Light Steel Frame (LSF) Roof Trusses

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LSF has exceptional strength:

Light gauge steel boasts a high strength-to-weight ratio, allowing for longer spans and heavier loads compared to wood. This translates to a more robust roof structure that can withstand even the harshest weather conditions.

Lightweight construction:

LSF trusses can be significantly lighter than traditional wood trusses, leading to easier handling, reduced transportation costs if supplied in flat packs.

LSF Reduces waste

LSF construction generates significantly less waste than traditional methods, contributing to a more sustainable building process and minimising environmental impact.

Lightweight steel has enhanced durability:

Unlike wood, LSF is resistant to moisture, rot, fire, and termites, guaranteeing a longer lifespan and lower maintenance requirements throughout the building’s life cycle.

LSF for faster installation

Prefabricated and pre-cut Lightweight steel trusses allow for faster and more efficient installation, minimising construction time.

Design flexibility with Lightweight Steel

LSF trusses can be customised to accommodate various roof designs and shapes, allowing for greater architectural freedom and aesthetic appeal.

Benefits of Light Steel Roof Trusses

Reduced dead weight

The lighter weight of LSF trusses reduces the overall dead weight of the building, resulting in more structural efficiency.

Greater clear spans

LSF trusses can generally achieve longer spans than wood trusses, providing open and flexible interior spaces without the need for additional support columns.

Improved pest resistance

Steel’s natural resistance to insects and rodents ensures a pest-free roof environment, eliminating the need for harmful chemical treatments.

Lower maintenance costs

Due to their inherent durability of steel, LSF trusses require minimal maintenance over time, saving you money in the long run.

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Dual Pitch Lightweight Steel Trusses

Mono Pitch Light Steel Roof Structures

FAQs

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Can Light Steel Trusses be used for RDP Housing Projects?

In South Africa, Light Gauge Steel Trusses (LSF trusses) have become the preferred material for government-funded RDP housing projects. This preference stems from their inherent advantages. LSF trusses offer exceptional durability, ensuring the longevity of these vital housing structures. Furthermore, their low maintenance requirements contribute to reduced long-term costs, making them a sustainable solution for RDP housing initiatives.

What are light gauge trusses?

Light gauge steel trusses, also known as cold-formed steel trusses, are a prominent innovation in the construction industry. These trusses are meticulously crafted from high-quality sheet steel that is roll-formed into various shapes to achieve optimal strength and efficiency. Beyond their aesthetic appeal, light gauge steel trusses have demonstrably transformed the way structures are built.

How far can light steel truss span?

The span capabilities of light steel trusses depend on several factors, but typically they can range from short spans up to around 25 meters (82 feet). Here’s a breakdown of the key influences:

Truss Design: The specific design of the truss, including its depth, web profile, and spacing of members, all affect its load-bearing capacity and therefore its maximum span.
Steel Gauge: The thickness of the steel used in the truss members plays a role. Thicker gauges can handle heavier loads and potentially achieve longer spans.
Spacing of Trusses: The distance between trusses placed side-by-side also impacts the overall load they can support. Closer spacing allows for longer spans.
Roofing Materials and Loads: The weight of the roofing materials (tiles, metal sheets, etc.) and any additional live or dead loads on the roof will influence the maximum achievable span.

What is the durability of light steel framing?

Light steel construction has emerged as a versatile and proven method for a wide range of building types. This includes residential dwellings, commercial structures, healthcare facilities, educational institutions, and industrial buildings. One of the key benefits of light steel construction lies in its exceptional durability. Design life predictions for light steel framing in a “warm frame” environment, where temperatures remain moderate, can exceed 250 years.

Why use light gauge steel framing?

Light gauge steel trusses (LSF trusses) offer a compelling alternative to traditional wood or concrete framing in construction projects. They exhibit superior strength and durability compared to these materials. This advantage stems from several key properties of LSF trusses:

Resistance to Biodegradation: Unlike wood, LSF trusses are not susceptible to decay or termite infestation. This ensures long-term structural integrity and eliminates the need for ongoing treatment against biological threats.
Moisture Resistance: LSF trusses exhibit excellent moisture resistance, preventing issues like warping, shrinkage, and rot that can plague wood framing exposed to adverse weather conditions.
Stackable and Transportable: The inherent lightweight nature of LSF trusses makes them easy to stack and transport efficiently. This translates to reduced construction time and labour costs on-site.
Fast and Easy Assembly: LSF trusses are typically prefabricated to precise specifications, allowing for rapid and straightforward on-site assembly. This ease of use translates to reduced labour costs compared to traditional framing methods.

By combining these properties, LSF trusses offer a robust, efficient, and long-lasting building solution for various construction projects. They contribute to faster construction timelines and lower overall project costs.

Light Steel Trusses compared to Steel Roof Trusses

What is the difference between light gauge steel and steel?

Structural steel and light gauge framing are different in both the production of the steel, its application and the fastening methods used. Structural steel requires thicker and heavier fastening methods, such as welding, bolting or riveting. Light gauge steel on the other hand can be fastened more simply with steel screws.

Studies have highlighted the differences in LSF systems and other materials, these Comparisons have shown that both light steel trusses and steel roof trusses offer impressive strength and versatility. It’s important to select the right roof trusses so the decision as to which type of roofing timber or steel frame roof trusses or metal roof structures should be based on the specific project requirements. Wooden trusses are known for their cost effectiveness, however, timber trusses are not resistant to rot or pests.

Although all truss products are high-strength roofing materials, the main advantage of light steel trusses, which are made from thin, high-strength steel formed into a U-shape, is that they keep weight down without sacrificing structural integrity.

Steel roof trusses are the traditional heavy-lifters in roof construction. They’re typically made from thicker steel sections, allowing them to tackle substantial weight and span impressive distances.

Lightweight Steel Roof Trusses

Designed to exceed government energy efficient standards, reduce labour costs, reduce construction time and provide outstanding results with quality, true and straight surfaces.

Key strengths:

Lightweight Champion: Easy to transport and install, reducing construction time and costs.
The Adaptable Expert: Great for various applications, from residential roofs to extensions on commercial buildings.
Durable Defender: Resistant to termites, rot, and fire, providing long-lasting performance.

Steel Roof Trusses

Key strengths:

Superior Strength: They can support significant weight, making them ideal for large commercial buildings, warehouses, and industrial facilities.
Long-Distance Master: Need a wide-open space? Steel trusses can create impressive spans without needing extra support columns.
Fire Resistant Champion: like light steel trusses, they offer excellent fire resistance.

Choosing Your Truss Material

The best option for your project depends on its specific needs. Here’s a quick guide:

Light Steel Trusses: Perfect for residential roofs, RDP housing, sheds and storage units, big volume building projects, smaller commercial buildings, (such as our St Apollinaris Hospital Project) and situations where weight is a concern.
Steel Roof Trusses: Ideal for large commercial structures, warehouses, buildings needing long spans, and those requiring maximum strength.

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Sustainability

LSF contributes significantly to sustainable construction practices through its:

Recyclability: Steel is 100% recyclable, minimising its environmental impact and promoting a circular economy.
Reduced construction waste: Prefabrication roll forming and elimination of offcuts significantly reduce waste generation compared to traditional methods.

Building a Stronger Future

With its exceptional strength, durability, and sustainability, LSF is the future of roof construction. By choosing LSF roof trusses, you’re not only building a stronger, more resilient structure but also contributing to a more sustainable future.

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