Office refurbishment might involve extending or expanding the office space. This can be achieved by adding a steel-frame building to the existing building. The other option if there is space is to add a separate steel-frame building for use as office space. Although brick-built buildings are still common, steel-frame buildings are fast becoming a popular option for office refurbishment.
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If you have been wondering about the potential for steel-frame buildings for your office refurbishment, then read on to discover the advantages and disadvantages of steel-frame construction. We have created this article to help you make an informed decision about steel-frame buildings for your office refurbishment. Please reach out for specific advice, a free initial site visit, and an estimate for your office refurbishment project.
Steel-framed buildings use a skeleton of steel columns and beams to support the building’s weight rather than load-bearing walls composed of wood, concrete or masonry. The steel frame serves as the building’s core structure, offering exceptional strength, stability and support. Typically, these frames are clad with single-skin panels to enclose and protect the building while maintaining structural integrity.
Because steel can span long distances without the need for intermediate support columns, steel-frame construction is often used to create open-plan office spaces. Additionally, steel frames are generally prefabricated in factories and supplied to the job site for speedy assembly, making them an excellent alternative for quick office refurbishment with minimal disturbance.
Steel frames are generally square or rectangular, but steel is ideal for creating large open span or complicated shapes and structures, enabling design to feature heavily in distinctive and striking buildings. There are various types of steel framing depending on the design and purpose of the building.
Related reading: The Benefits of Prefabricated Steel Buildings
Turnkey steel building solutions and steel-frame building kits are the two potential options you typically come across when considering steel buildings for a project. Both have the advantages of steel but are very different in terms of method, ease of use and the labour required.
Steel-frame building kits are pre-engineered products with all the materials required to construct a steel building. These kits frequently include the steel framework, roofing panels, cladding, insulation, windows and doors – based on the specifications provided.
The main disadvantage is the buyer has to manage the construction, which includes permits and inspections. If you lack construction experience, it may result in mistakes and delays that can be very costly.
Turnkey steel-building solutions offer a comprehensive, all-inclusive service that oversees every stage of the construction process from beginning to end. The term “turnkey” refers to a building that is completely ready for immediate usage after the project is completed; merely “turn the key” and step inside.
Everything is handled by experienced companies with skilled professionals who ensure that the construction meets all standards and complies with applicable local regulations. The cost of turnkey steel-frame buildings is generally higher than steel-frame building kits.
However, the total cost of opting for a steel-frame kit can be unpredictable when hiring contractors to construct it, especially if you do not have a construction and project management background. When you use Carnegie Steel Buildings, we provide the expertise to ensure speed and efficiency, reducing delays and the stress and pressure of managing the building process.
You should always check if you require planning permission for your steel-building office refurbishment, regardless of whether you plan to use a steel-frame building kit or a turnkey solution. Your local planning authority can give you advice and guidance as to whether or not you will require planning permission on your steel building. At Carnegie Steel Buildings, when we supply a steel frame building kit, or you use our bespoke turnkey steel-building services, we can assist you with obtaining the necessary planning and permissions.
>> Speak to the team about obtaining a free estimate for your custom steel building
Steel-frame buildings have many advantages over traditional construction methods and materials. Here are the key reasons for choosing steel-frame construction for office refurbishment or office buildings.
All construction methods have their drawbacks, and steel frames are no different. Below we outline the main disadvantages of using steel-frame construction.
Related reading: What Are Sustainable Construction Practices and How Can You Implement Them into Your Project?
Using a steel frame for an office refurbishment project can yield a substantial return on investment. Not only does steel offer exceptional strength and durability, but it is also a sustainable, eco-friendly option that aligns with modern business values. Incorporating steel-frame construction into your project can be a powerful marketing asset, showcasing your commitment to sustainability and innovative, green business practices.
Steel structures are ideal for creating modern, open-plan office spaces, offering endless design possibilities. For refurbishments or extensions, steel frames enable faster construction times compared to traditional building methods, helping you minimise disruptions to your operations. They also provide flexible, spacious work environments that enhance productivity and reinforce a strong, forward-thinking brand image. In the long run, steel-frame buildings offer significant savings on energy costs and repairs, making them a smart investment for your next office refurbishment project.
If you are looking for more details, kindly visit Metal Frame Commercial Buildings.
>> Contact us for a free estimate for an office refurbishment steel building
For many years, wood framing was the most common method for securing drywall on commercial and residential properties; however, metal framing is becoming increasingly common — and for good reason. Framing is a critical piece of infrastructure for every building as it ultimately determines where and how your partitions will sit. Metal studs offer a number of benefits over their wood counterparts; however, the best option will ultimately come down to your project and needs. The type of framing you select should ultimately be determined by your budget, building design, and the availability of skilled labor.
Below, we’ll review some of the pros and cons of using metal stud framing in your complex construction project.
You can think of framing as the interior bones of a building. The quality of your framing as well as the manner in which it’s installed will help determine the durability and effectiveness of your partitions. For example, your framing will help ensure your drywall can lie flat and your doors and windows can open and close properly.
Metal stud framing is a framing system comprised of a series of studs that are connected to form the interior skeleton of a building. These studs may be either U-shaped or C-shaped. U studs are placed on the floor and ceiling, and they work to hold the C studs in place. C studs are then connected or clamped to U studs in order to create a strong framing system capable of supporting drywall.
There are two primary types of metal framing. Heavier gauge studs are usually used to support exterior walls or load-bearing walls. On the other hand, you have light gauge studs, which are used on interior walls and partitions.
Metal stud framing is becoming more and more popular in complex commercial construction as it offers a number of advantages over traditional wood framing. Below are some of the pros of using metal stud framing:
One of the best things about metal stud framing is its ability to withstand long-term exposure to moisture and humidity. Wood framing on the other hand can rot or warp over time when exposed to moisture. Metal studs are far more durable than wood framing and should have no issues withstanding severe weather and high winds over a long period of time. As a result, you’re likely to have fewer issues with metal stud framing and you can have confidence that the structural integrity of your building will remain intact for quite some time.
Keep in mind, while metal framing is durable, it can lose its strength after being exposed to high temperatures for a long period of time.
Not only is metal framing durable, but it’s also fire resistant and non-combustible, which means your building will be more likely to maintain its structural integrity in the event of a fire. This is especially important for commercial construction and even more important for clients in California who must face the threat of wildfires. Using steel framing may even help lead to reductions in insurance premiums.
Metal studs are hollow, so they’re surprisingly lightweight which makes them easy to transport. Because C studs and U studs interlock, they’re also very easy to store. Both of these features mean subcontractors may have an easier time lifting, carrying, and installing metal framing, which can help speed up the overall project (assuming the subcontractor is experienced with metal framing installation).
Metal studs can support buildings of any size. Because of their strength and durability, they’re commonly used on tall structures such as office towers. On the other hand, wood framing usage is usually limited to just a few stories.
While metal studs offer a number of advantages, there are still some reasons why they might not be the ideal framing material for your commercial construction project. Below are some of the common drawbacks associated with metal framing:
Metal framing might last longer, but it’s also more expensive than wood. Installing metal framing also requires specialized tools and a good bit of experience with complex construction. Additionally, taping a drywall screw to light gauge metal framing can be more time-consuming as opposed to attaching drywall to wood framing. All of these factors mean metal framing is likely to be more expensive both in terms of materials and labor. Some sources suggest steel framing can cost 15 percent more than wood framing.
Steel can be recycled, which makes it somewhat environmentally friendly; however, steel also conducts heat and cold, which means it does not improve the energy efficiency of a building. Metal framing basically serves as a thermal bridge that allows heat to escape and cold air to flow in. This can ultimately lead to increased heating or cooling costs.
In order to meet insulation requirements, some clients will pursue an EIFS, or exterior insulation finishing system. This setup provides an extra layer of insulation that sits outside of the metal studs and helps reduce the amount of hot or cold air that is transferred through the frame. While EIFS may increase the price tag of your commercial project, they go a long way to reducing the building’s utility costs in the long term.
Cutting metal studs can be difficult and dangerous, so it should be done by skilled professionals. Ordering pre-cut metal studs is usually your best bet to keep the project on-time and on-budget. Cutting metal studs requires specialized tools, like a metal cutting blade attached to a miter saw. Unless you’re working with pre-cut or pre-fab materials, you’ll need to take this into consideration.
Metal framing may possibly have a slight impact on the acoustics of the rooms within your commercial building. Sounds waves are more likely to bounce off of loud surfaces. If this is actually noticeable, you can always invest in sound barriers for the wall. Metal framing may have a slightly larger impact on wireless connections such as cell signals or Wi-Fi connections. If this is the case, you may need to invest in additional routers.
Metal stud framing offers numerous advantages over wood framing, especially when it comes to complex construction; however, wood framing has been more frequently used for years. As a result, finding a commercial subcontractor with extensive experience with metal stud framing can be difficult. Because metal framing is becoming more popular, many general contractors and their clients need to find a skilled drywall contractor who has experience working with the components of a metal framing system.
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