Are steel homes a viable option ? (pipe, code, electrical, interior)

[nicolemi]

Are steel homes such as those built by Kodiak, Armstrong, GenSteel a viable alternative to wood built homes and if so, what are the things that need to be paid special attention to ?
Those of you who have or have lived in steel built structures, what are your experiences and recommendations positive or negative if you don't mind sharing your information and knowledge.
We are seriously contemplating a steel structured home but have zero experience or knowledge as to what it would entail to take on a project as large as this.
Thank you in advance for taking the time to respond !
All opinions are welcome and desired !

[Sherifftruman]

I don’t know anything about the companies you mention, but I worked for commercial General contractors for 25 years doing all kinds of projects from office buildings to wood framed doctors offices that are basically like houses and I could easily build you a house using heavy gauge cold rolled steel framing members instead of wood and you’d never know the difference living in it.

You’d obviously need a commercial drywall company or other contractor familiar with this type of framing instead of a traditional wood framer, but you’d end up with a better product with smoother walls due to no warping.

[sunsprit]

I've not lived in one, but I've seen many a house built with steel instead of wood structure.

As well, I just built a "pole barn" using old steel drill pipe and metal siding/roof. Interior studs for an office area are steel.

Otherwise, the finishing work is pretty much the same. Electrical wiring and fixtures no big deal. Paneling hung the same. Prehung doors the same.

I got several GC bids before making a decision. The steel building was competitive with the all-wood buildings.

[K'ledgeBldr]

Is this a rhetorical question?

The overwhelming thing to look for/take into consideration is how the thermal bridging was addressed.

[luv4horses]

I wonder if it needs lightning rods or special grounding? I would also worry about ventilation and condensation.

[K'ledgeBldr]

Originally Posted by luv4horses

I wonder if it needs lightning rods or special grounding? I would also worry about ventilation and condensation.

Steel homes are no more susceptible to lightning strikes than any other home; grounding is controlled by code (no different than a wood framed home). Ventilation is addressed in the same manner as a wood framed house. Condensation is somewhat related to the "thermal bridging" I mentioned in my initial post.

[nicolemi]

Originally Posted by K'ledgeBldr

Is this a rhetorical question?

The overwhelming thing to look for/take into consideration is how the thermal bridging was addressed.

Thank you Sherrifftruman, sunsprit, K'ledgeBldr, luv4horses for your responses !

K'ledgeBldr, how would you find someone with the knowledge of thermal bridging and how to address the issues involved with the particular structure being constructed and how to avoid those problems ?

[K'ledgeBldr]

The first incarnations of lgs (light gauge steel) homes had problems with thermal bridging. It is now common practice to use techniques that pretty much eliminate the problem. If they are used by a particular builder is another thing altogether.

I'm sure you could find details/white papers on the subject matter on the web.

[Rogarven]

Would it not be better in areas where termite infestation is a problem ( hot , humid)?

[K'ledgeBldr]

Originally Posted by Rogarven

Would it not be better in areas where termite infestation is a problem ( hot , humid)?

Yes; and no.