The deep chill of winter can grind many outdoor projects to a frozen halt, and construction is no exception. However, it doesn't have to be this way. Prefab and mid-sized steel frame structure assembly is one superb solution to deep cold. Especially if you have the right tools for this type of job, the entire project can progress safely and exceptionally fast. BECK's ET&F® brand of cold-resistant tools and fastening equipment for steel building assembly, are designed to deliver both speed and strength. They can be applied to steel frame construction work, in innovative ways that allow rapid-fire fastening without having to waste time on pre-drilled holes, or difficult screwing techniques. Here are a few other reasons why steel assembly works so well in winter.

Choosing between concrete and steel can sometimes be a difficult challenge. Concrete has been around since the start of the Roman Empire, and it has endured the test of time. Steel’s popularity has grown over the last 150 years, and it is currently one of the most extensively utilized structural materials. They both have the strength, versatility, and accessibility to be used in almost any building job. The question is which material is better for your project? Here are some of the key differences between steel and concrete to determine what might be best for your project.

Steel is one of the most often used materials in construction today. From skyscrapers to bridges to warehouses, steel provides nearly unparalleled structural integrity in a variety of building situations, while also maintaining a moderately low-cost price tag when compared to other structure materials.

In any well-finished space, you’ll see the finishing touches of trim work, crown molding, chair rails, base molding, etc. Simple to install on wood framing, these traditional accents can create a truly polished look, and are almost always made of wood. These features are often missing in spaces like basements or office buildings. The reason is simple, commercial spaces or those prone to moisture are often framed using steel studs and historically, attaching anything to a steel stud, other than a steel stud, has been less than efficient. Here we discuss the variations in studs from wood to steel, and the tool that is making the bond between wood trim and steel studs possible.

Steel has an outstanding strength-to-weight ratio and flexes with force, which is why it’s commonly used for large construction projects. Steel is the ideal material for high rise buildings because it can withstand high winds, earthquakes and other stressors. Due to its strength, steel frames require fewer vertical supports, which in turn makes them more cost effective. Steel is also considered an eco-friendly material because all steel products contain recycled steel, and in framing, they typically contain a minimum of 25%. There are two options when it comes to steel framing: light gauge and structural steel. Here is a comparison of the two methods, and their best applications.

Steel studs are a great long-term solution. They don’t crack, split or rot and they will frame a wall perfectly on any project. While easy and convenient to use, there are some things to make installation go more smoothly. For those who have not worked with steel studs before, there are some installation techniques that differ from their traditional wood counterparts. Here are five tips and tricks to help you install steel studs like a pro.

Whether your basement is newly renovated or merely a space to store old holiday decorations, no one wants water damage. Not only is it a hassle to clean but flooding and water often leave long-lasting damage that will come back to haunt you if left unrepaired. To avoid dealing with the mess that water damage brings, here are six steps that will help keep your basement dry.

Steel studs are being chosen more frequently for both commercial and residential builds and with good reason.  They’re easy to work with because of their lightness. They’re strong and durable and the material is consistent in look and structure because it’s formed or manufactured. These are just a few of the well-documented benefits of steel. You can read more about the comparison of working with wood studs over steel studs in an additional article from our blog here.

The path to construction perfection is paved by using the right materials and right tools for the right job. While wood studs are still the favored framing option, steel studs have some clear benefits when you’re comparing apples to apples. Here are five problems with wood studs and how steel ones address them.

Imagine a homeowner going to collect their favorite holiday decorations from the basement, only to discover condensation, or worse, standing water.  A wet basement or condensation issues are significant and valid concerns for homeowners. Whether the client expects you to be an expert in the matter or looks to you to solve simple issues, it’s important that you know some waterproofing basics.