Steel has a proven track record in a number of industries from automobile and railroad manufacturing to bridge and commercial construction. Over the past two decades, cold- formed steel has seen increased usage as the structural frame for residential and multi-story commercial buildings due to inherent features that overcome the downsides of conventional products. Rigorous building environs, like Hawaii and California have seen the largest increase in residential steel framing where earthquakes, high winds, termites and brush fires wreak havoc on less- durable materials.