Any builders have experience with metal studs?

Question

I'm being courted by a steel manufacturer who specializes in metal framing for residential construction. They cut according to plans and ship in joined sections. It sounds intriguing for a few reasons:

• No termites. This is a big issue in south Louisiana.
• Fewer mold issues. Again, considering my location.
• Better wind protection. Ditto.
• No wood rot.
• Dramatically improved fire resistance.
• Solid longevity. 50 year warranty.
• Lower insurance costs.

The pricing is roughly equal to wood framing, so it seems almost like a no brainer. I am considering using this for by build-to-hold SFRs, where I will use standardized plans on small houses. This would not work for my normal specs because of no standardization. They need to do at least 4 houses at once for the math to work.

Has anyone had any experience with metal framing in the residential space? I'd love to chat.

John Blackman · Answer

I have never used them before but I am aware of a few houses around town that did. I love all of the features you mentioned, but like @Karen Margrave mentioned, I just don't know any crews that are used to assembling them. If the supplier will do assembly, that could be pretty nice. However will they come back multiple times after city framing inspections find new lists every week?

One problem I would imagine is small framing tweaks for duct ways, stairs, and window adjustments which are easy to craft a custom piece of wood on site, but may be harder with metal.

David Dachtera · Answer

@Rogers Smith,

You may need to verify that steel meets code. Check with your building department or inspector. Fire ratings, etc. may be an issue.

Floors, joists, rafters, various load-bearing members, etc. will still be plywood, pine or some other lumber product. Perhaps fewer opportunities for termite damage, but ...

I can imagine that steel studs may also preclude the use of Romex and require conduit and/or BX (armored cable) to protect electrical wiring, both during installation and in everyday use.

The place where my investing group meets is in an office park. There are steel studs in the walls (none are load bearing), metallic gridwork supporting the suspended ceiling and rebar in the concrete floor, all of which has an electrical path to earth ground. This constitutes what is known as a "Faraday Cage". RF signals between rooms such as WiFi and wireless mic.'s have spotty coverage, at best, much the same as AM radio reception under certain bridges. I have provided work-arounds to some but not all of these challenges.

Karen Margrave · Answer

In the area I moved from there was a place where you could take your plans and get bids from various subs. If you have something like that, you might want to do that and see if there are any that are familiar with metal stud construction. It really is a great idea for many areas for a variety of reasons.

Rogers Smith · Answer

Yes @Karen Margrave it's an interesting proposition. They ship it to the site and put it together, all for one price. As you pointed out, heat may be an issue. But my main concern is simple unfamiliarity by the subs. I'll update.

Rogers Smith · Answer

@David Dachtera I did not even consider local code. Crap, that may be a big issue. I'll look into it. I have a pretty good relationship with the parish planning department.

You're right, plywood and OSB will still be used. But the joists, rafters and load-bearing members will all be steel. It's an interesting, Erector Set kind of concept. I'll attach pics soon.

Romex and other wiring is run through pre-existing holes in the steel through poly grommets.

You brought up another thing that I overlooked. Electromagnetic signal breakdown, radio, wifi. This could present a whole set of problems. I need to sit down with the supplier.

I really appreciate your, @John Blackman, @Karen Margrave 's inputs. BP is an incredibly helpful sounding board for such things.

I'm not attempting a paradigm-shifting idea. It's been done before. But it is outside of my personal experience. So I remain apprehensive.

Rogers Smith · Answer

@John Blackman you're spot on with tweaks and adjustments, along with a lot of other potential issues. I'm simply trying to get my arms around the idea. Interestingly, in addition to the manufacture and framing, I believe the supplier can provide preset windows, and even water and waste water plumbing rough in.

Karen Margrave · Answer

I've never had any experience with them. However; where I moved from, Redding, CA there was a contractor that started using metal framing. However; because Redding can get to 110 in the summer months, it was challenging. That, coupled with having to find people that could assemble, when everyone was used to working with a hammer and nails, was difficult too, so no time savings. You mention they ship them with joined sections? That may cut out some of the problems.

Any builders have experience with metal studs?

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