Universal columns are highly versatile and widely used in construction due to their strength, durability and load-bearing capabilities. Their high strength to weight ratio makes them incredibly efficient and ideal for supporting beams, floors and roofs. In recent years, they have also become more widely used in residential construction as they enable open plan designs by reducing the need for internal load bearing walls. In this post, we take a closer look at some of the benefits of using steel universal columns in residential construction as well as some of their more common applications.
Benefits of Using Steel Universal Columns in Residential Construction
There are many benefits to using steel universal columns in residential construction, including:
Superior Strength to Weight Ratio: Compared to many other commonly used materials in construction such as timber and concrete, steel universal columns have one of the highest strength to weight ratios, meaning that they are able to bear a significant amount of weight without buckling. This makes them more efficient and suitable for structural frameworks.
Durability: Compared to other materials such as timber, steel is also more durable and resistant to damage from pests or rotting. This gives it a longer lifespan and can help to reduce maintenance and repair costs in the longer term.
Sustainability: Steel is fully recyclable at the end of its lifespan, making it one of the most environmentally friendly building materials and an ideal choice if sustainability is a priority for you.
Common Uses of Universal Columns
Some of the common applications of universal columns in residential construction include:
Load Bearing Structural Support: Universal columns can be used in replacement of timber or concrete to provide strong vertical load bearing support for multi storey homes.
Beams and Lintels: Universal columns can also support large openings for doors, windows and open-plan layouts. They can help to distribute loads evenly across structural openings, preventing sagging or deformation over long periods of time. This is particularly useful in modern home designs which tend to prefer expansive glass doors, large windows and wide open spaces.
Home Extensions and Renovations: If you’re looking to extend or renovate your home, steel universal columns can be used to strengthen the structural framework of your home, enabling you to add additional storeys or to expand existing spaces.
Getting Your Universal Columns from a Reputable Steel Supplier
Getting your universal columns from a reputable steel supplier like RW Steel can grant you greater peace of mind, helping you rest assured that you are getting top quality steel at a fair and reasonable price. Here at RW Steel, we offer a variety of steel products including galvanised steel posts, retaining wall steel H beams as well as steel universal columns in sizes ranging from 100UC14.80 and 150UC23.40 all the way up to 200UC59.50 and 250UC72.90. Get a free quote from our website today or contact us to find out more about how we can help with all of your steel needs.