Red Iron Building

[Punababa]

Do not hear of any builders using red iron beams for residential construction, has any one has experience in the lower Puna area close to oceanfront?

[Rob Tucker]

I've used a lot of galvanized steel beams... wouldn't use red, thats just cheap paint.

[Seeb]

There is a corrosion resistant structural steel that they use for bridges that kind of looks red orange when it weathers

But I'm probably over thinking the question

[Punababa]

Rob does the galvanized steel beams good for 2 story ? Do they have a local supplier who does galvanized steel framing ? what is the cost comparison to wood framing, thank you all for your help.

[Rob Tucker]

Beams, plates and headers are horizontal members. Studs and posts are vertical members. All of them can be done in galvanized steel. A 2 story structure is not a problem. There are two basic types of galvanized steel available for residential work. Cold rolled light gage steel is commonly used for plates, headers, studs and occasionally beams. Hot formed steel, also called mild steel, is heavier and is best used in heavy load points and spans. LIght gage steel is generally electroplated galvanization. The mild steel is hot dipped in zinc.

Both are available from Oahu. Some light gauge steel is stocked by Honsador and HPM.... they buy it from Oahu too.

Cost comparison to wood? I don't track wood prices anymore. Are you interested in only cost or does quality, maintenance, performance and lifespan matter? As a master carpenter I came to the conclusion that steel is a much better value than wood both in the short term and the long term. You would have to make your own determination.

[punaticbychoice]

Seeb:
The steel of the type you mention was called "coreten" commercially.
There may be more modern variants, but I remember it used in the 1970's.
Very happy holiday season and coming new year to all.
It's all good here. Thanks everyone.

[Obie]

Close to the oceanfront here in Kapoho the only thing that does not rust is stainless steel.

Galvanized metal will hold up for a while if it is kept painted.My dish network dishes rust and fall off of the front of the house about every 5 years.