Framing Services > Framing System

Steel Framing & Truss System

Fast becoming the builders' choice of material, steel framing delivers benfits that are often not seen, but add to the supreme finish expected in quality homes today.

Environmental sustainablity RFS Steel Frames and Trusses are proudly manufactured in New Zealand from steel that is locally sourced from west coast iron sands and contains a component of recycled steel. RFS Steel Framing and Trusses require no preservative chemicals and negates increased site waste due to the pre -manufactured process off site reducing the environmental impact of building. The major contributing factor to RFS systems sustainability is that steel is 100% recyclable.

Superior Finishing       RFS has been the leader by using globally proven rollforming technology for over 10 years. In this time we have set the benchmark for quality, accuracy and overall finish. Straight frames that sub trades trust is one of the many benefits when working with RFS Steel systems. You can also rely on steel for dimensional stability as it does not expand or contract with moisture or temperature changes. RFS frames and truss will not twist, warp, sag or shrink.

Reduced Construction Programs     Professionals in the trade report that working with RFS Steel systems is very fast and straightforward. Frames arrive on site as either knock down or pre-assembled, are accurate and easily identifiable which increases the speed of standing frames. Our framing is screw fixed so no welding is required. The RFS system provides further opportunity to reduce labour costs, with pre-punched plumbing and electrical service holes so sub trades are installing services their first day on site.

Top Quality Finish     Homeowners and trade professionals opinions are what really count when assessing the benefits of RFS Steel Framing. As well as a top quality finish you'll enjoy a healthier indoor environment, safe in the knowledge that your frames do not absorb moisture, won't support mould growth and will not rot. The problems with frame movement are greatly reduced, meaning your home will look as great as the day you moved in.

Healthy, safe and appealing  Steel framing has none of the additional chemicals associated with timber so builders and sub trades will not be exposed to these harmful substances. Steel framing is environmentally friendly – framing is 100% recyclable, wastage in steel plants is typically less than 1% and it can be reused or recycled when the building is demolished. We use Axxis® Steel which has been given the Sensitive Choice Blue Butterfly by the Asthma & Respiratory Foundation of NZ, why would you settle for anything less? When using RFS steel framing you can be sure of providing your family a healthy home environment.

You Dream it, we make it...
Steel framing has now gained the trust of specifers, draftspersons and architects to provide excellent strength, superb spanning possibilities allowing greater design freedom in a cost effective package.

Most cost effective
Your home is only as good as the foundations and framework, if its not square and true the rest of the build will be compromised. RFS Steel Framing comes straight, clean, strong and stable and can be installed in any weather, reducing the construction programme. In comparison with timber, steel makes good economical sense. Ask your building professional to investigate the RFS steel alternative today.

50 Year Durability Statement
RFS steel framing and truss uses Axxis Steel which is backed by NZ Steel. It's galvanized 100% zinc coating complete with a 50 Durability Statement giving you peace of mind with a quality product that will last the test of time.

Steel Framing
New Zeland Made Product
Steel Framing

The RFS systems have many design features that enable fast accurate builds. These standard features are unique to the RFS system and contribute to the superior final result of the building. Save time and money by using the RFS system.



 

Steel Framing
Steel Framing
Label printing for controlled assembly
Pre Punched  Service Holes

Pre punched service holes
fitted with purpose made
grommets for additional safetySteel Framing

 

Is steel slower or faster to build with?
Working with steel can provide time savings on the total build project. Frames and trusses are usually supplied pre-assembled and ready to stand on site. Steel frames are light and easy to move (approx 1/3 weight of timber) and erecting steel is not so weather dependent. Builders also report less maintenance problems with steel frames resulting in less remedial work from call backs.

How do I create electrical and plumbing service holes?
RFS Steel Framing is trade friendly and service holes are pre-punched with plastic grommets to protect services. Additional service holes are easily drilled or can be made cleanly with a stub punch.

Interior linings, how to fix?
Wall linings are glued and screw-fixed in place. Fixings are available from your local building merchant. Ask RFS or your supplier for details.

Steel framing and electricity, is it safe?
Yes, standard trade practice is to earth steel-frames, so if they do become exposed to live-wires the earthing creates a short and trips the residual current safety switch, reducing the chance of electrocution. Tests also show steel framing offers better protection in a lightning storm, as, if struck the charge will be redirected straight to the ground via the earth wire, reducing the likelihood of fire or injury.

Do I need a new set of tools?
No, the RFS Steel Framing system requires few specialist tools. You will need a pair of quality tin snips, an impact driver with bits including 150mm bits for screwing into deep corners and a hole saw (34mm) to make any additional service holes. No welding equipment is required.

Is steel framing a good choice of material when looking to build a healthy home?
A steel framed home is a healthy home. AXXIS® steel is the framing material to be awarded the Sensitive Choice blue butterfly by The Asthma Foundation. Steel framing does not leach toxic chemicals, it will not act as a food source for mould and in the unfortunate event of moisture ingress, will not rot or promote mould growth.

We want steel framing but what about the floors? Is steel an option?
The RFS Steel Floor Joist system is the logical choice. There are no issues with moisture, squeaking, growing or shrinking as with timber floors. Our steel joist systems are strong spanning up to 6.9 meters and are both fire and noise rated to Winstone Wallboard specifications.