Which property is NOT attributed to light weight steel framing?

• A. Non-combustible
• B. Termite-proof
• C. Biodegradable
• D. Mold resistant

Answer: (C)

Light weight steel framing is valued for its inorganic, non-organic composition, which gives it fire resistance and resistance to organisms that affect wood. Because steel doesn’t burn easily, it’s considered non-combustible, a key fire-performance advantage in many building codes. Termite-proof status comes from the fact that termites feed on cellulose, not metal, so a steel frame won’t be a food source. Mold resistance follows from the same principle: mold needs organic material to thrive, and steel itself is inorganic, so it doesn’t support mold growth. The property that does not apply is biodegradability—steel does not biodegrade through biological processes; it may corrode chemically over time, but biological breakdown isn’t how it deteriorates.