Getting the Job Done with Construction Contractors

Structural Steel: How to Reduce Your Cumulative Construction Expenses

30 July 2020 by Audrey Ramos

If you are planning on constructing a commercial or residential building, you will need custom structural steel elements for the project. The steel will ensure that the building is strong and secure through reinforcement. Moreover, the metal can be sued to promote architectural appeal through the installation of façades and other features. The cost of structural steel can be high depending on your budget. Here are simple tips for minimising the construction costs related to the material.

Understand Steel

When sourcing structural steel elements for your construction project, you should know that there are different metal types on the market. In simple terms, you will find a range of alloys which can be used in construction. Therefore, you need to understand the range of materials before choosing the best one for use. For instance, carbon steel is inexpensive and ideal for reinforcing concrete, but it is susceptible to rusting. If you are looking for a corrosion-resistant variant, you will need to acquire stainless or weathering steel. These are more costly, but they have a wider range of applications.

Consider the Sizing

Structural steel elements are produced and sold in different sizes. For instance, reinforcing bars or rebar products are made in varying lengths and thicknesses. If you are planning on acquiring these products, you must consider this aspect of production. If the size of the structural unit uses more material in fabrication, the cost of purchase will be higher. Therefore, it is advisable to evaluate your unique needs when making your purchase. If you can use smaller size steel units, you should opt for these to reduce the total construction costs. Also, keep in mind that there are standard sizes for structural steel. If you can use such stock materials, you will reduce your fabrication expenses.

Think about Treatment

Steel is prone to rust and corrosion because it is an alloy of carbon and iron. Simply speaking, iron forms rust when it interacts with moisture and air. This can lead to the deterioration of the material and subsequent failure in structural applications. Therefore, when shopping for these metal elements, you must ensure that this will not be a challenge. If you opt for stainless steel, this will not be a problem because chromium will minimise wear. However, if you plan on using carbon steel, you must ensure that the surfaces are treated to prevent rusting. Regrettably, this can increase the total costs. You can limit the expenses by ensuring that only exposed steel elements are treated before installation.  

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