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1.Will steel framing rust?
We do a 12,000 hrs of salt spraying test and has proved to withstand rusting. We use galvalume AZ which uses superior corrosion resistance compared to regular galvanized steel. The coating process involves repeatedly hot-dipping the steel base in the aluminum-zinc alloy, resulting in a coating that is typically 55% aluminum and 95% zinc. It also yields high strength of 300- 550 Mpa conforming to AISI specifications and IBC 2009 for cold formed steel framing and construction.
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2.Is a steel framed house safe from lightning?
Yes. occupants worry about steel-framed houses becoming lightning strike locations, but steel is a safe conductor of electricity and all frames are grounded according to building codes, absorbing the electric charge back into the ground.
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3.Can a steel framed building be remodelled?
Yes. Steel-framed buildings are easier to renovate and repair due to interchangeable steel components, and can be easily modified throughout their service life, with non-load bearing walls being easily relocated or removed.
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4.Will the steel structure cause electric shocks in case of a short circuit?
Provision of electrical wiring is incorporated at the time of design itself so the
chances of short circuit are minimal. In case of a short circuit proper insulations are
provided for the electrical systems which will protect from mishaps.
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5.Can we change the places of the wall after construction?
Only non-load bearing walls can be changed with the approval of the engineer.
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6.Will water leakage be an issue in steel construction?
No, Water seepage and leakage can occur for various reasons, including inadequate
drainage. Adding proper sealing to your building can prevent further water-related
issues.
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7.How long does it take to build a prefabricated steel home?
We have a team of highly skilled professionals and inhouse factory production which help us in completing a project within 6 to 8 weeks of the construction commencement. The duration of the completion project also depends on the site conditions.
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8.What are the maintenance requirements for a prefabricated steel home?
Compared to homes constructed using traditional concrete and wood, prefabricated steel homes require minimal routine maintenance to last for a very long time.
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9.How durable are steel prefabricated houses?
One of the main reasons why prefabricated steel houses are gaining in popularity is because of the expected life span of the structures, which could vary from 50 to 100 years. Prefabricated components are made of very high-quality materials under controlled conditions and inspected for precision and accuracy even before they are transported to the site location. Prefabricated homes built with careful design and sophisticated technology can even withstand earthquakes and damage from heavy winds. The prefabricated steel homes from Edge Neoteric are constructed with the innovative QUIKNEXT Technology using TUFFRAME light gauge steel frames that are strong, durable, and corrosion resistant.
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10.Are prefabricated steel buildings suitable for all types of construction projects?
Any commercial or residential building that needs to be strong, durable, sustainable, weather-resistant, and versatile (can be expanded later) can be built using prefabricated steel structures. Prefabricated steel buildings are ideally suited for commercial buildings like large warehouses and storage facilities which require flexibility in design and expansion capabilities, shopping malls, office complexes, and retail outlets which require large open spaces and quick assembling, industrial facilities like factories, manufacturing plants, and processing plants which need to be strong to withstand heavy loads, agricultural buildings like barns, livestock shelters, and grain storage facilities which face the onslaught of adverse weather conditions, educational institutions where buildings need to keep adapting to new and diverse needs, critical infrastructures like healthcare facilities and for residential homes which are customised to suit the needs of the owners.
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11.Can prefabricated steel homes be built in any location?
Traditional construction methods require the availability of even terrain and access to raw materials, labour and other facilities near the construction site. The components of prefabricated steel homes are designed, engineered and manufactured at offsite factory locations and undergo inspections for quality and accuracy before being transported to the site locations. The prefab components are then quickly and efficiently assembled at the site, taking much less time and labour when compared to traditional construction methods. The galvanised light gauge steel frames used in prefab construction can also withstand most weather conditions, making the homes sturdy and durable. This enables prefabricated steel homes to be built in any location, irrespective of geography, labour and weather implications.
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12.What Types Of Steel Are Used In Prefab Buildings?
Steel is a versatile building material that is known for its strength and durability. Prefabricated steel buildings are gaining popularity across the globe because they can easily adapt to various terrains, layouts, and designs and can be equally put to use for construction of residential, commercial and industrial buildings. The most common types of steel used in prefab buildings are weathering steel, carbon steel, light gauge steel, tool steel, alloy steel, and structural steel.
Weathering Steel - Weather resistant steel used in structural applications including landscape design, bridge construction and sculptural buildings.
Carbon Steel - Extremely strong, durable, and capable of withstanding extreme weather conditions, it is used in heavy-duty construction projects for a variety of cutting tools, springs, coils, washers and fasteners.
Light Gauge Steel - Using cold-formed steel, Light Gauge Steel Frames are used for construction of roof panels and systems, floor systems, wall systems, decks, or entire buildings.
Tool Steel - High quality steel used for manufacturing of cutters, reamers, bits etc used for working on metals, plastics, and wood.
Alloy Steel - With multiple alloy elements like chromium and nickel, alloy steel is extremely strong and is used for producing girders, structural sections, bars, rails, rods and wires, and flanges.
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13.Can Steel Prefab Buildings Withstand Extreme Weather Conditions?
Steel prefab buildings are popular not only because of their fast construction and minimal wastage but because of their high ductility. It does not warp, split, crack, or undergo expansion/contraction due to moisture content. Steel structures can withstand extreme pressures and even minor structural irregularities without much damage. Steel prefab structures are built to suit all climatic conditions including extreme temperatures, high winds, and heavy snow as well as to withstand natural disasters like floods and earthquakes without compromising their structure. When properly grounded, steel buildings also allow lightning to pass harmlessly through their framing into the ground, unlike wooden structures which offer a lot of resistance, causing damage to property. Therefore, it is safe to conclude that steel prefab buildings can withstand extreme weather conditions and are ideal for the construction of various types of buildings including residential, commercial and industrial builds.
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14.Are There Any Design Limitations With Steel Fabricated Homes?
When prefabrication was first introduced, it was with the purpose of creating standardized buildings in a cookie-cutter format on a mass scale. Over time, the prefabrication industry has also evolved and progressed. Steel fabricated homes of today boast customized designs and build options, enabling your construction project to stand out from the crowd in terms of building size, colour, exterior facade and finishing, roof style and pitch, door placement and types, window placement and type, awnings and overhangs, interior flooring, and even the placement of the gutters and downspouts. It is possible to have high-end interiors and exteriors on a better budget than with traditional wood. The design can also evolve as per the growing requirements of the homeowner over the years and the building can be modified or expanded accordingly.
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15.Do Steel Fabricated Homes Meet Building Codes And Regulations?
India is a land of varied terrains and climatic conditions and a key element to consider during the construction of homes is the structural integrity of the building. Technical advancements in the prefabrication industry have ensured that steel fabricated homes come with impressive structural integrity and can ensure safe and resilient dwelling spaces in varied geographies. There are a lot of areas in India that are prone to earthquakes and steel fabricated homes can be designed and engineered to withstand seismic activity of different magnitudes. The buildings are also able to tolerate very strong winds and storms when provided with extra reinforcement and wind bracing, making them an effective defense in adverse weather conditions. Prefabricated steel buildings undergo thorough quality control inspections to ensure that they comply with the building codes and regulations of the land effectively.
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16.What Types Of Finishes Are Available For Steel Prefab Homes?
Finishes that are applied to the prefabricated steel components have a hand in improving the aesthetics of the building but they have a more important functional role of improving the durability of the components and protecting the steel against corrosion, fire and natural elements. Some of the common finishes available for steel prefab homes are sandblasting, shot blasting, powder coating, galvanization, and painting.
Sandblasting - Sandblasting is a surface preparation technique where fine particles like sand or other abrasives are used to effectively remove rust, scaling, or old coats of paint and create a textured surface for subsequent finishes.
Shot Blasting - Metallic shots or beads act as the abrasive material to clean and refine the surfaces of the steel components, enabling a clean and uniform texture, and removing rust, scales and other contaminants.
Powder Coating - This dry finishing process involves applying a fine powder to steel surfaces electrostatically and then curing it under heat to provide a smooth, durable and vibrant finish and improved resistance against corrosion, chemicals and UV rays.
Galvanization - Involving coating steel surfaces with a layer of zinc, galvanization acts as a barrier against corrosion and improves its durability, which makes it useful for outdoor and marine applications.
Painting - Various paints and coatings, including epoxy, polyurethane and enamel as well as fire-resistant paints, are used to improve the appearance of the steel surfaces and to provide a layer of protection against natural elements.
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17.What types of buildings can be made using pre-engineered steel?
Pre-engineered steel is extremely versatile and can be used in a number of applications. It is durable, flexible and sustainable, making it a method of choice when deciding on the construction of a building. Traditionally, pre-engineered steel structures were used in the construction of warehouses and garages because they can provide open spaces with tall ceilings and without too many columns. Today, steel buildings are considered a perfect fit for supermarkets and retail chains that have to house various types of products, industrial facilities that require a lot of space for machines, and storage, and have vehicles for the movement of goods, educational institutions where the buildings may need to be expanded according to the growth of the institution, places of worship which require large open spaces, and government buildings which need to be highly durable and low on maintenance.
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18.What should I consider when choosing a steel prefab building provider?
There are a lot of considerations to keep in mind when you decide to construct a building. When you decide on prefab steel construction, it is important to choose the right building provider that matches your preferences in design, manufacturing, communication, and delivery of service. Ensure that the building provider uses high-quality materials, has a manufacturing unit that has all required machinery, and that there is a team of skilled and experienced professionals to carry out the construction process efficiently. It is also advisable to check on the firm’s reputation by going through past reviews and recommendations. This also gives you a picture of the type of projects that have been completed by the provider, their ability to keep to stipulated deadlines, and the quality of their work.
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19.How durable are prefabricated steel homes?
Buildings made of prefabricated steel are known for their strength, durability and longevity. If made with high-quality materials and designed to meet the geographical conditions of the land, prefabricated steel homes can easily last between above 50 years, at the least. By providing the prefabricated steel structures with additional protective coating, it is possible for the structures to stand up to the vagaries of climate as well as natural disasters. Regular maintenance can also help to improve the durability of the build, though the maintenance required for prefabricated steel homes is much less when compared to traditional forms of construction. If the structure is not cleaned regularly and repairs to fix wear and tear are not attended to regularly, it could impact the steel framework and reduce its strength.
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20.What foundation is required for a prefabricated steel home?
The most common type of foundation used for prefabricated steel homes is a concrete slab foundation that is poured directly into the ground and is usually around 3-6 inches in thickness. The slab foundation is very durable and can withstand heavy loads easily. It is also the most cost-effective way for laying the foundation. Another popular type of foundation is the pier foundation where cylindrical concrete pillars that are placed 8-10 feet apart and extend deep into the ground, are used to support the building structure. Pier foundations are a very versatile option because they can be used in a variety of soil conditions and the height of the piers can be adjusted to accommodate unevenness in the land. However, pier foundations are more expensive than concrete slab foundations and require more material, time, and labour for installation.
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21.Can steel frame metal buildings be expanded or modified?
Yes, prefabricated steel buildings can be easily expanded or modified even after the construction is completed. Constructing a new building using prefabricated steel construction is much easier and quicker than other forms of construction. Once built, it is also easy to expand the building to bring in more space or modify the layout partially or significantly, without compromising on quality, strength, or durability. Expansion or modification can be undertaken by removing or adding end walls of the existing build, attaching a new structure to the side of the current structure, building a lean-to to the side of the building for additional storage, or extending the roof or building an overhang over the existing structure.
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How do I maintain a steel prefab building?
Compared to structures built using traditional construction methods, steel prefab buildings require much less maintenance. That said, preventive maintenance carried out at regular intervals can go a long way in ensuring that the structural integrity of the building remains unaffected and it continues to be strong, durable and aesthetically appealing for many decades. Regular inspections to ensure that there are no tools, panels, ladders, etc that touch the exteriors of the steel prefab buildings can help prevent extra weight from being added to the walls that can strain the building and cause the steel to bend over time. Dirt and grime that accumulate on the steel structures can be easily cleaned with regular washing to ensure that they remain clean and sparkling. In case of minor damage, repairs should be carried out without delay before they escalate into bigger issues.
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Can a steel prefab building be expanded in the future?
Construction of a building is often carried out keeping current priorities and requirements in mind, whether it is a residential building or a structure for commercial or industrial use. In case of further requirements in the future, the building will either need to be expanded (vertically or horizontally) or additional buildings will need to be sourced to meet the needs. Steel prefab buildings enjoy the advantage of being expanded both vertically to build an additional floor as well as horizontally by expanding the end walls by adding steel frames to the walls of the existing building. It is also possible to add a steel prefab extension to an existing structure built using conventional construction methods
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Can a steel prefabricated house be relocated?
Steel prefabricated houses that have been built explicitly with the intention of being moved from one place to another are usually set up with a permanent steel frame underneath them with axles on which tyres can be mounted. This provides easy mobility to the building and it can be moved as a whole. However, it is possible to relocate a steel prefabricated house easily even if it has not been built as a mobile home. It is possible to dismantle the steel frame components easily and transport them to a new location and set them up in the exact same proportion since the components come with accurate measurements adhering to a predefined design. It is also possible to expand the steel prefabricated house while setting it up in the new location or to restructure the interior layout when relocating to a new location.
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How safe are steel prefabricated houses?
Steel prefabricated houses rank high on safety and security, mainly because of their inherent features. Steel is highly durable and steel prefabrication has an incredible strength-to-weight ratio making it a dependable material with sound structural integrity. Steel prefabricated homes can also withstand most weather conditions, including rain, storm and seismic activity. Galvanized steel is resistant to corrosion and it is also resilient to pest infestations, mould, mildew and daily wear and tear. Reinforced steel doors provide a strong protection against intruders. Since the steel prefabricated houses are built as per building codes and regulations, use high-quality materials for construction, and undergo thorough quality control inspections at the time of construction, they are free from defects and are entirely safe to live in.
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What types of buildings are suitable for light gauge steel framing?
Light gauge steel framing (LGSF) uses thin, cold-formed steel components in construction and is sturdy and durable, making it apt for a variety of building structures. It is lightweight and versatile, and can be assembled quickly and easily, making the construction process more streamlined and less time-consuming. LGSF can be used equally well in construction projects for commercial and residential purposes, without compromising on quality or structural integrity. It is also used in the construction of warehouses and manufacturing units which require large clear-span spaces, educational institutions and hospitals which see a lot of footfall and require construction to be strong and durable, and for setting up temporary shelters and structures for events.
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What are the applications of prefab steel structures?
Prefab steel structures enjoy the benefits of high durability and strength integrity making them a preferred choice for various types of building construction. Edge Neoteric has successfully incorporated light gauge steel framing and QWIKNEXT technology into their construction methodology enabling them to build Residential Buildings, High-Rise Buildings, Corporate Offices, Shops, Hotels, Schools and other educational institutions, Hospitals, Factories, Warehouses, Calamity Shelters, and Auditoriums with prefab steel structures. Steel prefabrication is also being used in the construction of modern agricultural buildings, resorts, recreational facilities, large-span structures like movie theatres, exhibition halls and railway stations, as well as public facilities like places of worship and public offices.
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Can a steel prefabricated house be moved once it is built?
There are two scenarios that need to be addressed when talking about moving steel prefabricated houses after they have been built.
1.When the steel prefabricated house is being built with the intention of moving it, it is usually built as an on-frame modular house that are placed on steel skids during construction. This makes it easier to carry the entire house to a new location in one piece. It is usually a practical and convenient solution for smaller buildings like small houses, storage sheds, or metal garages.
2.When larger buildings need to be moved, they need to be dismantled, transported to the new location, and reassembled at the new site. Since prefabricated houses consist of steel prefab components that are designed and manufactured at an offsite factory location with precise measurements and then brought to the construction site for assembling, they can be dismantled using a fairly simple process and taken to a new location. It is important to take the support of experts in the field of prefabricated steel construction to dismantle and reassemble the building. After assembling at the new location, the new building must undergo a thorough inspection to ensure that there is no damage during dismantling or transportation.
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How do steel prefabricated houses handle moisture and humidity?
Steel prefabricated houses in places with tropical climates will have a lot of indoor humidity and are prone to condensation when the hot, humid air comes in contact with the cool metal surfaces of the building, especially the roof system and the walls. Condensation can cause a lot of damage to steel buildings in the long term, including corrosion or rust, insulation damage, insect infestation, and mould which can cause health issues. In order to contain the issues of moisture and humidity inside the house, it is important to use certain protective measures like
Insulation that regulates the temperature inside the steel building (especially in case of extreme heat, cold, or frequent fluctuations in weather),
Installing continuous vapour barriers around windows, doors, foundation sills and any other spaces where moisture can seep in,
Ensuring proper ventilation through the windows and doors and placing the vents of heaters or air conditioners outside the building,
Installing dehumidifiers to balance the humidity levels inside the steel prefabricated houses, in case of extreme humidity.
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How are utilities such as plumbing, electricity, and HVAC systems installed in steel prefabricated houses?
Steel prefabricated houses are meticulously designed and manufactured using precise measurements and in adherence to finalized design details at an offsite factory location before being transported to the construction site, where it is assembled. Utilities such as plumbing, electricity, and HVAC systems are installed in the steel prefab houses during the assembling stage itself. Provision for installation of these systems as fixtures, outlets, switches and other components is done at the design stage itself, though there is a certain amount of flexibility that is offered in case the design needs to be modified, or if the building undergoes remodelling or expansion. Underground utilities like electrical lines and plumbing pipes are installed before the foundation is laid, so that the foundation need not be disturbed after the concrete has set in.
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What types of roofing systems are suitable for prefab steel auditoriums?
Prefab steel auditorium buildings have high ceilings and their roof systems need to be strong and durable, sturdy enough to withstand high winds, waterproof and windproof, well sealed so that there is no air movement (which could eventually dislodge the roof and create a passage for pests), have good seismic performance, and be well-insulated, while also being aesthetic in appearance. Auditorium roofs require a large span but need very few columns so that the open space area within the auditorium is not compromised. Using Light Gauge Steel Framing (LGSF) for roofing systems helps to ensure durability and strength. Light steel frames are also able to withstand the onslaught of various weather conditions including extreme heat or cold, heavy rains or strong winds.
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Can steel prefab buildings meet the aesthetic standards of a luxury hotel?
When constructing a commercial luxury building, there are two important aspects to keep in mind - design and flexibility. This is in addition to being structurally strong, able to withstand extreme weather conditions, and durable and long-lasting. In luxury hotels, steel prefab buildings are able to incorporate large, open designs that showcase aesthetics and functionality that can enhance the guest experience. They also offer the flexibility to adapt to various layouts and are open to easy expansion, as the need arises. The versatility of steel prefab structures also allows it to integrate other materials like glass and plywood in a seamless fashion. These advantages make steel prefab buildings a good fit for the construction of luxury hotels.
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Can a steel prefabricated house be moved once it's built?
The components of a steel prefabricated house are built offsite in a closed environment factory setting and then brought to the construction site for assembling. Just as it is easy to assemble a steel prefab building, it is also easy to dismantle the structure with minimal wastage and less effort. Therefore, it is possible to move a steel prefabricated house once it is built. That said, there are a few things to be kept in mind. If the prefab house is being built with the intention of being moved at a later date, it is usually constructed on a steel chassis and kept on that frame so that it can be moved as a single unit to the new area. Otherwise, the building will need to be dismantled, transported to the new place, and reassembled, which will involve much more expenditure.
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What are the benefits of choosing a prefab warehouse over traditional construction?
Steel prefabricated buildings are ideal for the construction of commercial warehouses. Unlike traditional construction which is carried out completely at the construction site and has dependencies on labour, weather conditions and quality of individual build, the building components of prefab construction are constructed at a factory location and assembled at the construction site. This ensures high quality of build since the components undergo a factory-controlled manufacturing process. The time taken for construction is also much less because the work at the factory and the construction site can be completed simultaneously, and the possibility of delays is less because the assembling process is quick and does not extensively depend on labour expertise. Another advantage of prefab warehouses is their scalability, as they can be easily modified or expanded according to the needs of the business.
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How long does it take to install a prefab farm building?
Farm buildings include storage areas for agricultural produce, tool sheds, and parking sheds for tractors and other farming vehicles. Farmers and agriculturists prefer prefabricated steel structures to use as farm buildings. Prefab buildings are quick to construct and can be modified or expanded to accommodate changing requirements. It takes around 4-8 weeks to build a farm building based on requirements. While the actual time taken to construct a farm building using prefab structures will depend on the size of the building and its specifications, it will definitely take less time than other traditional forms of construction. It is important to use a credible prefab builder who has a construction plan in place, ensures that superior quality materials are used for construction, and looks for ways to minimize energy consumption through proper insulation and ventilation.
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How do steel prefab buildings handle fire safety requirements?
Structural steel is strong and durable but it is still vulnerable to the intense heat generated in case of a fire. Unlike wood, steel does not show weakness till the time of a structural collapse when caught in fire, so it becomes difficult to comprehend the extent of damage during the fire. The impact of the fire can also lead to permanent deformations that can compromise the structural integrity of the building. In order to ensure that steel prefab buildings remain safe from fire, it is important to apply intumescent coating on the steel components which can fight the onslaught of heat and flames for longer so that evacuation can be completed successfully. It is also important to ensure comprehensive fire safety measures are in place at the designing stage itself, just like in other forms of construction - with sprinklers, fire extinguishers, and clearly marked fire escape routes. The fire safety measures and tools must undergo periodic inspection and maintenance.
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How is a light gauge steel frame better than other materials?
Traditionally, wood and concrete have been the sought after materials for construction of buildings. Compared to them, light gauge steel frames offer a much higher strength-to-weight ratio which allows for construction of large open spaces with ample spacing between the framing sections. Being versatile and highly durable, they can be used for the construction of residential, commercial, industrial and agricultural buildings according to the requirements of the customers. The steel is lightweight and offers superior soundproofing for the rooms since steel is able to absorb sound waves much better than wood or concrete. Light gauge steel frames are also easily recyclable and reusable making them a very sustainable alternative to traditional construction materials.
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Are there zoning restrictions or regulations that apply to steel prefab houses?
Steel prefab houses are fast gaining popularity across India due to the superior strength, durability, and versatility they offer over traditional forms of construction. One reason why people hesitate to opt for prefabricated construction for their projects is because they are unsure about the building regulations and codes that govern prefab buildings. The land laws that are applicable to traditionally constructed buildings are also applicable to steel prefab houses. Builders also need to adhere to the National Building Code of India (NBC 2016) that provides guidelines for building construction across India. Similar to traditional construction projects, prefab builders are also required to obtain the commencement certificate from the local development authority before starting with the construction and will need to obtain approvals from various local municipal bodies based on the requirements of electricity, gas, and water.
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How do steel prefabricated houses withstand natural disasters?
Natural disasters are unpredictable events and can cause a lot of damage to human lives and property, often affecting entire communities at once. Steel prefabricated houses have emerged as an effective and resilient solution to protect against natural disasters. Steel is an inherently strong material and prefabricated steel uses innovative techniques and reinforced framing and connections to improve on the structural strength and stability of the houses. This helps prefab houses to withstand the onslaught of natural disasters like hurricanes, earthquakes and floods with more resilience than traditionally constructed buildings. Prefab buildings are designed and constructed using precise measurements that ensure tight seals and leaves very little room for infiltration from wind or rains. Prefab buildings are also very useful for quick reconstruction after a natural disaster as site preparation and manufacture of prefabricated components in the factory location can be carried out simultaneously.
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What are the advantages of choosing a light gauge steel frame over traditional steel?
Traditionally, steel was used only in large-scale construction projects despite being very strong and durable. This is because traditional steel is a very heavy product and is also very thick. With the introduction of light gauge steel frames which are cold-formed by passing thin sheets of steel through rollers and pressed at room temperature (unlike traditional steel that is hot-rolled), it was possible to produce a construction material that was lightweight and consistent in shape and design. Light gauge steel frames are now being used extensively for all kinds of prefab construction projects including small and large residential, commercial, industrial and agricultural buildings. Light gauge steel is more suitable for prefabrication because of its light weight, which makes movement within the controlled factory environment easy and facilitates easier handling of the components during transportation to the construction site and during the final assembling of the building.
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Which type of materials are used to prevent corrosion and rust in steel prefab homes? (galvanised steel)
Steel is a highly strong and durable material but it still needs to be provided a protective coating in order to protect it from rust and corrosion. Galvanized steel is steel that has been provided with a layer of zinc, which acts as a barrier between the base steel material and the corrosive elements. Galvanized steel is long lasting and the protective coating can prevent corrosion on steel for 50 years or more and even with severe water exposure, the steel will stay protected for over 20 years. Galvanized steel also requires very little maintenance so it is very cost-effective in the long run.