Use light-gauge steel studs for non-bearing interior walls
Steel is light, straight and insect proof.
Light-gauge steel framing takes some getting used to for builders who have always used wood, but it has several advantages. Steel studs for non-structural interior partitions can be of a lighter gauge than load-bearing studs, so they require less material to manufacture. The steel also can be recycled. Steel studs, however, should be avoided on exterior walls, especially in areas with cold winters. Thermal bridgingHeat flow that occurs across more conductive components in an otherwise well-insulated material, resulting in disproportionately significant heat loss. For example, steel studs in an insulated wall dramatically reduce the overall energy performance of the wall, because of thermal bridging through the steel.
can rob the house of heat. Also, steel studs transmit sound better than wood studs.
Green points
NGBSNational Green Building Standard Based on the NAHB Model Green Home Building Guidelines and passed through ANSI. This standard can be applied to both new homes, remodeling projects, and additions. /ICC-700: Up to 6 points for using building materials with recycled content.
Learn more in the Green Building Encyclopedia
Profiled in our Product Guide
