[Familyofmonkeys]

We are planning on getting own house built eventually. My dad keeps going on about how brilliant steel framed houses are, and still flexible like wood frames in earthquakes etc. Does anyone have any knowledge or experience of steel frames....are they better, any problems, do they cost alot more than wooden frames etc?

[The Hodges]

Hi ya FoM,

I have used metal studs before in the construction of partitions and I know that British Gypsum do structural walls in metal. They're not strictly steel framed, but as the frame will be spaced out, you need intermediate supports for fixing your finishes etc. to.

I'm not to sure of the pros and cons for using metal studs as structural elements, but not even the metal studs will last forever.

With regard to cost, again I'm not on structural elements, but for partitions metal was comparative with timber. But, with the increased construction costs over the world, particularly of metal, this may have changed.

For some more information I found this (http://www.british-gypsum.bpb.com/literature/white_book/loadbearing_framed_systems/loadbearing_-_steel_frame.aspx) on British Gypsum's website, but I haven't found a NZ equivalent. You may have better luck than me.

[Caroline and Dave]

I knew I had seen something about this in my research and I have at last found it
http://nashnz.org.nz/index.html
http://www.steelframe-homes.co.nz/

Hope this helps

Dave and Caroline

[katandbob]

have you had a look at this website - the ad on TV made me remember it so I searched and found it for you (alien)

http://www.zog.co.nz/about.html

Kat

[Nick88]

I've seen alot of steel framed houses being built just north of Akl, I can think of at least three developments. The only negative I have heard of is that they can make more noise on sunny days when the sun goes in and out behind clouds. The metal expands and contracts with the heat fluctuations. Then again insulation might minimise this.

[migratory birds]

I wonder if steel-frame would be more likely to contribute to overall problems with condensation/mold/mildew as there's nothing to absorb the water produced within a home? Especially if used with other non-absorptive building materials.

Not a builder but read an interesting article in "Fine Homebuilding" on mold/mildew in newer home construction and the reasons for this. If I interpreted it right, it was more of an issue in homes built with least absorptive materials.

Pros would be no problems with rot, insects or rodents.

[The Hodges]

Pros would be no problems with rot

Metal can rusts and decay, which is similar to rot.

[John Z]

There's nothing wrong with wood AND there's nothing wrong with metal.

Just use it in the right places (wood where it's best to use wood etc.) AND with the right construction method.

In short: IT'S IN THE DESIGN.

But, even most contemporary design looks sharp, but is just crap: they have the looks but don't have "the spirit". (Or as famous "kiwi" Shania Twain puts it: they have the looks, but not the touch...)

Use your common sense and keep asking for pro's and con's of every new step/direction (ask your designer). Make your design a journey together with your designer.

Again and again: it's in the design.

[tigerlily]

I talked to a family member who is an architect in Hawaii (very similar climate/earthquake issues to NZ) who said that steel framed buildings turned out to have more problems than wood- even in a place with lots of termites! The salt air/moisture corroded the metal and made for expensive repairs.

If you are planning on building, I'd talk to a local architect who is not involved with a particular builder. Get their opinion on what works in your area.

[Familyofmonkeys]

Just been looking at Golden Homes website. Apparently they often use ZOG steel frames. Anyone got any experience with the company?

[nippa&pippa]

The metal expands and contracts with the heat fluctuations.

My roof does that! Making noise around lunchtime at moment :roll took me a while to work out till my OH heard for first time at weekend few weeks after we moved in.

[John Z]

My roof does that! Making noise around lunchtime at moment :roll took me a while to work out till my OH heard for first time at weekend few weeks after we moved in.

EXTRA! EXTRA!

HUNGRY ROOF EATS NEW OCCUPANTS OF HOUSE!

After having heard strange noises for weeks it appeared
they were coming from the belly. The belly of a monstrous
New Zealand roof. Rumour says the former occupants
had not been seen for a long time. Beware potential
immigrants, beware of what you're getting into!

[Familyofmonkeys]

EXTRA! EXTRA!

HUNGRY ROOF EATS NEW OCCUPANTS OF HOUSE!

After having heard strange noises for weeks it appeared
they were coming from the belly. The belly of a monstrous
New Zealand roof. Rumour says the former occupants
had not been seen for a long time. Beware potential
immigrants, beware of what you're getting into!

Very funny :laugh

[nippa&pippa]

EXTRA! EXTRA!

HUNGRY ROOF EATS NEW OCCUPANTS OF HOUSE!

After having heard strange noises for weeks it appeared
they were coming from the belly. The belly of a monstrous
New Zealand roof. Rumour says the former occupants
had not been seen for a long time. Beware potential
immigrants, beware of what you're getting into!

:roll :laugh
My previous owner hasn't been good with the house..:uhoh