Steel studs

[BostonRich]

I found out the other day when I was hanging something on a wall that my relatively new home has steel studs. I see houses being built here with wood studs. Curious as to the reason why different materials are used in different homes.

[Chatbrat]

Lots of houses have wood on exterior walls, while they have steel in interior walls--steel has greater dimensionable stability compared to wood

[anothersteve]

Wood exterior studs are load bearing for the trusses usually used here, and better insulation wise. Steel interior is cheaper, and not usually load bearing, and less time consuming to run electric and plumbing as they have knockouts and holes pre drilled. Steel is also faster to install.
Steve

[EdFNJ]

I found out the other day when I was hanging something on a wall that my relatively new home has steel studs. I see houses being built here with wood studs. Curious as to the reason why different materials are used in different homes.
When we moved in here just over 2 years ago I discovered that when trying to wall mount our TV. Having never heard of that before since all of our previous life was in a much older area it threw me for a loop. I was afraid if I use too big a drill the beam would collapse. :) Where we lived the only insulation in the walls was a sheet of aluminum foil which was all totally disintegrated. "New" homes there were circa 1950. "Modernization" took us some time to get used to. :)

[villagetinker]

You can also contact the Sumter County Building department and get a copy of your house plans that will tell you where the metal studs are used.

As for mounting items to metal studs, there are special screw assemblies just for metal studs, DO NOT USE the plastic expanding plugs, as these will be cutoff when you insert the screw and you will have a lot less holding power than you expect (I know this for a fact, I had it happen to me....).

[anothersteve]

You can also contact the Sumter County Building department and get a copy of your house plans that will tell you where the metal studs are used.

As for mounting items to metal studs, there are special screw assemblies just for metal studs, DO NOT USE the plastic expanding plugs, as these will be cutoff when you insert the screw and you will have a lot less holding power than you expect (I know this for a fact, I had it happen to me....).

Agreed

And as far as hollow wall anchors, I love these

Access Denied (https://www.homedepot.com/p/E-Z-Ancor-Twist-N-Lock-75-lb-8-x-1-1-4-in-Philips-Zinc-Plated-Nylon-Flat-Head-Drywall-Anchors-with-Screws-4-Pack-11364/100165900)

Steve

[Midnight Cowgirl]

When we had our house built years ago we did not want the metal studs because we wanted more stability in the walls.
We paid a lot more for this feature.
It all has to do with the good almighty dollar. Metal studs are far less expensive than wood.
If you look at some of the changes which have been made over the years you will find a number of things which are a lot less money today than what the developer originally provided.

[Chatbrat]

If was building a house from the get go, the only things i would really demand is real brass valves for plumbing shut-offs--the push pulls used are normally used in manufactured houses--really cheap junk and 2x 6 exterior studs , so I could have had some real insulation, also a fire rated door to the garage & a fire barrier in the attic over the garage between the garage and the rest of the house

[biker1]

My previous home, a custom build, was constructed with ICF - excellent strength and insulation. If building a custom home again I would go with ICF again, never wood studs regardless if they were 2x4 or 2x6.

If was building a house from the get go, the only things i would really demand is real brass valves for plumbing shut-offs--the push pulls used are normally used in manufactured houses--really cheap junk and 2x 6 exterior studs , so I could have had some real insulation, also a fire rated door to the garage & a fire barrier in the attic over the garage between the garage and the rest of the house

[Fishers2tall]

My previous home, a custom build, was constructed with ICF - excellent strength and insulation. If building a custom home again I would go with ICF again, never wood studs regardless if they were 2x4 or 2x6.

Ok for those who might not know what is ICF?

[Number 10 GI]

In some cities building codes for commercial buildings require metal studs for fire proofing reasons. Steel doesn't burn.

[retiredguy123]

Ok for those who might not know what is ICF?
ICF stands for insulating concrete form. It is a composite wall with concrete sandwiched between insulation panels. Yes, it produces a high quality house, but it has never really caught on in a large scale. The construction industry is very gun shy when it comes to using new and innovative techniques. I think they are afraid of lawsuits if something fails, and the house buyers are not willing to pay extra for something they can't see. They mostly buy a house based on cosmetic features.

[Garywt]

Not really sure what the interior studs are as we only hung lighter things using anchors and screws through the drywall. TV,s sit on stands or media centers.

We do have a brick house so hanging somethings required drilling through the concrete block and putting anchors in.

[biker1]

ICF stands for Insulated Concrete Forms. They are sort of Lego-ish building bricks made of polystrene - typically about 3 inches thick on each side and held together with plastic ribbing inside. They are stacked on top of each other to form the wall structure. Rebar is then placed inside and the cavity is filled with concrete. The cavity is typically 4 or 6 inches wide. Window and door openings are cut out and blocked before the concrete pour. Drywall is typically attached on the inside and pretty much any exterior finish can be applied. The insulation comes from the polystyrene, which stays in place. They are not particularly popular but if you have a builder who is experienced with using them then they are an excellent way to go. The closest thing in the Villages are poured concrete walls where removable metals forms are used. These, of course, lack the insulation of the polystyrene that remains with ICF.

Ok for those who might not know what is ICF?

[Chatbrat]

To prove the lack of insulation in TV built homes -it takes almost no time fora home here to heat/ cool down once the a/c or heat is off-its great that electricity is relatively inexpensive

[graciegirl]

To prove the lack of insulation in TV built homes -it takes almost no time fora home here to heat/ cool down once the a/c or heat is off-its great that electricity is relatively inexpensive

We were just saying the opposite. We have a block and stucco and feel the barrier against heat is VERY good and it takes a long time for a home to heat up. However, because the homes here are built to be comfortable in nearly year around heat outdoors and the registers being in the ceiling, when it's cold, that is not as efficient as heat rises.

Here are some articles on Wood vs. metal studs in home building.

Wood vs metal studs in home building - Bing (https://www.bing.com/search?q=Wood%20vs%20metal%20studs%20in%20home%20b uilding&qs=n&form=QBRE&sp=-1&pq=wood%20vs%20metal%20studs%20in%20home%20buildin g&sc=1-36&sk=&cvid=2D2E234EC5B14167A101747C9EF019BB)

[karostay]

To prove the lack of insulation in TV built homes -it takes almost no time fora home here to heat/ cool down once the a/c or heat is off-its great that electricity is relatively inexpensive

:bigbow:

As watched my being built day by day I asked if it would be possible to insulate the block walls .i would gladly pay the additional charge.Payback would be lifelong for small additional fee.
Considering the overall cost of construction
Answer was no. Also I believe duct work is inadequately insulated and transfers heat and cold from attic to the interior.
In an era of going green hard to believe building codes in the Villages are substandard

[TimeForChange]

A lot of the changes in FL construction came following Hurricane Andrew. There were new hurricane codes developed.

[TimeForChange]

:bigbow:

As watched my being built day by day I asked if it would be possible to insulate the block walls .i would gladly pay the additional charge.Payback would be lifelong for small additional fee.
Considering the overall cost of construction
Answer was no. Also I believe duct work is inadequately insulated and transfers heat and cold from attic to the interior.
In an era of going green hard to believe building codes in the Villages are substandard

Having worked for a company who manufactured insulation (fiberglass) and sold the product for many years I can tell you that simply adding additional blown insulation to your attic up to R48 or more will do more good than anything else you can do. Call Suncoast Insulation in Ocala for a great application and price.

[villagetinker]

:bigbow:

As watched my being built day by day I asked if it would be possible to insulate the block walls .i would gladly pay the additional charge.Payback would be lifelong for small additional fee.
Considering the overall cost of construction
Answer was no. Also I believe duct work is inadequately insulated and transfers heat and cold from attic to the interior.
In an era of going green hard to believe building codes in the Villages are substandard

There is a company that advertises in the daily sun regarding additional insulation on block walls. No idea of the cost or effectiveness, I have not used them. As for the A/C ducts, I will go into the attic the next time I think of it and place my hand on the duct to see if they are cool to the touch.
Regarding the building codes, these are typically state wide, and based on national standards, as far as I know, the villages does not have their own set of building codes. Perhaps one of the inspection companies can comment on this.

[John_W]

In 1979 I built this home in Pensacola, 2480 Semoran Drive, it's off Scenic Hwy one block off the bay. I used 6" studs 24" on center, I was able to use R19 Batts instead of R13 Batts, which were standard at the time. All double pane insulated windows, I used about 10 cans of foam and sealed all the bottom and top plates, corners and T's.

I drew the plans myself and took them to a residential designer, you didn't need an architect unless it was commercial property. I was the general contractor, you don't need a license in Florida if you don't resell within the first year. This was my fourth home, the first two were new by a builder and I watched them as they were being built. The third I built myself and after I lived in it a year, I had the itch to build a bigger home and this was the fourth. As far as labor, I did all the inside painting, doors and trim and the outside landscaping and sod. I finished the home in 11 weeks from the time we broke ground to the time we moved in. I also had an 18 X 36 pool in the backyard. Total cost with lot, home and pool $78,000.

https://scontent-mia3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/67155067_1346258085538720_4815595346061164544_n.jp g?_nc_cat=101&_nc_eui2=AeEryccHyH-D-5NtNJkbYwhddvgGOmAEjtOBOk7I4FIWu_aM0XPyC0Qbt-M1hTDhpY1scC_dePkW4P9m48XibX7uR3FH5RB4AWknyxJfi439 xw&_nc_oc=AQlreuO1I_0lZUqhvw9neiqGkrj0E9wllgqYy_mMdYE U58h-g30pZlw9yl0kGRrPvXI&_nc_ht=scontent-mia3-2.xx&oh=7f244ed5abba577f14772e3cc78d4c02&oe=5DDCC3F3

https://scontent-mia3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/67597420_1346256118872250_4450330234624933888_o.jp g?_nc_cat=104&_nc_eui2=AeGaLxCDvo574FoL-o1YzRkh84fAUQG2_bVlLlPlo56pd9WooC-Km7aYhfmDHf5xdkbRZWrjRH_2oR-tJdq595Am0FlUzd1CiW6XGuxvr9X-bQ&_nc_oc=AQkeVFg1us80vQTn187Tpts8N4OTwesTqUNayyyKZTd gYxmCHt8VC1W0VWZ-omjo1q8&_nc_ht=scontent-mia3-2.xx&oh=591eadca9ead767e2d376b88aa701293&oe=5DA16F71

[graciegirl]

What a lovely home and having seen other pictures of the interior of your home here, I am not surprised.

Your fan,
Grace Gantner

[Chatbrat]

We keep our home @ 73 during the day & 67 @ night-it takes close to two hours to get the temp down to 67 & close to two hours for it to rise to 73 in the morning, block walls are like an oven they retain heat or cold

[karostay]

Having worked for a company who manufactured insulation (fiberglass) and sold the product for many years I can tell you that simply adding additional blown insulation to your attic up to R48 or more will do more good than anything else you can do. Call Suncoast Insulation in Ocala for a great application and price.

Block walls alone are 2.5 R value 1" foam board R 5 Injected foam increases R value average 8.5 It's like 100% increase

[retiredguy123]

I would not pay to have block walls filled with injected foam. First of all, the most heat transfer occurs through the "thermal bridge" created by the wall areas that have continuous concrete through the block wall. Secondly, the block cavities cannot be adequately filled with foam because many cells are either completely filled with concrete for structural reasons, or the cells are blocked by the excess mortar that protruded into the cells when the mason laid the blocks. There also may be rebar and other items in the cells that prevents the foam from filling the cells. About two thirds of energy leakage in a house occurs through the roof and windows, not through the walls. So attic insulation or new windows will provide the best return on investment. I would ask the foam salesperson to install the foam for free and pay for it based on a percentage of the reduction in electricity cost that you actually experience. See how that goes over.

[John_W]

Our masonry CYV here is not block walls, it's poured concrete using forms. They may have changed since 2011, but at that time, they had one set of forms for every model and poured all the CYV's from those forms. So it doesn't matter if your CYV is in Atrium Dells, Mission Hills or Amberjack, the veneer may be different but the dimensions and construction is all the same. I know our home stays very cool, I have the temperature set on 84 degrees most of the time, once in a great while I'll turn it to 83, anything lower will freeze you out. Our all electric CYV SECO bill is generally between $78 and $88 for a month. Besides having the fenced yard, that was the other major reason we went with the CYV instead of a Patio Villa, which is frame construction.

[retiredguy123]

Yes, they built a lot of houses with poured-in-place concrete walls, but never stopped building some with concrete blocks. I think that has now changed. They are building the new houses with concrete block.

[NatureBoy]

In some cities building codes for commercial buildings require metal studs for fire proofing reasons. Steel doesn't burn.

I’m surprised to see wooden studs being used in The Lofts.

[Midnight Cowgirl]

I’m surprised to see wooden studs being used in The Lofts.


Wood studs being used throughout the entire house or just in certain areas?

Just curious because usually, they use wood only in certain areas such as in places where they put batting insulation.

[JackRussell]

Termites

[retiredguy123]

In my opinion, steel studs and wood studs both provide equilvalent construction quality. They are probably using wood studs in The Lofts because it is a multi-story building and some of the interior walls will be loadbearing. Steel studs are more appropriate for single level buildings, like almost every house in The Villages.

[Midnight Cowgirl]

Termites


Don't kid yourself!

You will get termites in block and stucco houses, as well, and in poured concrete, too.

No house in Florida is immune from termites and at some point, practically all houses will eventually have them.

[Midnight Cowgirl]

In my opinion, steel studs and wood studs both provide equilvalent construction quality. They are probably using wood studs in The Lofts because it is a multi-story building and some of the interior walls will be loadbearing. Steel studs are more appropriate for single level buildings, like almost every house in The Villages.


No, they definitely do not provide "equivalent" construction quality.
While they may meet code, builders who use them today use them because they are cheaper and can be installed faster and more easily than wood.

[retiredguy123]

I guess we just have to disagree. Most people don't even know what kind of studs they have in their house. So, as long as the house is structurally sound, I would say the quality is equivalent.

[Mikeod]

I guess we just have to disagree. Most people don't even know what kind of studs they have in their house. So, as long as the house is structural sound, I would say the quality is equivalent.

True. Steel studs are often used for walls supporting high ceilings because they create a much flatter surface than wood studs which tend to create waves in such walls. Most of the expensive homes I saw being constructed in Palm Desert and Las Vegas used steel exclusively.

In our Villages home, we have wood studs in the 8’ walls and steel studs where we have vaulted ceilings.

[retiredguy123]

A lot of people who moved from the North are not used to steel studs because they lived in a two story house. Typically, two story houses are constructed using wood studs because they are better and more economical for loadbearing walls to support the upper level. And, yes, if you have a high wall in your house with wood studs, you will usually see uneven and wavy areas on the drywall. If they used nails to attach the drywall, you will eventually start seeing "nail pops" all over the house.

[Shimpy]

If was building a house from the get go, ...................................

Also ask for doors to outside that open out not in to conform with Dade County hurricane codes.

[Midnight Cowgirl]

I guess we just have to disagree. Most people don't even know what kind of studs they have in their house. So, as long as the house is structurally sound, I would say the quality is equivalent.


Yes, we will have to disagree, but that's okay. It's also okay to not know what kind of studs you have in your home until you have a problem such as:

. . . until such time as you think what you've just hung on the wall is sound, supposedly using the correct screws, hangers, or whatever, and then, the item comes out of the wall bringing some drywall and bent metal stud with it.

oh, well! :a040:

[biker1]

Nonsense. Wood studs are used for load bearing walls and metal studs are fine for non load bearing walls. My walls are perfectly straight and nothing is falling off of them. Stop trying to create an issue where none exists.

No, they definitely do not provide "equivalent" construction quality.
While they may meet code, builders who use them today use them because they are cheaper and can be installed faster and more easily than wood.

[biker1]

The less wood the better. They don't eat concrete.

Don't kid yourself!

You will get termites in block and stucco houses, as well, and in poured concrete, too.

No house in Florida is immune from termites and at some point, practically all houses will eventually have them.

[M2inOR]

In my opinion, steel studs and wood studs both provide equilvalent construction quality. They are probably using wood studs in The Lofts because it is a multi-story building and some of the interior walls will be loadbearing. Steel studs are more appropriate for single level buildings, like almost every house in The Villages.

Just an FYI:

Out here in Oregon, they are building new 5 story apartment buildings and condos that are all wood stud construction. I was quite surprised, expecting steel or concrete for strength.

For our Villages home search, we are limiting our search to stucco/concrete following recommendations of family members who live there, and experiences with vinyl siding elsewhere.

My 40 year old home in Oregon has cedar siding. There have been few issues, as long as exterior paint is done well. We don't seem to have termite problems here.

As for steel studs, the Class A office tilt up buildings and warehouses here use steel studs for the build-out within the buildings. Almost all home construction here is wood studs inside and out.

I'm interested in any issues with Villages homes constructed 10-15 years ago, and what to look out for when considering a purchase. I'm looking at homes between 466 and 466A.

Thanks in advance.

Mike

[Midnight Cowgirl]

The less wood the better. They don't eat concrete.


You are no better off in a block/concrete house than any other type of built house.

The termites will find their way in through cracks in the foundation and exterior walls as well as those tiny cracks around windows and doors. And don't kid yourself; all houses have them!


And if they don't find a good meal in the walls, then moldings, trim and even your furniture will work just fine for them.

Your comment suggests you are better off in a concrete-type house. Not so! It just doesn't matter.

[biker1]

Wrong. The less wood, the less possible sites for an infestation. This is not a statement about reduced probabilities. It is a statement about reduced opportunities.

You are no better off in a block/concrete house than any other type of built house.

The termites will find their way in through cracks in the foundation and exterior walls as well as those tiny cracks around windows and doors. And don't kid yourself; all houses have them!


And if they don't find a good meal in the walls, then moldings, trim and even your furniture will work just fine for them.

Your comment suggests you are better off in a concrete-type house. Not so! It just doesn't matter.

[biker1]

Sigh ... Go back and reread your own post. You used the term "quality". The only real quality issues are strength and trueness. Whatever - two years olds and know-it-alls ...

If you are going to quote me, correct me, and say I am trying to "create an issue," please do it properly.

Comment on what I've actually said and not some bogus words which you made up.

I said nothing about loading or non-loading walls, I said nothing about walls being straight and furthermore, it would appear that you are the one creating an issue judging by your erroneous comment.

[graciegirl]

You are no better off in a block/concrete house than any other type of built house.

The termites will find their way in through cracks in the foundation and exterior walls as well as those tiny cracks around windows and doors. And don't kid yourself; all houses have them!


And if they don't find a good meal in the walls, then moldings, trim and even your furniture will work just fine for them.

Your comment suggests you are better off in a concrete-type house. Not so! It just doesn't matter.

Do you have a termite killer service?

[DAVES]

Our previous home was up north and was built in 1948. Not only do they not build them like they used to, you simply cannot build them like they used to. We speak about 2x4 construction lumber.
First of all what you buy that has been processed. planed, is actually smaller than it used to be. Today it is grown on farms.
Due to the faster growth rate the same wood type is actually softer and weaker.
In our older home the roof underpayment was all tongue and grooved fir. Fir is more termite resistant unlike the glued together scraps they they now use there is no glue to fail.
As to brass valves. I had a summer job making faucets. Translation, I knew nothing about being a machinist, I was cheap labor. That summer I made about a million valve stems out of monel-expensive, tough on tools, stainless steel. I asked why people would spend so much on water valves. The reply was the water down south is so bad it destroys brass valves.
Our waste lines were cast iron. Our modern steel making does not make any real cast iron. When you read about cast iron pipe failing, it is not usually cast iron, which is virtually rust proof, it is mild steel which does rust.
To the point-our old home was, most of it 71 years old. Will your modern home last that long? Your plastic plumbing etc-NOPE.

[retiredguy123]

Our previous home was up north and was built in 1948. Not only do they not build them like they used to, you simply cannot build them like they used to. We speak about 2x4 construction lumber.
First of all what you buy that has been processed. planed, is actually smaller than it used to be. Today it is grown on farms.
Due to the faster growth rate the same wood type is actually softer and weaker.
In our older home the roof underpayment was all tongue and grooved fir. Fir is more termite resistant unlike the glued together scraps they they now use there is no glue to fail.
As to brass valves. I had a summer job making faucets. Translation, I knew nothing about being a machinist, I was cheap labor. That summer I made about a million valve stems out of monel-expensive, tough on tools, stainless steel. I asked why people would spend so much on water valves. The reply was the water down south is so bad it destroys brass valves.
Our waste lines were cast iron. Our modern steel making does not make any real cast iron. When you read about cast iron pipe failing, it is not usually cast iron, which is virtually rust proof, it is mild steel which does rust.
To the point-our old home was, most of it 71 years old. Will your modern home last that long? Your plastic plumbing etc-NOPE.
Like most things today, the construction industry is driven by the market and competition. Most people are very naive about what materials are good or bad to have in their house. They are mostly looking at cosmetic features and the cost per square footage. To me, the steel studs are fine, but the most obvious deficiencies in new house construction is cheap windows and doors, and those plastic push-pull shut off valves at the plumbing fixtures. The builder should upgrade the valves.