The first Light Steel Frame (LSF) systems for the UK market were developed in the 1980s. LSF has recently become an established form of construction recognised with inclusion in the current Building Regulations.
LSF is extensively used for infill walling in multi-storey structures for both commercial and residential use. Provision for rooftop extensions and penthouses is facilitated through using a lightweight construction away from the load bearing structural lines. LSF is commonly used to form the structural frames for residential housing and apartment constructions from 2 to 12 storeys.
Benefits of LSF construction include:
- Speed
- Accuracy
- Dimensionally stable in the changing environments from construction site to occupied building
- Typical construction details achieve a very good thermal performance and are very air tight
- Lightweight, reducing the bearing loads on foundations
- Flexibility in design, can accommodate most design features including curved walls
The LSF industry has been capacity constrained over the last few years, however a number of new entrants to the market and capacity increases from the established players will allow significant growth over the next few years. Traditionally the industry has been dominated by the roll formers of the sections (studs & track), who also supplied the know-how to assemble them. More recently down stream players such as dry lining or cladding sub-contractors have diversified into LSF, bringing with them a more practical knowledge of the construction industry and its requirements.
As a result, the service to the main contractor is improving. These new suppliers are developing diverse, new, practical and more cost effective methods of designing, assembling and constructing LSF. These include field factories next to the job site to reduce transport costs and lead-time from design to erecting. Most importantly, the more enlightened are now offering integrated packages including internal and external claddings and the roof element to provide the main contractor with a true, rapid dry envelope from a single sub-contract package.
