Sustainability of Steel
It’s everywhere around us – the backbone of the modern world. Forged in fire, cast and formed and milled in countless different ways. Strong, tough, durable. That is steel.
With a legacy stretching back to the very beginnings of metalworking at the end of the Stone Age and the dawn of the Bronze Age – centuries of ceaseless effort, experimentation and improvement led to the most fundamental material used in building out and maintaining what we think of as civilisation. Steel does its magic in the background. Like the air we breathe, it is so critical and embedded into our lives that we forget it’s there. And we don’t see the sustainability of steel – it is part of one of the most developed and successful cycles of recovery and re-use.
We Understand Steel
Keppel Coast Steel Frames & Trusses is proud to offer the finest in steel frame solutions for residential and commercial construction. The quality of our product speaks for itself with each new build. Nothing else combines the durability, strength for weight, and ease of assembly of steel framing. Learn what modern steel framing can do for your next construction project. Call us on 0475 047 986 or 0477 873 201, or fill out our contact form.
Steel Versus Everything Else
The debate started when steel first became available for use in structures smaller than skyscrapers and bridges. Steel was well-established as the ultimate building material at very large scale long before advances in foundry and fabrication produced the first economical steel framing and siding that could compete with traditional timber and masonry in less enormous applications.
Change comes slowly in the building trades – a good thing since issues of safety and large costs are involved. Steel came to the forefront first for commercial construction. It is fireproof where timber is combustible, tough and resilient where brick and masonry could be critically subject to effects of earth movement, and it was found to be often less expensive when all the costs of construction and upkeep were factored.
Steel For the Home
The transition to steel framing in residential construction continues today. It is often found in high-end residential projects, giving all the advantages seen in commercial uses. Timber still dominates in mid-level housing and large-scale development builds. Steel frame sustainability is of little interest to the mass developer.
A developer’s first concern is immediate cost – they will not see the positive long-term benefits and economy of steel framing, because their practical goal is to end their ownership of the structures they’ve built as quickly as possible. It is very different for bespoke building projects – whether on spec or for a client who intends to live in the house or operate a business in a commercial structure.
Steel For Years
No other conventional building material outlasts steel. This not only reduces its total cost over the lifetime, but also reduces impact on the earth and environment. The sustainability of steel is shown best by what it doesn’t do. When timber and masonry have deteriorated and need to be renovated or even torn down for a fresh start, they create a mountain of debris that must be handled, transported, and disposed of – while a properly maintained steel-framed structure simply continues to provide all its benefits with no negative impacts from deterioration or demolition. No mess, no fuss – just years and years of good service.
Steel Renewed
Timber and masonry get used up. Bricks can sometimes be reused but processing them is labour-intensive and the market is limited. Solid masonry when broken up for demolition has some low-order secondary uses – but again, the market is not particularly large or lucrative. Steel, on the other hand, is melted, reprocessed, and reused in huge quantities. The steel renewal cycle is one of the oldest and most successful examples of earth-friendly good business. It is an industry with global scale and valuations in the millions of dollars.
Steel For All Reasons
Steel framing will often be found to be your best choice for a building project of merit – for durability, fire resistance, ease and speed of construction, and overall lifetime cost. Steel frame sustainability also makes it a superior choice for low lifetime environmental impact. As an informed builder, contractor, or client, you’ll find that it pays to consider all the advantages of top-quality steel framing.
Contact Us for More Information
Keppel Coast Steel Frames & Trusses brings residential and commercial construction into a new age with our extensive line of steel house frames and other framing products. We serve Rockhampton, Yeppoon, Emerald, Airlie Beach, Mackay, Gladstone, Moura, Biloela, Bundaberg, and all surrounding areas. Our knowledgeable staff is ready to answer your questions about the sustainability of steel and all its other benefits. Call us on 0475 047 986 or 0477 873 201, or take a few moments to fill out our contact form. Get in touch today!
Leave a Reply
Want to join the discussion?Feel free to contribute!