For centuries, wood has been used to frame buildings of all sizes, especially single-family homes and small apartment buildings. However, structural steel has some significant advantages over wood that can extend the life of buildings and simplify the construction process. Below are some of the primary benefits of choosing this material for your construction project.

The Advantages of Structural Steel

1. Environmentally Friendly

The metal can be recycled over and over, which reduces the demand for natural resources and the environmental impact of your project. In fact, many members can simply be reused without being melted down and recast in new shapes.

2. Lighter Than Wood

I-beams and other structural members are lighter than wood components with similar strength, which decreases the weight of the entire building. With steel, even the largest buildings need fewer supports and trusses, which makes the job easier, even with a small crew.

3. Saves Money

Because steel buildings require less material, the construction is often faster than using wood. This saves money and helps prevent expensive delays that can imperil the well-being of your project. Using the metal also lowers your construction costs, especially if you have to ship materials across the country.

4. Resists Damage

Steel-framed buildings are sturdier than similar structures made from wood and capable of withstanding strong winds and extreme weather events. They’re also resistant to fire, don’t harbor mold, and are impervious to damage from termites and other insects.

As Cincinnati’s leading steel service and recycling center, David Hirschberg Steel & Recycling Center has been providing builders throughout the area with high-quality materials for over a century. Whether you’re building a major industrial facility or a single-family home, they proudly offer raw materials and fabrication services at optimal rates. Visit their website for more on their inventory of new, used, and surplus steel. Call (513) 821-0514 to request a quote, and follow their Twitter for more tips from the experts.