The Pros and Cons of Cold Rolled Steel

We’re one of Utah’s top steel suppliers at Wasatch Steel, and we’re here to provide you with all the custom steel you need to complete your next project. Steel sheets of all shapes and sizes are some of our most popular products, and we provide them at industry standard quality.

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There are dozens of different styles and variations of steel sheets. One of the most common ways to classify them is by the temperature at which they were rolled – cold rolled or hot rolled. Let’s look at the pros and cons of cold rolled steel for your next project.

What is It?

When steel is rolled out to form a coil during its production, this is done at varying degrees of temperature. In all cases where this temperature is considered at or below the room temperature, this is considered cold rolled steel.

Cold rolled steel will be smooth to the touch, strong and not particularly flexible. It’s generally found in flat, square or round shapes.

Pros

There are a couple distinct benefits to cold rolled steel:

• Strength: Cold rolled steel is up to 20 percent stronger than typical hot rolled steel. Using heat to roll the steel can weaken it, but keeping it above room temperature holds its structural integrity. This makes it perfect for your biggest and toughest projects.
• Surface finish: Cold rolled steel also looks better than hot rolled. It’s the preferred technique for furniture, cars and other aesthetic areas for this reason, and has a modern look.

Cons

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There are also a couple downsides to cold rolled steel for some people:

• Price: Because of its advantages over hot rolled steel, cold rolled steel is more expensive. Also, because cold rolled steel is tougher to manipulate, it’s takes more time and can cost more to take it through similar processes.
• Width: Shaving down a hot rolling metal sheet is very due to the temperature, but it can’t be done with cold rolled steel. This means you have to be more careful about measuring width in advance – you won’t have any leeway once you get started.
• Time: As we mentioned above, the difficulty in manipulating cold rolled steel can make projects take longer to complete than the equivalent project using hot rolled steel.

1. Strength and Durability
   One of the main reasons cold-formed steel is so popular is its exceptional strength-to-weight ratio. Despite being lightweight, it offers outstanding structural integrity. This makes it suitable for both low-rise and multi-story buildings. The material’s resistance to termites, mold, and fire ensures that it can withstand extreme weather conditions and provide long-lasting durability.

2. Cost-Effectiveness
   Cold-formed steel is often more affordable than traditional construction materials like concrete or hot-rolled steel. The lightweight nature of CFS reduces shipping costs and makes it easier to handle and install on-site. Additionally, CFS construction can cut down on labor costs because the materials are pre-fabricated and assembled more quickly than conventional methods. Its efficiency can reduce construction timelines by up to 30%.

3. Design Flexibility
   CFS is incredibly versatile and can be molded into various shapes, such as C-sections, hat sections, and Z-sections. This flexibility allows architects and engineers to create complex and custom designs without compromising structural integrity. The material can also be easily adjusted to meet specific project requirements, providing more creative freedom compared to other materials.

4. Sustainability
   Cold-formed steel is an environmentally friendly material. It is 100% recyclable, and at least 25% of the steel used is typically made from recycled content. This contributes to reduced environmental impact compared to conventional materials like wood and concrete. Additionally, the manufacturing process for CFS generates minimal waste, further enhancing its sustainability. Learn more about the sustainability of steel in construction in Understanding 316 Stainless Steel: Cold-Rolled vs. Hot-Rolled.

5. Fire and Corrosion Resistance
   One of the standout benefits of cold-formed steel is its fire-resistant properties. Steel, by nature, is non-combustible, providing enhanced fire safety for buildings. Additionally, CFS is highly resistant to rust and corrosion, especially when galvanized. This makes it a preferred material for buildings in harsh climates and areas prone to environmental stresses. For more on corrosion resistance, check out Understanding Rust Resistance in Cold-Rolled Stainless Steel.

6. Reduced Maintenance Costs
   CFS structures require less maintenance than other building materials like wood, which can be prone to rotting and insect damage. The long lifespan of cold-formed steel reduces the need for frequent repairs, making it a low-maintenance option for building owners.

7. Speed and Precision
   The use of cold-formed steel construction allows for quicker assembly due to its prefabrication and precision. The steel components are pre-engineered to meet the exact specifications of the project, leading to quicker installation times. This reduces construction delays and enhances the overall efficiency of the project.

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