MC Steel Studs

Steel is stronger, lighter and more dimensionally stable wood or other building materials.
Steel framing allows for larger spans in homes so less interior load-bearing walls are needed. This allows for more flexibility in design and easier renovation.
Steel stud interior walls provide an uncommonly straight and stable wall. This reduces call backs for sheet rock separation, nail pop-outs, molding separation and warping.
Pre-punched service holes in studs for electrical wiring, plumbing or other utility lines save time and money.
Studs ( as ordered from MC Industries ) may be ordered to exact length required for each piece at no extra charge. This saves time in not having to trim to length from standard lumber sizes and saves money in not having scrap.
You can offer a better product at the same price and save on additional after-the-project costs from call backs due to “settling”
Start to finish time less. Improves builder cash flow.

My crews are used to working with wood, how long will it take to get used to working with steel?

The framing method used is the same regardless of the material used. Studs will be placed at the normal spacing and a top and bottom plate (called track) will allow the studs to fit inside. A self- tapping screw is used to attach the components. Any trimming that needs to be done can be achieved by using a metal cutting blade in their saw rather than the wood cutting blade.

A steel framed structure is fully compatible with all other construction materials and techniques. The same exterior finishes can be applied and will appear exactly the same as traditional wood construction.

Home Owner Concerns

Will the framing interfere with radio, TV, or cordless phone reception?

No – there will not be any greater reception problem than what is currently found with a wood framed structure.

Why would I want to frame my home in steel vs. wood?

Greater Strength and Safety:

Steel framed homes are safer in fires – they will not add fuel to a fire nor collapse as easily as wood.
Stronger: steel framed homes greatly exceed all wind and seismic codes without adding any additional cost.
Lightning protection: steel gives electricity a pathway to ground resulting in less secondary fires and explosions.

Low Maintenance

No mold, mildew or rotting
Super Insulated – no air infiltration if insulated with foam.
Termites are less of a problem – steel does not attract termites or infestation, if termites are found in the sheeting or other components, only those items need to be treated or replaced – not the structure itself.
Less repairs and maintenance – no warp produced cracks in walls – steel is dimensional more stable than wood.

Environmentally Friendly

Energy efficient – allows for continuous vapor / air barrier with foam insulation.
Recycled product: Our components are made of “green steel” comprised of 72% recycled material ( the average home uses the same amount of steel found in four scrapped automobiles )
Saves Trees
No wasted scrap – all extra material can be recycled.
Steel contains no harmful chemicals such as found in pressure treated wood. This protects the soil from contamination.

Healthy Living

A controlled interior environment.
Greatly reduced level of airborne dust, pollens, and allergens.

A Higher Resale Value

If I want to add onto my house at a later date will the steel framing present a problem?

The method used for framing is the same regardless of the material used. Steel framing components are attached by using self tapping screws rather than nails and are cut using a metal cutting saw blade instead of a wood cutting blade. Renovations are not any more difficult than what they would normally be. Additions using wood framing can be attached to the metal components if desired and represent no unusual problems.

How would I hang a picture on the wall?

This can be done the same way as with a wood structure. If there is a need to hang a heavy item such as a large mirror – the stud can be found easily using a magnet and then anchored by using a normal self tapping screw found at any hardware store.

How expensive is it to use steel vs. wood for framing my home?

The steel framing industry has completed a project where the same home is built out of both materials and the total cost is measured. This was done in various locations throughout the country to limit the effect of a regional pricing effect. The conclusion to the project shows that the same structure using steel will be from 3% to 5% greater in initial cost than framing in wood. However, over the lifetime of the structure, this initial cost savings is lost due to wood structures having a higher maintenance cost. In fact, some insurance companies have begun to offer reduced premiums to those who use steel framing due to less risk for them (see: Why would I want to frame my home in steel vs. wood – for more details)

Does it take longer to build a steel framed house?

No, actually it can be faster if the components are ordered to the exact sizes needed. Steel studs ( ordered from MC Industries ) are manufactured to the exact length needed. This saves time in the field because components can be placed where needed then fastened.