FAQs

No! Because a steel frame creates a positive earth, a lightning strike will have no effect. The energy is allowed to go straight to the ground, and is not dissipated destructively as in conventional framing.

Some advantages for Builders, Home Owners and Designers, can be found at The Advantages of Building with Framing made from TRUECORE® steel.

There are generally two types of warranty available to consumers of BlueScope Steel products:

• A warranty against defects is known as a "Manufacturer’s Warranty", this covers the materials, such as COLORBOND® steel, that certain steel products are made from.
• A Performance Warranty, or "Express Warranty", assures consumers that the end product will perform as expected for a specified period.

For more details, such as whether a warranty is available for your desired application and product selection, the applicable terms and conditions or how to apply for the warranties, please talk to your supplier or go to our relevant product section of this website. In addition, consumers have rights under the Competition and Consumer Act 2010 which cannot be excluded, modified or restricted.

Yes! These materials should be isolated because in the presence of water these materials will develop galvanic cells which will result in rapid destruction of the protective metal coating of the steel frame. Copper pipes are easily isolated from the frame by using nylon grommets or face fixed to the studs using plastic clips. Both of these systems also resist water hammer noise.

No! The move to lighter gauge materials and boxed sections in the frames allows the use of new nailing techniques or cheaper needle point screws. Nailing, or a combination of nails and screws may also be used depending on the application.

The Building Code of Australia specifies chemical and physical termite barriers only where structural members are subject to termite attack. A steel frame is resistant to termite attack and a house built with a steel frame without a termite barrier is a reasonably safe option for an owner. The safest possible options are a steel frame plus non-structural fixtures of termite-resistant materials, or a steel frame plus a termite barrier. Visit the National Association for Steel Framed Housing's (NASH) Termite Information Site.

Innovative frame technology now means steel frames for standard house designs can be priced competitively with other quality framing systems.

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 labelled for assembly, generally with pre-punched electrical and plumbing service holes. Roof trusses are labelled and easily secured to support the walls. Ceiling and roof battens are easily fixed to the trusses. NASH (National Association of Steel Framed Housing) provides instructional literature and videos to assist the owner builder or do-it-yourself installer.

Yes. Additions are relatively easy to make. In addition, the original steel structure will be straight regardless of age, making the job of lining up the extension easier.

Steel frame manufacturers and fabricators can produce almost any one or two storey home design seen in the Australian market today. Furthermore, it is possible to produce designs in steel that are difficult to replicate using other materials. By taking advantage of this feature a home owner can often build with less expense than by using more conventional materials.