Frequently Asked Questions
- I am an owner builder. Why should I build in steel?
- What about the energy consumed to make steel compared with say timber?
- Will I be doing the right thing if I use a steel frame?
- How does a steel frame perform in a fire?
- Does lightning-strike affect a steel-framed home?
- Why won't a steel frame rust?
- Steel expands or contracts with the temperature changes. Is this a problem?
- Will a steel frame perform in any climate?
- Is steel framing suitable for cyclonic areas?
- How do I know the steel frames will be strong enough?
- Do homes with steel fames look different?
- Can I build on piers or a concrete slab?
- Can I have my home designed by Just Kits?
- How much flexibility do I have with design?
- Can I add to a home at a later date?
- Can a house frame be erected by the customer?
- What underlies the quality of a steel frame?
- Have steel framed homes been proven over time?
- Is steel framing expensive?
- Is a steel frame really the answer?
- Will the house framing system I choose be approved by councils and lending authorities?
- Is a steel frame safe when exposed to a live electric wire?
- Will my builder charge more for building a steel frame?
- Are there long-term advantages?
- What does Just Kits need from me?
- How close to the boundary can I build?
- What about building approvals for Just Kits cottages & garages?
- Why Steel Framing?
- Why trust Just Kits?
I am an owner builder. Why should I build in steel?
Panels are easily handled and are clearly identified for assembly, with pre punched electrical and plumbing service holes.
Continual product and market development means that demand for steel framed homes will keep increasing. A steel framed house is a quality product that delivers to the home-owner long-term peace of mind and cost savings. Steel frames require different techniques but are quick and easy to erect. Because steel as a material has consistent strength and complies with strict standards and tight tolerances, every stud is a good stud. It is lightweight and easy to handle, there is no time lost sorting to select suitable pieces, no need to tighten framework on site, and wastage of material is reduced.
What about the energy consumed to make steel compared with say timber?
A steel house frame is one part only of all the materials used in the construction of the house. Further, the total energy used to produce all of the materials in a house has been calculated in some studies at less than 6% of the total energy consumed in the running of the house over it's lifetime. Home-owners can make a much more substantial contribution to the environment through good designs thoughtful orientation of the building, and the use of building materials and insulation to conserve energy consumed by air conditioning or heating over the life cycle of the home. They can install solar power, and engage in waste recycling. They can minimise the impact of the building on a sensitive site. For example on sloping sites the use of raised steel floors can minimise disturbance to the natural contours of the land and enable better management of storm water run off. Storage of rainwater in tanks can contribute. Also, by using a steel frame the home-owner can do away with the ongoing use of chemicals for controlling termites.
Will I be doing the right thing if I use a steel frame?
Yes. All industries have some impact on the environment but all are making concerted efforts to reduce those impacts. The steel industry, the timber industry, and other building materials industries are required to work within government codes, which are influenced by international agreements. Timber interests are fond of drawing attention to the carbon dioxide produced when new steel is produced, but ignore the fact that steel is 100% recyclable. and that about 60% of all steel in use in Australia has been produced from recycled scrap. They also rarely say anything about the impact on the environment of large plantations of introduced species of timber such as pine, and the consequent loss of habitat to native fauna and flora.
How does a steel frame perform in a fire?
When a fire breaks out in a building the safety of individuals is paramount, and in this respect frame performance is of secondary importance. Unless quickly brought under control, a fire can intensify and spread at frightening speed and therefore it is important to have warning devices installed to allow people to get out of the building as quickly as possible. Smoke and heated air and or asphyxiating gases are responsible for about 75% of fatalities in house fires.
Does lightning-strike affect a steel-framed home?
No. Because steel creates a positive earth, the lightning has less effect. The energy is conducted straight to the ground, and is not released destructively within the frame as in conventional framing or cladding.
Why won't a steel frame rust?
Steel frames are made of steel that is protected against corrosion by a hot-dipped metallic coating of either zinc/aluminium alloy or zinc (galvanized). The metallic coatings conform to the appropriate Australian standards or their equivalent. In applications such as roofing, these products are exposed to the elements and have excellent durability, so naturally in less exposed applications such as inside the building envelope they give even longer service. Where there are drill holes and cut edges the galvanic actions of the coatings protects the exposed steel edge against corrosion.
Steel expands or contracts with the temperature changes. Is this a problem?
Whether a steel frame is mechanically jointed or welded, in a properly constructed and insulated building then 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.
Will a steel frame perform in any climate?
Yes. Not surprisingly steel is the preferred framing material in the extreme climate of North West Western Australia, for example, where temperature can vary more than 40 degrees Celsius in a single day.
Is steel framing suitable for cyclonic areas?
Yes. Steel is used extensively in these areas because of its inherent strength. Many suppliers can adapt their framing systems for cyclonic conditions if required. It is recommended that you consult with Just Kits for details.
How do I know the steel frames will be strong enough?
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 system, use high tensile steel components and appropriate jointing methods, and are engineered to pass strict performance tests.
Do homes with steel fames look different?
To the discerning eye, yes, they look better. Walls, ceilings and roofs do not have ripples or bumps in them, there are no 'nail pops' in the plasterboard walls, and there are no shrinkage problems in intermediate floor joists. Roofs of steel-framed homes do not sag over time, even under concrete tiles, so the finished job keeps looking good.
Can I build on piers or a concrete slab?
Either! There are several steel floor systems available for pier design which use the very popular particleboard flooring. Direct fixing to concrete slabs is also very widely used. On sloping sites where limits have been imposed on the maximum depth of cut and fill, it can be far more economical to use raised steel flooring than a concrete slab.
Can I have my home designed by Just Kits?
Yes. Not all steel frame suppliers provide this service, but we do. We have our own designs and will supply to fit the customer's needs or design.
How much flexibility do I have with design?
Design freedom is practically unlimited. Steel frame manufacturers and fabricators can produce almost any one or two home design seen in the Australian market today. Furthermore, it is possible to produce designs in steel that cannot be done with other materials. By taking advantage of this feature a home owner can often build with less expense than by using more conventional materials.
Can I add to a home at a later date?
Yes. Additions are relatively simple and present no problems. Furthermore the original steel structure will be straight and true regardless of its age, making the job of lining up the extension easier than for conventional timber framing.
Can a house frame be erected by the customer?
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 labeled for assembly, generally with pre-punched electrical and plumbing service holes. Roof trusses are labeled and easily secured to support the wall. Ceiling and roof battens are easily fixed to the trusses.
What underlies the quality of a steel frame?
The steel in the frame is produced by quality accredited producers to appropriate National Standard Specifications. The components are precision manufactured and assembled to very tight tolerances using advanced technique. Computer aided design, computer controlled, manufacture, and advanced engineering, ensure the home buyer gets the design he or she wants, and that installation is quick and easy. Strength and performance are engineered into the frame.
Have steel framed homes been proven over time?
Yes. In Australia steel framing has been used successfully in housing since the early 1950's. The Australian steel framing industry has a well-earned reputation for being highly innovative. Today's framing represents the results of years of research, testing and development It is a thoroughly engineered product. In responding to the needs of the Australian customer, the steel framing industry in Australia leads the world with its technology. Don't forget also that steel frames have been used in commercial buildings for many years because of their superior attributes.
Is steel framing expensive?
Not when you consider quality! A steel frame gives value for money. It is the premium quality product which sets the benchmark. It has so many advantages over timber, even top quality timber, that comparisons are rarely if ever valid. Timber comes in many types and grades and it's price fluctuates. If compared with top quality timber, and taking into account all the benefits of steel frames. they are more than competitively priced. The fact that steel frames are increasingly in demand and steel framing suppliers continue in business, is proof of this.
Is a steel frame really the answer?
Yes. For ongoing peace of mind the best solution to the termite threat is a steel frame. Termites cannot eat steel. Timber requires protection. Organochlorine chemical treatments, which were quite effective for protecting timber, were banned some years ago on health grounds. The treatments that have taken their place are probably safer but they require reapplication at regular intervals, at some trouble and expense. The alternative physical barriers are not foolproof. Because it is unseen, most people rarely think about the frame of their house. Any damage to the frame obviously is very serious, often dangerous, and for most people a financial disaster.
Will the house framing system I choose be approved by councils and lending authorities?
Yes. Engineer's details to satisfy council requirements are routinely available, and lending authorities see steel framing as an excellent long-term investment.
Is a steel frame safe when exposed to a live electric wire?
Yes. Steel frames are safe because they are earthed and it is a requirement that all new housing be fitted with circuit breaking safety devices, so there is little chance of touching anything live. A broken or pierced wire in a timber frame can remain live and leaking current can cause troublesome faults and a fire risk.
Will my builder charge more for building a steel frame?
Competitive pricing is generally available from progressive builders for standard house designs. Progressive builders are aware that steel frames are the way of the future, and are generally prepared to quote competitively. Steel frame suppliers can advise you of a suitable builder.
Are there long-term advantages?
Yes. There are ongoing savings for the home-buyer. Because steel will not burn and is termite proof, insurers such as MMI offer attractive discounts on their premiums for steel framed homes. Also, the expense of ongoing anti-termite chemical treatments is avoided, and you will never have to replace your frame due to termite damage.
What does Just Kits need from me?
A site plan giving the dimension from boundary of house or other structures. A copy of the Lot and RP plan if you have one, as we need these numbers, which you can obtain from your rates notice. Indication as to where you want the roller doors, windows etc plus colours. Also mention if you have power available and if the site is level site.
How close to the boundary can I build?
As a rule of thumb, any structure over 9m on any one boundary has to be 1 .5m (1500mm) from that boundary. You may build right on the boundary any structure under 8.90m, making sure the gutter is in line with the boundary, but if there is an existing fence, our erectors have at least 400mm to work in. As a precaution, if you extend your garage at a later date to over 9m, you will need to be 1500mm from the boundary. Also double-check your sewer line and manhole. You are required to be 2m away from either, or sign an indemnity form from Council, allowing you to be closer.
What about building approvals for Just Kits cottages & garages?
Just Kits uses Fraser Coast Building Certification for all Building Approvals Applications, who cover the Wide Bay area and many Council Shires. Most Councils have similar building regulations in relation to how close to a boundary or house you can build your garage.
Why Steel Framing?
Quite simply, a frame made of steel cannot be surpassed for quality. It represents value for money and peace of mind. A steel frame is light and strong, will not burn, it is termite and borer proof and will not shrink or warp.
Why trust Just Kits?
Just Kits has been established for 33 years here in Hervey Bay, employs local people and will guarantee its quality product. Just Kits will not match a competitors' prices, as our product is superior in quality and our framing systems unique. All garages and Cottages are manufactured individually to customer requirements in our factory in Hervey Bay and the pre-fabricated stud wall frames are delivered to site ready to be erected.
