For years, commercial building construction experts have used steel beam installation support beams because of their durability and resistance to such pests as termites.
A steel beam has become increasingly common as trends have called for removing load-bearing walls to create space, shoring up chimney breasts to increase the strength of the walls, converting lofts to add natural lighting, or installing bifold doors to bring more light into a living space and damp proofing.
To make the walls stable and capable of holding the weight of the structure, each of these changes requires an additional load-bearing beam.
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How Do RSJ Beams Work?
Rolling steel joists, also called RSJ beams, are steel beams formed from rolled steel that are then joined together as one solid beam. They are also known as I-beams and are increasingly used in residential home remodeling projects whenever structural support is needed to ensure that the structure is properly supported.
A long span can only be supported by steel beams because multiple beams are not available with enough headroom.
What Are The Advantages Of Using Steel Beams Instead Of Wood Beams?
Why Do We Use Steel?
The expanse needed to be supported in a residential building is typically much smaller than the vast expanse needed in a commercial building, so wood beams have traditionally been used.
The open design of houses is becoming increasingly popular with homeowners, so RSJ steel beams are becoming the favored choice. Additionally, the beams are resistant to pests like termites, which can damage wood beams, and they are also not susceptible to mold or rot.
You can budget more easily.
The price of steel beams tends to be higher than that of wood, but the cost of steel tends to remain more consistent than that of wood, which fluctuates constantly.
While it will cost more than the wood-alternative, due to its consistency, it is easier to plan your budget. As a result, a construction team can give you an accurate quotation from the very beginning.
There are Fewer Scraps and Clean-up Mess With Steel.
With steel, you will generate less waste since the beams are already pre-measured and ordered to fit, so there will be no need to cut pieces and leave wood dust or small lumber chunks behind.
There Are No Defects in Steel.
Although rustic designs may desire the look of knotty wood or unfinished wood, steel offers an elegant alternative. Wood has knots and blemishes, but steel is manufactured, so it will be smooth without these defects.
Even in the Face of Disaster, Steel Remains Strong.
The steel you work with won’t split like wood does when you try to work it. The warping or cracking problems that wood is prone to will be eliminated once the system is installed. It will not burn during a fire and will last longer than a wood beam. Furthermore, the beams are sturdy enough to withstand natural disasters.
Choosing Steel As A Sound Material Is Popular.
In residential remodels and construction, RSJ beams are becoming more and more common due to their strength and all the benefits they provide.
How Much Does it Cost to Install a Steel Beam?
In a steel beam installation, the price of the beam and the cost of installation play a significant role in determining the final price.
A beam’s price is determined by its height and weight for each size. To ensure that the appropriate cut beam is ordered, this is expressed in terms of numbers that an engineer will understand. The price of their products is more consistent than the price of wood, but as a commodity, the price will vary according to market conditions and demand.
Cutting Installation Costs is Not a Good Idea
This process must be done correctly, so the installation costs should never be scrimped on. In addition to the beam cost, other factors may include hiring an engineer to assess the construction plans and determine the proper beam size and strength, labor costs to attach the beam, and equipment rental costs to deliver and place the beam.