Don Allen, executive director of the Steel Framing Industry Association (SFIA), has been involved in commercial and residential cold-formed steel (CFS) framing since 1990. In a recent fireside chat with Rick Johnson, director of advisory for the Thompson Research Group, Allen discussed a range of issues, including steel tonnage data, resilient construction, advancements in steel framing standards, code advocacy and the future of steel construction.
Transforming Data into Market Intelligence
Allen and Johnson discussed the key role TRG plays in gathering CFS data for SFIA data reports. Quarterly surveys of U.S. manufacturers are conducted, representing over 85% of the market. It represents the volume of steel in raw tons before processing used to produce studs, track, joists, angle, furring channel, hat channel, flat steel, Z furring, clips, resilient channel, cold-rolled channel, cold-formed truss components, special cold-formed shapes and any scrap produced.
TRG then aggregates and analyzes this data, which is subsequently used in reports like the SFIA 2024 Data report and its companion report with additional market intelligence. This process enables industry stakeholders to monitor manufacturing trends and regional variations in the production of CFS framing.
“We’re receiving strong post-COVID data that clearly highlights trends in the broader economy and the impact on the steel framing market,” says Allen. “TRG has done a good job analyzing these trends to understand their effect on the manufacturing business.”
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Resilient Construction with CFS Framing
Throughout the U.S., builders are turning to CFS framing to rebuild homes and non-residential structures lost to wildfires. Steel is non-combustible, it cannot burn because it contains no elements that can serve as fuel. It provides no means for a fire to start, and it does not contribute to fire growth or fire spread.
“We have a great story to tell,” says Allen. “We not only have a product that contains up to 95% recycled content, but one that is non-combustible.”
Allen highlighted recent work in Australia, where frequent wildfires have driven the nation to become a leader in fire-resistant construction methods. An estimated 90% of Australian homes now feature CFS framing.
Australia’s Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organization conducted a ‘flame test’ on a steel-framed house to assess its performance under realistic wildfire conditions. (See video below.)
The results of the research indicate that while the outer cladding buckled under extreme heat, the inner steel frame remained largely undamaged. Despite the failure of windows and doors, the structure stayed standing.
Advancing Standards and Code Advocacy
Since taking over for Larry Williams as SFIA’s executive director, Allen has been busy unveiling a range of exciting new opportunities within the organization.
“Opportunities in code development have emerged, and we have taken-on the AISI Standards,” says Allen. “The SFIA is now an ANSI-accredited standards development organization.”
In July 2024, the Executive Standards Council of the American National Standards Institute, ANSI®, approved the accreditation of SFIA under its proposed operating procedures for documenting consensus on SFIA-sponsored American National Standards. This means that, as an ANSI-accredited standards development organization, SFIA assumes the management of certain CFS framing standards previously managed by the American Iron and Steel Institute. Six CFS framing standards and 12 test standards are now governed by the newly formed SFIA Standards Committee and managed by SFIA using the Canvass Method.
“Canvass provides a more cost-effective approach to code development,” says Allen. “This allows us to invest these savings into other important programs within the SFIA.”
Furthermore, in December 2024, the Steel Deck Institute transferred the responsibility for maintaining 12, S900 series American National Standards, formerly maintained by AISI, to SFIA for management by the newly formed SFIA Standards Committee.
“We’ve also embraced code advocacy, actively campaigning for steel framing against competitive alternatives,” says Allen.
SFIA is now engaging with regulatory bodies and industry partners to ensure that the advantages of steel framing are accurately reflected in upcoming building codes. This proactive approach not only bolsters market confidence but also sets the stage for broader adoption of high-performance, sustainable construction practices.
Driving the Future of Construction
“The steel industry has a great success story, but we have an even better one in the making,” says Allen.
CFS is transforming modern construction. Its precision manufacturing enables innovative designs that improve seismic performance and thermal efficiency. As building codes evolve, architects and builders are increasingly choosing CFS for its ability to reduce waste and accelerate construction timelines, aligning with improved sustainability and efficiency goals.
“The capacity of steel manufacturing in the United States is growing,” says Allen. “We are going to see in the next 5 years over 4 million tons of capacity come on line for the galvanized sheet we use in cold-formed steel framing.”
In addition to expanded production, significant investments in research and development are yielding advanced systems that enhance product performance. Streamlined supply chains and robust industry partnerships are further positioning CFS to meet the rising market demand and outperform traditional construction materials.
“It is a bright future for steel framing,” says Allen. “I am just excited to be part of it.”
Additional Resources
- With ANSI Accreditation, SFIA Begins Process of Managing CFS Framing Standards
- SDI Transfers 12 S900 Test Standards to the SFIA Standards Committee
- SFIA’s Executive Director Highlights Cold-Formed Steel Innovations at Scottsdale-Sponsored Conference