TRUECORE® steel Frequently Asked Questions

Yes! Steel frames are safe because the frames are earthed and when exposed to a live wire it will create a short and trip the residual current safety switch therefore there is little chance of touching anything active. All new housing is required to be fitted with residual current safety switches. However, a broken or pierced wire in a timber frame can remain live and current leakage can cause troublesome faults and fire risks.

Yes. Although all industries have some impact on the environment, we are making concerted efforts to reduce those impacts. Information on the environmental impact of buildings can be found at the Life Cycle Analysis & Ecologically Sustainable Development page.

Almost all systems on the market can be installed by the customer. Indeed some producers supply frames in kit form specifically for the do-it-yourself owner builder. Panels are easily handled and are clearly labelled for assembly, generally with pre-punched electrical and plumbing service holes. Roof trusses are labelled and easily secured to support the walls. Ceiling and roof battens are easily fixed to the trusses. NASH (National Association of Steel Framed Housing) provides instructional literature and videos to assist the owner builder or do-it-yourself installer.

Yes. Additions are relatively easy to make. In addition, the original steel structure will be straight regardless of age, making the job of lining up the extension easier.

Either. Steel framing can be fixed directly to a concrete slab, or to steel flooring systems on brick, concrete, or steel piers.

The Building Code of Australia specifies chemical and physical termite barriers only where structural members are subject to termite attack. A steel frame is resistant to termite attack and a house built with a steel frame without a termite barrier is a reasonably safe option for an owner. The safest possible options are a steel frame plus non-structural fixtures of termite-resistant materials, or a steel frame plus a termite barrier. Visit the National Association for Steel Framed Housing's (NASH) Termite Information Site.

Some trades may choose to initially charge a little more for a steel framed home reflecting a reluctance to working with steel for the first time. However, with familiarity and competition, most trades quickly change their attitudes to NOT charge a premium for fixing steel. You will be able to enjoy the strength, reliability and convenience of steel frames without paying more.

No! Because a steel frame creates a positive earth, a lightning strike will have no effect. The energy is allowed to go straight to the ground, and is not dissipated destructively as in conventional framing.

The properties of steel are known and consistent, and conform to Australian standards or their equivalent. Steel framing components are designed around those properties. Most modern systems use high tensile steel components and appropriate jointing methods, and are engineered to pass strict performance tests.

BlueScope Steel recommend 'cold cutting' coated steel products. If this recommendation is followed, these products will 'self heal', that is, the zinc in the surrounding coating will protect the newly exposed edge. How does this happen? In the presence of moisture, a reaction occurs between the zinc and the steel which results in galvanic protection of the exposed steel, thereby inhibiting corrosion. The degree of protection depends on the thickness of the coating (the amount of zinc), and this is taken into account when Building Standards are formulated.