Its popularity derives from its overcoming the limitations of other historically used building materials. It is strong, stable, durable, non-combustible, withstands high winds and survives well in seismic zones. It is also termite-proof, insect-proof, and does not mold and rot. This translates as reduced construction waste and reduced maintenance costs. There are also insurance benefits.
It is called cold-formed steel (CFS) and is formed by steel sheets passed through rollers in a no-heat process. The resultant product is stronger than the original sheets. A zinc coating resists corrosion for hundreds of years. It is precision manufactured into sizes similar to its wood construction counterparts. This light gauge metal framing comes in a variety of thicknesses, sizes, shapes, and finishes.
Unlike wood, steel does not split, warp, or shrink. These properties result in lower construction costs, as there are reduced warranty returns, unlike damaged wood. There are no cracks to fix once the structure is complete. Waste is reduced, and the cost of hauling waste is reduced.
From the construction standpoint, steel framing weighs less than wood and easier to handle. It is a superior framing material. It is a “green” form of construction, as there is at least 5% recycled steel in its composition. While the steel itself may cost more initially, the savings in warranty callbacks, waste disposal, and insurance savings balance out and may result in a lower overall cost. Steel buildings can be designed with your specifications in mind.
Sheetrock is to gypsum boards as Xerox is to copy machines. Sheetrock is a registered trade name of certain gypsum boards. And while drywall is the process of installing those boards, sometimes the boards are called drywall as well. Gypsum boards go by many other names, such as wallboards and plasterboards.
Gypsum boards or drywall are formed from flattened gypsum sheets that are sandwiched between heavy paper. While these kinds of panels were introduced in the late 1800s, their rise in popularity began after WWII. Prior to that, walls were often made of wooden structures covered in plaster.
These boards are familiar sights in new construction or remodeling. Their smooth surfaces are paneled together, connected with taping and joint compound, and finished in a variety of decorative ways, the most common being texturing and paint. Alternative finishes are ceramic, plastic, metal tile, wall paper, and panels.
Gypsum is a mineral that is mined or quarried and then transported to manufacturing facilities. There it is crushed to powder, heated, and some intrinsic water is removed in the process. After that, it is remixed with additives and water to form a slurry that is fed between layers of paper and formed into the distinctive boards.The paper bonds to the core slurry, the boards are cut to length, and then dried.
There are different ratings for drywall. The ratings have to do with the thickness and the amount of fire retardant, which is created from noncombustible fibers or minerals added to the slurry when it is formed into boards. The different thicknesses and ratings of the boards can be strategically used as tools in sound reduction and fire control. Gypsum boards can be used to create extra fire-resistant layers in structural areas, such as stairwells and shaft walls. The application of thicker boards provides better impact resistance and higher rigidity. Some are abuse resistant, standing up against surface indentation. Thinner boards can be used for curved surfaces. Special lengths and widths are available for special applications. There are a variety of edges that finish the boards, to create a variety of effects.
Gypsum boards are not recommended where there is continuous high exposure to water or humidity. This refers to swimming pool enclosures, saunas, or similar constructions. If gypsum is exposed to floodwater it needs to be replaced, as contaminants will dry inside the boards.
Gypsum boards can be attached to light weight metal framing. One of the advantages of metal framing is that it does not run the risk of shrinking, like green lumber. As lumber dries and shrinks, it can affect the final look, as “nail pops” are created, exposing nail heads as the lumber shrinks. Thus gypsum boards are the perfect complement to metal framing.
Acoustical solutions can be created with a wide range of acoustical panels. Designs can incorporate custom sizes, imagery, and themes. There is variety of applications to fit diverse business needs.
These Include:
Metal or aluminum skins for gymnasiums, swimming pools; pump rooms and industrial fabrication area
Black acoustical panels for recording studios
Washable panels for school cafeterias, indoor pools, salons, and pet boarding facilities
Recycled cotton wall panels, for “green” applications
Formaldehyde-free panels with no odor, no dust, and no risk of respiratory problems
Wooden panels
Silk metal panel
Indoor/outdoor panels
This wide variety revolves around noise control, thickness, style, custom graphics, and pricing requirements. Panels are formed of fiberglass, cellulose, foam, and polypropylene. They can be customized to specialized construction. The sizes can be square, rectangular, or vector. They can be designated as non-allergenic, and non-toxic. This is the place where the creativity and the brand of the business, as well as the practical acoustical requirements of the firm, can merge in design and practicality.
Light gauge steel trusses are a superior choice for roof and flooring system.
They offer strength, are non-combustible, can be fabricated to exact requirements, are cost effective, are wind resistant, seismic resistant, and can be custom designed. Irregular shapes can be met with specially designed trusses.
In a world that has more stringent fire codes for commercial buildings, metal trusses are the perfect answer. They provide a non-combustible floor truss. This translates into insurance benefits.
Trusses are pre-fabricated, and delivered for rapid installation. They are cost effective and precision designed to meet the structural specifications and code requirements of the state in which the building is erected. Light gauge trusses are fire, mold, and corrosion resistant. Due to the prefabrication of the trusses, the resultant shorter construction time reduces job site waste and theft..
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