Yes, they can. And it will not be nearly as complex, time-consuming or expensive as you think. In most cases, steel joists will actually reduce complexity, save you time and cut your costs.
Bailey Metal Products is a leading supplier of cold-formed steel joists for projects across North America, from homes and hotels to mezzanines and multi-family. With decades of experience and an in-house team of talented designers and project managers, choosing TotalJoist solution has been the winning decision for engineers, contractors and developers.
Why use Cold-Formed Steel Joists for Hotels, Condominiums and Apartment Buildings?
When most people think of steel, they think of strength. That is a key benefit of TotalJoist, but it really is only just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to describing the many benefits that this cold-formed steel (also known as CFS) joist has for your project.
TotalJoist is Designed for the ‘Space’ Age
Each cold-formed steel joist has large pre-punched service holes to allow MEP to run through the web of the joist, eliminating bulkheads. The strong joists also allow architects to create larger open spaces that span up to 30% farther than traditional wood joists, and the shallower floor assembly gives occupants increased headroom.
Cold-Formed Steel Joists Can Be Delivered Just in Time
We can deliver your TotaJoists exactly when you need them, which allows you to avoid storing materials on-site. This also eliminates the need for a staging or lay-down area, so we can work on projects with a smaller footprint.
CFS Delivers Optimal Floor Vibration Control
Our cold-formed steel joists span farther than we show in our span tables. We have actually reduced our joist spans based on extensive vibration testing to ensure that our floor joists provide pleasant experiences for guests and tenants.
Steel Joists Have Excellent Fire Ratings
TotalJoists are non-combustible and achieve a one-hour fire rating (UL, ULC Rated) and a 50 STC acoustic rating with a single layer of gypsum.
Learn more: Fire and Acoustic Guide
Steel Joists Are Fast & Easy to Install
All components are manufactured off-site in advance based on the design of your project, whether it involves walls built using wood framing, steel framing, masonry or ICF. Our detailed construction drawings provide simple step-by-step instructions.
Upon delivery, each bundle of steel joists can be quickly lifted to your worksite. A team of two labourers can often install a joist on their own by moving it into position and connecting the joist to your wall support. We understand that site conditions can change, so each TotalJoist has adjustable connections to allow for minor variations with the wall or bearing placement.
TotalJoist Floor Joists Hide MEP and Internet Infrastructure
Not only do bulkheads mess up a great building plan, but they also add extra steps to the construction process and take more time and energy to construct. Our steel joists have large pre-punched service holes that allow mechanical, electrical, plumbing and internet infrastructure to run through the joist web. This results in a cleaner finished ceiling with fewer bulkheads and simplified installation of MEP follow-up trades.
Support When You Need It
Our in-house project management team works with your every step of the way. From design to delivery to on-site installation. Our expertise allows us to ensure your needs are met on and off-site.
Real-World Example of Cold-Formed Steel Joist Installation
Legends 267 is an eight-storey urban mid-rise apartment under construction at Legends Outlets Kansas City. Scheduled to open in the spring of 2024, the professionals behind “Legends” wisely chose to build using our cold-formed steel flooring systems.
The developer had many options to consider, including wood. “There’s nothing good about wood buildings,” says Jeremy Dahmer, CEO of Steel Tek Framing. Dahmer’s Steel Tek provides lightweight steel solutions throughout the Kansas City region. You have to worry about fire, rotting wood, destructive termites, wood expansions and contractions and pricey maintenance.”
After discussing the obvious and not-so-obvious benefits of choosing cold-formed steel, the owner, architect and engineer all agreed to use TotalJoist, a lightweight steel joist, as a key structural component.
Take a few minutes to read the complete case study on the Legends 267 project.
Drone photography courtesy of Drone & Film Studios.
Are You a Contractor Interested in Saving Time, Money and Energy?
Reach out to North America’s cold-formed steel flooring experts. Our project management and engineering team will work with you to provide a quote at no charge to show you the many ways that choosing steel can make a remarkable difference to your next project.
