Category: Article

When deciding between wood and steel trusses for your construction project, it’s crucial to weigh the benefits and drawbacks of each material. Here’s a comparison of wood and steel trusses to help you determine which is the most reliable option for your specific needs.

Steel Overview

Steel is a standout choice due to its recyclability, durability, and versatility. These trusses can span larger distances without the need for intermediate supports, making them ideal for expansive industrial and commercial structures. Their heat resistance and custom-fabrication capabilities also make them more desirable. Additionally, steel trusses can be painted in any colour or hot-dip galvanized for enhanced corrosion resistance.

At Valostar Steel Construction, we streamline the process by manufacturing the entire steel structure as a modular set, transporting it to the site, and assembling it with bolts. This method simplifies the construction process and often proves to be more cost-effective for our clients.

Wood or Timber Trusses

Typically, builders standardise wooden trusses and do not design them to act as columns. They are also more flammable than steel and generally used in residential settings. However, they come with their own set of advantages which include:

• Cost-Effectiveness: Wood trusses are generally less expensive than their steel counterparts.
• Natural Insulating Properties: Wood has natural insulating properties that help retain heat.
• Standard Sizes: They are often available in standard sizes, which can limit their spanning capabilities.
• Ease of Use: Wood trusses are easier to work with on-site, allowing for quick modifications and adjustments.
• Aesthetic Appeal: Wood offers a warm, natural look that many find appealing for residential and some commercial settings.

However, wooden trusses have limitations, including flammability, reduced durability, and shorter spans compared to steel trusses.

While wood trusses have their place, steel structures often emerge as the superior choice for commercial building projects. At Valostar, we offer bespoke solutions for steel structures of all sizes and complexities. Our comprehensive approach covers design and detailing, fabrication and painting, as well as erection and cladding, ensuring a seamless project from start to finish.

Winter is Almost Over!

As winter fades, now is the ideal time to prepare for the upcoming rainy season. Prevent stock damage and avoid losses due to roof leaks by getting quality roof maintenance before the heavy summer rains arrive. Starting your preparations now ensures that your roof is fixed in time, giving you peace of mind knowing your stock and commercial building are secure.

We Meet Your Roof Maintenance Needs

We understand that a full roof replacement isn’t always necessary. Sometimes, only smaller repairs are needed, whether due to harsh weather, improper installation, or lack of maintenance. Why not book us to assess your roof? We’ll provide recommendations and a reasonable quote to give your roof the facelift it needs. At Valostar Steel Construction, we offer roof maintenance services to revamp commercial buildings by either replacing the old roof with new sheets or fixing the damaged sections according to your request.

Our well-trained, highly skilled staff aims to exceed your expectations from the start of your project to its completion. With us, there’s no need to waste your savings on yearly roof maintenance. We install quality, maintenance-free roofs that provide value for money. This means you can focus on more important matters, knowing your roof will only need monitoring and minor maintenance next year or even later.

Let’s Fix Those Roof Leaks Before It’s Too Late!

Act now and hire a construction company that can handle any project, no matter the size or complexity. Don’t ignore minor roof leaks – they can damage ceilings, ruin expensive paints, and compromise your building’s structure. A small leak can quickly escalate, leading to costly repairs that timely maintenance could prevent.

Address these issues now to preserve your building’s appearance and protect your investment. Get ready for summer with a leak-proof roof that stands strong, keeping your business running smoothly without unexpected disruptions. Taking action now safeguards your property for the long term, allowing you to focus on what matters most – running your business with confidence.

Since our conception, we have worked on quite a number of construction projects with either new clients and/or existing clients who come back for repeat business. We pride ourselves in our capacity to construct all steel structures regardless of their sizes and complexities. We offer our steel construction service to clients who want to start their concepts from structural drawings or design and those who may only require the construction of the actual project. Whether you have your own complete design or not, we are available to help you bring your idea to life.

A Feature of Our 5 Most Recent Construction Projects

On this blog, we will be sharing only 5 of our most recent construction projects, those that are complete and those that are still in progress. The work shared below serves the purpose of reflecting our capabilities as a sought after steel construction company. Below are the clients we have handled their projects from concept to completion either in collaboration with other companies or on our own.

QK Meats

Location: Midrand

Structure: Cold-storage facility

Job: Construction Capacity: 10000m² of floor space with 260 tons of steel and 14000m² of cladding.

Special material used: Fish Eagle white colour GRS Kliplok profile 700.  

State: Complete Period: 3 months

This arrangement offers QK Meats a thoroughly concealed roof with almost no maintenance for the year to come.

Dynamic Pools

Location: Withok Estates, Brakpan

Structure: Mini-warehouse factories

Job: Construction

Capacity: 2 off 15m x 30m x 4,5m steel structure totaling to 900m² of floor space.

Special material used: Chromadek sandstone beige, Buffalo Brown flashings.

State: Complete

Period: 90 days

Quality Meats

Location: Heidelberg

Structure: Existing butchery upgrade and expansion of the new butchery area.

Job: Construction

Capacity: 70 tons of structural steel with new butchery consisting of 1300m² of floor space. The existing building of 950m² to be refurbished offering a total of 2250m² of floor space.

Special material used: GRS galvanized Kliplok 700 with a 50mm insulation board.

Period: In progress

Bluegumview Cash & Carry

Location: Tsakane

Structure: Warehouse

Job: Construction

Capacity: 4000m² of floor space and 40000m³ of storage space with 85 tons of structural steel and 4600m² of cladding.

Special material used: Chromadek Azure Blue fix Kliplok 700 roof sheeting, StonCor Africa 187 food-safe paint.

State: In progress

JCP

Location: Nigel

Job: Roof re-sheeting

Capacity:  2700m² of new roofing installed.

Special material used: JCP’s new concealed fix roof sheeting also called JCP (Joint Clip Profile).

State: Complete

Period:  2 weeks

We Comply!

All our structural products comply with the relevant SANS loading code. SABS standards with regards to design welding AWS D1.1 and assembly procedures are certified by a registered engineer. So, why not choose a construction company that puts safety and your project first? For your upcoming project, choose a company that is known for exceeding expectations and get your project in action from concept to completion.

Click here to view more of our projects.

Your livestock is a valuable asset, and like any investment, it requires protection and care. One of the best ways to ensure this is by providing all-weather shelter such as our DIY steel structure shed, for key working areas. Not only does this minimise heat stress for both animals and workers, but it also ensures that work continues smoothly, regardless of the weather.

Here’s Why Investing in Our DIY Steel Structure is A Smart Move

1. Value for Money

Valostar sheds are engineered for strength and reliability, making them a standout choice compared to traditional structures. Our DIY steel structures feature a galvanized steel framework that provides superior durability and versatility, ensuring long-term value. Additionally, the cost of our pre-fabricated sheds is far more affordable than custom-built alternatives, giving you maximum return on investment.

2. DIY Steel Structure Offers Easy Assembly

Our steel structures are delivered as a complete kit with every component down to the last washer. The pre-formed galvanized components are easy to handle, allowing you the option to assemble the shed yourself and save on labour costs. Alternatively, if you prefer a hassle-free experience, you can rely on Valostar’s professional construction team to assemble it for you. Whichever route you choose, the end result is a sturdy, high-quality structure tailored to your farm’s needs.

3. Cost-Effective Long-Term Solution

A Valostar DIY shed offers unmatched cost-efficiency. Over time, the investment pays for itself through reduced animal stress, increased productivity, and the value of feed saved from weather exposure. The modular design allows for additional features like side and end walls, or gable infills, which can be added to boost protection at minimal additional cost.

At Valostar, we offer a diverse range of steel structures designed to meet your farm’s specific needs, no matter the scale or complexity of the project. Some of our standard offerings include open-sided structures, closed sheds, modular designs, and custom sizes.

Why Choose Valostar?

With a commitment to quality and customer satisfaction, Valostar stands as a leader in steel construction for the agricultural sector. Our combination of durable materials, flexible design options, and cost-effective solutions means you can trust us to meet your farm’s unique demands, regardless of the project size or complexity.

For a quick quote and assistance send an email to sales@valostar.co.za or call our office on 087630560. Alternatively, click the button below to calculate your estimate quote if you already have standard sizes.

Steel has been a cornerstone in construction since the 19th century when the first high-rise buildings were erected. Today, steel is no longer reserved just for towering structures; it has become a popular choice for smaller buildings and even residential homes. The benefits of using steel in construction are numerous and compelling. In this blog, we will delve into the importance of using steel in today’s construction to indicate why steel should be considered first.

Steel offers unmatched strength compared to brick walls and wooden frames. It resists warping, twisting, and bending, making it a flexible and easy material to work with and install. Its durability and low maintenance needs make steel a fascinating option for builders. Unlike wooden frames, which can be vulnerable to mildew, steel remains unaffected. This resilience extends to natural disasters; steel buildings can withstand hurricanes, severe storms, and earthquakes. Additionally, the strength of steel may lead to better insurance rates for building owners.

The Challenges and Solutions of Using Steel in Today’s Construction

While steel offers many advantages, it does come with some drawbacks. Steel is more expensive than traditional building materials, and making a steel building energy efficient requires additional insulation since steel conducts heat and cold more effectively than conventional materials. Poorly designed steel structures can also deteriorate over time due to exposure to the elements.

To maximise the benefits of building with steel, it’s essential to work with a qualified contractor experienced in this material. At Valostar Steel Construction, we specialise in bringing your vision to life through our full turnkey approach to structural steel services. We manage every step of the process, from design and detailing to production and erection of your steel structure.

Valostar Steel Construction supplies, delivers and installs roof sheeting, side cladding, insulation, flashings, ventilation and rainwater goods. We guarantee the quality of our cladding and ensure your steel structure’s exterior is weather-resistant and visually appealing.

Our in-house team and approved subcontractors can erect between 12-15 tons or 1000m² – 1500m² of steel per week. We supply, deliver, and install roof sheeting, cladding, insulation, flashings, ventilation, and rainwater goods across South Africa. Our cladding is guaranteed to be of the highest quality, ensuring that your building’s exterior remains both weather-resistant and visually appealing.

With the capacity to clad between 1250m² – 1750m² per day, Valostar is equipped with its own transport fleet, including tri-axles and an 8-ton load delivery vehicle. Each of our erection teams has a dedicated vehicle to ensure timely material delivery on-site. We have also partnered with various logistics companies to provide efficient transportation across South Africa.

Steel Structures and Modern Architecture

Architecture is more than just designing buildings. It involves planning, designing, and constructing physical structures. The role of steel structures in modern architecture is often underestimated, yet they are essential for making buildings durable, sustainable, and high-quality.

Steel offers clear advantages in construction. Designers and developers have long recognised its value. Steel’s versatility allows architects to achieve ambitious designs with ease. It is a key element in sports stadiums, shopping centers, commercial and industrial buildings, and agricultural structures like sheds, water plants, and warehouses.

The Sustainability and Durability of Steel Structures

Steel is the most sustainable material in construction. When a steel-framed building is demolished, its components can be reused or recycled to create new ones. Globally, up to 50% of a new steel structure can consist of recycled steel.

Steel structures are lighter than concrete. They need smaller foundations, reducing environmental impact. If a steel foundation is used, it can be fully extracted and recycled after demolition, leaving no waste behind.

Steel structures last much longer than those made from other materials. They resist damage and require less frequent refurbishment. The fabrication and painting process protects steel from rust, preserving its strength.

Steel Structures Have Economic Benefits

Steel structures require minimal maintenance, lowering long-term costs. Their sustainability reduces both maintenance and production costs when using recycled materials. Steel buildings are also flexible. It’s easier and cheaper to expand or adapt a steel structure compared to other materials. This adaptability extends the building’s lifespan and use.

Companies like Valostar Steel Construction in South Africa specialise in designing, fabricating, painting, and erecting steel structures. Explore our services to learn more and find out how we can help you build your warehouse from concept to completion.

The role steel structures play in architecture continues to shape modern construction with sustainability, durability, and cost-efficiency.

In any building process, there are steps that need to be followed. This is to ensure that nothing is left out, and whatever you are building is as strong as it should be. The list below isn’t followed in the exact same manner by each contractor, but is a guideline to each contractor’s building process. It represents the steps of designing and constructing a building.

The Steps of Designing and Constructing a Building are as Follows:

• Funding needs to be given towards the building.
• Brainstorm with different funders and executives from other companies about building plans.
• Negotiate with City Planner about building plans, and request permission in the specified area.
• Rough sketch some ideas and conclude which idea is the best.
• Present ideas to company executives.

Integrated Design Process

When interviewing architects to execute the building idea once it has been approved. It’s always good to ask architects “how to” questions so you know that they’re capable of doing the job. The following steps are then followed by the architect:

• Architect draws up schematics for consideration.
• Have meeting- talk through design goals.
• Schematic refinement.
• 3D modelling.
• Develop drawings for submission to the City Council.
• Permit process – this is basically the architect/s getting a go ahead from the city council about the building idea.

Once permits are issued, the construction begins. The steps to constructing a building include breaking ground, excavation, and foundation work. Then, framing, roofing, and rough plumbing follow. Electrical systems, air sealing, insulation, and drywall come next. Lastly, tasks like flooring, painting, and installing cabinets complete the process before the building is ready for occupancy. View the detailed list below:

• Break Ground
• Excavation
• Foundation
• Concrete Forms
• Pour Foundation Wall
• Concrete Slab Pour
• Gravel
• Water Barrier
• Rigid Foam
• Rebar (and PEX tubing for radiant floor heating)
• Pour Concrete for Slab
• Utilities
• Sewer, Electrical, Water, Gas
• Framing
• Balloon Framing
• Sheathing
• Roof
• Stairs
• Windows
• Roofing
• Weather Resistant Barrier
• Rain Screen
• Rough Plumbing
• Mechanical Systems
• Lighting and Electrical
• Ambient
• Task
• Accent
• Perimeter
• Air Sealing
• Insulation
• Spray Foam, Blown-in Insulation, or Batt Insulation
• Drywall
• Sheetrock, Mudding, Sanding, Primer
• Siding
• Flooring
• Tiling
• Painting
• Cabinets, Shelving
• Finish Plumbing
• Finish Electrical and Lighting
• Certificate of Occupancy
• Modifications

Valostar Steel Construction specialises in these steps to designing and constructing buildings. We ensure each project meets industry standards, no matter the size or complexity.