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Now more than ever, businesses and individuals are searching for cost-effective, versatile construction options. Cold-form steel buildings (CFSB) are an ideal solution for anyone looking to maximize their investment in new construction.

This article will explore how cold-form steel buildings compare with wood construction. You’ll learn about the benefits of cold form steel, the differences between CFSB and wood buildings, and where to find high-quality cold form steel buildings.

Reach out to the experts at Titan Steel Structures. Our knowledgeable team members can help you find a pre-engineered steel building kit to meet your needs or give you a customized quote for your project.

What are Cold Form Buildings?

Cold-formed steel buildings are a durable and cost-effective building solution. CFSB are an excellent option for storage facilities, manufacturing lines, agricultural uses, and more. This innovative approach to construction uses cold-formed steel framing materials to build the longest-lasting, most versatile buildings available.

Cold-formed steel buildings differ from typical steel buildings because of the way manufacturers produce the building materials. All purlins, joists, and other CFS framing elements are cold-formed, meaning manufacturers form sheets and strips at room temperature instead of high temperatures. This results in better precision and increased strength.

Cold-form steel buildings’ metal framing elements are smoother to the touch than hot-rolled steel. The elements are stronger and more durable, even in thinner gauges.

People choose CFSB for a wide range of projects, including:

• Residential buildings
• Agricultural uses
• Retail spaces
• Storage facilities
• Workshops

Titan Steel Structures offers many cold-formed steel buildings. Contact our experts to find the one that is right for your project.

Benefits of Cold Form Buildings

Cold-formed steel buildings are ideal for people who want to complete their construction projects in less time and with lower costs. Choosing a cold-formed steel building allows you to build a durable, versatile building more quickly and within a smaller budget than other types of construction.

Here are some of the benefits of choosing a cold form steel building.

Easy construction

Cold-formed steel components do not require welding during production or construction. The seamless, structural-grade steel components allow for quick, straightforward assembly.

Strength and Durability

CFS components utilize a 2-ply web, which creates greater strength than tubular steel or wood framing at comparable thickness.

Innovative building techniques create additional angles on flanges, which increases the structure’s strength and durability. Galvanized steel components resist water damage and moisture-related issues.

These innovative materials and techniques result in a structure that will last for decades with minimal maintenance. A cold-formed steel building will withstand heavy snow loads, extreme temperature fluctuations, hurricane-strength winds, and other environmental pressures.

Sustainability

As more businesses and individuals focus on sustainability, finding eco-conscious construction methods and materials becomes more critical. Cold-formed steel is one of the most sustainable building materials.

When compared with wood, metal framing stands out as an eco-conscious construction choice. Steel buildings typically outlast other types of construction, produce less waste, and can be built to limit heat loss. On top of that, steel is a recyclable building material.

Cold Form vs. Wood Buildings: Understanding the Differences

Wood construction has been the standard for centuries. However, wood buildings have many problems that lead to time-consuming maintenance, costly repairs, and decreased structural integrity over time.

First, wood buildings are prone to warping, rot, pests, water damage, and more. Wood framing is combustible, meaning a fire can spread quickly throughout the building. Wood often loses its integrity due to age, wear and tear, harsh weather conditions, and other environmental pressures.

Comparably, cold-formed steel buildings retain their strength over time. They have a greater strength-to-weight ratio than wood buildings. This allows for thinner frames, which may reduce material costs.

CFS buildings are ideal in climates with high humidity, heavy rain or snow, or other damp conditions. They naturally resist fire, water damage, and pest infestation. Innovative materials and construction techniques allow them to withstand earthquakes and hurricane-strength winds, as well.

Wood-framed buildings may have lower upfront costs. However, investing in a cold-formed steel building is often more cost-effective in the long run because of less maintenance and repair costs.

Are Cold Form Buildings Better Than Wood?

Cold-formed steel buildings have many advantages over wood buildings. They are more durable, stronger, and sustainable than wood. They are also easier to maintain, quicker to build, and better suited for harsh or wet climates than wood.

Generally, cold-formed steel buildings may be an ideal option for:

• Areas with high humidity, earthquakes, pest infestations, and other environmental challenges
• Large-span or high-rise structures
• Projects requiring quick construction
• Building in a small or tight space
• Projects with a limited budget
• Those looking for a building requiring minimal long-term maintenance

People choose cold-formed steel buildings for a wide range of projects, including commercial, personal, and agricultural uses. Contact the team at Titan Steel Structures to learn about the benefits of CFSB or to explore our range of high-quality buildings.