What are the advantages of using metal studs in a home?

Question

I am considering having a home built and I am leaning towards using metal studs as opposed to the traditional wood ones.
Anybody with any experiance in this area? Comments, suggestions!?!?!
Any problems with wiring or radio/tv reception? Lightning? Static problems? I was told early metal studs caused grime & dust to be attracted to the walls...

The termite issue is one of my main concerns being that I live in the South. I also am considering metal studs because of the lessened fire risks & cheaper insurance rates.

Fire and Ice - that is an interesting point that I would have never though of. Thanks for letting me know!

Answer 1

On top of the reduced risk of termite infestation, there's the fire resistance factor, no warpage, twisting, moving because of moisture absorption, and the fact that they are all straight when they are installed. Metal is being more widely used every day in the building trades and is proving itself worthy. Besides, it saves some of our trees.

Answer 2

The only problem I encountered was when all was done, hanging pictures were a little bit of a problem at first. However, knowing termites are dining at my neighbors house, and the reduced insurance premiums far out weigh that. As for TV, reception, no related problem with satellite service.

Answer 3

definite you may, by technique of creating use of self drilling, self tapping metal fixings (commonly spoke of as TEK fixings) that you may want to get from a good builders merchants, or at worst, from a roofing organization (they're commonly used to tie the skinny sheets of metal roofs at the same time). they appear as if a classic screw (even inspite of the undeniable fact that they are going to be plenty thicker), yet they have a "drill bit" factor on the pointy end the extends down the screw by technique of about 5 mm. this signifies that they drill their way into the metal, then the screw follows the 5mm drill factor and self faucets its way into the hollow created by technique of reported drill factor - all in a unmarried fantastic person-friendly step. you may want to ensure that you purchase fixings that are designed for skinny metal - the thick metal ones have an prolonged drill factor and a tighter thread, the skinny metal ones have a shorter drill factor and far wider thread. in case you employ those by skill of the ingredient you opt to entice close (i.e., cupboard back, or inspite of), by skill of the plasterboard and through the metal, they are going to tie all of them at the same time and could carry extremely a good load. make constructive you get fixings for metal, as in case you get aluminium ones, the metal of the studs will react with the aluminium and the aluminium will rot to a great white powder (no longer too good for power !). the toughest ingredient you may want to do is to discover the metal studwork - you may want to apply a "pipe finder" type device, which bleeps once you bypass it over metal hidden behind a wall, except you're very fortunate and can want to work out the plasterboard fixings, which will instruct you the stud line besides. good luck !

Answer 4

Termites will not be a concern with metal studs. The only drawback that I can see it it will make installing door casing and baseboard more difficult because they will have to be installed with trim screws instead of finishing nails.

Answer 5

If you do decide to go with the metal studs, please inform you local fire department of your construction. These walls to not last as long in a raging fire and would collapse prematurely compared to heavy wood products. A firefighter will still attempt a rescue for life, but would not risk their life to save the house itself.

Answer 6

The main advantage is you won't be having any termite problems to your framing. Houses built in Hawaii are built with metal for that reason and also it's cheaper for them. Lumber is not readily available.