Light gauge steel, structural & modular FAQ
Quick answers on fire resistance, seismic, cost, speed, and how Cal Steel fabricates and erects.
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Steel construction knowledge base.
Clear, practical answers on light gauge steel, structural steel, and modular construction in California, written for builders, developers, and owners deciding how to frame their next project.
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Fire & code
Fire & code
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Steel vs wood framing cost
How cold-formed steel compares to wood on cost, speed, fire, and durability for California homes.
Read →Non-combustible steel framing
Why non-combustible steel framing matters for WUI zones and California fire rebuilds.
Read →Structural steel vs light gauge steel
Two different steels doing two different jobs, and how they work together on a building.
Read →Class A fire-rated assemblies over steel
What a Class A rating means and what goes into a fire-hardened wall and roof over a steel frame.
Read →Ember-resistant detailing for WUI homes
The vents, eaves, edges, and openings where wildfire embers start fires, and how to close them.
Read →Hillside fire rebuilds in steel
How structural and light gauge steel work together on steep Palisades and Malibu lots.
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