02-25-2009, 12:17 PM
Biggest problem by far is energy efficiency. Insulation has to be singnificantly increased because the metal will suck the heat right out of a room.
One of my favorite things about it is that the studs already have pre-cut holes for conduit.
edit: the other issue is that while the compression strength is higher than wood, they studs are very thin, and if they aren't installed properly, any loads perpendicular to the stud are a huge problem. Here is florida, steel framing is really common, so there are plenty of folks who know how to install em properly, up north it is a little less common, so just make sure your contractor has plenty of experience in steel framing installation.
edit2: it also doesn't actually allow for bigger rooms. Wall thickness is pretty much identical.
One of my favorite things about it is that the studs already have pre-cut holes for conduit.
edit: the other issue is that while the compression strength is higher than wood, they studs are very thin, and if they aren't installed properly, any loads perpendicular to the stud are a huge problem. Here is florida, steel framing is really common, so there are plenty of folks who know how to install em properly, up north it is a little less common, so just make sure your contractor has plenty of experience in steel framing installation.
edit2: it also doesn't actually allow for bigger rooms. Wall thickness is pretty much identical.