Cold Formed Steel Framing

What is Cold-Formed Steel?

Cold-formed steel (CFS) or metal stud framing, is a term used to describe the manufactured steel products that are produced via cold-working processes such as stamping, rolling, and shaping. CFS studs products are most notably designed for various structural purposes. This is a sturdy and reliable construction material used widely in the foundation and framing of modern buildings and homes. CFS is necessary for modern construction projects that require the utmost in safety and strength. The shiny steel components you see often embedded into the framework of modern homes and buildings are CFS. This steel is used as the structural foundation of these building projects. For example, the skeletons of homes that you might see in the early stages of construction are increasingly replacing the dated wooden process with CFS, especially in areas where wood quickly rots or becomes infested with termites. Other uses include foundation wall, pool structures, decking, roofing, load-bearing support, and so many more.

Resisting the Elements

Homes and other building constructions are valuable investments that are important to preserve, but this preservation can be increasingly difficult to manage when in areas prone to natural disasters. However, there are several different ways that CFS can help these structures resist the damages caused by the elements.​​
  • Hurricanes: CAT5 BUILDERS uses time and hurricane tested connections that make it extremely resistant to hurricanes by encapsulating the exterior CFS Wall Frame (Wall Panels) into the reinforced concrete footings, foundations and walls.  Wall and Roof Component connections are structurally engineered to handle wind speeds up to 220 mile per hour(mph)!
  • Earthquakes: CFS resists the effects of seismic activity, as lighter buildings make it safer for building in areas prone to earthquakes.  CFS structures have the ability to flex reducing the probability of collapse allowing the occupants a safe space to live. 
  • Fire Resistance: With wooden-framed buildings and homes, a fire can quickly spread and leave nothing but destruction in its path. CFS is different, however, in the fact that it is completely non-combustible and which it is why it is why it is being used as the primary framing component for hospitals, hotels, and assisted living centers.
  • Water Damage: CFS does not retain water, nor is it susceptible to water damage. Other building materials, such as wood framing, can easily become disastrous when exposed to water. CFS protects homes from the costly damages often caused by flooding and storm water. This makes it especially beneficial to homes in areas prone to rain and along the coast where hurricanes and other tropical storms are likely.
  • Pest Resistance: Unlike wooden framing and other traditional material options, CFS is not threatened by pests like termites. It’s also resistant to mold and mildew, making it a safe and sanitary alternative.

What About Rust?

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​CFS and the Process of Galvanization - The one risk that CFS poses over other framing and construction products is the risk of rust and corrosion. When steel products encounter rain and moisture, the sound chemical composition of these members could become threatened. This happens when the iron becomes oxidized by its exposure to the elements. Oxidation causes the metal stud framing to rust and corrode away, undermining its strength and durability. However, this risk has long been addressed by the introduction of steel galvanization. If you are not familiar with galvanization, this is the process of sealing a metal with liquid zinc. The liquid zinc does not change the chemical composition of the steel nor does it compromise the strength of the material. This seal simply provides an added layer of protection for the CFS and is known to last hundreds of years. Galvanization works because zinc does not face the same risks of oxidation that steel products do. This process is used by all reliable steel distributors, and it effectively eliminates the risk of rust and corrosion in CFS constructions.

MgO Sheathing

What is MgO Sheathing?

Magnesium Oxide (MgO) Board is an advanced structural sheathing board that can be used to replace pressure treated plywood, gypsum wallboard (drywall) and other sheathings for both exterior and interior applications. CAT5-MATRIX Boards are made with Magnesium Oxide, Magnesium Sulfate, and modifiers and water in a patented technological process. CAT5-MATRIX Boards do not produce harmful off-gases, can be cut and installed with traditional wood framing tools, are fire resistant (non-combustible) and highly resistant to water, moisture, mold, and termites. The board is environmentally friendly, non-toxic and can be disposed of in the ground as a nutrient.