In residential buildings, what is a common fire hazard associated with unprotected steel frame construction?

In residential buildings, unprotected steel frame construction presents a notable fire hazard due to its lower fire resistance. Steel, when unprotected, does not have inherent insulating properties against high temperatures and can lose structural strength rapidly during a fire. Typically, steel begins to lose its load-bearing capacity around 1,000 degrees Fahrenheit, and as temperatures rise, the risk of structural failure increases significantly.

By not being adequately protected with fire-resistive materials—such as gypsum boards or spray-applied fire resistive materials—these steel structures may not meet the necessary fire-resistance ratings to withstand a fire for a sufficient duration, thereby compromising safety. This lack of fire resistance can lead to a swift escalation of fire spread and heighten the danger to occupants and firefighters alike.

While other factors such as increased electrical load, compromised structural integrity, and limited exit routes are important considerations in fire safety, they do not directly relate to the inherent fire-resisting shortcomings of unprotected steel frame constructions as prominently as the issue of its lower fire resistance.