Freqently Asked Questions

Q: Will my steel framed home look like a metal building or a shed?

A: No, your steel framed home will look no different from any other (save the unsightly cracks and pops). Light gauge metal framing can meet any aesthetic design need including arches, vaulted ceilings, radius walls and domes. Anything you can frame out of wood you can frame out of steel. You may apply any traditional finish to the inside of your home and any exterior cladding on the market. With steel framing, the difference is on the inside!

Q: I’ve heard that steel framing can have “cold transfer” meaning that over time I will see shadowing of the framing members through my interior finishes. Is this true?

A: As long as you have a “thermal break” in your wall and ceiling system, you will not get cold transfer and shadowing. Steel Homes by Design, LLC will install a 3/4”rigid polystyrene insulation over the exterior sub-cladding and install _” wood furring over the bottom cord of the roof trusses creating the necessary thermal break. The 3/4” rigid polystyrene adds an R-value of 5 to your wall system!

Q: Will the steel framing members interfere with my radio and TV reception?

A: No, your reception of both TV and radio will not be affected by the steel framing system.

Q: Is my steel framed home a lightning rod?

A: Actually by the definition, it is, but that is a good thing. Your steel framed home will not attract lightning any more than a wood structure. If your steel home is struck by lighting, the steel will act as a conductor and pass the electricity harmlessly into the ground. Wood is an insulator. When it is stuck by lighting wood absorbs the energy of the charge and must dissipate it in the form of heat – causing fires. Your steel framed home will not be as likely to catch fire as a wood structure due to a lightning strike.

Q: Is a steel home louder and noisier than a wood home?

A: No. Steel framed wall systems carry STC (sound transfer coefficient) and NRC (noise reduction coefficient) ratings equal to wood framed wall systems. Due to the rigidity of the steel, a properly insulated steel framed home will be a quiet home. Steel Homes by Design, LLC will fully insulate your exterior and interior walls in addition to your trusses providing for a quiet and energy efficient home.

Q: Will my steel home rust?

A: No. The light gauge metal framing members are coated with a G-60 Galvanization – the same grade rust-proofing that goes onto modern auto steel. Your steel home will not absorb moisture. The steel will not rust.

Q: How will I hang pictures on my walls?

A: You may use traditional picture hangers and nails driven into the drywall for lighter decorations. Heavier decorations should be fastened to the metal studs which can be located with a magnet or stud finder. You can nail into the metal studs.