Residential Steel Design and Construction

Book excerpt: Design and build energy-efficient steel-framed houses-as a practical alternative to wood. As high-quality wood becomes scarcer and more expensive, residential builders are turning to steel as the building material of choice. Now you can improve your bottom line by learning to design and build steel-framed residential structures that are energy efficient, low in cost, and easy to build. Using examples from award-winning houses, this clear, step-by-step guide provides everything a residential contractor needs to know to build a steel-framed house--quickly and easily. You'll discover how to select the right materials and tools. . .use energy-efficient HVAC units, appliances, and lighting. . .choose the best windows and doors. . .and optimize landscaping and solar design. The book will enable you to: overcome steel's thermal deficiencies through proper design and insulation--and surpass the energy efficiency of traditional building materials; conduct your own Model Energy Code energy analysis for compliance with HUD regulations; explore CABO- and UBC-approved steel framing details for a complete two-bedroom house plan. With lots of money-saving tips on ordering and using proper building materials--plus professional advice on applying traditional and new methods of interior and exterior insulation--this is the most complete and practical resource available on a subject of increasing importance to residential builders and designers.