FAQS

• Can I use steel studs to frame my basement?

  Yes, absolutely. Lightweight steel framing has been a growing trend in residential construction and offers particular advantages in basement applications given the many advantages of building with steel.

• What are the benefits?

  • Steel framing is a non-combustible building material that meets and exceeds all building code requirements;
  • Lightweight;
  • Inert material that does not promote mould growth or is susceptible to termites;
  • Better Sound resistance.

• Are steel studs strong enough to support kitchen cabinets, pictures, plasma/LCD/LED televisions?

  Yes, absolutely. However, metal blocking (Bailey Backer Bar) and/or specialty drywall anchors sold at all home improvement retail outlets may be required.

• How do I attach baseboards/trim to steel stud framed walls?

  • Trim head screws specifically designed to screw into steel studs;
  • Cross toe-nailing;
  • Laminate with silicone glue.

• Do I need to put something on the floor underneath the track (sill gasket)?

  Yes, steel framing, like wood framing, needs to be separated from concrete with a moisture barrier.

• How do I fasten my metal track to the floor?

  Many fastener types can be used to fasten metal track to concrete floors.

• What should I use to cut steel studs?

  Tin snips, hack saw, or a band saw.

• Will steel studs rust if used in a basement?

  Steel studs manufactured using Galvanized steel with a minimum G40 coating have proven successful in commercial, institutional and residential applications.

• Does it matter how far from an outside wall I frame using steel studs?

  Best practices dictate that separation between all framing types and perimeter concrete basement walls should be maintained.

• Can I use a "crimping" tool instead of screws?

  Screws are the most common fastening method, however crimping is also acceptable.

• Can I get/order custom length studs?

  Yes.

• Can I use steel studs to frame around ductwork?

  Yes.

• Can I use regular electrical wire with steel studs?

  Yes, but grommets are recommended.

• What tools will I need to frame a basement in steel?

  • Tin snips or hack saw;
  • Measuring tape;
  • Magnetic level;
  • Screw gun or crimper;
  • Safety glasses;
  • Gloves.

• Will a steel framed basement interfere with any electronics (radios, phones, TV reception)?

  No. electromagnetic waves pass through the space between the steel studs, allowing the use of all radios, phones, and television sets in your basement.

• How does steel stud sizing differ from wood sizing?

  Below you will find a steel vs wood reference.

• How many layers of drywall can resilient channel support?

  The National Building Code of Canada (NBCC) illustrates many tested assemblies in table A-9.10.3.1B that support two layers of 5/8” type X gypsum. Bailey RC PLUS resilient channel is tested and proven to support two layers of gypsum board.

• How do I install resilient channel properly?

  Please refer to our Quiet Spaces and How to Build Them document for installation recommendations.

• What standards govern the manufacture and physical requirements of cold-formed steel products?

  Our customers can design and build with confidence knowing Bailey Metal Products Limited manufactures cold-formed steel products that meet or exceed building codes and performance standards. For more information on codes and standards please contact technicalservice@bmp-group.com.

• For interior drywall framing, what is the difference between composite and non-composite maximum height tables?

  Composite limiting height data is applicable to walls where gypsum board is installed on both flanges of the stud for the full height of the wall. Non-composite limiting height data is based on steel properties only.

• When installing Deflection Connectors / Clips / Slotted Track is there anything I should know?

  Screws shall be driven through the slotted holes and positioned to allow for the appropriate building deflection. Take care not to overtighten the fasteners as this will negate all movement benefits.

• What are the holes (knockout) in studs used for?

  The knockout is the small set of holes that you see in the web of the stud. Punched every 24” on center, the Bailey knockout is a patented design that offers many advantages to the end user.

  • Specifically designed to allow for rapid installation of pipes, electrical conduit and wall bridging.
  • Round service holes allow for the use of CSA approved plastic grommets for wiring.
  • Flat bottom knockout design allows for a tight “friction fit” of the bridging channel and facilitates easier installation of the bridging clips.
  • The standard knockout pattern, punched at regular intervals (24” O.C.) allows insulation bats to easily fit around bridging without any cutting or alterations.

• How high can I safely build using 25ga studs in an interior drywall application?

  Screws shall be driven through the slotted holes and positioned to allow for the appropriate building deflection. Take care not to overtighten the fasteners as this will negate all movement benefits.

• When is lateral bracing required for an interior wall?

  Typically interior walls are sheathed on both sides nullifying any need for lateral bracing. The sheathing is rigid enough to stop the stud from rotating. However, if the interior wall is a non-composite condition with gypsum not being used for the full wall height or sheathing is only applied to one side of the stud it is recommended that lateral bracing is used in these conditions.

• What are the bracing requirements for curtain wall applications?

  As per the National Building Code of Canada and CSA S136, sheathing providing full lateral support on both sides of the studs is assumed. The sheathings are to have adequate durability, strength & rigidity to prevent the studs from buckling laterally. In addition to the sheathing requirements outlined above, you must also:

  • Provide bridging at 5’-0” or less in order to align members and to provide the necessary structural integrity during construction and in the completed structure.
  • Design the bridging to prevent stud rotation.
  • Provide periodic anchorage and/or blocking-in for the bridging as required structurally.

  Bailey Bridging Channel and the accompanying Bridging Clips (UBC) satisfy the requirements above if installed properly. The bridging channel, when secured using bridging clips, will prevent the stud from rotating and the attached clips provide anchorage to the channel and stud.

• What are the bridging requirements for combined (axial and transverse) loadbearing studs?

  As per the National Building Code of Canada and CSA S136, ideal sheathing providing full lateral support on both sides of the studs is assumed. The sheathings are to have adequate durability, strength & rigidity to prevent the studs from buckling laterally. In addition to the sheathing requirements outlined above, you must also:

  • Provide bridging at 4'-0" or less in order to align members and to provide the necessary structural integrity during construction and in the completed structure. Design the bridging to prevent stud rotation and translation about the minor axis. Provide periodic anchorage for the bridging as required structurally. Bailey Bridging Channel and the accompanying Bridging Clips (UBC) satisfy the requirements above if installed properly. The bridging channel, when secured using bridging clips, will prevent the stud from rotating and the attached clips provide anchorage to the channel and stud.

• Are Bailey products LEED certified?

  It is important to note that buildings are certified in the LEED program and products are not. However, when steel components are used for the building envelope, framing, or structural members, they can help qualify a building for LEED certification.
  See our section on LEED for more information on applicable credits.

• What fire/sound rating can be achieved using cold-formed steel framing in wall, ceiling and floor assemblies?

  Fire resistance and sound control ratings are achieved by testing actual wall and floor assemblies in accredited testing facilities. Cold-formed steel members, in many cases proprietary Bailey products, are used in assemblies to achieve the desired fire and sound performance. For more information please see our Fire & Acoustic resources page.

• What protective coatings are required for cold-formed steel framing?

  Interior non-loadbearing studs shall have a G40 minimum coating as required by AISI S220 and ASTM C645. Structural studs shall have a G60 minimum coating as required by AISI S220 and ASTM C955.
  *G90 coating is available on request