Timber shortages prompting a switch to steel for construction.
With the current lack of local timber stock – especially for larger sizes of 240mm and up (typical joist sizes) - many in the construction sector are switching to roll-formed light-gauge steel as viable alternative for truss, framing and flooring. Those that do are discovering just how easy it is to make the switch. They are also realising a wealth of other benefits of building with light steel.
Construction businesses finding solace in steel.
As has been reported, it’s been a perfect storm for local builders. Demand for timber is at an all-time high globally, thanks to a construction boom that shows no sign of abating. In NZ, wood supplies have been left constrained. This means many businesses in the sector are bleeding, and looking intensively at their options.
The situation with timber has certainly created short term pain, but we meet many that may end up celebrating. It has been said the biggest opportunities are often only revealed in times of difficulty. Perhaps this is one of those times. We are biased, but in our view, many in the sector who make the switch to steel now will never look back.
Fast-track the benefits of light steel.
Framing with light gauge steel (LGS) offers many benefits over timber. You can read about all the 10 reasons to shift to steel for framing on our parent company Howick Limited’s website. Here, they are briefly summarised:
• Steel is more accurate, lighter and stronger than timber.
• It is easier to handle, faster to assemble and offers zero wastage.
• Our roll-formed steel components comply with all New Zealand safety and building requirements.
• Best of all, they are made to order and delivered to site ‘just in time’ so you don’t have to budget for stockpiling.
Rollforming Services: NZ Made and part of the solution for NZ construction.
Rollforming Services is part of the Howick Group, manufacturers of cutting-edge roll-forming technology made locally here in New Zealand for global export. Since 1995, our contract roll-forming services have been giving Kiwis a better way to build with:
• floor joists and flooring systems
• telescopic panels for fast infill or retrofit interior framing
• custom steel profiles and more (need something innovative? We love a challenge).
We can supply steel alternatives to match approved plans, so for example Steel Joist 240 C section for a 240 timber joist. We pride ourselves on offering a first-rate service experience and quality end product.
Get up and running with steel, fast.
If you have live projects, or planned workloads with timings challenged by the current bottlenecks in timber supplies, we can help you make the switch to steel. We will also be able to advise on National Association of Steel-Framed Housing (NASH) Standards for Acceptable Solutions for New Zealand Building Code (NZBC). This will help you fast-track fully code compliant solutions that will save time on site and deliver a superior end product.
Our team can come to you, so to arrange a consultation or a tour of our Auckland manufacturing facilities, call us today on 09 271-6834 or contact us online.
Once you switch to steel, we are confident you will never look back.
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