Yes, our team of professional engineers will design the steel frame and provide a Form 15 for certification purposes.

No, we have the necessary expertise in-house and it is included as part of our One-Stop-Service. You will be provided with a Form 16 at the end of the installation.

SCA offer a One-Stop-Service, including supply, manufacture, installation and certification. We also give you the option to do your own installation.

No, owner builders or renovators are welcome to purchase from us. We will include an installation manual which details each step of the installation process

Most framing systems experience some movement at fixing points, however it is important to note that not all frames experience noise. Unlike timber our steel frames are joined with screws which eliminate movement, and therefore prevent noise. Extreme temperature changes may cause expansion and contraction of the steel which could result in an occasional squeaking sound.

A common problem caused by frame movement is the cracking of plasterboard. Being a water-based cellulose product, timber shrinks and expands according to environmental conditions. It does so at a rate that directly conflicts with plasterboard, causing the lining surface to crack, the peaking of ceiling joints and cracked cornices. Unlike timber, steel frames do not absorb water and are therefore more dimensionally stable

The frames are light weight but once fixed together they are extremely strong, weight to strength ratios
are far superior to timber.

No. Steel frames are safe because frames are earthed and all new housing is required to be fitted with “safety switches” to protect against earth leakage in the wiring. A lightning strike will also have no effect because the steel frame creates a positive earth allowing energy to go to the ground.

No, steel frames do not interfere with reception

Yes. It is a requirement to earth all homes. During construction, steel frames should be earthed in
case of lightning.

Yes – these materials should be isolated. In the presence of water they will develop galvanic cells that will result in damage to the protective metallic coating by a process called “bi-metallic corrosion”. Isolation is simple: lead flashing can be isolated from the frame using an underlay of plastic membrane, while copper pipes can be isolated from the frame by the incorporation of nylon grommets, or by face-fixing to the studs using plastic clips. Both of these systems also resist water hammer noise.For a more detailed explanation, refer to BlueScope Steel Corrosion Technical Bulletin CTB-12

Yes. Zinc coated (“galvanised”) and zinc/aluminium alloy coated steels are protected from cut-edge corrosion by galvanic action – the coating adjacent to the edge or hole protects the cut area. For a more detailed explanation, refer to BlueScope Steel Technical Bulletin TB-10.

We recommend using self-drilling screws, however a combination of hi tensile nails and adhesive may also be used to fix timber architraves and skirting.

It is common practice to use an anchor screw bolt. We supply a comprehensive installation manual.

The studs and top plates have pre-punched holes through which cables and pipes are fed. To prevent damage to the cables and pipes, plastic grommets are inserted into the punched holes. During the design stage we can customise the location of these pre-punched holes to suit individual requirements.

Yes, it can.

Yes, it can.

Our 90mm steel frames are generally very competitively priced when compared with 90mm treated timber frames. When considering the cost of the frame it is important to include structural steel, bracing, and installation expenses.

Contact the office on 1300 911 068 or email your plans to info@steelconstructionaustralia.com.au

Yes we do

Some companies offer a discount due to steel not being combustable which reduces the chance of fire