Today in Ukraine, there is increasing talk about LSTK (light steel thin-walled structures). However, there are so many myths surrounding this topic that it is difficult for the average customer to understand: is it a reliable house for 100 years or a temporary solution?
There are many conflicting opinions surrounding the topic of LGSF (Light Steel Frame Construction). Some call it the future of architecture, while others approach it with caution. So that you can make an informed decision, we have analysed this technology from a practical perspective: from real service life to hidden budget savings. Let's find out how it actually works.
A little history: Where did steel buildings come from?
Many people think this is a «know-how» of recent years. In fact, cold-formed metal technology originated in the USA back in the mid-19th century. But a real boom occurred in the 1950s in Canada. There was a need to quickly and massively build quality housing in harsh climatic conditions. The result? The houses are still standing today, and the technology has spread around the world.
Initially, in Ukraine, LSTK (Light Steel Thin-gauge Construction) technologies were mainly used for erecting temporary structures. However, today these steel structures have found their place in the construction of residential buildings, holiday homes, office centres, shops, medical clinics, kindergartens, schools, and even car parks. Such a variety of uses indicates the numerous advantages of the technology, which make it attractive to consumers.
Features of light gauge steel frame (LGSF) construction technology
Light steel frame (LSF) houses consist of a light, spatial frame structure manufactured from galvanised steel. It complies with all the requirements of Ukrainian state industry standards and building codes, as well as international quality standards. The design of future thin-walled structures begins with the order being passed to the design team, who, by using modern 3D-CAD modelling software, carefully calculate the structure and each element according to the predicted loads on the walls and floors.
After the design is completed, the data is sent to a special machine tool, which manufactures all the necessary parts with millimetre precision. The assembled components form individual structural elements of the frame system, which, together with the cladding materials, are transported to the construction site for the final assembly of the house.
High-quality steel galvanised rivets and screws are used to join different parts of the structure, ensuring reliable and strong connections in the finished house. Thus, the construction process is considered fast and efficient, using modern technologies.
LSK buildings and their main advantages
The LSTC technology is constantly evolving, which allows for an expanded range of its advantages. It is worth highlighting the main positive characteristics of such a house:
- All-weather usability without limitations.
- High geometric accuracy.
- The lightness and low weight of materials, which eliminates problems with shrinkage.
- A competitive price.
In buildings constructed using traditional technologies, problems with uneven walls and ceilings often arise, requiring additional effort during the finishing stage. Over time, after these structures are put into operation, uneven settlement can lead to cracks and distortions in the buildings. If this situation sounds familiar and you wish to resolve it, consider LSTK. The use of light steel frame (LSF) buildings can help avoid such complications.
Light-gauge steel framing (LGSF) provides perfectly flat surfaces in all planes. This eliminates the need for additional levelling, which, in turn, saves money and time. Furthermore, due to their lightness, such buildings exert minimal pressure on the foundation, which contributes to their stability and prevents deformation. This characteristic allows for the use of simplified foundation options, which also reduces the overall cost of finished buildings.
What is the cost of LGSF houses?
The final price of a frame house built using LGSF technology is significantly lower compared to traditional buildings constructed from materials such as brick, aerated concrete, or ceramic blocks. One of the main reasons for the reduced cost of frame houses is the lightness of the structure, which allows for considerable savings on the foundation. The steel elements of the frame system do not require heavy foundations, meaning that lighter foundation options can be used, which are quicker and cheaper.
The absence of the need for large construction machinery also reduces overall construction costs. For the erection of metal structures, it is not necessary to rent or purchase powerful machines, which are considered a fairly expensive pleasure. This makes it possible to erect a house quickly, even in hard-to-reach places where large machinery simply cannot get to.
On thematic forums, you can notice discussions about LGSF buildings, where users note the short service life of the structures. The facts suggest otherwise: buildings made of light-gauge steel elements show an average service life of 50 to 120 years. And if regular maintenance is carried out and recommendations are followed, these figures can significantly increase. That is, if construction standards and norms are followed, the disadvantages can be minimised.
Furthermore, there are quite a few myths about the poor quality of this type of product. This is partly due to the presence of counterfeit materials in the Ukrainian market, which has led to such perceptions. Therefore, it is important to carefully choose suppliers and products. Opt for services and profiles from reliable companies that have experience in the production and installation of metal structures and enjoy a good reputation among clients. Read reviews or talk to clients who have already used the services of professionals in the field of LGSF technologies. The cost, in such cases, may be slightly higher, but it fully justifies the result you will receive.
How popular are LGSF houses in Ukraine?
In Ukraine, light-gauge steel framing (LGSF) technology has appeared relatively recently, but it has been actively used worldwide for several decades. The first significant steps in this direction were taken back in the 1950s in Canada, where a concept was developed that facilitated the rapid construction of a large number of low-rise buildings. The experimental project proved successful, and soon the method of rapid construction began to rapidly gain popularity in various countries.
Over time, LGSF technology has gained recognition for its versatility and applicability in numerous fields. It has broad capabilities for the realisation of both residential and commercial projects. The use of light gauge steel framing allows for reduced material costs, shorter construction times, and ensures high quality for finished structures.
Although the technology was initially intended for the construction of low-rise buildings, its implementation opens up new horizons for use in the construction of warehouses, industrial facilities, retail spaces, and even social infrastructure. In recent years, Ukraine has seen a growing interest in light steel structures as developers and architects increasingly appreciate their technological advantages.