When it comes to structural steel and metal stud vs. wood in commercial construction in Colorado, steel has the ability to span much larger distances in a typically smaller overall member size. In fact, steel can span distances where engineered wood materials ultimately are not available, or when fabrication isn’t economically feasible. This is why steel framing in commercial buildings is important, since commercial structures are generally much larger than residential projects.

Benefits of Structural Steel Framing

In addition to its superiority in large structures, another benefit to steel vs. wood framing in commercial buildings is that structural steel is relatively easy to pre-fabricate offsite, rather than requiring onsite welding during the erection process. During prefabrication, patterns for hardened bolts can be engineered so that beams and posts can be set and positively connected to one another quickly, once they arrive onsite. This saves time and makes for a more efficient construction site. Hardened bolts can also be torqued or turned to an engineer’s requirements. Steel allows designers to create uniquely shaped structures that are much taller than wood construction will allow.

Infilling a steel structure with metal stud framing is an industry standard in the commercial building environment. Metal studs don’t warp or bow the way wood does, which means walls can stand straighter if they were constructed from wood. In addition, they make an effective method of fire prevention. Metal studs are non-combustible, which allows for longer periods for evacuation.

Wood framing can raise certain safety issues. The wood may attract termites and other bugs, as well as rot, water damage, and other factors that don’t impact metal frames. Creating a wood structure requires the clearcutting of trees as well, which has a negative impact on the environment.

Drawbacks to Metal Stud Construction

One drawback to steel vs. wood framing in commercial building is that metal studs have a lower R-Value than wood when it comes to insulating capacity. However, there are numerous alternatives for insulating wall cavities that can make up for this deficiency. Metal studs can be covered with dense glass with a high fire resistance rating. The glass is then overlaid with rigid insulation panels, which improve the overall R-Value of the wall construction. The other drawback to structural steel and metal stud vs. wood in commercial construction is the cost. Metal stud construction is more expensive than wood. Still, it’s worth the extra expense for the stronger, safer, higher quality construction that steel and metal stud construction offer. When it comes to steel vs. wood raming in commercial buildings, the choice is clear.

Commercial building and data center construction in Colorado is a bit more of an ordeal than it is in other parts of the country. In addition to other considerations, you need to make sure your building is protected against the mountain weather—particularly in the winter. Wind, snow, cold, and other factors can cause serious damage to a building if you’re not careful. So what precautions can you take to winterize a mountain building as it’s being constructed? Here are a few tips.

Building Materials

The first thing you need to decide on is what to build the building out of. Building materials should be selected for quality and durability as well as craftsmanship. Your best options are…

• Waterproof Concrete. Concrete is strong and dense, to stand up to stress. Naturally, however, it’s also porous and can allow moisture from the snow into the structure. It, therefore, must be specially treated to be made waterproof. There must be a low water/cement ratio, to increase durability. And once the building is erected, it must be treated with a liquid applied membrane that can mold to the structure and seal out moisture of any kind.
• Steel is also strong and durable but is subject to corrosion. Therefore, it must be treated with multiple protective coatings of paint or epoxy to keep it intact and help it withstand the elements
• Lighter than steel, it’s still extremely durable, even at very low, winter temperatures, due to its thermal conductivity. It also generates its own protective oxide coating, which resists corrosion without the need for coating/painting.

Other Winterization Procedures

Building materials are only half the battle. There are a number of other precautions to take, to make sure that the building is protected from the mountain winter, both inside and out.

• When windows and doors are installed, they must be made airtight, to keep cold air and moisture from entering the building. Any crack or separation can let air in and drive heating bills through the roof. In addition, windows should be thick, high-performance windows that keep the heat in. Double-paned windows are a good option as well.
• Insulating a metal building isn’t the same as insulating, say, a home. But the good news is, you can use many of the same types of insulation, from loose fill to batt to spray foam. Fiberglass is the most popular choice for steel buildings. However, the installation is a little different, as is the general purpose. Insulation in a commercial building is meant not only to keep cold air out but also to protect against moisture and mold, which can seriously damage the structure.
• Pipe Protection. Pipes must be properly insulated as well, to keep them from freezing in lower temperatures, causing the pipes to break and subsequent water damage in and around the building. Pipes should also be caulked at the point where they enter the building, to make sure they’re well-sealed.

An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. Following a few simple winterization procedures during commercial and data center construction in Colorado can save a lot of hassle and a lot of money later on, once the building is in use. If the building is properly protected against the elements at the start, then that protection will last for years to come.