Construction is a lot more than just stacking bricks upon bricks. The proof lies in the fact that while an ancestral home might require touch-ups from time to time, you would never expect the foundation to crumble down. Construction work and construction products are designed to last you a lifetime. Some even go far beyond that!

When understanding what material to make use of, there are a few products that can never be overlooked. For example; a steel floor joist. A joist is essentially a horizontal member designed to fit into an open space. Based on the sort of project being carried out, the joist might either lie flat or be slightly pitched. They may be made out of steel or timber, and different companies offer different designs.

How Joists Came Into Being:

Before the invention of engineered wood joists in the 1960s, construction workers would make use of other equipment to support frame operations. The most common alternative being lumber. While that might have worked for a few decades, engineers soon found a much better replacement.

The main idea was to still create load-bearing systems to support buildings and to facilitate open floor plans while also being accessible. Joists were then made in several designs such as I-joists and C-joists.

When Should You Opt For Steel Floor Joists:

Steel floor joists are used for their high strength and load-bearing capacity. Their strength to weight ratio makes them ideal materials to be used in construction. Hence, the same job that would once take added labor costs and affect time crunches would now be completed much quicker and more cost-effective. Not to mention the fact that wood would not help in supporting heavier loads.

Not only that, wood is more subjective to environmental conditions and wear. Steel is an ideal alternative, especially nickel-containing alloys such as stainless steel. If your construction project requires work to be done in the basements, then steel joists are a lot more ideal to be used than wood. Steel is not subjective to mold growth from continued exposure to moisture. It is also not vulnerable to burrowing rodents, pests and termites found commonly in basements.

Having To Sound Proof Your Floors:

Floors that make use of steel joists are quieter than floors compromising of wood joists. The classic creaking sound that you hear when you move on an old floor is of those joists. Due to warping and bowing, the wood is slowly degraded over time. This leads to loose bolts and wayward wood.

Floor supports made up of steel floor joists do not make those creaking sounds. They do not make any sound at all! In much more recent construction projects undertaken, wood joists are often obliterated. They are not only soundproof but also a lot more stable and maintain their shape for decades on decades.

According to a recent survey, subfloor masses matter a lot more than anything when controlling building noises. If the mass separating floors and walls are heavier, the sound insulation between units will be better or more confined. If two layers of plywood sub-floor are added above the joists, better sound attenuation would be provided. Similarly, if a double layer of gypsum board ceiling is added below the joists, then the sound transmission would be significantly reduced.

Environmental And Safety Purposes:

At some other locations, steel floor joists are not only better than wood, but they are also the only viable option. These locations have specific requirements in construction, such as those areas more susceptible to flooding or earthquakes. Steel is a safety option at such locations.

Still not convinced? Think about the environmental impact that cutting downloads and loads of trees would have on the Earth. While this might not sound like much of an issue, imagine the rising number of construction projects. Now imagine the number of trees having to be cut down to meet these requirements. Steel is one of the most easily recycled materials in the world with a mere 10% landfill output compared to 90% for wood.

Common Residential Building Complaints:

No decade has seen a more rapid increase in urbanization than the past decade. With 2020-2030 expected to be booming with construction projects left, right and center, it is pivotal to better construction materials.

Residential building owners and residents often present with several specifications and needs. The most predominant requirement is whether soundproofing is possible or not. Let’s face it, and there is nothing more annoying than having your next-door neighbor throw a party at twelve in the morning. Likewise, there is nothing more annoying than having your neighbor yell at you when you are having a good time.

Steel floor joists can help solve this issue. The thickness of the joist bears little to no resolution on noise impedance. However, the depth and spacing of the joist are much more significant. Additionally, you might opt for finished flooring or sound mats that would help impede noise.

Heavy finish flooring adds a lot more mass. As we’re very well aware, mass adds more space for sound. Lighter materials such as carpets and such can soften the impact. Imagine the upstairs guy who walks heavily. The mechanical power is significantly softened when injected into a floor.

Summarizing Steel Floor Joists:

Similar employments can be finished with considerably less effort utilizing steel joists. This can influence time, work costs, and accessibility. Steel joists are perfect for regions like storm cellars and upper rooms that are dependent upon natural conditions that would somehow or another expansion wear on wood.

Steel floor joists are in every case straight, steady, and keep up their shape any longer, and they are a perfect alternative in situations where sound may demonstrate an issue or should be limited inside and out. There are sure areas that have explicit prerequisites where steel is the main alternative. Developers who are naturally cognizant or need to utilize “green” activities as a selling point can guarantee their buyers of the manageability of steel floor joists

Conclusion:

To conclude, steel floor joists are the ‘hip’ new replacements to traditional wood joists. A joist is a timeless invention that has been holding buildings up for decades upon decades. These horizontal members approximate walls, ceilings and floors to allow for stable frameworks to be built.

With the number of construction projects rising day by day, it becomes practical for designers to work their way into using better and more sustainable products. Steel joists will not compromise on quality and will also support the environment.

Works and construction managers stand by this product!