Frequently Asked Questions

Yes! When installed correctly, steel frames are safe because the frames are earthed. When exposed to a live wire, the earthing will create a short and trip the residual current safety switch reducing the chance of electrocution. All new housing is required to be fitted with residual current safety switches. At times, steel framing can actually be safer than the alternatives because of these safety features.

Almost all systems on the market can be installed by the customer. Indeed some producers supply frames in kit form specifically for the do-it-yourself owner builder. Panels are easily handled and are clearly labelled for assembly, generally with pre-punched electrical and plumbing service holes. Roof trusses are labelled and easily secured to support the walls. Ceiling and roof battens are easily fixed to the trusses. NASH (National Association of Steel Framed Housing) provides instructional literature and videos to assist the owner builder or do-it-yourself installer.

Yes. Because of the unique assembly systems, additions are relatively simple to make. Furthermore, the original steel structure will be straight and true regardless of its age, making the job of matching up the addition easier.

Either. Steel framing can be fixed directly to a concrete slab, or to steel flooring systems on brick, concrete, or steel piers.

The Building Code of Australia specifies chemical and physical termite barriers only where structural members are subject to termite attack. A steel frame is resistant to termite attack and a house built with a steel frame without a termite barrier is a reasonably safe option for an owner. The safest possible options are a steel frame plus non-structural fixtures of termite-resistant materials, or a steel frame plus a termite barrier. Visit the National Association for Steel Framed Housing's (NASH) Termite Information Site.

Some trades may choose to initially charge a little more for a steel framed home reflecting a reluctance to working with steel for the first time. However, with familiarity and competition, most trades quickly change their attitudes to NOT charge a premium for fixing steel. You will be able to enjoy the strength, reliability and convenience of steel frames without paying more.

No! Because a steel frame creates a positive earth, a lightning strike will have no effect. The energy is allowed to go straight to the ground, and is not dissipated destructively as in conventional framing.

The properties of steel are known and consistent, and conform to Australian standards or their equivalent. Steel framing components are designed around those properties. Most modern systems use high tensile steel components and appropriate jointing methods, and are engineered to pass strict performance tests.

BlueScope Steel recommend 'cold cutting' coated steel products. If this recommendation is followed, these products will 'self heal', that is, the zinc in the surrounding coating will protect the newly exposed edge. How does this happen? In the presence of moisture, a reaction occurs between the zinc and the steel which results in galvanic protection of the exposed steel, thereby inhibiting corrosion. The degree of protection depends on the thickness of the coating (the amount of zinc), and this is taken into account when Building Standards are formulated.

Steel frame manufacturers and fabricators can produce almost any one or two storey home design seen in the Australian market today. Furthermore, it is possible to produce designs in steel that are difficult to replicate using other materials. By taking advantage of this feature a home owner can often build with less expense than by using more conventional materials.

Correctly installed steel frames are safe because they are earthed and it is a requirement that all new housing be fitted with circuit breaking safety devices. Lightning has less effect on a steel framed home as the steel creates a positive earth allowing the energy to conduct straight to the ground.

No! Any trade can work with steel framing. In fact some trades benefit, for example, bricklayers will install the brick ties by simply clipping them into the stud. Most frames are installed by qualified framers who work with both steel and timber.

Innovative frame technology now means steel frames for standard house designs can be priced competitively with other quality framing systems.

Yes! These materials should be isolated because in the presence of water these materials will develop galvanic cells which will result in rapid destruction of the protective metal coating of the steel frame. Copper pipes are easily isolated from the frame by using nylon grommets or face fixed to the studs using plastic clips. Both of these systems also resist water hammer noise.

Whether a steel frame is mechanically jointed or welded, in a properly constructed and insulated home, thermally induced movement and noise is no more likely than with other materials. Steel framing expands and contracts at rates not too dissimilar from other materials, which means it is unlikely that there will be noise or cornice cracking problems.

Some advantages for Builders, Home Owners and Designers, can be found at The Advantages of Building with Framing made from TRUECORE® steel.

The Warranty Evaluation tool provides you with a quick assessment of warranty availability for your project. A great tool with immediate results.

There are generally two types of warranty available to consumers of BlueScope Steel products:

• A warranty against defects is known as a "Manufacturer’s Warranty", this covers the materials, such as COLORBOND® steel, that certain steel products are made from.
• A Performance Warranty, or "Express Warranty", assures consumers that the end product will perform as expected for a specified period.

For more details, such as whether a warranty is available for your desired application and product selection, the applicable terms and conditions or how to apply for the warranties, please talk to your supplier or go to our relevant product section of this website. In addition, consumers have rights under the Competition and Consumer Act 2010 which cannot be excluded, modified or restricted.

They can be found in the BlueScope Steel Technical Library in the tools and resources section of the website.

Steel is the product to use for the long term investment of your home. It is lightweight and strong, won't burn, is termite and borer proof and won't shrink, warp or twist - so your home is maintained for the future.

Frames made from TRUECORE® steel have a protective zinc/aluminium coating. Used in roofing applications where it is exposed to the elements it has excellent durability, so in the less exposed internal building frame it gives longer service when installed to specification. At drill holes and cut edges, the galvanic action of the coating protects the exposed steel edge against corrosion.

Yes. Your supplier/fabricator can provide engineers' details of compliance to satisfy council requirements.