With cost concerns ever present across the construction sector, Chair of the Light Steel Frame Association (LSFA) Ben Towe, underlines the economic gains of using light steel frame.
Everyone knows that construction is a tough business. The risks are high and although budgets are often in the millions – profit margins are slim, and it does not take much to tip over into a loss-making position. The positive economic impact of light steel frame construction cannot therefore be overlooked. With its powerful combination of safety, strength and affordability, it is a cost-effective choice for many construction projects across all sectors. Robust, reusable, recyclable and adaptable – steel also has excellent circular construction credentials. As a material it is strong and durable, as a structural framing system it is lightweight and cost-efficient, and I believe that light steel frame is the most advanced material in the offsite construction portfolio.
Ideal construction material
Light gauge steel refers to the process of feeding steel coils or blanks through a cold forming process. Using precision cut rolls to form the geometric shapes, lengths are cut to size using automated machinery. Then simultaneously or as a secondary operation, features can be added such as slots and bolt holes for example, to form accurate profiles such as U or C (wall studs and tracks) which can be joined together using screws, bolts or rivets. This method creates strong, lightweight frames ideal for use in various structures including residential buildings, commercial complexes, education and healthcare facilities. Compared to heavier forms of construction, steel framing offers significant advantages both economically and structurally.
Steel frames are especially well-suited for meeting the rigorous requirements of the Buildings Safety Act (BSA) because they are non-combustible and do not add to the fire load of a building. No onsite welding is required during installation, so there is low risk associated with incorrect assembly or fire hazards during construction. These are major considerations and demonstrate why light steel frame infill and loadbearing systems are often favoured to create high-rise buildings over 18m where safety and speed of construction is of paramount concern.
Attractive price point
Not only are they lighter allowing for easier transportation and fitting onsite, but within the context of the whole building cost, the price point is also generally lower making light steel an economic option. A major advantage of using light steel framing is its strength-to-weight ratio, reducing concrete foundation requirements, cutting carbon and lowering costs. The metal components are designed to be extremely tough and stable, meaning they can withstand high loads with minimal deformation over time reducing inspection and maintenance costs.
The frame assembles quickly and easily on-site and this reduces labour costs significantly. As a result, light steel framing solutions offer greater economic benefits than conventional building materials such as timber or concrete blockwork.
In addition to being strong and economical, light steel frames also provide excellent thermal insulation properties as thermal bridging is eliminated during the design process delivering excellent standards of building performance. This means that heat transfer from outside sources is kept at a minimum while internal temperatures remain constant throughout different seasons – an important benefit to avoid overheating as temperatures rise during the summer months. The frames have exceptional acoustic performance which makes them suitable for use in areas where noise pollution needs to be reduced or eliminated altogether.
Construction finance can be expensive and whilst the recent Bank of England interest rate cut was welcome, the building programme duration is critical to costs. It is the speed of construction delivered using steel framed panels or modules that can dramatically decrease the programme schedule. Reducing the borrowing period can dramatically cut the interest paid and total project costs.
The LSFA and our members will be out in force at OFFSITE EXPO on a mission to explain lots more about what we do and promote the circularity, sustainability and cost benefits of light steel.
LSFA – Join Us
The Light Steel Frame Association (LSFA) works to drive engagement, champion change, and spread the word about the cost, productivity, performance and sustainability benefits of contemporary light steel systems. Trusted and widely specified by the UK construction industry – highly innovative and digitally savvy, the light steel sector has developed panelised and modular solutions that deliver high quality buildings on fast-track construction programmes. Bringing together a wealth of experience and technical know-how, the LSFA represents manufacturers, installers, industry supply chains, architects, engineers, consultants and clients operating in the light steel sector.
As sponsors of OFFSITE EXPO, the LSFA will have a high-profile presence at the event. Presenting in the Masterclass Seminar programme and a major showcase in the specialist exhibition, members will also be taking centre stage at the OFFSITE AWARDS in the Best Use of Steel category. To find out more about the benefits light steel frame can bring to your project or how membership can offer access to numerous high-value opportunities, go to: OFFSITE EXPO Stand E09.
Stay in touch:
