When all aspects are considered, most do-it-yourselfers will discover that metal stud framing outperforms traditional wood studs. There may be times when using wood, and metal studs are preferable, such as connecting electrical boxes to studs and door frames. If your doors and windows are framed with wood rather than steel, you may find it easier to install trim moldings around them, but all these benefits come with many disadvantages when it is compared with metal stud framing. This article will highlight the benefits of metal stud framing and why these are preferable options for excavating companies and pre-engineered steel buildings.
Advantages Of Using Metal Stud Framing
Construction companies and general contractors in Calgary or elsewhere prefer metal stud framing over other options for some reasons. Advantages of metal stud framing are as follows:
Diversity
Metal studs are made of sheet metal steel that has been cold-formed into various sizes and shapes to match what builders are used to dealing with in dimensional lumber. Steel construction studs are a cost-effective alternative to wood studs and framing that may be utilized in various applications.
A tape measure, metal snips or aircraft snips, c-clamp locking pliers, and a few more standard equipment are often required for framing. The point is that steel framing isn’t any more challenging to deal with than wood studs!
Convenient and stable
Metal studs framing are lighter in weight and take up less space than wood studs, which may surprise you. They are also easy to transfer and store because of their hollowed-out design. Metal studs are comparable in price to wood studs. On the other hand, the cost of wood is much more volatile, whereas the price of metal is relatively consistent. Additionally, because steel does not shrink, split, or warp, you will save money on warranty callbacks. Consequently, there are no nail pops or drywall cracks to address after complete construction.
Straight and sturdy
Metal does not shrink, split, or distort, as previously stated. Over time, the studs will stay straight and robust, with little to no wear and tear. They are also impervious to dampness, humidity, and insects. However, a vapor barrier or sill gasket should be installed between the bottom plate and the concrete floor because of metal rust.
Easier to work with
Due to their lighter weight, metal studs framing are often easier to work with and handle than wood studs. Metal studs are fastened with screws, allowing them to be disassembled, altered, or relocated if necessary. Metal studs also provide holes for electrical wire, which simplifies the electrical part. Cutting metal studs also doesn’t produce a dusty mess. This is why these studs are preferred in pre-engineered steel buildings.
Stronger and more durable
Metal studs framing can sustain far heavier items than the metal itself. As a result, metal studs are an excellent alternative for load-bearing walls, frames, entrances, cabinets, and other applications. Metal is more immune to moisture and humidity, making it the most durable material available. When you use metal studs in your pre-engineered steel buildings, you can be sure that your structure will not fracture, split, rot, or warp and will remain solid and straight for a long time. Metal is more durable than wood.
More convenient
Metal studs are half the weight of wood studs and take up half the amount of space. Steel studs are hollow, making them simple to move, work with, and store. Sawdust is not produced by metal studs, which is a wood property. To protect your hands from sharp corners when cutting metal, you merely need to wear the proper protective gear, such as gloves (always wear hearing protection equipment when using loud tools like circular saws or chop saws).
Insect and fire resistant
Termites and carpenter ants, for example, can cause severe damage to wood structures. If termites are present, there’s a reasonable probability that a wooden stud won’t be able to withstand them. Termites will eventually cause damage to wood studs. A metal stud, on the other hand, poses no such dangers. Metal is fire-resistant (see your local construction codes). Therefore it provides superior fire protection. Metal does not burn, unlike wood studs, which are very explosive. Insect- and fire-resistant structures are commonly constructed with steel studs.
Conclusion
Metal studs are resistant to fire, termites, rot, splitting, and various other problems with organic-based building materials like wood. Metal studs framing are currently only around 40% more costly than wood studs while never being as inexpensive as wood. With a sharp rise in the popularity of pre-engineered steel buildings, general contractors in Calgary and elsewhere are more inclined towards metal framing because of these obvious advantages.
