The North American Steel Framing Alliance proclaims success in the last year affecting positive change for residential steel framing in public policy and building codes. Two changes that have made an impact on homebuilder’s use of steel framing include the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development and ICBO code interpretation of UBC Section 708, fire-blocking and draft-stopping requirements when steel framing is used.

NASFA, with assistance from NAHB Research Center, was able to convince HUD to add language to its “Homeownership Center Reference Guide,” Chapter 1: Appraisal and Property Requirements, Pest Controls.

No pre-treatment of the soil for new residential construction (proposed construction, under construction or existing less than one year old) is required for homes using 100 percent steel framing—only where the homeowner is seeking FHA or VA financing.