This article was prepared for publication in the South Coast Herhald @ Home 17 June, 2011

Construction with a heart of steel

There are numerous advantages to structural steel when compared to other materials such as concrete or timber. Steel framing can be rapidly purchased, fabricated and erected, so if you want to fast-track construction – stick to steel! Steel columns are smaller than concrete columns, which mean more useable space and less visual obstructions. It also allows for design flexibility. Clear spans, cantilevers, skewed walls; sloping surfaces, curved framing, atria, floor openings, special aesthetic features, and unusual loadings are all easily and economically accommodated with steel.

Steel is also unique in that it is dimensionally stable. Unlike other materials that shrink, expand, warp and twist with age to cause settlement cracks or floor squeaks that require builders to make costly repairs.

Margate Engineering, which is a pioneer in its ability to fabricate heavy structural steel locally, has made its mark on a number of South Coast landmarks.  Managing Director Geoff Howard-Tripp say: ”Steel is one of the most sustainable and recyclable building materials with unique characteristics that favour its use in the construction industry”.

South Coast residents may be familiar with Margate Engineering as a supplier of security hardware and fencing but many may not realise the company’s supporting role in the building industry as structural steel fabricator for construction. More can be learned about the company at www.margateengineering.co.za

Structural steel is lighter than other framing materials; it needs a smaller and simpler foundation.