I am considering having a home built and I am leaning towards using metal studs as opposed to the traditional wood ones.
Anybody with any experiance in this area? Comments, suggestions!?!?!
Any problems with wiring or radio/tv reception? Lightning? Static problems? I was told early metal studs caused grime & dust to be attracted to the walls…
The termite issue is one of my main concerns being that I live in the South. I also am considering metal studs because of the lessened fire risks & cheaper insurance rates.
Fire and Ice – that is an interesting point that I would have never though of. Thanks for letting me know!
On top of the reduced risk of termite infestation, there’s the fire resistance factor, no warpage, twisting, moving because of moisture absorption, and the fact that they are all straight when they are installed. Metal is being more widely used every day in the building trades and is proving itself worthy. Besides, it saves some of our trees.
The main advantage is you won’t be having any termite problems to your framing. Houses built in Hawaii are built with metal for that reason and also it’s cheaper for them. Lumber is not readily available.
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Termites will not be a concern with metal studs. The only drawback that I can see it it will make installing door casing and baseboard more difficult because they will have to be installed with trim screws instead of finishing nails.
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General contractor.
On top of the reduced risk of termite infestation, there’s the fire resistance factor, no warpage, twisting, moving because of moisture absorption, and the fact that they are all straight when they are installed. Metal is being more widely used every day in the building trades and is proving itself worthy. Besides, it saves some of our trees.
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The only problem I encountered was when all was done, hanging pictures were a little bit of a problem at first. However, knowing termites are dining at my neighbors house, and the reduced insurance premiums far out weigh that. As for TV, reception, no related problem with satellite service.
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If you do decide to go with the metal studs, please inform you local fire department of your construction. These walls to not last as long in a raging fire and would collapse prematurely compared to heavy wood products. A firefighter will still attempt a rescue for life, but would not risk their life to save the house itself.
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14 yrs FD