Blog

Structural steel supports are engineered steel members designed to carry and transfer loads within a building structure. They are commonly used in residential construction where traditional masonry or timber supports are insufficient or have been removed during alterations.

Typical steel members used in housing projects include:

• Universal Beams (UB) – horizontal load-bearing beams
  
  
• Universal Columns (UC) – vertical steel supports
  
  
• Rolled Steel Joists (RSJs) – a commonly used term for steel beams in domestic construction

• Square Hollow Section (SHS) - Used as column supports for corner windows etc.
  
  
• Steel lintels – supports above doors and windows
  
  
• Steel portal frames – used in larger extensions or open-plan spaces
  

Structural steel offers several advantages over traditional materials such as timber or masonry when used in load-bearing applications.

Key benefits include:

High Load Capacity

Steel beams can support heavy loads while maintaining relatively small cross-sectional sizes.

Longer Spans

Steel allows larger open spaces by spanning greater distances without intermediate supports.

Dimensional Stability

Steel does not shrink, warp, or twist in the same way timber can.

Reduced Structural Depth

In many cases, steel beams require less depth than equivalent timber beams.

Design Flexibility

Architects and engineers can create larger openings and more modern layouts.

These properties make steel particularly useful in modern open-plan residential designs.

We can deliver to your site at a time that suits you, however you will need to arrange unloading of the steel products.

We do offer an installation service within our area, which we can quote you for. Generally speaking your site team can easily install beams. We can provide them with a site drawing pack, with steel items numbered and anchors/site assembly bolts supplied as required.

That's not a problem, just contact our telephone number and we can guide you through.