MODULAR ARCHITECTURE
What is STEEL FRAME?
Steel Framing is a new way of building.
The structure is made up of galvanized steel profiles, on which a cementitious plate is applied as the exterior cladding, and a plasterboard as the interior.
In the middle, glass wool is applied as an insulator for cold, heat and sound, a wooden plate to stiffen the structure and a vapor barrier and a water and wind barrier.
FREQUENT QUESTIONS
HOW LONG DOES A STEEL FRAME HOUSE LAST?
The structure of galvanized steel profiles has a guaranteed minimum duration of 300 years. Additionally, both the plates and the materials used as terminations and insulation have a long durability, being able to remain unchanged for decades, making them truly durable constructions.
HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE TO BUILD?
The construction time will always depend on the project. But, comparatively, steel framing houses are built in 70% less time than a brick work. In addition, since it is considered a traditional construction system, the presentation of the CAT (Certificate of Technical Aptitude) is no longer necessary, which speeds up the start times for the works.
CAN BE EXTENDED
The system allows extensions to be made, which are easier if possible alternatives are foreseen in the project. But, whether planned or not, making an extension is even simpler than in a brick house, since you do not need wet materials.
How do I attach a painting to a plasterboard wall?
Frames and lightweight elements (up to 1 kilogram) are fixed directly to the plate, using a common nail, regardless of the location of the profiles.
Objects between 1 and 15 kilograms can be hung anywhere, using special PLASTERS for plasterboard. In this case, it is not recommended to use common nails or dowels. If the object is to be attached to the metal profiles, self-drilling T2 type screws must be used.
Any object over 15 kilograms must be fixed to the profiles by means of the T2 SELF-DRILLING screws.
What happens if there is a fire?
The materials used in a Steel Frame home prevent fire from spreading through the structure, making collapse difficult.
Steel profiles and glass wool are classified as fireproof. On the other hand, the gypsum rock plates used in the partitions are materials classified as RE2A (low flame spread), that is to say that the surface paper burns, but its combustion ceases when the flame is removed, preventing the spread of fire.
The use of systems composed of common or fire resistant plasterboards (simple or superimposed), together with glass wool of different densities and thicknesses, give the system the fire resistance required in each use and condition, from R30 to R150 or higher.
A steel framing construction resists storms and earthquakes
In this system, the resistant structure is made up of C and U section structural profiles of galvanized steel sheet, with thicknesses between 0.90 and 2.5 mm. The structure is calculated according to European regulations. The latter establishes minimum sheet thickness, quantity and type of screws per joint, among others.
The profile thicknesses are verified to resist the wind and earthquake loads provided by our regulations.
Likewise, the reduced weight of these structures makes their earthquake behavior excellent.
Steel framing attracts lightning
The characteristic steel structure of the steel frame does not attract rays, since it is isolated from the conductive water table by the concrete platform. But, in the event that one falls, the Steel Frame lessens the chances of damage to related structures.
Once a home is hit, the structural integrity and safety of the occupants depend largely on the materials with which it was built.
If the building materials are combustible, the result is often a destructive fire. With steel construction, and pairing with other fire-resistant materials such as gypsum board, glass wool, and others, a home is more likely to withstand a lightning strike than other wood, concrete, or masonry constructions.
Like any brick house, a Steel Frame house must be protected from atmospheric electrical discharges by a lightning rod, especially when it is in an isolated area.
There is some difficulty in the passage of radio waves or telephones
In a house built in steel framing, there are no anomalies in the use of WIFI devices or cell phones. The steel profiles do not interfere with the signals, and the separation between them facilitates the passage of the waves without any difficulty.
Security elements can be placed
There is no problem in placing security bars and blinds in a steel framing home. You simply have to fix these elements in the carpentry pre-frames, or directly to the profile structure, following the recommendations mentioned above.
What is the resale value of a home in steel frame
As in the case of a brick home, the resale value is tied to the age and condition of the property. A steel framing home that has levels of maintenance and time similar to those of a brick home will have a similar resale value
What happens in a steel framing home if moisture enters
If there is a leak, for example from a water pipe, the amount of zinc in the profiles is more than enough to protect the profile from corrosion while the repair is being carried out. The zinc coating used is 50% greater than that applied to roof sheets, which are continuously subjected to the action of rain.
On the other hand, the profiles are enclosed within the panel, without being in contact with the external and internal environment. They are separated by a waterproof and windproof insulation, and by an internal vapor barrier. This minimizes the possibility of moisture, and the risk of corrosion.
The latest experiences carried out in England in a study program on corrosion of housing structures, which includes the study of houses located in more than 40 locations, many of them in a marine environment, indicates that the losses of galvanized coating throughout years .
What Happens When A Pipeline Repair Is Needed
Repairs are simple, and can be carried out in most cases by the owners themselves, although the many plasterboard installers that exist can also be used.
The materials can be purchased at any Home Center or plasterboard dealer, and the procedure is performed without producing debris or wet mix, thereby maintaining the cleanliness of the environment.
You can mortgage a home built in the steel frame system
Steel framing constructions are anchored to the ground, and cannot be moved without completely compromising their structure, cladding and plates. Because of this, they are considered a property and are eligible for mortgage loans
How much does it cost to build in steel framing
THE APPLE BOX developed a cost estimate based on its 75MT2 prototype ⏤a simple house with three bedrooms⏤ in which the prices of building in steel frame and in brick can be compared. The comparison results in a cost of 40% less than with traditional methods
In turn, the computer tools allow us to know the approximate amount of materials that is necessary for a project, in order to facilitate the calculation of the budget.