Light Gauge Framing System(LGFS) is a building technology with cold-form steel as the main building material. It is used not only for constructing permanent structures, but also for designing the construction of structures that can last longer, like roofing systems. They are often used as individual framing elements like joists, beams, studs, and trusses. It has numerous advantages over wood construction and steel, most important being its energy efficiency.
Light gauge steel is a special type of steel that is cut to have the same cross-section as the cold-rolled sheet metal that forms the frame of all types of buildings and homes. The material is cut to the precise dimensions required by the client, and all cuts are made with precision to ensure sturdiness and durability. The material has many benefits over wood and other framing systems. It provides greater flexibility because of its cross sectional area. Also, it is less susceptible to stress corrosion cracking and splitting, which can significantly reduce maintenance costs for the home or business.
A light gauge steel frame has a high strength-to-weight ratio, which means that the material can withstand heavy loads without breaking down or developing any problems. Also, it can withstand loads that are applied in many different environments. For example, it is strong enough to resist fire loads. In addition to providing strength, it is also resistant to ultraviolet rays and dampening effects of gravity.
Because light gauge steel frame members are less likely to split or crack, they can be installed more quickly than traditional structural frames. This makes them highly convenient to use for any type of building construction. Additionally, since these frames are strong, they provide an increased level of safety. The added safety can help prevent the spread of dangerous materials, such as asbestos, that can be harmful to people if they are exposed to them in large amounts over long periods of time.
Unlike traditional steel members, light gauge steel frame members do not require fasteners, such as nails or staples, to be attached to their ends. Because the members do not need to have fasteners installed on them, they are often considered to be more environmentally friendly for construction purposes. The ease of installation and the low cost of upkeep make them an attractive choice for any type of building construction, from apartment complexes to major corporate buildings.
Light gauge steel can be purchased in a variety of styles to meet a variety of building needs. One style is pre-manufactured; this allows the building process to begin quickly and with less disruption to the property. Pre-manufactured steel frames are also useful for both the construction of secondary structures on the interior of the home and of exterior walls. For example, if a home has only exterior walls, it may be less costly to buy the steel studs to build the interior first and then install the exterior wall system later, if desired. Another advantage of purchasing pre-manufactured construction is that it provides the opportunity to select the exact size of steel members that are needed for the building’s configuration. Many pre-manufactured buildings contain between eight and sixteen inch steel members, which are commonly found in standard four-foot office buildings and in some residential homes.
