Economic Performance
This module evaluates the economic performance of a light gauge steel framed wall system. Click on any of the links below to jump to that part of the page.
Functional Equivalence Specification TOP
- This section provides an overview of all of the necessary components included in a light gauge steel framing wall system compared to a traditional OVE wood framing wall.
| Functions |
Light Gauge Steel |
OVE Wood Framing |
| Structural |
C-Studs (min. thickness 18 mils) |
2x Studs |
| Structural |
Steel (top and bottom plates) |
2x Single Top and Bottom Plates |
| Insulation |
R-19 Fiberglass Insulation |
R-19 Fiberglass Insulation |
| Fasteners |
Self-Tapping Screws |
Nails |
| Bracing |
Steel Bracing Strips |
Plywood Sheathing |
| Siding |
Aluminum Siding |
Aluminum Siding |
| Siding Fasteners |
Stainless Steel Collated Nails |
Aluminum Nails |
| Interior of Wall |
Gypsum Board |
Gypsum Board |
| Paint |
Paint |
Paint |
| Plaster |
Plaster |
Plaster |
| Job Tool |
Chop Saw Needed |
Any Saw |
Estimating Methodology TOP
- Before you even can begin estimating the price of the walls, a scope of the project needs to be completed. Three questions need to be answered as part of the scope. First, What type of light gauge steel will be used? We decided to focus on C studs for this project. The next question that needs to be answered is how thick do the studs need to be? This question can’t really be answered without knowing how much load will be on each stud. The last question you need to answer is what spacing will there be in between each stud (12” or 18”)? We chose to make the spacing 18” to be more equivalent with the OVE Wood Framing system. Now knowing these three variations estimating can begin.
- The process map below shows a representation of the estimating methodology.
- As seen on the process map, the two major factors of cost are materials and labor. All the materials are steel so the price per unit are very volatile. The price of the framing will most likely be different when the project starts than it is today. Emails to manufacturers were not responded to, so no unit prices can be provided. The crew needed could be a regular carpenter because the light gauge steel framing is erected much like a wood wall with metal fasteners. Also no heavy machinery is needed so no matter how small the job the price wouldn’t increase much per unit. The framing can be order to have little to no waste except for possibly excess fasteners. Also the last cost for any project is all the overhead, taxes, and bonds needed to start and complete any construction project. These factor into the cost of the individual wall system.
Contractor Investment Analysis TOP
- In comparing Light Gauge Steel Framing (LGS) and traditional OVE Framing, there are not many differences in the process. The only additional training need to install LGS is that of welding. It would be worth it for the contractor to subcontract out to a welder or if they are going to continually produce structures using LGS, then it would be beneficial to hire a welder. Any other differences are the useof screws instead of nails, but this should not be a problem for anyone already proficient in OVE Framing.
CLICK HERE FOR CONTRACTOR INVESTMENT ANALYSIS TABLE (PDF)
Procurement Analysis TOP
- Three suppliers were contacted to answer questions about local suppliers, lead time, procurement constraints, and transportation costs.
CLICK HERE FOR PROCUREMENT ANALYSIS (PDF)
