help create a design to incorporate these cost saving features.

The CSSBI is working within the building code process to make


it possible to design a house using steel framing the same way as
a wood framed house, without requiring any professional
involvement. Until such time, the skills of the engineers,
architects and other professionals should be used to full
advantage.

10 CSSBI
RESIDENTIAL STEEL FRAMING CASE STUDIES

Ancaster Homesteel Project


Alterra Developments Ltd.
Ancaster, Ontario

The Ancaster Homesteel project was a cooperative effort


between the CSSBI members, representing the steel framing
manufacturers supplying the job, the local steel industry and
Alterra Developments. This 2615 sq.ft. house used about 6 1/2
tons of steel made up of 16 to 20 gauge load bearing studs
and 25 gauge non–loadbearing studs. Floor joists were 8"
deep 18 gauge. All of the steel was galvanized.

The purpose of this industry project was to illustrate to the


residential home builders that steel is a viable alternative to
wood framing. This house was built in cooperation with
Alterra Developments who are a well respected developer in
the area. The house was designed to replace stick–for–stick
the wood framing in the walls and floor with steel. Everything
else about the house was kept the same as in wood frame
construction to show that building with steel did not mean
totally new ways of construction.

HOMESTEEL

CSSBI 11
RESIDENTIAL STEEL FRAMING CASE STUDIES

Nerling Residence
Edmonton, Alberta

This project was the first "complete"


metal home constructed in Canada. The
2600 sq.ft. house was one–and–a–half
stories with a large solarium. The client
presented the desired layout and gave
permission to use steel in all possible
aspects. In the end the only wood in
the house was the roof sheathing. This
home featured many innovative
construction concepts such as steel
framed basement walls, composite
concrete/steel floor system
with in– floor hot water heating system,
sheet metal sheathing on the basement
and exterior walls, plus a metal roof
system.

The first all–metal home completed in Canada allowed the


designers to "push residential construction to the limit".
HO MES T EE L

12 CSSBI
RESIDENTIAL STEEL FRAMING CASE STUDIES

Fifthshire Homes Ltd.


Concord, Ontario
The R–2000 program in Canada has
built a reputation as providing quality
homes that meet exacting standards
covering virtually all aspects of
construction including high levels of
insulation, mechanical ventilation,
energy– efficient windows, and high
efficiency heating. The first steel
R–2000 home in Canada has been built
in Concord, Ontario (just north of
Toronto) by Fifthshire Homes.

All of the framing members were steel,


including the roof framing. To
maintain the thermal and air–tightness
requirements of the R–2000 program,
the wall assemblies incorporated a
foamed–in–place Icynene insulation. Air
leakage tests after construction
substantiated the air tightness achieved.

HOMESTEEL

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RESIDENTIAL STEEL FRAMING CASE STUDIES

Bruzzese Residence
Hamilton, Ontario

As the owner of a company involved in


the residential steel framing business,
John Bruzzese had no qualms about
building his new 4,000 sq.ft. home out
of steel. This residence in Hamilton,
Ontario utilizes standard steel framing
except for the wooden roof trusses. The
walls were prefabricated into panels,
shipped to the site and erected.

The design of this home emphasizes


the clear spans possible using steel. The
basement has an open space 40' by 56'
and the main floor family room is 20' by
21'. Most rooms have a 9' ceiling and
the entrance foyer is a full two storeys.
For added family enjoyment, there is an
indoor swimming pool and hot tub.
HOMESTEEL

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RESIDENTIAL STEEL FRAMING CASE STUDIES

Home by Inspiration
Burlington, Ontario

This home in Burlington, Ontario was the second by this


builder following a good experience with their first steel
framed house. The project is a 2200 sq.ft. two story traditional
single family unit. The advantages of steel framing have been
used to create cathedral ceilings and an open concept. The
framing uses standard 3 5/8" loadbearing studs for most
applications except some 6" interior loadbearing members
and 10" members for the stair framing. The roof was framed
using steel rafters.

The framer for this project recognized some of the advantages


of using steel framing: less scrap, recyclable, less cutting and
less shrinkage. The applications for steel framing in this
project have extended to the framing of interior handrails,
backyard deck and garden shed.

HO MES T EE L

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RESIDENTIAL STEEL FRAMING CASE STUDIES

Wessex Construction
Management HO ME ST E EL
Duncan, B.C.
The first of five lots designated for load
bearing steel framed houses is
completed and sold in the Glenora
district of Duncan, British Columbia.
Owner and construction manager, Peter
Laughlin is delighted with the first steel
house framing results.

Laughlin's initiative pioneering


residential steel framing has created an
opportunity to build an additional 18
unit patio home development in nearby
Mill Bay. The owner, framers, finishers,
mechanical and electrical trades are
convinced steel framing has a bright
future in the residential market.

H OMESTEEL
Minto Homes
Ottawa, Ontario

In the two model homes shown, steel


was used for floor joists, exterior walls
and interior partitions. As a result, steel
will now be used for all interior
non–loadbearing walls in this
development.

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