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WALLS & CEILINGS June 1999 STEEL FLOOR FRAMING SYSTEM TAKING RESIDENTIAL CONSTRUCTION BY STORM Dietrich Metal Framing, Inc., the long-time leader in commercial steel framing, has recently developed a steel flooring system designed specifically for residential construction. The system, known as the TradeReady Floor System replaces wood flooring members with steel components. This significant advancement has allowed Dietrich to overcome the resistance of steel framing in residential construction. The steel flooring members easily adapt with wood walls and trusses, and require few additional tools for installation. And as the name implies, the floor system has been developed with the trades in mind to allow easier and faster installation. The TradeReady Floor System is made up of three framing components. The Trade Ready Joist offers the builder long spanning capabilities, straight members free of bow, twist, warp and knots, and has large flanged holes to permit easy plumbing, electrical and mechanical access. The Trade Ready Rim with preformed clips totally eliminates the need for joist hangers, permits quick joist attachment, and automatically provides joist layout. The rim also acts as a load distributor and in many cases can eliminate or reduce the need for headers and web stiffeners. The Trade Ready Blocking provides quick installation of lateral bracing because it is precut to fit either 12 inches, 16 inches, 19.2 inches or 24 inches o/c. The TradeReady Floor System is manufactured from hot-dipped galvanized steel. Galvanized steel is recyclable, non-combustible, termite proof, and won't rot. Unlike wood floor joist products, which contain 5 percent to 20 percent moisture, steel does not contain moisture. This means that when the furnace begins to run and dries out the wood floor framing products, lumber will shrink. This can cause both nails and screws to "pop," causing the joist and sheathing to separate. This is a major cause of floor squeaks, and a costly fix for the homebuilder. Because the steel floor system does not contain moisture, it will not shrink, and it will remain a quiet floor. In addition to offering the homebuilder a cost competitive alternative to dimensional or engineered lumber, the system boasts many additional benefits to the homeowner. Besides piece of mind, knowing the strength of steel is under foot, their floor system is stronger, stiffer and quieter. The large joist openings also allow the trades to be installed inside the joist as compared to below the joist. This means the homeowner has flat and higher ceilings in the basement. |
| Dietrich Metal Framing, Inc.
Corporate Headquarters 500 Grant Street/Suite 2226 Pittsburgh, PA 15219 Phone: (412)281.2805 E-mail: askforhelp@dietrichindustries.com |