At Spark Business Group we are responsible for more than the actual production of the steel profiles and frames. From day one, our designers and engineers will be busy translating the architect’s plans into a tailor-made design ready to be sent to our machines.
Reports suggest that the average Australian house takes from four to twelve months to build. Spark homes is smashing that average & now offering clients within a week lock up time for conventional homes on your concrete slab . As leaders in innovation, we at Spark Homes are taking home building into 2020 and beyond with Eco-friendly, Energy Efficient homes like no other. This new design is about still delivering a unique, fantasy-driven home yet securing it to lockup stage in lighting. Spark Homes manufacturer or distributor of Building products have been the leader in offering everything you need to build a house under their roof. Affordable, yet diverse in the building materials provided for large & small projects. To offer such an innovative process, We at Spark Homes have ensured that there is no trade-off & continue to develop exceptional
products for our clients. Whether you want minimalism or prefer extravagance, we have the right product for you.
Why should I consider a frame that is termite proof?
Frames made from TRUECORE® steel are 100% termite and borer proof. As anyone who’s had to deal with termites would probably tell you, it’s worth doing everything you can to stop them, right from the start. Termites are a problem in Australia and damage to a house frame by termites and borers can be silent and invisible to the eye. Rectification may involve replacement of the damaged frame and other building components and the damage may not be covered in standard insurance policies. Regular termite inspections are recommended to check the other building components in homes.
Can steel frames be used for building in a bushfire zone?
Yes. When used as part of the NASH bushfire standard, frames made from TRUECORE® steel provide simple design solutions to achieve compliance when building, even in a flame zone. For further information please refer to the National Association of Steel-Framed Housing’s Standard ‘Steel Frames Construction in Bushfire Areas’ or visit www.nash.asn.au/nash/safety-and-security/bushfires. We also recommend you speak with your builder about the suitability of steel framing for your particular build.
Are steel frames noisy as the temperature changes?
A properly installed frame shouldn’t generate noise and in a well-constructed and insulated home, thermally induced noise is no more likely with steel framing than homes with frames made from other building materials.
Is there initial or ongoing movement of steel frames?
There will be no initial shrinkage or swelling of a frame made from TRUECORE® steel as there is no absorption or drying of moisture in steel frames. Steel framing in a properly constructed and insulated home expands and contracts in response to temperature changes at rates reasonably similar to those of other building materials. And steel frames won’t shrink, twist or warp over time so there’s less chance of sticking doors and window jambs, nail pops and wavy roof lines due to frame movement.
How do I know that steel frames will be strong enough?
Steel is inherently strong and TRUECORE® steel meets the requirements of all relevant Australian Standards. Most modern systems use high tensile steel components and appropriate jointing methods, and are engineered to meet the relevant structural requirements of the National Construction Code
How can I be assured that frames made from TRUECORE® steel are good quality?
TRUECORE® steel is made by BlueScope to strict tolerances and fully complies with all relevant Australian Standards. Light gauge steel framing is a precision engineered product manufactured to accurate dimensions and this helps to ensure walls are straight and true. Steel frames don’t shrink, twist or warp over time which may help reduce builder call-backs and ongoing maintenance issues.
Is a light gauge steel frame made from TRUECORE® steel durable?
Yes, it is. TRUECORE® steel with Activate® technology incorporates a thoroughly tested protective aluminium/zinc/magnesium alloy coating. Our patented Activate® coating technology is an important component of BlueScope products installed across a range of environments and building applications. Where there are cut edges from drilling or cutting operations, the galvanic action of the coating protects the exposed steel edge against corrosion.
Have steel framed buildings been proven over time?
Steel framing has been successfully used in housing since the early 1950’s and in recent years has gained in popularity. There are well-known and reputable builders in Australia who recognise the benefits of TRUECORE® steel and building steel framed houses.
What warranty is available on TRUECORE® steel?
TRUECORE® steel is backed by a reassuring 50-year warranty from BlueScope. The warranty is offered to eligible applicants for residential applications and is subject to terms and conditions. For full terms and conditions and to determine eligibility please visit warranties.bluescopesteel.com.au/ or call BlueScope on 1800 800 789. In addition, consumers have rights under Australian Consumer Law which cannot be excluded, modified or restricted and the warranties offered by BlueScope do not affect those rights.
Can you hang pictures on walls of steel framed homes?
Most pictures can be adequately supported by a variety of commonly available plasterboard anchors. Heavier items can be drilled and screwed directly into the studs and the studs can be easily located with a magnet or stud finders which are readily available from hardware stores.
How can I easily find the studs in my wall and avoid electrical cables when drilling?
A range of stud finders are readily available from hardware stores. The basic versions detect metal studs through up to 19mm of plasterboard and have a visual/audio alert when in proximity to live 240V cabling.
I’ve heard frames made from TRUECORE® steel are insecticide free. What does this mean?
Because it’s termite and borer proof, TRUECORE® steel doesn’t need to be treated with insecticides to keep these harmful pests from eating your frame. So, if you live in an area affected by termites and if minimising insecticides around your home is a priority for you and your family, building your home with frames made from TRUECORE® steel is a great way to start.
If I use a steel frame how much flexibility do I have with design?
Steel frame manufacturers and fabricators can produce almost any one or two storey home design seen in Australia today and recently steel frames have been used in some three and four storey designs. Because house frames made from TRUECORE® steel have a high strength-to-weight ratio and stay straight and true, they’re an ideal choice for modern home design. Long spans, open plan living spaces, architectural rooflines; they’re all possible with the inner strength of TRUECORE® steel. And frames made from TRUECORE® steel are suitable for both flat and sloping blocks.
Are steel framed houses thermally efficient?
A frame made from TRUECORE® steel can be lined, insulated and clad in a variety of ways which can deliver the desired thermal and acoustic properties.
Does steel framing combined with external cladding provide greater internal wall space?
Compared to double-brick construction, floorspace gains can be achieved when using frames made from TRUECORE® steel combined with external cladding construction. Over a typical home design (slab area = 221m2) this may equate to three square metres which could mean more living space or additional storage.
I’ve heard steel frames allow a range of external façade options
Yes, steel frames can accommodate a range of facades including brick, veneer, fibre cement and timber. Cladding solutions can be fixed directly to steel framing.
Does TRUECORE® steel comply with the relevant Australian Standards?
BlueScope Steel manufactures TRUECORE® steel to all the relevant Australian Standards (AS1397:2011 and AS/NZS 1365:1996) for thickness, width, mechanical properties and coating mass. TRUECORE® steel is easily identifiable through product branding and the distinctive blue coating.
Are steel frames quick to install?
Because they arrive to site pre-fabricated, frames made from TRUECORE® steel are ready to be installed straight away. Some builders have suggested there are time savings compared to some other building materials. We recommend you speak to your builder for an estimate of the build time for your specific project.
Can steel house frames be erected by owner builders?
Many systems can be installed by the owner-builder and some fabricators supply frames in kit form specifically for the do-it-yourself segment. Panels are easily handled and are clearly labelled for assembly, with pre-punched electrical and plumbing service holes. The National Association of Steel Framed Housing (NASH) provides instructional literature and videos to assist the owner builder or do-it-yourself installer..
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