Category Archives: FAQs

Is more trade skill required to work with steel framing?

No. Constructing and finishing building frames is about geometry, accuracy and familiarity with tools and procedures. Most trade operations with steel framing are the same as with timber. Some trade operations require specific information provided by manufacturers, while others need less information and are simpler. We provide installation manuals that provide very clear installation procedures.

Should lead flashing and copper pipes be isolated from the steel frame?

Yes – these materials should be isolated. In the presence of water they will develop galvanic cells that will result in damage to the protective metallic coating by a process called “bi-metallic corrosion”. Isolation is simple: lead flashing can be isolated from the frame using an underlay of plastic membrane, while copper pipes can be isolated from the frame by the incorporation of nylon grommets, or by face-fixing to the studs using plastic clips. Both of these systems also resist water hammer noise.

For a more detailed explanation, refer to BlueScope Steel Corrosion Technical Bulletin CTB-12.

Is steel framing safe electrically?

Yes. Steel frames are safe because frames are earthed and all new housing is required to be fitted with “safety switches” to protect against earth leakage in the wiring. A lightning strike will also have no effect because the steel frame creates a positive earth allowing energy to go to the ground.

What about the cost to transport assembled wall frames & roof trusses over large distances to northern West Australia due to the volume of space they occupy?

This can be eliminated with our system of steel wall frames & trusses, as the smartsteel roll former produces each individual piece of steel by labeling it, cutting it exactly to size, punching all holes and counter sinking screw fixing locations, to give a flush finish. Which means the entire house frames walls & roof can be shipped unassembled in strapped smaller bundles occupying a lot smaller truck space and assembled on site by your local builder using supplied manuals.