151 Building With Steel

8/13/2019 151 Building With Steel

1/11 www.theownerbuilder.com.au 02 4982 8820 TOB 149 October/November 2008 57

Building withsteelPart 1: Why choose steel?

In the fi rst of a three part series, we discuss why steel can bea good choice for your build.

varying seasons with temperature andhumidity changes, is vital to just abouteverything which is attached to it theexterior skin (brick or other cladding),roof tiles or sheeting, window units,door frames, plasterboard wall liningsand so on. Superficial and so-callednuisance defects, like sticking doors

and windows, brickwork and cornicecracks, nail popping in wall linings andsagging roof lines, can often be traced toinstability in the frame and contributeto the overall cost of ownership.

Advantages forhomebuilding

When strength, durability andquality are the important selectionfactors, steel framing is the naturalchoice for brick-veneer and direct-cladhome construction. Steel framing offersoutstanding homebuilding advantages:

Durability:You need never beconcerned that the structural frame

you cant see is deteriorating due toenvironmental or biological attack bytermites, borers or fungi.

Stability: Steel frames will notabsorb moisture or dry out. Steel hasoutstanding dimensional stability tokeep your home in shape indefinitely.

Structural efficiency: Engineeredsteel frames are extremely strong yet arelight in weight.

Design flexibility: Create optimumarchitectural forms to suit your livingneeds and building conditions,including long clear spans for open planliving and even curved trusses.

Wide availability: The design youwant can be built virtually anywhere inAustralia.

Fire resistance:Does not burn norcontribute fuel to the spread of a fire.

Low maintenance:Low cost andeffort to keep its design qualities intact.

Trade familiarity:Steel frames areeasy to construct and finish, and youllalways have access to the skills to modifyor extend your home.

Environmentally friendly:Steel is100% recyclable, easily accommodatesenergy efficient design concepts, enablesminimal site disturbance and produces

little site waste.Eds note: Building Code of Australia

2008 Volume 2 Part 3.1.3 Termite Risk

Management states that no termite barrier

is required if a building has all of its primary

building elements (designed specifically to

take part of the building load) constructed

of one, or a combination of, the following

materials: steel, concrete, masonry, fibre-

reinforced cement, naturally termite resistant

timber, or preservative treated timber.

Advantages for

owner buildersWhether you plan to do much of

the work yourself or simply superviseyour trade contractors, steel houseframing is especially attractive tothe owner builder. Nearly all framesuppliers produce installation manualsor sets of instructions, and somebasic instructional videos. As steelframing is an engineered product, itis important to adhere strictly to thesuppliers instructions on the numberand positioning of fasteners, brackets,

bracing etc. The owner builder willparticularly benefit from the followingsteel framing advantages:

Steel framing is light but strong.There is less mass of material to behandled on site at frame stage, so it issafe and easy to handle and quick toerect.

Steel framing fabricators supplyprefabricatedframe sections in easilytransportable and manageable panelsand trusses.

Owner builders may be driven bymany different things, but all haveone thing in common the time andmotivation to select constructionmaterials on the basis of theircontribution to the finished project.This is particularly in evidence when itcomes to the structure of the building,

an area most homebuyers leave entirelyto the builder. Its your money though,and what it gets spent on can have costand benefit consequences throughoutthe life of the home.

When it comes to framedconstruction the most commonchoice for Australian homes thecontribution of the frame to thedurability and longevity of the home isimmense. The frame bears or transfersalmost all loads to which the homeis subjected, and also supports allcladding and lining materials and mostfixtures. Failure of the frame to fulfilthese functions in any part of the homecan have serious consequences. Steelframing means a long life, trouble freeframe that will not warp, burn or rot.

The frame of the home shouldalways be made from durablematerials that will resist all forms ofenvironmental attack. Any part of thestructure made from anything elseshould be easy to inspect in order toassess and rectify any deterioration.The manner in which most homes

are designed and constructed makesthis inspection difficult and costly formany parts of the frame, including

wall frames, intermediate floor framingand lined rafters in sloping ceilingstructures.

The frames contribution to theserviceability of the building is alsosignificant. It provides the strength,stiffness and geometric stability ofthe building. Its ability to stay straightand square indefinitely, through


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PHOTOS THIS PAGE: COURTESY TECHNOSTEEL, EXCEPT AS INDICATED


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throughout the project, so getting itright at every step will save you a lot oftime and angst later on!

The most common footing typessupporting steel framed constructionare concrete slab-on-ground, and steelor concrete stumps or brick piers onconcrete pad footings.

Concrete slabs are designed tosupport building weight (dead load),provide hold down and resistance tooverturning, resist termite entry andprovide a trafficable floor for occupancy.

We wont cover concrete slabs here,except to say that slab design andconstruction is basically identical for alltypes of construction.

Concrete strip and pad footings withpiers or stumps (posts) must perform

the same support, hold down andoverturning resistance as a concreteslab. They are used with suspendedfloor construction, i.e. where there is asubfloor space. Footings of this type arenormally set out to a grid with a regularspacing, based on the spanning capacityof the floor bearers used in the design.The steel stump supplier will providerecommended installation details for

stumps, including the required accuracyof set out where stumps are notadjustable in height.

Floor framing

With the footings in place, the nextstep is to install the floor framing.The most common steel floor framingsystem consists of C-section bearersspanning between posts with C- or top-hat section joists laid over the bearers.Floor system manufacturers will provideall required installation instructions.

To save time and effort later, it is agood idea to mark out the positionsof the floor joist on the bearers beforelifting into place, particularly if the topof the bearers will be above eye line

after they are fixed to the supports. Sorthe bearers for size, length and locationLay them beside each other, keeping thends flush, and mark out the positionsof the floor joist on the first bearer.Transfer these positions to the otherbearers using a square. The bearerscan now be laid out beside the posts inaccordance with the manufacturers orfabricators drawings.

Humans used to live in caves andsimilar geological formations. Cavesare natural structures and may beover- or under-designed, with whateverfeatures nature has provided. Houses,on the other hand, are engineeredstructures. Everything in them is therefor a purpose, whether it be structural,functional or aesthetic. The framesupplier normally takes responsibilityfor the structural engineering of theframe.

When it comes to the structure,nothing should be left to chance; itshould be properly designed, installed,finished, protected and maintained.Everything depends on the structure the security, comfort and amenity ofits occupants as well as its investment

value. Building the structure correctlyis never an extravagance, and cuttingcorners is always a mistake.

FootingsAccuracy is always beneficial in

construction remember that yourability to compensate for previousinaccuracies is not guaranteed

Building withsteelPart 2: Now youre underway

In the second of our three part series, we discuss the practical constructionaspects of building a steel framed home. This is meant as a general guideonly you should always follow your designers specifi cations and frame

suppliers instructions and seek expert advice and help along the way.

Diagram 1: Joist fixing Diagram 2: Flooring

Run string

line betweenend joists

Lay the first row toa string line

Stagger end butt jointsin alternate rows and

centered on a joist

Support edges by nogging between joistif the product does not have tongue

and grooved edges

Fix end joists to

bearers

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5/11TOB 150 December 2008 / January 2009 37

fixing a particular flooring product,always follow the flooring productmanufacturers recommendations.

Wall framing

Wall locations are set out on the slabor platform using a chalk line, starting

with the external walls. To compensatefor possible differences in slabdimensions, its best to mark the insideof the external wall frame positions.Continue on to the internal walls,checking constantly for squareness.

Where perimeter wall frames areplaced on a concrete slab-on-ground, adurable impermeable membrane shouldbe placed between the bottom plate ofperimeter wall frames and the slab and

extend up the weather side flange ofthe bottom plate. The membrane is notrequired beneath internal wall frames.The membrane may be the same asthat used for damp-proof courses, apaintable bitumen product or a self-adhesive polyethylene.

To save time and effort later, it is agood idea to mark out the positions ofthe roof trusses on the top plates before

standing the frames. Any holes in thebottom plate that may be required forfixing to the slab/floor frame can also bemade. To make the removal of the bottomplates in doorways easier after the framesare erected, cut the web of the bottomplate either side of the doorways using anangle grinder with a metal cutting disc orpreferably with a power saw with a cold-cutting metal blade. See diagram 3.

When all wall locations are markedout and the frames prepared, place theframes near their required locationas shown on the layout plan. Standthe frames commencing with anexternal corner, fixing them together asrecommended by the frame supplier.This is typically done with self-drillingscrews. Continue to work around the

building adding one frame at a time,checking that each frame is aligned withthe set out marks and plumb beforeproceeding to the next. On longer walls,temporary bracing is essential to stabilisethe frames until the wall and roofframing is complete and fully braced.

The frames are then fixed down tothe slab or floor using methods andspacings specified by the frame supplier.

Depending on the particularsystem, the bearers may be bolted orscrewed to the posts. The bearers areplaced onto the support posts one at atime, checking that they are correctlypositioned as shown on the structuralplans. For bolted systems, mark thepositions of the bolt holes in theposts onto the bearers, and drill the

appropriate size holes in the bearers.Place back on to supports, insert thebolts (including any required washers)and tighten. For screw fixed systems,check the positioning as describedabove and fix with the specified screws.Repeat these procedures until allbearers are fixed in place.

Joist fixing is generally quitestraightforward. Sort the joists for size,length and location and place them,on their flat, into their approximatepositions. Joist spacing is determined by

the spanning capacity of the joists andof the strip or sheet flooring that willbe fixed to them. Starting with the endjoists, check that both ends of the joistare flush with the bearers or have therequired cantilever. Using the specifiedconnections fix both end joists to thebearers, and run a string line betweenthese joists. Continue fixing the otherjoists using the string line to keep theends in line. See diagram 1.

Flooring

Steel floor framing is an idealsubstrate for all kinds of flooringmaterial such as strip timber,structural particleboard, fibrecement and plywood. See diagram2. These materials come in differentthicknesses to suit different joistspacings. Most fixing is done with acombination of adhesive and screwsor nails. For specific information on

Diagram 3: Preparation ofbottom plates for openings

Doorop

ening

Cut through webof bottom plate



6/1138 TOB 150 December 2008 / January 2009

ceiling joists or roof rafters. Truss systemsare more familiar, with geometry generallysimilar to their timber counterparts.

Truss systems are installed by placingeach truss at its station on the wallplates, working to the roof layoutplan provided by the fabricator. Thefirst truss is temporarily propped andstabilised, and each subsequent truss isstabilised back to the previous one. Seediagram 5. A temporary bottom chordbrace is installed to ensure the trussesremain in place during construction.

Roof battens

For safety and to save time and effortlater, where a sheet roof is to be fitted itis a good idea to mark out the positionsof the roof battens on the top chords ofthe trusses before lifting the trusses intoplace. With the roof structure in place,the battens can be set out to suit theroof cladding.

Temporary bracingWall panels, roof panels and

trusses help to stabilise each other inthe finished frame structure. Duringconstruction, they may need temporarypropping to prevent collapse and toensure secure footing for installation

workers. You should ensure that there

is always sufficient support for thefreestanding structure wall panelsand roof trusses by adding temporaryprops or bracing as required. If indoubt, add more! Typically every wallpanel or truss should be individuallypropped until it is secured to thepermanent, fully braced structure. Thisis particularly important for long runsof walls, gable end walls or large trussspans.

Housekeeping

On completion of each stage ofconstruction, the area should be clearedand waste material disposed of safelyand responsibly. Any excess materialsshould be stacked and stored to allowfor use at a later date.

Self-drilling screws create steelswarf as they drill. Whilst nothazardous in small quantities, whenswarf gets into the wrong places it canmar the appearance of coated steelsurfaces. Its a good idea to sweepaway swarf progressively as you work,along with any discarded screws andsmall off-cuts, to minimise any adverseeffects.

The channel shaped bottom plateof steel wall framing panels will tendto accumulate construction debris andshould be kept clean during the works.

The specifications will vary dependingon the type of floor, type of roof and

wind region. Particularly important

are the fixings beside openings, at wallends and corners, and where bracingstraps or sections meet the bottom wallplates. Screw bolts are a common fixingmethod to concrete slabs as they are fastand reliable. Where a steel floor frameis used, self-drilling screws of the correctsize and length are commonly used.

In cyclonic areas where hold downrequirements can be very large, yourframe supplier will pay particularattention to the continuity of the loadpath from roof structure to foundations.

This may involve specialised fasteningarrangements for the wall frames.

BracingBracing strength is critical to

the structure both during and afterconstruction. Bracing usually consistsof a combination of methods such asmetal strapping, sheet materials suchas steel, fibre cement or plywood, andplasterboard lining. You will need toprovide and fix all bracing as specifiedby the frame supplier. See diagram 4.

The final step in wall framing is toremove the bottom plates in doorways,a job made much easier if the plate webshave been pre-cut as described earlier.

Roof framingThere are two types of steel roof

framing system in common use inAustralia: panel systems and truss systems.Panel systems consist of ceiling panelsand roof panels, and can be likened toinclined walls in which the studs act as

Diagram 4: Bracing

Diagram 5: Roof framing

Loosen brace on frame(or fix a temporary brace)

Fix cornertogether andplumb corner.Re-fix bracingwhen plumb

Pack under bottomplates if required

Temporary brace

String line between apexesto align trusses

Use temporary propsat ends of walls



7/11TOB 150 December 2008 / January 2009 39

SafetyAll electrically conductive sections of

steel structural frames should be earthedin accordance with the requirements ofthe local electricity authority. As soon aspractical in the frame erection process,a temporary earth should be establisheduntil the permanent earth is installed.

There are good battery powered

screw guns and other tools that largelyremove the need for using power leads.On all construction sites and with allforms of construction, electrical powerleads should be kept in good conditionand regularly checked. Whereverpossible, leads should run overhead andnot along the ground.

Guidance on safe methods ofconstruction is available from your local

workplace safety authority.

Required tools

As mentioned in the first article, thetools required for steel frame constructionare familiar and readily available. This is

what youre likely to need: A good quality battery screwdriver A small angle grinder A pair of articulated snips Several toggle clamps String lines and chalk lines A masonry drill (if building on a

concrete slab) A good quality level at least one

metre long

General hand tools. Part 3 of this series will cover finishing: fitting

windows, doors, roofing, cladding and linings.

Thanks to National Association of Steel-

Framed Housing Inc (NASH) for the editorial

and diagrams, and to Technosteel Australia

for the photographs.

NASHA good source of informationon suppliers and technical

information. Visit their website for upto date information on residential and

low-rise steel framed construction.Training is offered at some TAFEs fortradespeople wishing to gain expertise

with steel framing. These courses maybe suitable for owner builders withsome experience in building.1800 656 986, www.nash.asn.au

Technosteel AustraliaManufacturer of steel house frames,roof trusses and floor systems, mainlyfor the owner builder.1300 553 457, www.technosteelaustralia.com

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Building withsteelPart 3: The final straight

In the third and fi nal part of our series, we discuss the fi nishingoperations on your steel framed home. As with earlier articles, this ismeant as a general guide only, and some practices may vary fromplace to place. You should always comply with local regulations(especially for services), follow your designers specifi cations and

frame suppliers instructions and seek expert advice when you need it.

Your steel frame is now structurallycomplete and ready to support theroofing, cladding, lining, fit out

components and services that will turnit into a dwelling. All of these itemshave particular fixing requirementsto ensure a sound, serviceable andaesthetically pleasing finish. If youhave built the structure carefully andaccurately, you can expect few problemsin the finishing stages.

The exact sequence of finishingoperations may vary from house tohouse. The sequence described hereis the one most commonly used.

Weve also added some of the generalprinciples of thermal efficiency and

condensation; although these are notspecific to steel framed construction,they are things you need to considerbefore or during the finishing stages.

Fascia and gutteringModern pre-painted steel fascia and

gutter systems are quite straightforwardto install and come with manyaccessories to make the job easy,

whether you decide to do it yourselfor have them installed by an expert.

You can also use timber fascia if you

are confident it will have sufficientstability and durability for your project.Fascia brackets are screwed to eachtruss or rafter and the fascia clippedto the brackets. The exact design andaccessories vary with the fascia system,and the manufacturers instructionsshould be followed. Gutters are usuallyclipped to the fascia with a combinationof clips and overstraps. Note that in

Frame prior to final fit out.

PHOTO:COURTESYTECH

NOSTEEL



9/11THE OWNER BUILDER 151 February/March 2009 61

The window and door openings inframed construction are designed onthe assumption that the wind forces onthe window or door are transferred tothe jambs and sill and not to the head(top) frame member. Similarly, windowand door units are not intended tobear loads anywhere on their top framemember. Therefore it is important

when installing all window and doorunits to leave a clear gap of typically20mm between the structural frame andthe top frame of the door or windowunit. This gap will be covered by thearchitrave internally, and by a stormmould or trim externally. Compressiblethermal insulation may be placed in thegap if required.

BrickworkMasonry veneer with steel or timber

framing is the most common form of

residential construction in Australia.The masonry skin is stabilised by theframe, to which it is connected by steelor nylon ties embedded in the mortarjoints. The ties may be fastened to thesides or face of the steel studs, withface fixing being more common whenbracing sheets or insulation boards areinstalled.

The strength, durability and fixingfrequency of brick ties for various buildingconditions are specified in the BCA.

Exterior claddingVarious types of lightweight cladding,

such as fibre cement sheet, hardboardand steel, are commonly used on walls,gables and feature panels, especiallyin upper floor construction wherelow mass has a structural advantage.Typically these materials are fixed withscrews or clips recommended by themanufacturer. Steel framing providesa stable, durable substrate for thesematerials.

Plumbing servicesThe BCA does not regulate electrical

wiring or plumbing in housing, exceptto ensure that the installation of theseservices does not cause damage to thestructure. The BCA requirements inthis regard are that:

Services must pass through pre-punched service holes or throughextra holes located near thecentreline of studs the structurallysafest place.

Copper and brass pipes and fittingsmust be isolated from steel framingto prevent corrosion.

Plastic grommets must be used wherecopper and brass pipes pass throughservice holes in steel framing.

Where plastic plumbing pipesand fittings are used, there is norequirement for isolation from thesteel frame, but pipes should always beprotected from damage due to sharpcorners or edges. This applies equallyto timber and masonry construction,

where services pass near or throughbracing straps, brackets, ties andother metal components. Flared orgrommeted holes are designed toprotect plastic pipes from damage

where they pass through steel framingmembers.

All plumbing pipes and fittingsshould be securely fastened to prevent

water hammer. Services are sometimesplaced in the cavities of brick veneer

walls, but some local authoritiesmay not allow this due to the risk ofthe cavity being breached by mortarand other debris. Plumbing servicesshould be carried out by licensedcontractors who will be familiar with

the requirements of their trade.

Electrical servicesIn all buildings including houses,

electrical services should be installed inaccordance with the relevant AustralianStandards by an appropriately licensedcontractor. Where cables need to passthrough plain holes in steel framingmembers, plastic grommets are used toprotect the cables. Flared holes placedby some manufacturers are designed to

some states only licensed plumbers caninstall rainwater drainage systems, soalways check the local situation beforedeciding what to do yourself.

Roof tilingThe basic processes of sarking,

battening and tiling a steel roofstructure are basically the same as

for timber framing, but there aredifferences between systems such asthe spacing of trusses and the size andshape of the battens. Working at heightsis not for everyone, and should be leftto the experts in most cases.

Tile clips are used to secure roof tilesto steel or timber battens, at a frequencyspecified in the Building Code of

Australia (BCA). Clips are usuallysupplied by tile manufacturers to suitspecific tile and batten combinations.L-shaped clips are most commonly usedto secure the side-lap of the tile wherethe lower or nose end sits on the topor back end of the lower tile. U-shapedclips are sometimes used at the backend of the tile, performing a similarfunction to nails used with timberbattens, but are less effective as they donot stop the nose of the tile lifting in

wind gusts. Tile clips are typically madefrom galvanized wire. Tiles may also bescrewed to steel battens.

Roof sheetingThere are no unusual requirements

for installing steel roof systems tosteel framing. A typical installation iscomprised of steel top hat battens,insulation foil/blanket and steel roofsheeting. With sheet roofing theinsulation material always goes betweenthe sheeting and battens, which differsfrom tiled roofing where it is placedbelow the battens.

The type and frequency of screwfastening varies depending on the sheetprofile and the wind region of thesite. Always follow the manufacturersrecommendations. Note that in some

states only licensed plumbers can installsteel roofing.

Windows and doorsWindows, doors and their associated

accessories and trims are exactly thesame for steel and timber framing of thesame wall frame depth. As these depths

vary regionally for both timber andsteel, make sure you specify the correctjamb, frame or reveal width whenordering windows.

Air-Cell Permishield used as building wrap.



10/1162 THE OWNER BUILDER 151 February/March 2009

Thermal insulationThe BCA sets performance levels for

the thermal performance of buildings.These requirements may be met byeither using deemed-to-satisfy thermal

ratings in the walls, roofs and floors orusing an approved computer softwareprogram to demonstrate compliance.In either case, the thermal performanceof the building envelope will need tobe considered and in most cases, someform of insulation will be required.

In the walls, board systems can befixed to the external face of the stud orbulk insulation e.g. glass fibre, wool,cellulose fibre or polyester can be placedbetween the studs to achieve the requiredrating. In both cases reflective foil can

be used to assist with the performanceof the wall. It is highly desirable that thebuilding wrap be vapour permeable sothat any vapour in the cavity can escape.Similar insulation systems are availablefor roofs, and building wrap placedbelow external roofing should always be

vapour impermeable.The insulation requirements are

independent of the type of structuralframe. With lightweight claddings suchas fibre cement, hardboards and steel,it is required that a thermal break be

provided to the wall stud. An acceptablsolution is the attachment of a 12mmexpanded polystyrene (EPS) strip tothe external face of the stud. Otherproprietary systems can also give therequired performance (R=0.5). Thermabreaks may also be required where theroof cladding and lining are both fixedto a common batten. The thermal breakis not required with brick veneer andother similar forms of construction.

In all climates, the area andorientation of glazing and extent ofshading is one of the biggest influenceson the thermal performance of thebuilding. An external wall with a totalR-value of 2 will insulate 12 times betterthan basic clear single glazing. Welldesigned glazing provides the opportunitto achieve greater energy efficienciesthrough reducing the need for heating incooler climates, minimizing heat gains inhotter weather, allowing air movements

for cooling in hotter weather andproviding natural light.

CondensationWhen moist air comes in contact

with cold surfaces such as windows andwalls, condensation can form. This canlead to problems of mould growth andin extreme cases affect the durabilityof susceptible materials. As modernbuildings become better sealed andmore energy efficient, there is less abilit

provide protection without the needfor grommets. Manufacturers usuallyprovide multiple holes in studs andplates to make wiring and plumbingeasier for contractors.

Interior liningPlasterboard linings in a steel framed

building are fixed with a combinationof adhesive and bugle head screws thesame adhesive is used for both timberand steel construction. Fibre cementinterior lining is fixed with adhesiveand self-embedding head screws. Inareas that will be ceramic or porcelaintiled, lining manufacturers usuallyrecommend using screws only.

Skirtings and architravesInstallation of skirtings, architraves

and trim is normally done with specific

screws for each job, such as countersunkhead extended drill point screws. Theseshould be readily available from normalhardware stores or fastener distributors.

If you are confident with powernailing tools, hardened pneumaticdriven nails specially developed forsteel framing are available for use in airpowered nailing guns. These nails canbe used to fix timber window and doorjambs, architraves and skirting to thesteel frame.

Above LR: Wall cladding being fixed tosteel frame; attaching fascia and gutter tosteel frame.



11/11

LightningEmergency authorities usually

recommend taking refuge insidebuildings during electrical storms. Smallbuildings such as houses usually do nothave dedicated lightning protectionsystems and so direct lightning strikes cancause significant damage to the buildingand its contents, and present risks to the

lives of its occupants from electric shockand fire. A well-constructed steel-roofedsteel-framed home offers considerableintrinsic protection from a lightningstrike, and is less likely to ignite or suffersignificant damage causing additionalemergency consequences.

Housekeeping a reminder

Although you have now movedon from most of the heavy duty

construction processes, site safety andwaste control remain just as important.On completion of each finishing stage,the affected area should be cleared and

waste material disposed of safely andresponsibly. Excess materials shouldbe stacked and stored to allow for useat a later date or sold locally to helpsomeone elses project!

Dont forget that self-drilling screwscreate steel swarf as they drill. Whilstnot a problem in small quantities,

when swarf gets into the wrong placesit can mar the appearance of coatedsteel surfaces. Its a good idea to sweepaway swarf progressively as you work,along with any discarded screws andsmall offcuts, to minimise any adverseeffects.

to vent moisture through cracks or gapsin the building structure. Thereforeconsideration of moisture in buildingsis now more important than ever.

In areas of high moisture generationsuch as kitchens, bathrooms andlaundries, exhaust fans should beprovided to externally vent themoisture when the room is in use. It

is recommended that the lining, e.g.plasterboard, in all areas be sealed andpainted with two coats of washablepaint. This will improve the vapourresistance of the internal lining. Intropical areas, the outdoor air is morehumid and therefore it is better to usepaint that is vapour permeable.

A building wrap is commonly placedaround the exterior of the wall studs.The building wrap functions as an airand water barrier, and some wraps alsoassist in providing the insulation to thebuilding.

Bushfire resistanceMany homes in Australia may

be subject to bushfire attack. Theseattacks can be resisted by both activeand passive means, and the way youdesign and finish your home externallycan have a big impact on its ability tosurvive a bushfire attack. The detailedconstruction requirements for variouslevels of expected bushfire attack byradiant heat, ember and flame contactare contained in the AustralianStandardAS 3959 Building in bushfire-prone areas. Authorities in most statesalso publish information covering newconstruction, building alteration andbushfire preparedness in affected areas.

Typical tools forfinishing operations

As we mentioned in the first article, the

tools required for steel frame construction

are familiar and readily available. This is

what youre likely to need during the final

stages of your project:

A good quality battery screwdriver

A pair of articulated snips

Several toggle clamps

A good quality level at least 1M long

General hand tools

OB 149 Part 1: Why choose steel for your

building project?

TOB 150 Part 2: Construction aspects.

See also Steel under subject listing for back

issues, p.54 this issue.

Thanks to National Association of Steel-Framed Housing Inc (NASH) for providing

the information for this article.

NASH

A good source of informationon suppliers and technical

information. Visit their website for up todate information on residential and low-rise steel framed construction. Training isoffered at some TAFEs for tradespeople

wishing to gain expertise with steelframing. These courses may be suitable forowner builders with some experience inbuilding. 1800 656 986, www.nash.asn.au

Technosteel AustraliaManufacturer of steel house frames,roof trusses and floor systems, mainlyfor the owner builder. 1300 553 457www.technosteelaustralia.com

Tosubscribe,seeorderformonp.56

Subscriptions to The Owner Builderare now alsoavailable as an electronic PDF file

A great new way to read your favourite magazine as a fully

searchable and printable PDF file sent direct to your email address!

THE FOLLOWING OPTIONS ARE AVAILABLE:A. PDF file only $33.00 for a years subscription (6 issues).

Receive your magazine as an electronic PDF file, via email. See note below.

B. Printed magazine plus PDF file $55.00.* Reap the benefits of full PDF searchability, while

retaining the unique look and feel of the hard copy magazine.

Hard copy only $38.50.* Of course, we will continue to offer the option of just a physical hard copy

of the magazine every two months, as usual. Save 7.5% on the recommended retail price by subscribing.

If you would like to upgrade an existing subscription to a PDF option,

please contact us by phone on 02 4995 8821 or email: [email protected]

NOTE: The PDF file is

generally around 8-9MB

in size. You will need a

broadband connection, and

an email system that allows

you to receive attached files

up to 10MB in size.

* For overseas pricing

see order form on p.56

Documents

151 Building With Steel