Homes built with bricks are by no means uncommon in Australia. Brick homes with steel frames are also becoming popular. Is the bricks and steel combination simply an industry trend, or are there compelling reasons why builders choose these materials? Let’s take a look at why brick homes with steel frames are likely to be the mainstay of Australian home building into the future.
In the comparison between timber and steel, steel wins. Steel frames provide incredible strength and durability. They are resistant to warping, twisting and cracking, which ensures the structural integrity of the home over time. This makes steel frames especially beneficial in areas prone to extreme weather conditions, such as strong winds and heavy rains, which are common in various parts of Australia. Bricks and steel share durability as a virtue. Bricks have been the builder’s choice for centuries with good reason. They are attractive, sure, but also marvellously durable.
Homeowners in Australia are traditionally terrified at the thought of termite attack. Termite damage has the potential to destroy an entire timber framed home – but not a steel framed home. While termites continue to represent a concern in many parts of Australia, steel frames are completely impervious to termite infestations. This provides great peace of mind to the owners of steel framed homes and also takes away entirely the need for expensive cost ongoing termite treatments.
While no combination of home building materials is able to stand up to catastrophic fire attack, a steel framed, brick home offers excellent fire resistance with its brick ‘skin’ and non-combustible steel frame. In bushfire prone areas and even in the suburbs, bricks and steel are an excellent choice if fire is a concern.
In the bricks and steel combination, bricks are the star here. Bricks have outstanding ‘thermal mass’, with the ability to absorb, store and slowly release heat. A brick homes potentially heats up more slowly in summer and can often shrug off one or two hot days, lessening the need to turn on air conditioning.
If your idea of the ideal home is one that calls for an absolute minimum of ongoing maintenance, bricks and steel are winners. Unlike timber, steel will never rot, split or warp. Likewise bricks mostly look after themselves year in and year out, never need painting, can’t be attacked by pests and are not prone to weathering.
In some instances, steel frames can allow for longer spans without the need for load-bearing walls. This can be important in creating open, versatile interior spaces. Bricks are now available in such a wide variety of colours and finishes that they lend themselves perfectly to traditional looks or thoroughly modern styles. Whatever look you have in mind, bricks and steel open up a world of choice.
Choosing a steel frame and brick construction for a home in Australia combines the strengths of both materials, offering enhanced durability, safety, energy efficiency, low maintenance, and design versatility. Format Homes make use of guaranteed Truecore steel frames in every one of their designs, along with a wide choice of brick finishes.
If you’d like to discuss a new home and the advantages of a Truecore steel frame and premium quality brick finish, Format Homes would love to hear from you. To make an enquiry, simply click here.
