Steel Building Kits

Steel Building Kits first gained popularity in the early 20th century. Their use became more widespread during World War II and significantly expanded after the war when steel became more available. Steel buildings have been widely accepted, in part due to cost efficiency. The range of application has expanded with improved materials, products and design capabilities with the availability of computer aided design software.

Steel provides several advantages over other building materials, such as wood:

Steel is a "green" product; it is structurally sound and manufactured to strict specifications and tolerances. It is also energy efficient. Any excess material is 100% recyclable. Steel does not warp, buckle, twist or bend, and is therefore easy to modify and offers design flexibility.

Steel is also easy to install.Steel is cost effective and rarely fluctuates in price. Steel allows for improved quality of construction and less maintenance, while offering improved safety and resistance. With the propagation of mold and mildew in residential buildings, using steel minimizes these infestations. Mold needs moist, porous material to grow. Steel studs do not have those problems.

Heat conductivity: Calculations show that the web of an 18-gauge steel stud is about 31 times thinner than a "two-by" wood stud; however, steel conducts heat 310 times more efficiently than wood. As a net result, a "two-by" steel stud will conduct 10 times more heat than a "two-by" wood stud. Corrosion: Faulty design leads to the corrosion of iron and steel in buildings.

News Flash

WHEELING - A Wheeling real estate firm will help the new owner of the former RG Steel and Wheeling-Pittsburgh Steel headquarters in downtown Wheeling market the 144,000-square-foot building.

Jay Goodman, Realtor with Harvey Goodman Realtor, last month sold the Market Street structure to New Albany, Ohio-based Access Infrastructures for $800,000. He said the company is a real estate investor specializing in buying distressed properties and renovating them for reuse. Goodman's firm will list and help market the property for lease.

The last owner, RG Steel, lost the steel building during bankruptcy proceedings in 2012. Access Infrastructures could not be reached for comment.