The cost of steel continues to rise,
Is it time to revert to wood construction?

What is the difference in project cost for steel v. wood framing with a asphalt shingle roof.
I have heard that wood is more 'green' than steel.

Your thoughts Please

Good questions. Steel is rising based on a weaker dollar and also because it is a green material. It is very costly to slope a roof with wood because with wood you are not able to spread the load out with light weight strength. Example would be that wood requires a minimum of 24” center with 16” being much better. With steel you build out as far as 8’ to 12’ depending on loads and codes. The weight of the wood then also becomes an issue. For new housing these issues are different I am sure. We however are not building houses. And remember, steel has a much longer life than wood has.

__________________
Dan Wolan
A-Lert Building Systems
dwolan@centurionind.com
www.alertbuildingsystems.com
(248) 961-3112
(800) 210-5375

bjvan;

The other issue that you need to consider is the Codes in your area. A metal system gives certain protections that you will not receive building with wood. I would also talk to your insurance agent to get quotes on the differences in premium between metal and wood structures.

Best of luck with your facility.

MisterJim444

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Learning Never Ends

Hi BJVan
You will probably pay more in insurance premium for a facility built with wood. It increases the fire load and the likehood that a fire will spread more quickly. Wood construction "could" also make your facility less desirable from an insurance standpoint.
Ask you insurance professional to provide a pro forma quote with both construction types so you are not surprised.
Good luck!
Randy

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Randy J Tipton, CIC
President
Universal Insurance
3300 N Central Ave, Suite 1520
Phoenix, AZ 85012
randyt@univins.com
800-844-2101 extension 1153