Cold-formed steel (aka light-gauge steel) is the term we use for products shaped by roll-forming steel at room temperature. It’s been used on construction projects since the 1850s but lacked approved information about the material’s use as well as any uniform design standards or code requirements.
Since its standardization in 1946, it’s been used for:
- Bridges
- Car bodies
- Draining facilities
- Equipment manufacturing
- Firearms
- Grain bins
- Highway products
- Railway cars
- Storage racks
- Transmission towers/poles
Within construction projects, it’s used for numerous applications:
- Beams
- Built-up sections
- Columns
- Floor decking
- Joists
- Studs
“CFS as a construction material has many advantages,” says BuildSteel. “For example, CFS doesn’t shrink or split, won’t absorb moisture, and resists warping, termites, and fire.”
CFS Advantages
It’s an exciting time to be in the construction industry. We’re evolving with technology and developing sustainable, new materials and use processes. We’re also managing challenging regulations and limitations.
CFS products are equal to or surpass traditional materials:
- Environmentally friendlier – CFS products are made of 25% recycled materials. Material waste is less than 1%, and it’s 100% recyclable.
- Reduces onsite labor – Pre-engineered steel framing makes assembly fast and accurate.
- Retains steel properties – Does not absorb moisture, shrink, split, or warp, and repels fire and pest infestations.
- ROI – CFI is cost-competitive and ideal for mass production.
- Speed – Pre-assembled frames/fabrications reduce turnaround time.
- Strength/ductility – Good for high-wind and earthquake regions.
- Versatility – Ideal for all building types; multi-story housing/hotels, stand-alone pre-fabricated units, etc.
Cold-formed steel (literally) provides the framework for solid, sustainable construction projects. Just as pre-fabrication saves time and money for increased profitability, Construction Monitor data can generate profits, too. We take building permit numbers and compress them into usable, actionable information for lead generation and business development. Ask us how.