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Steel frame is a type of building system that is gaining more and more space in residential construction, especially in sustainable houses. To learn more about this type of structure, Letícia Griep, executive director of Litcon Construções Inteligentes, talks about the origin of the material, its advantages and disadvantages, and answers questions about it:
What is steel frame?
According to Letícia Griep, the steel frame "is a constructive system made with galvanized steel profiles and closing with plates". The professional explains that it is a type of construction considered dry and that dispenses the use of traditional materials such as bricks, cement or concrete.
Despite not yet dominating the civil construction scenario in Brazil, she explains that the method originated in "the construction of American homes, at the beginning of the 19th century, in the U.S. Initially, wooden profiles were used, known as wood frame, but, with the advance of technology, they were replaced by steel profiles.
How steel frame works
Letícia Griep explains that first a foundation is made, which can be of the radier type, and then comes the positioning of the panels.
As it is an industrialized material, the "galvanized steel profiles come ready-made or made-to-measure", all that is needed is for the construction site personnel to assemble them, she explains. For the closing of the construction, the professional says that slabs made of different materials are used, such as OSB, drywall, or cementitious slabs.
Advantages and disadvantages of steel frame
As with all construction methods, Letícia Griep points out that the method has advantages and disadvantages. Analyze and compare its pros and cons:
Advantages
Because it is a type of dry construction, the technique presents several benefits when compared to other building systems, such as masonry. The professional highlights the main ones:
- Lightness: Steel is a much lighter material when compared to traditional options such as reinforced concrete.
- Fast installation: build in up to 1/3 the time and with greater precision than traditional construction methods.
- Sustainability: The use of steel frame avoids waste in the construction site, does not use water, and generates practically no debris. In addition, the materials used in this type of construction can be fully recycled.
- Precision in execution: the galvanized steel profiles are industrialized products that have international certification and quality control.
- Thermoacoustic insulation: Because of the insulation used between the panels, a steel frame house absorbs less heat than a masonry house and also has great acoustic insulation.
The advantages of using this system for construction are not limited to those cited by Letícia Griep. It is a technique that is much faster and cleaner than other options more common in the country.
Disadvantages
Despite its numerous advantages, the professional informs that the system also has disadvantages. See below:
- Skilled labor: lack of qualified labor because it is a method that is still little used.
- Sidewalk Limitation: Despite its agility in construction, it has a floor limitation, being indicated for buildings of up to 5 stories.
- Unawareness of the population: Because it is not the most common construction method in the country, many people are unaware of the system or are afraid to invest in steel frame construction.
- Payment: Because it is a quick process, often the payment for the construction takes less time than for other types, such as masonry.
- Quality control: it is important to make sure that the production of the steel profiles follows the recommended standards and goes through quality control during the manufacturing process.
However, Letícia Griep points out that this technique "is gaining more and more space in the construction market, with architects and construction companies specializing in it.
Questions about steel frame
Because it is not yet a very common building system for Brazilians, most people have doubts about this technique. The professional also answers the main questions about the theme. Check it out:
How much does steel frame cost?
"The value of the square meter varies a lot according to the region", informs the professional. But she considers that, taking into consideration its advantages and the shorter time required to complete the work, the cost-benefit is good. And she makes the following comparison: "A steel frame construction, in the medium standard, costs around R$ 1600/m² when finished. The same medium standard construction, in conventional masonry, would cost around R$ 1600/m².1800 to 2000 reais per square meter without finishing".
See_also: Simple American Kitchen: 70 beautiful ideas that go beyond the basicsWhat is the difference between drywall and steel frame?
"Steel frame has a structural function, since it is designed to receive the building loads, while drywall is used internally as a partition or wall, to separate environments, and has no structural function," he explains.
Can steel frame be used in wet areas?
"Yes, there are suitable and resistant materials that are suitable to be applied on the floor and in wet areas such as the kitchen and bathroom." Letícia Griep says that "the application and types of plates will be signaled in the project." In addition, galvanized steel profiles can also be used in construction of beach houses or places with a lot of rain.
How durable is a steel frame house?
See_also: Glass balcony: everything you need to know to invest in this idea"Depending on the quality of the execution and the materials used, the useful life of a steel frame construction can last for many years", she answers.
20 steel frame pictures to admire
This method is versatile and allows countless possibilities in construction. See projects that explore the best of this construction system:
1. steel frame construction is practical and resistant
2. galvanized steel profiles make up the structure of the building
3. and give a tone of lightness to internal spaces
4. guarantee a clean and fast work
5. the result is a practical and sustainable building
6. with good thermal and acoustic comfort
7. a steel frame house can be modern
8. and has several advantages over other methods
9. the external closure can be made with cementitious plates
10. the system brings several design possibilities
11. can be mixed with other materials
12. make up a charming hut
13. or build a beautiful country house
14. the profiles are completely hidden with the closures
15. and can even be used for the roof
16. practicality to build the whole house
17. including more than one floor
18. take full advantage of steel frame
19. and bet on the versatility of this method
20. economy with elegance for your building site
Steel frame is a simple, resistant, and efficient construction system for your building site. With its use, it is possible to erect large buildings in a short period of time and ensure a clean and sustainable construction site. Take advantage of these ideas to invest in your new project.
Videos to understand the steel frame system
Increase your knowledge about this innovative construction method with the videos below. Learn more about its origin, characteristics, and execution:
Step by step of a steel frame construction
Check out information about the execution of a steel frame construction, from the foundation to the fixing of the profiles, to the execution of the roof. See the main recommendations for each stage, with step-by-step instructions to build with this method and take advantage of its benefits. However, remember that this must only be done by a specialized workforce.
The best advantages for your work
The video takes a closer look at the benefits of this method, which guarantees a clean, fast, dry, and sustainable construction site, as well as at the lack of knowledge, preconceptions about the system, costs, and payment options.
Process of building a steel frame house
Watch the complete assembly of a house made with this technique in just 60 days. In the video, you can follow the daily progress of the work and notice the cleanliness of the construction site, as well as the agility of this system. You will be amazed at the result!
Having knowledge about the types of building systems ensures that you make the best choice for your construction. In addition, it is important to count on a specialized professional to help you in this process. Learn more about the options of ecological tiles for your home.
