When you’re building or repairing your home, chances are you’ll want to install a steel beam set for extra support and structural integrity. Nothing provides more stability, or resists bending in the same way. Steel beams allow you to build a strong foundation for your home or building, so that it can be used safely for decades. Only a material as strong as steel can be counted on to wear the years without folding under the pressure. Finding the right type of support beam is vital, so that you can ensure the longevity of your structure, as well as the safety of its occupants.
The first thing to understand, is that there are a wide variety of different types of steel beam and the right type for you depends on your support concerns, as well as the structure you’re building. Some of the most common include I beams, T beams, and channels. The I beam is the most standard type, and is shaped like a giant letter “I”. This is what you’ll be most likely to use in any construction project as they are the most highly rated type as well. On average they can support 65,000lbs per square inch. This makes them remarkably solid and long lasting for any home or building structure.
T steel beams are also commonly used in residential areas, and are large structures in the shape of a letter “T”. They are great for spreading out a lot of load bearing capacity over a small area. You’ll require fewer T beams than you would I steel beams if you were building a structure. However, they aren’t quite as supportive as using multiple steel I beams, but they can still be a fantastic alternative. Typically this steel beam type can be found 20ft lengths, and is highly adaptable to any condition. U steel beams are mainly used for foundation structures. They do not have the standard beam H shape, but instead feature one flat side. This makes them ideal for supporting very heavy structures from the bottom.
Another thing that you’ll need to consider is how you’ll be connecting your steel beam group. If you’ll be using multiple metal beams, you’ll need some sort of connector, and there are two that are intended to handle the extreme weight load. The first is by using metal plates and rivets to literally nail the beams together. Although this is a permanent solution, and can be difficult to repair, or alter. Instead you may want to choose the easier metal clamps which can be placed and removed for changing structures.
In order to purchase any steel beam you’re going to need to go through a steel manufacturer. You can probably find a few options at a store like Home Depot or Lowe’s, but usually you’ll suffer heavy industry markups. It’s best to buy from a manufacturer directly, and even if there is no steel mill in your area, you can still buy steel beams online. Websites like MetricMetal.com or MidwestSteelSupply.com can provide great building materials at lower prices.