LSF v Mother Nature

Once or twice you may have heard us wax lyrical about the benefits of building with LSF – the quick turn-around time and how it is adaptable enough to suit various projects of different sizes and shapes as well as mitigate design challenges. What you may not know about LSF is just how strong and durable it is especially in the face of severe weather conditions.

Steel, alone, is exceptionally strong and has the highest strength to weight ratio of any framing materials. Although lighter than traditional timber frames, steel frames are held together with screws, making them a lot stronger and more resistant to pressure from wind and earthquakes. There’s a good reason why LSF is used in the construction of houses and buildings in New Zealand, Australia, China and the US – all areas with volatile weather patterns. The galvanised steel used is also resistant to rust and corrosion, making it even more viable in the long-term.

Furthermore, light steel frames are non-combustible, meaning that fire will not burn through the steel frame of a building and, as a result, will not contribute to the strength of the fire, like a timber frame would. An added bonus is that if the steel frame of a building is not visibly damaged in the wake of a fire, they can be left in place, given a good clean and, if necessary, recoated.

LSF even offers greater protection against lightning because it is a good conductor of electrical energy from lightning and conducts it directly to the ground.

So there you have it…Light Steel Frames not only measures up against the elements, it can almost be considered a force of nature itself. But don’t take our word for it, ask your friends in New Zealand, Australia and all over the world!