Choosing the Right Material for Your Project
Share
Hot-Rolled vs. Cold-Rolled Steel: Which is Right for Your Steel Building?
As one of the UK’s most respected steel building suppliers, we understand the technical properties of the materials we use. Steel is an incredibly versatile material, and the way it is manufactured fundamentally changes the characteristics of the finished component.
The two most common varieties encountered in the steel building construction industry are hot-rolled steel and cold-rolled steel. Understanding the differences between these two processes is vital when determining the most appropriate, economical, and robust design for your structure.
1. Hot-Rolled Steel: The Backbone of Heavy Construction
Hot-rolling is a high-temperature process used to create the heavy, traditional structural steel sections typically used in portal frame construction.
The Process
Hot-rolled steel is manufactured at extremely high temperatures, often exceeding 1000∘C (1832∘F). At these temperatures, the steel is easily malleable and can be pressed and formed into large, standard cross-sections like I-beams (or Universal Beams) and channels.
Key Characteristics and Uses
| Characteristic | Detail | Application |
| Tolerance | Lower dimensional accuracy; cooling results in slight shrinkage and a "scaling" finish. | Large, load-bearing primary structures (columns, rafters). |
| Strength & Thickness | Very robust and inherently thicker (higher gauge). | Required where strength and durability are paramount. Ideal for large-span industrial, commercial, and agricultural buildings. |
| Protection | Typically primed or hot-dip galvanizedafter rolling and fabrication. | Essential for longevity, protecting the thick sections from corrosion. |
| Assembly Method | Used primarily in heavy portal frame construction. | Large buildings supporting significant weight, high winds, or integrated cranage systems. |
2. Cold-Rolled Steel: Lightweight, Precise, and Efficient
Cold-rolled steel, also known as light-gauge steel (LGS), is a much newer technology in terms of modern building applications.
The Process
Cold-rolled steel is manufactured at or near room temperature. The steel sheet is passed through a series of rollers and bent into precise, thin C- or Z-shaped sections. Because it is formed at room temperature, it does not shrink, resulting in a product with superior dimensional accuracy.
Key Characteristics and Uses
| Characteristic | Detail | Application |
| Tolerance | High dimensional accuracy and a smooth, clean surface finish. | Secondary structural elements (purlins, side rails) and complete small-to-medium-sized LGS buildings. |
| Strength & Thickness | Extremely lightweight with a high strength-to-weight ratio; thinner gauges. | Ideal for smaller structures like domestic garages, workshops, and outbuildings, where reduced foundation depth is a benefit. |
| Protection | Always pre-galvanized (zinc coating applied to the coil before rolling). | Excellent corrosion protection built into the material from the start. |
| Assembly Method | Used for secondary framing in portal structures, or as the primary frame in light-gauge construction. | Where speed and lighter foundations are a primary requirement. |
Here at Atlantic Steel Buildings, we specialize in delivering the most appropriate structure for your requirements.
-
Large-Scale Projects (e.g., Warehouses, Hangars, Heavy Industrial): We will almost always recommend a hot-rolled steel portal frame for maximum strength, clear internal spans, and the ability to withstand heavy loads (such as gantry cranes).
-
Smaller Projects (e.g., Garages, Small Workshops, Agricultural Storage): A cold-rolled or light-gauge steel structure may be the most economical, lightweight, and fast-to-erect solution, particularly where foundation costs need to be minimized.
We can incorporate either hot- or cold-rolled steel elements into your bespoke building. It all depends on your specific needs, as we will always recommend the appropriate material that ensures the highest quality, most economical, and longest-lasting build.
For more information, or to arrange a consultation to discuss the ideal structure for your specifications, get in touch with Atlantic Steel Buildings today.
