### What is steel framing commonly used for? - [x] Commercial construction - [ ] Farming - [ ] Street paving - [ ] Spacecraft building > **Explanation:** Steel framing is most commonly used in commercial construction. Due to its strength, durability, and flexibility, it’s become increasingly popular in residential construction as well. ### What is one major advantage of steel framing over wood framing in home construction? - [ ] Cheaper initial cost - [ ] Easier to source materials - [x] Greater weather and wind resistance - [ ] Requires no maintenance > **Explanation:** One of the major advantages of steel framing over wood framing is its greater resistance to weather and wind, as well as its better performance in fire situations. While steel framing involves similar costs to wood framing, it offers superior resistance to environmental elements. ### What characteristic makes steel-framed houses less likely to be infested by insects? - [ ] Steel is heavier than wood - [x] Steel does not rot or split - [ ] Steel is less conductive to heat - [ ] Steel reflects sunlight > **Explanation:** Unlike wood, steel does not rot or split, making it an unsuitable habitat for fungi, mold, termites, and other insects. This quality reduces the risk of infestations in steel-framed houses. ### Which of the following is NOT an advantage of steel framing? - [ ] More flexibility for architects - [ ] More weather-resistant - [ ] Requires less maintenance - [x] Shorter construction time > **Explanation:** While steel framing offers many advantages such as flexibility for architects, better weather resistance, and reduced maintenance, the construction time for steel-framed houses is generally similar to that of wood-framed houses, not necessarily shorter. ### Why might steel framing be better for individuals with allergies? - [ ] Steel framing produces no dust - [x] Steel homes are less likely to foster mold and fungi - [ ] Steel homes are naturally cleaner - [ ] Steel homes use hypoallergenic insulation > **Explanation:** Steel-framed homes are less likely to foster mold and fungi, which are common allergens. This quality can reduce indoor allergens, making such homes better for individuals with allergies. ### How do the costs of steel-framed houses compare to traditional wood-framed houses? - [ ] Significantly higher - [ ] Significantly lower - [x] Approximately equal - [ ] Unpredictably varied > **Explanation:** The costs associated with constructing steel-framed houses are typically approximately equal to those of traditional wood-framed houses. Both materials involve similar costs, although regional price variances and specific construction requirements can affect the total cost. ### What is a potential long-term maintenance advantage of steel-framed houses? - [x] Less concern with structural integrity over time - [ ] Easier repairs - [ ] Cheaper utility bills - [ ] Better resale value > **Explanation:** Steel frames do not rot, split, or buckle over time, leading to less concern with the long-term structural integrity and less maintenance compared to wood-framed houses, which can be susceptible to these issues. ### Why might steel framing provide more design flexibility for architects? - [ ] Steel is lighter than wood - [ ] Steel comes in larger sheets - [x] Steel's strength allows for longer spans without support - [ ] Steel is cheaper to work with > **Explanation:** Steel’s strength allows for longer spans without the need for support, providing architects with more design flexibility compared to wood, which requires more frequent vertical supports. ### What environmental challenge is a steel-framed house better equipped to handle compared to a wood-framed house? - [x] Fire resistance - [ ] Flooding - [ ] Earthquakes - [ ] Snow loads > **Explanation:** Steel is more resistant to fire compared to wood, making steel-framed houses better equipped to handle fire incidents. While modern building codes address many of these issues for both types of houses, steel inherently performs better in fire situations. ### Which of the following is a common misconception about steel-framed houses? - [ ] Steel homes are more weather-resistant - [ ] Steel does not split or buckle - [ ] Steel does not attract insects - [x] Steel homes are significantly cheaper than wood homes > **Explanation:** It is a common misconception that steel-framed houses are significantly cheaper than wood-framed houses. The costs are typically comparable, although steel offers other advantages like weather resistance and reduced maintenance.