Light Gauge Steel (LGS) Construction - Advantages
- LGS construction is lighter
than brick and mortar, it allows for quick building without heavy tools or
equipment. Each component can be easily carried by hand. Thus building can be done as a DIY project,
as the main tool required is an electric screwdriver.
- For big construction
projects, the LGS frames can be assembled either in a workshop or on
site. This can be extremely useful on job sites that are difficult
to reach and can dramatically reduce the time spent on site.
- LGS structures are also lighter than wood
framed structures of equivalent strength.
- Their higher strength allows
you to have greater spacing between members (Studs and Nogs) when compared
to wood frame construction: about 600mm for LGS vs. about 400 or 500mm for
wood. This means that it will be faster to assemble the steel structure
with the fewer members.
- LGS is also much lighter than
brick structures thus allowing you to save in terms of the foundation
required.
- The best thing about LGS construction
is that it can be easily changed at any time. This means that walls can be
disassembled and moved to another location. This cannot be done with brick or wood
without damaging the actual wall.
- Steel is recyclable, and can
be used again for structural intent. In addition, steel produced for our
uses includes considerable recycled content already.
- Unlike wood, steel won’t
twist during aging, which can erode structural integrity and cause
problems during earthquakes. It also is non-combustible, thus won’t burn,
maintaining integrity to much higher temperatures than wood.
- Because steel is not
organic, it can’t be consumed by termites, mold, or fungus. LGS construction used galvanized steel,
which does not absorb moisture or rust.
It also does not shrink or warp like wood.
- Best of all LGS frames are
made to your specifications (See FrameBuilder – MRD). This means
every profile is cut to size while all dimples, screw holes and service
holes are in place. This allows for you to have no limitations in
the design, for a relatively low cost.
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