Frequently Asked Questions

Are Supaloc^® steel frames expensive?

The innovations developed by Supaloc and incorporated into your frame means that our systems will provide you with a competitive build cost together with significantly lower ongoing costs associated with maintenance and chemical treatments over the life of your home.

Are Supaloc^® frames termite proof?

Supaloc steel frames manufactured from TrueCore steel and are 100% termite proof. No if, buts or maybes. Your family will no longer need to be exposed to expensive on ongoing chemical treatments. Ever.

Will I have reduced maintenance costs with a Supaloc^® frame?

Supaloc frames are precision engineered to be dimensionally accurate. They won’t shrink, twist or warp so no problems such as cracking cornices, jamming doors, sticking windows or wavy rooflines.

Do we have design flexibility when building our home with Supaloc^® frames?

The high strength-to-weight ratio of steel roof framing allows for longer spans, creating larger, more open living areas. And because it’s steel, it measures up against increasingly stringent building and fire regulations.

I am an Owner Builder. Can I erect my own frames?

Generally, we only supply Supaloc frames to authorised builders who utilise skilled trades and supervisors to ensure your home is built to our stringent quality requirements. In some regions we are also able to recommend licensed installers who are able to undertake this work to ensure your warranty is maintained.

I am conscious about the Environment. Why should I consider Supaloc^® steel frames?

Supaloc steel framing made from TRUECORE® steel which delivers a range of environmental benefits, both immediate and long term. The relative light weight of steel framing, combined with its design versatility and flexibility, means a Supaloc steel-framed house can be built with minimal site impact.

Quite literally, it 'touches the earth lightly'.

This is especially apparent on sloping and difficult sites where it can be used in conjunction with suspended flooring systems, reducing the need to cut into the site and thus leaving a much smaller imprint. Supaloc building systems are fabricated off-site to exact specifications; there is minimal cutting and wastage onsite - making for a cleaner building environment.

Are Supaloc^® steel frames noisy?

Supaloc steel frames use patented superior connections that ensure unsurpassed accuracy and dimensional stability, thermally induced movement and noise is no more likely than with other materials. Steel framing expands and contracts at rates not too dissimilar from other materials, which means it is unlikely that there will be noise or cornice cracking problems.

Can I add to the home at a later date?

Yes. Additions are relatively easy to make. In addition, the original steel structure will be straight regardless of age, making the job of lining up the extension easier.

Will my Supaloc^® steel frame rust?

Supaloc steel frames are made from TRUECORE® steel have a protective zinc/aluminum coating and when installed to specification, are backed by the strength of a 50 year warranty from BlueScope.

Are Supaloc^® steel frames electrically safe?

Yes! Steel frames are safe because the frames are earthed and when exposed to a live wire it will create a short and trip the residual current safety switch therefore there is little chance of touching anything active. All new housing is required to be fitted with residual current safety switches. However, a broken or pierced wire in a timber frame can remain live and current leakage can cause troublesome faults and fire risks.

Will lightning affect my Supaloc^® steel framed house?

No! Because a steel frame creates a positive earth, a lightning strike will have no effect. The energy is allowed to go straight to the ground, and is not dissipated destructively as in conventional framing.

I have heard that steel frames interfere with TV or Radio reception?

This is a myth. Radio and TV Wave frequencies pass around steel as easily as timber framing.