In 1996 the founders of IHE embarked on a new adventure by becoming the first production oriented, steel framing company in San Diego County. Through that process, we learned a great deal about steel framing, including simplicity construc- ing and the quality obtained in the finished product by building homes out of light-gauge steel. In addition, we discovered the world’s demand for affordable housing was not being met and that the world was seeking an alternative to the archaic, slow and often-times structurally inferior method of building houses with concrete and concrete block.
- Steel is lighter than other framing materials and provides the highest strength to weight ratio.
- Steel is 100% recyclable and is the most recycled construction material on earth.
- Steel is non-combustible (NFPA statistics show that wood is third most commonly first-ignited material).
- Steel is insusceptible to termites and other pests.
- Steel does not rot, warp, split, crack or creep.
- Steel is dimensionally stable (steel is straight, does not expand or contract with moisture content).
- Steel is made of nearly 75% recycled material.
- Steel can be erected by a low skill work force after a brief training program.
- Steel has design flexibility. Steel’s span capabilities virtually eliminate load bearing walls and allow for larger open spaces.
- Steel is banker friendly. Banks have no reservation in lending for permanent structures.