When to Use Steel Floor Joist

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Before engineered wood joists were invented in the late s, builders used dimensional lumber to support their framing operations. These were moved aside with the creation of i-joists, named for their shape, in .

Engineered wood joists made from plywood became more popular as the process to create them became more efficient and costs decreased. As steel mining became more practical over the years, metal was added to form steel-reinforced trusses, eventually giving way to steel joists.

The idea was, and still is, to create a better load-bearing system to support building structures, and to facilitate the open floor plans that became increasingly popular toward the turn of the century. Wood is still the most viable option in many construction projects, though durability and load-bearing capability makes steel floor joists an intriguing proposition for builders who are thinking long term.

The question then becomes: when is the best time to use steel floor joists?

5 Reasons Why it Makes Sense to Use Steel Floor Joists

1. Steel has the highest strength/weight ratio of any material used for construction, so the same jobs can be completed with much less support using steel joists. This can affect time, labor costs, and the availability of each respective material. Also, the load-bearing capability must be considered, as some cases will prohibit the use of wood due to exceptionally heavy loads.
2. Steel joists are ideal for areas like basements and attics that are subject to environmental conditions that would otherwise increase wear on wood counterparts. Steel is not at risk for mold growth from continued exposure to moisture, similar to conditions that might be found in a basement. It is also not as vulnerable to burrowing pests like rodents and termites that make their home in basements. Both materials can be treated with additional chemicals and primers to protect against wear, but wood will remain much more vulnerable to degradation than steel.
3. Floors that use steel joists are quieter than wood. The creaking we hear walking across old wood floors is often due to the warping, splitting, and bowing of wood that leads to loose bolts and wayward joists. Essentially, support systems made with steel don&#;t creak like those made with wood, and since steel floor joists are always straight, dimensionally stable, and maintain their shape much longer, they are an ideal option in scenarios where sound might prove an issue or needs to be minimized altogether.
4. There are certain locations that have specific requirements where steel is the only option. A bridge in a place that is susceptible to flooding or earthquakes may have to use steel for the safety of people who will use it. Furthermore, many US states have mold-related legislation in place or pending, so contractors who want to avoid liability may need to include steel floor joists in their plans.
5. Steel is one of the most recycled materials in the world, it doesn&#;t consume trees, and has a 90% lower output to landfills than wood. Builders who are environmentally conscious or want to use &#;green&#; initiatives as a selling point can assure their consumers of the sustainability of steel floor joists.

Conclusion

If you want to save money in the short term on upfront material costs, use a wood system, but for long-term durability, sustainability, lowered noise, safety, and superior overall quality, steel floor joists are the way to go.

Contact us for a complimentary Design Assist to switch your wood floor joists to steel.

If you want to learn more, please visit our website metal flooring.

When you think of flooring you don&#;t always think of steel. Yet when it comes to projects that require efficient flooring solutions, you can&#;t go past the adaptability of this superior material. Wood, tiles and concrete may all be classic choices, but they don&#;t always get the job done right. If your build involves a warehouse, workspace or patio you are going to want a floor that more readily complements the other materials of your structure.

Thankfully, our Superior Floor X is a steel flooring system engineered to be flexible for your project. Keep reading to learn more about how you and your build or renovation will benefit from the installation of steel flooring.

You will save time and money

Requiring minimal to no cutting time on site, steel flooring is super fast to install. So if you need to reduce the minimum construction time on site, to keep to schedule or work around adverse weather conditions, steel is definitely the material for you. Short installation times also mean less labour and cost, making steel one of the most economical options for your project.

You won&#;t have to compromise on design

You shouldn&#;t have to change your design to accommodate the requirements of your chosen flooring. When you work with steel you work with a highly flexible material that meets your needs, no matter what your design. This is particularly important if you are building or renovating an area of your home. Available in four size beams, and in a wide variety of colours, steel flooring is the fully engineered solution you&#;ve been looking for.

Your flooring will go the distance

If you are working with a larger space, it can be tricky to know what kind of flooring will (literally) go the distance. Thankfully our steel flooring solutions offer a two-piece steel beam that is crimped together, delivering a far larger spanning capability and ensuring the most efficient and economical solution for your space. Due to steel&#;s impressive spanning capabilities, the number of internal load bearing walls and columns you will need is also minimised, making it the perfect option for warehouse and workspace structures in particular.

You won&#;t have to worry about rot or termites

If you want to avoid having to replace a rotten floor, you&#;re best off working with materials that will not attract pests or hold unwanted, excess moisture. One of the best things about working with steel is knowing that rot will never be an issue. The best part? Unlike other materials, steel flooring will not attract or harbour termites, which means one less thing you have to worry about both short and longer term.

Your floor will be very easy to maintain

Not only does steel offer a fast, simple and cost-effective install solution in the short term, it&#;s also easy to take care of as the years go on. The material requires a very low amount of maintenance to keep it looking good and performing at its best. That means less time worrying about taking care of your building, and more time taking care of your business, and of course your leisure.

To learn more about how steel flooring can benefit your project, request a quote, or contact us today.

Contact us to discuss your requirements of stainless steel floor tile. Our experienced sales team can help you identify the options that best suit your needs.