The introduction of light steel frame building in South Africa is one of the most exciting developments in recent times – in both the steel and construction industries. Perfected over the last half century, steel frame construction has become the preferred way of building in many countries, including the United States, Canada, Britain, Australia and New Zealand. It was only fairly recently introduced to our shores and is now growing at an astounding rate of 25% annually in South Africa.
Compared to traditional building methods, light steel frame construction offers the opportunity to erect structures (from residential and commercial, to industrial and institutional) of a higher quality and with less wastage. It is quicker, more cost-effective and more precise than any other building method. The material is fully customizable to the client’s requirements and the architectural style.
Steel is a superior building material with the future in mind. Apart from allowing green construction practices, building with light steel frames is faster, predictable, more precise and more cost-effective. The benefits of using steel are as follows:
QUALITY
- International Product of World Class Standards
- 50 Years Material Warranty
- Factory Precision
- Consistent Material Quality – No Regional Variations
- Straight Walls & Square Corners Guaranteed
STRENGTH
- Stronger than Brick & Mortar
- Stronger than Brick & Mortar
- 600 Year Durability
- Dimensionally Stable – Does not Expand
- Contract with Moisture Content
COST EFFECTIVE
- Material Price Stability – Price Spikes Extremely Rare
- Limited Wastage – Only 2% On-Site Wastage (Conventional Building Methods: 30%)
- Lower Transport Cost
GREEN
- Environmentally Friendly as Steel is the worlds most recycled product
- Green Product / Building Methods & Processes
- 100% Recyclable
- 68% Industry Recycling Rate
- 80% Reduced Carbon Footprint
NON ORGANIC
- Inorganic – Will Not Rot, Swell, Warp, Split, Crack or Creep
- Free of Resin Adhesives & Other Chemicals
- Ventilation on Moisture Rising
- Superior Thermal & Acoustic Insulation – 1 500% Better than Brick
- Not Affected by Weather Conditions
ARCHITECTURE
- Flexible Application – Any Shape & Design
- Architecturally Attractive
- Designed to Architect Specifications & Engineering Standards
- Reduced Foundation Footings & Base Plate Sizes
- Reduced Foundation Requirements – 10 x Lighter Structure
- Less Probability of Weather / Wind / Earthquake Damage
CONSTRUCTION
- Superior Building Accuracy
- Quick Assembly – 50% Faster than Brick Building
- Shorter & More Predictable Construction Schedules
- Better Utilization of Sloping Sites
- Less Weight Impact
- Clean, Safe & Orderly Building Site
CUSTOMER
- Earlier Occupation for Customers – Thus Allowing Increased Rental Income & Reduced Interest Period on Bond Accounts
- 4% More Lettable Rental Area – Internal Space Increase
- Up to 40% Saving on Electricity due to Superior Insulation