If kept dry, it has a long life span. It also has the potential to be re-cycled when the building reaches the end of its useful life.

Light steel frame (LSF) construction can either be used as a complete construction system, including exterior walls and roof framing, or it can be used for interior partitions only.

Key features of steel construction

Cost

Light steel frame construction is comparable in price to timber construction.

Strength

Steel is strong both in compression and tension. It is often added to other construction systems such as timber and concrete to increase strength.

Steel bracing can be added to older masonry buildings to make them compliant with earthquake-resistance requirements.

Ease of construction

Steel framing is not familiar to most builders so it’s best to choose a company that specialises in light steel frame buildings. Light steel frames can be erected quickly.

Durability and weathertightness

Steel is durable and will be very long-lasting if kept dry. Light steel framing is galvanized to increase rust-resistance. However, even with galvanization, steel framing can rust if it is exposed to moisture.

As with other construction systems, the design and cladding should provide protection from moisture, and should allow any moisture that does get through the cladding to drain away.

Earthquake-resistance

Because of its strength, and comparative lightness, light steel framing is excellent at resisting earthquakes.

Fire resistance

Steel won’t burn, but will deform under high heat.

Pest resistance

Steel is vermin proof (though vermin can live in spaces between light steel framing).

Is it compatible with passive design?

Steel is not effective for heat storage or thermal insulation. All steel framing must incorporate a ‘thermal break’ - a layer of insulating material between steel framing and cladding - which prevents heat loss.

With light steel frame construction, doors and windows can be placed where needed to make maximum use of the sun’s warmth and breezes for cooling.

Steel is a poor sound insulator.

Is it right for my site?

Topography and site impact

Steel is lightweight so may be suitable for steeply sloping sites where heavyweight construction may require excavation.

Climate

Steel framing can be used in all climate conditions.

More information

From Smarter Homes

• Timber construction
• Straw bale construction
• Concrete construction
• AAC construction
• Earth construction
• Insulated concrete formwork
• Construction site practice
• Exterior design
• Materials
• Passive heating
• Passive cooling
• Insulation

From ConsumerBuild

• The Building Act
• Leaky buildings; this includes information about building for weathertightness
• Construction

From other sites

The website of the National Association of Steel Framed Housing has more information about steel frame housing.

The Department of Building and Housing’s website has information about building law and compliance, including the Building Code, and on weathertightness.

All home construction needs a building consent from a building consent authority (usually your local council). ConsumerBuild’s Council finder web page has contact details for New Zealand local authorities.

You can buy New Zealand Standards relating to various construction systems from the Standards New Zealand website.

You can buy BRANZ publications about construction systems from the BRANZ website (click on the link to the BRANZ bookshop).