Steel has many advantages over other building materials:
- STRONG AND LIGHTWEIGHT: Steel framing is significantly stronger than wood and will not splinter or crack. The strength to weight ratio of steel is the highest of any residential building material. Because steel is strong and lightweight, it is beneficial for builders to work with and can be engineered to better withstand hurricanes and earthquakes.
- DURABLE: Unlike steel, other materials can expand, warp and twist to cause settlement cracks or floor squeaks that require builders to make costly repairs after the home is completed.
- NON-COMBUSTIBLE: Steel is a highly fire-resistant material. So a steel frame can better withstand a fire.
- RECYCLABILITY: Building with steel preserves natural resources and creates less waste − all of which is recyclable. To build an average 2,000 square foot home takes an acre of trees (about 40 - 50 trees), while a steel-framed house can be made with the steel from six recycled cars.
- HEALTHY: Steel is naturally termite proof and because it is galvanized it will not rust. Since it does not have to be treated with pesticides or other chemicals, steel framing contributes to better indoor air quality.
- We will protect personal information by reasonable security safeguards against loss or theft, as well as unauthorized access, disclosure, copying, use or modification.
- FLEXIBILITY: Unlike wood, steel can be easily cut to custom lengths and widths so builders can design any type of home − from traditional to contemporary to avantgarde. Homes can have larger open spaces, longer floor spans and higher walls.
- BUILDING REUSE / RESOURCE REUSE: iSPAN is flexible and can be resused during future renovations
- RECYCLED CONTENT: Steel can be recycled many times without loss of quality. In fact, depending on the process, steel can be made of more than 95% scrap material.
- INDOOR ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY: Steel is coated off-site, reducing emissions into building. Furthermore, low-emitting paints and coatings can be applied.
- INNOVATION AND DESIGN PROCESS: iSPAN requires less weight to achieve the same spans as other products (See Increased Capacity Study), saving resources. Further resources may be saved when using iSPAN Composite Floor Systems.