At Build 23: AWCI’s Convention + Expo in Las Vegas, Larry Williams, executive director of the Steel Framing Industry Association (SFIA), caught up with John Wyatt, editor of Walls & Ceilings, for an interview on the industry podcast, “If Walls Could Talk”.
In the interview, Williams mentioned that SFIA has 1,300 members that represent domestic steel mills, steel stud manufacturers, wall and ceiling contractors and designers who work with cold-formed steel (CFS). The steel framing industry has been building on its momentum, which has been surging, Williams said, for several years and had even done well during the pandemic.
Posted with permission of Walls & Ceilings and BNP Media
SFIA: Expanding Its Programs
The SFIA, Williams said, recently added a number of service programs to help its members grow their businesses. Looking ahead, he said even more programs will be added or expanded in 2023.
“Whenever a contractor is looking for help with steel framing, we can connect them with the right people, qualified people, who can provide that help,” Williams said.
Some of SFIA’s recently expanded services include:
- SFIA Specifications Review Service, which has expanded its reach among architectural firms and specification writing associations
- Updated SFIA Guide Specifications, which helps designers to deliver advanced metal framing designs
- Product and Provider Directory on BuildSteel.org, which was recently made even more user-friendly
When asked about the biggest challenges the metal framing industry faces, Williams said that competitive products like wood have found their way into use on tall buildings due to more lenient building codes. He said the SFIA is working to drive change with those building codes by focusing on building safety and the non-combustible nature of steel framing.
In answering a question about the future, Williams said the industry is evolving in a healthy way. That evolution includes the expanded use of automation in steel framing. Williams said that several SFIA members are players in the automation space.
“If Walls Could Talk” Scoop
In the podcast, Williams addressed an industry rumor. Wyatt pressed Williams about the rumor, and Williams said that SFIA, indeed, was in the final stages of acquiring the Cold-Formed Steel Engineers Institute (CFSEI). This will be a tremendous benefit to both organizations, Williams said.
“It will give us the opportunity to support CFSEI’s mission even more,” Williams said.
Steel Framing Industry Association
The Steel Framing Industry Association (SFIA) provides its members with exclusive access to technical cold-formed steel (CFS) framing services, including the SFIA Steel Framing Learning Portal. SFIA member services include access to market data, market analysis, technical design guides, architectural services, environmental product declarations, CFS certification and more.
Additional Resources
- SFIA Launches Steel Framing Learning Portal
- SFIA Releases Updated Technical Guide with the Most Up-to-Date CFS Load and Span Tables in the Industry
- The Basics About Cold-Formed Steel Framing