What Are Cold Rolled Steel Buildings?

Hot Rolled Steel

Hot-rolled steel is produced by roll-pressing steel at extremely high temperatures, making it more malleable and easier to work with during fabrication. However, this process leads to certain characteristics:

• A scaled surface due to the cooling process
• Minor distortions, with angles that may not be perfectly precise
• Slightly rounded edges and corners caused by shrinkage and finishing imperfections

Cold Rolled Steel

Cold-rolled steel, on the other hand, undergoes additional processing after hot rolling. Once cooled, the steel is further rolled to create more precise dimensions and a smoother finish. This additional refinement includes techniques such as grinding, polishing, and turning, resulting in:

• A high-quality, smooth surface finish
• Tighter tolerances for greater accuracy
• Straight, uniform tubes and well-defined edges
• A sleek, polished appearance

Cold-rolled steel is preferred for applications that require precision, strength, and an aesthetically refined finish.

Why Choose Cold-Rolled Steel for Buildings?

Cold-rolled steel is often the more economical choice for construction, particularly in portal frame designs. Thanks to its galvanised finish, it offers excellent rust protection, reducing long-term maintenance costs. These buildings are designed to last over 60 years with minimal upkeep.

One of the standout benefits of cold-rolled steel is its impressive strength-to-weight ratio. This means buildings can be both strong and lightweight, eliminating the need for deep foundations. Typically, a 150mm floor slab is sufficient to support the structure, reducing both construction costs and environmental impact.