There are two most popular choices when it comes to the framing of your home; that is, framing using wood and framing using steel. Of course, in this field, every customer has their own choice. However, one of the two choices has more advantages and will give you better results than the other.
The first thing you think of is wood if the wood framing comes up because it does the best at that. One of the most common materials used for framing projects such as houses, small commercial developments, and multi-family units is wood framing. Although it has a few drawbacks, its benefits seem to be much more important. To learn more about the advantages of using wood for your home's framing, keep on reading.
Wood Framing over Steel Framing
1. Insulation
Wood is a natural insulator that absorbs heat in the day and can release it slowly at night. Without the need for thermal barriers or other special techniques, wood framing readily meets insulation requirements.
Unlike steel, wood is not a perfect conductor. The wood frames will remain stable in temperature throughout the cold seasons, while the steel will be extremely cold. You will have to spend money on an insulator so that it can be avoided.
2. Renewable
Wood is the smart choice for owners who keep their projects eco-friendly as this type of material is the only green building material. Extracting, producing, and transporting wood requires less energy and produces less greenhouse gas emissions than steel and concrete generates.
In addition, in place of the ones used for framing, planting new trees helps fight climate change. This is due to the natural process of converting carbon dioxide into oxygen from the tree.
3. Design Limitations
With wood framing, every home builder would be able to build a sturdy and healthy house. Moreover, wood framing accommodates modifications as wood can easily be trimmed or shaped on site.
Steel-framed homes are durable, but they have much less versatility when it comes to roof construction. Metal framed roofs seldom have high pitch, dormers, or overhangs, unlike wood post roofs. Although it may be possible to add a wooden frame to the roof of a steel-framed house, the use of a single frame form is neither effective nor structurally sound and, as such, may be a violation of local building codes.
4. Wide range of styles and profiles
Wood or lumber is available in many types and profiles, unlike steel. It is possible to shape and size the wood into many dimensions and achieve the look you want. Their flexibility also enables them to be processed in order to have a smooth or rough texture.
In addition, the natural appearance of wood adds an aesthetic value to the place. Wood can be personalized and modeled in various patterns with different profiles to add a customized look to your home. With steel, this is not feasible or simple.
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5. Cost
Cost is a major factor and an integral determinant over others of such transactions. It also applies in this scenario, and steel is much more costly, both in terms of short-term and long-term costs, as predicted.
It would take special skills, special equipment, tools, and electrical boxes to build a house using metal. These are very expensive, and so are the recurring maintenance and hidden costs, such as high electricity costs for heating and cooling.
On the other hand, wood framing is very inexpensive and can be built using traditional tools and woodwork materials. It is also fair for heating and cooling energy costs, and installation is easy, thus reducing labor costs.
6. Resistance to rust
While steel does not rot, it is susceptible to rust, which is an even greater issue. The metal will start rusting when exposed for a long time to water, moisture, or significant leaks, which will be a big blow to its stability. Therefore, this includes regular care, which is yet another added expense. However, wood doesn't rust, which you can significantly save in the long run for future repairs.
7. Availability and commonality
Among homeowners and constructors, framing lumber is very common. They are also available both in smaller retail stores with a low profile and in highly reputable lumber stores. Their commonness also implies that the installation is familiar to most contractors, and thus you have a selection of contractors to choose from. This dramatically decreases the labor cost.
There are several other reasons why wood is the better option over steel as far as framing your house is concerned, apart from its advantages.
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