Structural steel forms the backbone of any civil construction. It is the steel which gives shape to any structure of the construction and also keeps it standing for years to come. So, it is very important that you select the right steel for the construction you are looking into. If you are building your dream house, the responsibility of finding the perfect steel is higher, as you would never like to compromise with the integrity of the construction of your home. The good thing is that over the years, the quality of structural steel has improved. Today, there are several brands in the market which manufacture and market good quality structural steel. However, there are a few other factors too, which need to be considered during the selection process. In this article, we shall discuss the points which you should keep in mind when you go for the procurement of structural steel for house construction.
- Brand reputation
You might find contractors who would advise you to go for a cheaper variant of steel. If economy is your sole objective, then you can go for such an advice, but it is not recommended at all. There is a reason why a steel brand has earned its reputation in the market. And more often than not, it is the quality of the steel. So, you should always try to check out the steel products marketed by reputed brands of modern construction materials.
- ISI mark
It is to be remembered that every steel brand sells a number of variants of products. Your engineer would suggest you the variant required for the kind of construction you are looking for. However, it is very important that you check the ISI mark in each steel item you buy. The ISI mark is provided by the government authorities which certifies that the steel used is genuine.
- Series of tests
You should never procure building construction materials without subjecting their samples to a series of tests. The tests would include ductile test, bending test, cutting test and tensile strength test. Usually, the seller arranges for all these tests, but it is always better to employ a third-party engineer to get the tests done. The results of the tests would not only tell you about the quality of the steel but also whether the steel is good for the construction you are looking forward to.
- Quality assurance
The brands which sell the best steel for house construction always provide quality assurance certificates. They would promise you replacement or refund in case you find any fault in the steel during the construction activity. It is better to ask for such a certificate.