There are a number of new buildings being constructed using cold form steel framing. These products are well known for offering all the structural stability that many teams need to complete projects on time. There are a few aspects that will set cold form steel framing apart from many other materials. Versatility and lightweight are a few reasons why cold form steel framing has been gaining ground for projects.

These materials are increasingly seeing a wide range of uses, which should draw in support from a few different sources. They are popular materials for use in large buildings and bridge designs. But they have also been used to construct storage racks and car bodies.

Benefits

• Versatile, can be formed in many ways
• Used in Large or Small Structures
• Lightweight
• Can be stored in many forms until they are needed

Transmission towers and poles have been used using this material as well. Consumers are increasingly looking to use this material to adapt to the some of the different types of options that they have. But they should plan to use it alongside other materials to improve the structural stability that may be in place.

Since modern techniques have diversified, there are a few different types of systems available to people. Most owners will appreciate the opportunity to use the highest grade cold form steel framing. It can be generated into bars, which are increasingly common for some structures.

Other structures can be pressed in to plates and set alongside other materials. Modern techniques have made it much easier for people to adjust to the way that these products are made over time. Builders should coordinate with their team to use these kinds of materials effectively as well.

Finally, the price point of these different types of materials are starting to decline as well. This has made it surprisingly simple to stock up on these products over time. Builders may want to find a way to store these materials in a few different types of settings. This is part of the appeal behind these projects, since the cold form steel can actually be put into storage until it is ready to be put in to place.

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1. Photo credit: kaz k / Foter / Creative Commons Attribution 2.0 Generic (CC BY 2.0)

2. Photo credit: D H Wright / Foter / Creative Commons Attribution 2.0 Generic (CC BY 2.0)

There's no doubt that there's a strong push for green construction in residential and commercial construction these days, a demand that grows by the day. Though we've discussed a number of green products in the past, we felt it was time to feature a specific product, ComfortBoard from Roxul. A mineral wool product, it's created in board form instead of the batt-like formats that many of our clients are more familiar with. Here's a bit more on this remarkable product:

When it comes to insulation products, there are a lot of different options available on the market. One of the more popular options that is gaining ground is rock wool or mineral wool insulation, especially as insulative sheeting. Compared to foam plastic extruded foam board, mineral wool board doesn't outgas, doesn't use blowing agents that can contribute to greenhouse gasses and can be used readily on the exterior, reducing retrofit costs and heat transference through studs, providing a better insulative envelope for the home. At the same time, because mineral wool has been available on the market for a longer period of time, it's easy to find the exact material you need while still enjoying a reduced cost.

ComfortBoard is created from slag and basalt material, making it virtually fireproof for most residential applications. It won't melt until it reaches at least 2150║F, much higher than most house fires can reach, rendering it noncombustible. This means ComfortBoard, like most mineral wool insulation products, is much safer than most other green insulation options available on the market.

It's also water repellent, helping prevent further water damage from burst pipes or roof leaks. It does, however, allow water vapor to pass through it, which allows moisture from leaks to exit the structure. This property allows ComfortBoard to dry out if there are issues with moisture in the home, reducing or eliminating the need to replace the insulation in many cases. At the same time, it's also resistant to mold and mildew growth, which tends to be a problem in many insulation products not treated with chemical mold inhibitors that can then outgas into the home, creating a less than ideal atmosphere and indoor air quality issues.

ComfortBoard also provides superior sound insulation, witháa noise reduction coefficient of 0.9 across a range of frequencies. Combined with the ease of installation, this makes it a prime candidate for home theaters, noise reduction from loud neighborhood noises such as an airport or train track and to separate shop or garage noise from the rest of the home.

Because Roxul is based in Canada with several plants in the United States, it's products qualify for several LEED project points for locally-sourced material. It also recycles slag, which is often otherwise considered a waste product, so it can provide points for recycled content in a LEED certified structure, with third party certification of 75-93% recycled content available for documentation. It's available in 1.25", 1.5", 2" and 3" for ready to install products, with capabilities of producing stock up to 6" in thickness for specialty construction and superinsulated structures.

It has an R-value of 4.0 per inch of thickness. Though this is a little lower than many foam board insulation materials, ComfortBoard retains its R-value over time, as compared to the degradation of foam insulation products that start out with higher R-values but decline over time. This happens because the less conductive bowing agents can outgas over time, and are then replaced by air.

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Steel framing is becoming much more prevalent in construction, but we often think more of the limitations of the material rather than the possibilities. But some contractors have begun to undertake truly amazing projects using steel framing. In this post, we'll take a good look at several beautiful structures that you won't believe used steel framing:

1. Catholic Charities

Image courtesy of Green Country Interiors.

This beautiful buildings for Catholic Charities blend in perfectly to the southwestern architecture common in their area, but they actually used extensive steel framing though out the structures. Who says that giving isn't physically beautiful? The range of structures constructed for this project helps this worldwide charity get the job done for poverty and disaster relief.

2. St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church

Image courtesy of Huggett Betten Corp.

This beautiful church building has the appearance of laminated wood joining in a beautiful pattern at the peak of its dome, but it's all a beautiful example of the amazing possibilities of steel framing and faux finishes. From the exterior, it has the appearance of a traditional stone and masonry construction. The intertwined beams are actually built up and around each other to create the aesthetically pleasing knotwork star at the apex of the chapel ceiling.

3. Kendall Whittier

Image courtesy of Green Country Interiors.

Though these beautiful surroundings have the appearance of classical architecture and old-world framing and plaster, they're a great way that steel framing can be incorporated into even the most traditional projects, in this case a neighborhood revitalization program. In this case, it was the entrance to a health clinic, creating a relaxing atmosphere for healthcare workers and patients alike.

4. Fire Pit

Image courtesy of Kurt Krueger Architects.

Just to show that you can take steel framing outdoors and incorporate it into your outdoor living design, this beautiful fire pit uses thin sheets of onyx over steel framing, with LED lights on the inside to backlight the stone's natural beauty. This is a great example of how steel framing can actually be incorporated as part of the design element, creating gentle upright bars and strong verticals across the fire pit.

5. Jenks Aquarium

Image courtesy of Green Country Interiors.

The rounded forms used in this aquarium fit well with its aquatic theme, but is a technique seen much more commonly with wood framing, but with the advances that have been taking place in forming metal framing tracks, this beauty is all steel framed. With the aquarium's focus on aquatic education, these flowing forms make it easy for children and adults to swim gently through the exhibits.

6. Niles, Michigan YMCA

Image courtesy of Huggett Betten Corp.

You already know that these sweeping curves and circular windows had to be an interesting framing job, and the exterior brick on this active YMCA would almost have you convinced it's a cast-in-place job, but it's all beautifully-imagined steel frame construction. The windows almost give the structure a Hobbit-esque appearance, making you wonder where the round door is located.

7. Cliff House

Image courtesy of MacKay-Lyons Sweetapple Architects Limited.

Though your eye is drawn immediately to the steel I-beams that are holding the structure over the face of the cliff, this beautiful home was entirely steel framed, which works very well with its modern appearance. It's easy to be inspired by the amazing views, but you can't help but hope it's not in a landslide-prone area or how they worked with the codes board on this modern home.

8. Renaissance Hotel

Image courtesy of Green Country Interiors

Though the amazing old world interiors and sweeping exterior architecture seems like something from centuries ago, this recent construction uses a wide range of steel framing techniques to bring off the appearance without breaking the bank. From the leather upholstery to the beautiful floors and sweeping columns, you'll think you've stepped into the old world, not Oklahoma.

These projects are a fabulous example of what can be done with steel framing. If you're considering using steel framing for your next project, whether grand or simple, please download our free Metal Framing Product Guide below.

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When you've made the decision to replace your roof, it's normal to want to jump right in. But before you do, you may want to consider what impactáa roofing replacement will have on your everyday life and how to get through it without too much discomfort. Here are some tips on how to prepare for a roof replacement from choosing a contractor to when you'll want to get a hotel room for the week.

• The low quote won't necessarily end up being the one that costs you the least amount of money. Some contractors will intentionally give you a low quote and then add on extras on the back end to make up the difference, others will provide sub-standard work or may be a scam, especially if there's been a lot of roofing going on in your area due to storm damage. Make sure you get detailed, itemized quotes from several contractors, including having the specific materials used listed.

• It's well worth the extra money to hire a quality contractor who offers a warranty on their work. Going with a lower-cost contractor and then having to hire in another contractor to repair their mistakes can easily and very quickly make up the difference between a low-cost, poor-quality contractor and getting the job done right the first time. Going with a quality contractor also means that you have the reassurance that the materials are installed correctly and in a fashion that doesn't void the material's warranty.

• Don't go for the lowestácost materialsáunless you're selling your home immediately. Even if you are planning on moving, using better quality materials can be a selling point that helps you sell your home faster. If you are planning on staying in your home, using the best possible materials for your budget help protect your investment in your home. Spending a little more money today means your next roofing replacement will be even further down the road.

• Roofing replacement takes time and cost money. Though the crews can get the work done fairly quickly, you're probably not the only job they're working on at the moment. Expect to wait a bit, especially during the roofing season or if you have weather that isn't cooperating with your project. Plan on the project taking up to twice as long and being twice as expensive, and then you'll be pleasantly surprised when it's not that bad or will have a contingency plan in place if things do go wrong.

• Construction of any kind is usually messy and roofing is no exception. Don't plan on hosting any special events at your home for at least a few weeks after the construction is completed. This gives you time to fix any damage that was done to your home, allows your landscaping to recover and gives you time to see to any other necessary work that has come about because of the roofing replacement.

• You could have unintended damage if you don't prepare your home first. Make sure that you take down any items hung on walls or breakable items on shelves. The vibrations as the old roofing is removed and the new roofing is attached can knock these items down, causing damage to special things that can't always be repaired. You may also want to plan on dusting and changing out your air filters more often due to dust that appears while the work is underway. Closing your windows and covering or moving any outdoor decor or landscaping will help your home's appearance recover more quickly once the work is done.

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Photo credit: HotlantaVoyeur / iwoman / CC BY

Photo credit: HotlantaVoyeur / Ashley Modern / CC BY

Over the years, there have been housing styles that have come and gone. The craftsman, the Tudor, the Victorian, the ranch: all these homes were very popular in their day. One modern option that is quickly gaining ground to remain in the records of history is the tiny house. Though the definition differs depending on who you talk to, these go from an ultra-portable 80 square feet to a "tiny mansion" of 1,000 square feet. Focused on the movement towards minimalism and simplicity, the tiny house forces its occupants to only retain what has value to them, instead of plastic totes full of decorations for every holiday and boxes full of old records that "might be needed".

1) This beautiful floating tiny house in Maine brings a whole new meaning to the term house boat! At 240 square feet, it's solidly a tiny house, but after building it, the owners decided to ditch their plans of using it as a vacation and rental home in favor of enjoying a permanent home on the water. The decision was probably easier due to the home's design with an off-grid electrical system to provide the amenities. Image courtesy of Country Living.

2) This tiny mansion in Oklahoma is at the top end of the legal limit at 1,000 square feet. After spending a month in an RV at various national parks, the owners decided to sell their large home in Oklahoma city in favor of camping for eight more months on family property. Though the original plans were somewhat smaller, the family added an upstairs loft for a much-needed master bedroom suite and office space. Image courtesy of Country Living.

3) Are you in love with the idea of a simple New England cottage? This beautiful Maine vacation cottage is technically not a tiny house at 1,200 square feet, but most people would still consider it very small. But that doesn't prevent it from having all the amenities you'd expect in a traditional home, such as a full-size oven and a soaking tub. Due to its location on a small island, the owners - successful designers from Charleston, SC - had some challenges with the renovations as everything had to be brought over by bridge or causeway. Image courtesy of Country Living.

4) If you're determined to have a modern tiny house, this beautiful 300 square foot studio home in New York gives you the best of both worlds. The window wrap, somewhat unusual in tiny houses, provides both a frame for the beautiful scenery and expands the visual appearance of the living space, making it seem much larger than it actually is. Walnut is used extensively in the interiors and the site's rock features compliment the cable railing front porch. Image courtesy of House Beautiful.

5) Prefer a taste of the eclectic with plenty of elbow room indoors and out? This 800 square foot cottage was designed using sustainable materials and one-story living for the retiree owners. What you can't see from the outside is the amazing timber framed interior and beautiful woodworking throughout this home. Because of its size, the owners were able to splurge on high quality, full size appliances and granite countertops. A beautiful counterpoint to the large beams and living space are all the tiny niches and crannies for easy storage. Image courtesy of Tiny House Talk.

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