Articles on how steel framing is sized, named, priced and ordered. Every figure comes from the AISC Shapes Database v16.0, a published standard or a manufacturer specification sheet, and each article says when the numbers were checked.
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Can You Paint a Metal Roof? Yes, Here’s How to Make It Last
Read the article: Can You Paint a Metal Roof? Yes, Here’s How to Make It LastYes, you can paint a metal roof. Learn the prep that stops peeling, which primer and paint suit galvanized, Galvalume and painted panels, plus safety tips.
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How to Cut Sheet Metal: The Right Tool for Every Thickness
Read the article: How to Cut Sheet Metal: The Right Tool for Every ThicknessHow to cut sheet metal with snips, shears, nibblers, saws or plasma: which tool suits each thickness, step-by-step technique and how to protect cut edges.
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What Is Structural Steel? Shapes, Grades and Uses Explained
Read the article: What Is Structural Steel? Shapes, Grades and Uses ExplainedStructural steel is steel made in standard shapes to a published grade like ASTM A992 or A36. See the main shapes, grades, sizes and how it is used today.
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Black Steel Pipe: What It Is, Where It’s Used and Black vs Galvanized
Read the article: Black Steel Pipe: What It Is, Where It’s Used and Black vs GalvanizedWhat black steel pipe is, the ASTM A53 specs behind it, Schedule 40 and 80 sizes and weights, gas and sprinkler uses, and how it compares with galvanized pipe.
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AR500 Steel: What It Is, How Hard It Is and How It Compares to A36
Read the article: AR500 Steel: What It Is, How Hard It Is and How It Compares to A36AR500 steel explained: what the name means, published hardness and strength, AR500 vs A36 and other AR grades, plate weights, and tips for cutting and welding.
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Pipe Schedule Chart: Sch 40, Sch 80 and XXS Steel Pipe Sizes and Weights
Read the article: Pipe Schedule Chart: Sch 40, Sch 80 and XXS Steel Pipe Sizes and WeightsSteel pipe schedule chart with OD, ID, wall thickness and weight per foot for Schedule 40, Schedule 80 and XXS, plus how to read pipe sizes without mistakes.
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Iron vs Steel: What’s the Difference and Which Is Stronger?
Read the article: Iron vs Steel: What’s the Difference and Which Is Stronger?Iron vs steel explained: carbon content, cast and wrought iron vs steel, which is stronger, which rusts faster, and why every modern beam is made of steel.
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How to Remove Rust from Metal: Methods for Light to Heavy Rust
Read the article: How to Remove Rust from Metal: Methods for Light to Heavy RustHow to remove rust from metal by severity: wire brushing, vinegar and acid soaks, power tools and blasting, plus lead paint safety and priming bare steel fast.
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What Is Galvalume? Coating, Lifespan vs Galvanized, and Limits
Read the article: What Is Galvalume? Coating, Lifespan vs Galvanized, and LimitsWhat is Galvalume? The 55% aluminum-zinc coating explained: why it resists rust, Galvalume vs galvanized test data, AZ50-AZ60 grades and where to avoid it.
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7018 Welding Rod: Uses, Amperage Chart and How to Store It
Read the article: 7018 Welding Rod: Uses, Amperage Chart and How to Store It7018 welding rod explained: what E7018 H4R means, uses, amperage chart for 3/32 to 1/4 inch rods, weld strength, and how to store and redry low-hydrogen rods.
Reference information only, not engineering advice. Disclaimer.