Steel Framed Residences
What about Thermal Bridging?
There are several effective details used in Porter Panel construction system to eliminate the thermal bridging that can occur with steel framing members. These involve the use of special fasteners, thermal breaks, special construction details and foamed in place insulation. Please visit the details section for more specifics.
Insulating Values?
The newest framing details using a 1-1/2 inch hat channel on the outside of the wall framing provides a full 1-1/2 inches of closed cell foam between the outside of the studs and the exterior sheathing nearly eliminating any cold-bridging. Using this 7-1/2 inch wall cavity building designers use any combination of closed or open cell foams along with or without batt and cellulose insulation systems. This process also creates a tight air barrier on the outside of the wall cavity and keeps the dew point well outside the building envelope.
Will the steel studs Rust?
No. The framing is all galvanized to a rating of G-60 as a standard. If there are concerns of extreme rust conditions such as proximity to salt water a higher grade of galvanizing "G-90" may be used.
Who does the design work?
Typically we work with the clients architect or design team who develops the architectural drawings. PP&T then prepares the structural and 'shop' drawings to match the architects design.
Design Restrictions?
There are virtually no limits to one's creativity when using steel framing.
What if there are changes after the building is up?
Not a problem. Steel frame construction has been commonplace in commercial buildings for decades. With a few basic tools the tradesman can create virtually any framing structure that can be done in wood. In fact, steel has long replaced wood as the framing method of choice when complex and intricate designs are desired using curves, arches, etc.
How does the cost compare to wood construction?
The costs are competitive when the relative costs and efficiencies are considered. The steel panels do cost more than wood but require less...
What About Mold?
Steel itself will not support the growth of mold. More importantly steel does NOT absorb moisture. So when a building gets rained on during construction there is only the surface moisture on top of the framing members that needs to dry out. Wood members absorb moisture deep into the fibers and moisture is much more likely to be trapped within the wall, roof and floor systems.
What about Chemicals?
With steel framing there no need for chemicals to be used as is common in treating wood to prevent rot (PT sills and joists), to prevent termites, mold or increasingly for fire treatment.
Insects?
Termites and carpenter ants cannot eat or make nests in steel framing.
What about Lightning Storms?
Steel buildings are actually lightning resistant because the steel framing provides multiple conductive paths directly to the ground.
What sort of sheathings and sidings can I use?
Really anything. Residential projects typically use plywood or OSB whereas in Commercial applications various type of insulating boards or specialty sheathing panels are used depending on the design requirements.