Cold-formed steel structures and traditional building methods differ in several aspects, including construction process, material properties, design flexibility, cost, and sustainability. Here is a comparison between the two:

1. Construction Process:
Cold-formed steel structures are manufactured off-site using automated roll forming machines. The steel frames are then transported to the construction site for assembly. This process allows for faster construction times and reduces on-site labour requirements. Traditional Building Methods: Traditional building methods involve on-site construction, where materials such as wood, concrete, or masonry are assembled and built in place. This process may require more time and labour for on-site construction activities.


2. Material Properties:
Cold-formed steel is known for its high strength-to-weight ratio. It offers excellent structural performance, allowing for the construction of lightweight yet strong buildings. Cold-formed steel structures can withstand heavy loads, seismic forces, and extreme weather conditions. Traditional Building Methods: Traditional building methods use various materials such as wood, concrete, or masonry, each with its own set of properties. Wood is lightweight but may be less durable, while concrete and masonry offer high strength but are heavier.


3. Design Flexibility:
Cold-formed steel allows for design flexibility and customization. It can be easily fabricated into different shapes and profiles, enabling architects and engineers to create unique and complex designs. Traditional Building Methods: Traditional methods may have some limitations in terms of design flexibility. For example, wood framing may have restrictions on long spans, and masonry construction may limit architectural creativity.


4. Cost:
Cold-formed steel structures can be cost-effective due to their lightweight nature, which reduces transportation, labour costs, and foundation costs. The efficient manufacturing process also contributes to cost savings. Traditional Building Methods: The cost of traditional building methods can vary depending on the chosen materials and the complexity of the design. Some traditional methods may require more labour and time, which can increase costs.


5. Sustainability:
Cold-formed steel is a recyclable material, contributing to sustainable construction practices. It also has a lower carbon footprint compared to some traditional building materials. Additionally, the lightweight nature of cold-formed steel reduces environmental impact during transportation and construction. The cold formed steel we use contains a minimum of 25% recycled material and is 100% recyclable at the end of its life. Traditional Building Methods: The sustainability of traditional building methods depends on the chosen materials. Some materials, such as wood, can be renewable and have lower embodied energy, while others, like concrete, may have higher carbon emissions. Some traditional building materials cannot be recycled 100%, this impacts the forward movement towards a greener, cleaner future.