The Types of Steel Beams Used for Home Construction

Last updated on October 27, 2023

These are the types of steel beams used in home construction. Learn how to choose the right type. Read on!

Steel beams are an important part of home construction. They are used to support the weight of the roof and other parts of the house. There are a variety of steel beams that can be used for different purposes, but all of them are designed to provide the strength and stability that is necessary for a structure.

Steel beams are often used in place of wooden beams because they are stronger and more durable. Wood can warp and rot over time, while steel does not rust or decay. Steel also has a higher fire rating than wood, so it is safer in the event of a fire.

Choosing the right type of steel beam for your project is important for safety and structural integrity. However, with so many types and sizes available, it can be challenging to know which one is right for you.

In this blog post, we will discuss the different types of steel beams commonly used for home construction and give you some helpful tips for choosing the right beam for your project.

So whether you’re building a one-story home or constructing a multi-level structure, read on to get the information you need.

I-Beams

I-Beams are one of the most common types of steel beams used in home construction. They are named for their shape, which is similar to the letter I. I-Beams are made of steel and have a rectangular cross-section. They are often used in place of wooden beams because they are stronger and more durable.

I-Beams come in a variety of sizes, but the most common widths are 8 inches, 10 inches, and 12 inches. The depth of an I-beam can vary, but it is usually between 6 inches and 12 inches.

I-Beams can be used for both structural and non-structural applications. In structural applications, they are used to support the weight of the roof and other parts of the house. In non-structural applications, they can be used for things like framing walls or creating doorways.

One downside to using I-Beams is that they can be quite heavy. This can make them difficult to handle and transport. However, because they are so strong, they can withstand a lot of weight without bending or breaking

UB Beams

UB beams (or Universal Beams) are the type of RSJ (rolled steel joists) you will usually find in home construction. They are named for their distinctive U-shaped cross section and they come in a variety of sizes and thicknesses. The most common UB beam is the UC beam, which has a flange width of 80mm and a depth of 150mm.

UB beams can be used for both structural and non-structural applications. In structural applications, they are often used to support the weight of the roof or other parts of the house. In non-structural applications, they can be used to frame walls or create doorways

One advantage to using UB beams is that they are lightweight compared to I-beams. This makes them easier to handle and transport. However, UB beams are not as strong as I-beams, so you may need to use additional support for larger or heavier loads.

You will also need a reputable RSJ beam supplier who can provide you with quality products that meet your specifications. If you have any further questions about UB beams, be sure to consult a professional.

HSS Beams

HSS beams (or Hollow Structural Sections) are another type of steel beam that is commonly used for home construction. These beams are made of two pieces of steel welded together to form a hollow rectangle, with the sides flattened out. This type of beam is lightweight and easy to work with, but it can still support a lot of weight.

HSS beams come in various sizes and thicknesses. The most common size is 4 inches by 4 inches, but they can also be 6 inches by 6 inches or 8 inches by 8 inches. The depth of an HSS beam varies depending on the application, but it typically ranges from 2-6 inches.

HSS beams are often used as part of a load-bearing wall system, where they provide extra strength and stability to the structure. They can also be used for creating doorways, framing walls, and other non-structural applications.

Tips for Choosing the Right Beam

steel beams — Structure of steel roof frame for home construction. Concept of residential building under construction.

When choosing the right beam, there are several factors to consider. Here’s a quick overview of the most important ones:

Size, Weight, and Strength

Size is an important factor as beams come in a variety of widths and depths, so you need to ensure that you select the size that best meets your requirements. The weight of the beam is also an important factor as heavier beams can be difficult to handle and transport.

Additionally, it’s important to choose a beam that is strong enough for your project. I-Beams are typically the strongest type of steel beams used in residential construction and they can withstand more weight than other types of steel beams such as UB Beams or HSS Beams.

Material

In addition to size and strength, you should also consider the material from which the beam is made. Steel beams are most commonly used for home construction because they are stronger and more durable than wooden beams.

However, there are different types of steel available, such as carbon steel and stainless steel, so you should research which type will be best suited to your project before making a decision.

Features

You should also take into account any additional features that may be needed when selecting a beam. For example, some beams come with holes pre-drilled in them, which makes it easier to attach other components such as bolts or screws.

Additionally, some manufacturers offer special coatings that protect against rust and corrosion, which can extend the life span of your beam even further. While these features may cost more, they can be worth the investment for certain projects.

Supplier

Finally, it’s essential to purchase your beam from reputable suppliers who can provide quality products that meet your specifications.

Asking around for recommendations from people in the industry or reading customer reviews can help ensure that you get exactly what you’re looking for in terms of size and strength—and at a price that fits within your budget.

As you can see, different types of steel beams can be used for a variety of home construction projects. When selecting the right beam, it’s important to take into account aspects such as size and weight, material, features, and supplier.

With this information in mind, you should have no trouble finding the perfect beam for your project. Good luck!