6 Benefits of Using Steel Framing for Commercial Buildings

Commercial buildings provide space for storing vehicles, managing professional diving and maritime activities, operating plants, and more. Business owners have unique needs when they are ready to purchase or build a commercial building. Aside from finding a cost-effective building with the right amount of space, they need something they can insure.

Steel frame construction is a great option when you need extra fireproofing, something oversized, or a shop that is quick to build. These buildings can be exceptionally cost-effective, durable, and flexible when it comes to commercial floor plans. Here are six of the most common benefits of using steel framing for commercial buildings.

1. Fireproofing

Fireproofing can be tougher in commercial buildings than in residential buildings because of grease, mechanical units, gas, high voltage, and more. Commercial steel frames don’t burn easily and will come with a certified temperature when the beams melt. Steel framing allows for flexibility when it comes to wall studs and foundations, which gives you more space in certain areas.

Install concrete pads where you need them and put more firefighting equipment as well as more space between high-risk spaces.

2. Larger Buildings

Minimize foundation work and lighten the frame and roof of large buildings by using steel frame construction. Steel beams offer extra stability with a naturally thin material, and you can also explore hollow-core options in some cases.

3. Faster Construction

Construct your next shop, garage, or storage building in a matter of weeks or a few months instead of a year or more. A contractor can order much of the building fabrication before pieces arrive on site and may preassemble some sections. Many of these building types utilize heavy screws and anchors that minimize the need for dirt work and foundation prep.

4. A Better Budget

You don’t need to overspend on commercial buildings, even when you need something large or specialized. Steel frame methods help reduce the need for large and labor-intensive structural walls, heavy roof frames, and oversized wall studs. Save on labor and layers of materials by using metal for the frame as well as the roof and siding when suitable. These durable materials are lightweight, usually come completely ready to install, and are relatively fast to assemble.

5. Durability

Consider a steel frame whenever you have concerns about fire, mold, water damage, pests, wind, and more. Metal beams, roofs, and siding come treated, and you can often order items thicker, in a harder alloy, or treated again if needed.

6. Flexibility

Steel frames span large spaces over ground that do not need to be as even or graded as carefully in every case. Gain flexibility when you want to make oversized shops, install rails and machinery, or add high-voltage rooms. Your floor plan options are virtually endless thanks to a few limitations on the size, weight, length, and available combinations of wall studs.

Talk to your contractor about braces for large sections of the roof and internal support from metal posts or studs. Some companies install or manufacture braces and support for large buildings that experience high winds and bear machinery or cabinetry weight.