MCN 42nd Annual Contractor Survey Results Show Optimism is Prevailing Factor

Credit: Metal Construction News

Published earlier this month, the results from MCN’s 42 Annual Contractor Survey show “2022 was a year of steady work but not much growth.” Editorial Director, Paul Deffenbaugh comments, “If you wanted to sum up the overall attitude among respondents, you would use this phrase: ‘hold the course, and hope for better.'” Across all the project types surveyed — metal building systems, metal roofing, metal wall panels, and light-gauge steel framing — the survey takers who report they do those kinds of projects remained relatively flat in 2022 compared to 2021.

Regardless, Paul says, “One of the hallmarks of the construction industry and contractors in particular is their abiding optimism.” While numbers were relatively flat between 2021 and 2022, the same survey respondents report optimism toward 2023. With the exception of metal building systems, respondents anticipate being more involved in specific projects, especially with metal roofing and metal wall panels, than they had been in 2022.

Join us TODAY as METALCONLive! and MCA Present “Successful Management of Metal Roofing Projects” with Industry Expert Todd Miller

LEARN MORE AND REGISTER

No stranger to METALCON and METALCONLive!, industry leader Todd Miller of Isaiah Industries will share his expertise on how to create a successful project management plan for a new construction or remodel project TODAY at 1PM. Join us to get the knowledge and tools needed for effective and efficient strategic planning for a new construction or remodel project.

Join us Next Week as METALCONLive! and MCA Present “Successful Management of Metal Roofing Projects” with Industry Expert Todd Miller

LEARN MORE AND REGISTER

No stranger to METALCON and METALCONLive!, join industry leader, Todd Miller of Isaiah Industries, next Wednesday, February 22, as he shares his expertise on how to create a successful project management plan for new construction or remodel project.

Final Days for Annual Architect and Contractor Surveys – Your Voice Matters

For 37 years and 42 years respectively, Metal Architecture magazine and Metal Construction News have been publishing annual surveys of the industry, looking at the results of prior years and speculating about the upcoming year. The last few years have been unparalleled in terms of the challenges the industry has faced and they want to know if the industry has settled back on its original path or will it continue to face challenges. Please take a few minutes to submit your surveys.

METALCONLive! Offers Predictions for 2023 and Beyond

Industry Experts Agree Metal is Well Positioned for 2023 and Beyond

In the first METALCONLive! of the new year, Paul Deffenbaugh, editorial director of Modern Trade Communications, led a discussion with leading industry experts about the state of the metal construction industry and what we can expect this year. According to Jeff Henry, MBA, CAE, executive director of the Metal Construction Association, “The industry is strong, but we still face challenges in 2023.” From an architects standpoint, Brent Schipper, AIA, LEED AP, founding principal of ASK Studio, is not feeling quite as optimistic as they are starting to see their backlogs starting to drop, but feels “the pace of construction in 2023 will become the most critical priority.” Renee Ramsey, director of the Metal Roofing Alliance, shared data from their 2021 study saying, “We saw a 17% market share in the residential reroof market, which is a primary audience for metal roofing. While not a huge increase, we are happy to see it continue to move in an upward pace.”

Brent Schipper, AIA, LEED AP, founding principal, ASK Studio\

Jeff Henry, MBA, CAE, Executive Director, Metal Construction Association

Renee Ramey, Executive Director, Metal Roofing Alliance

Outlook for Construction in 2023

According to Construction Dive, “The industry will continue to face labor shortages, high materials costs and other headwinds, but infrastructure will be a bright spot.” Top construction economists say much like in 2022, signals are mixed. In a recent article, they took a look at five key indicators and what they suggest for contractors in the year ahead.

Magnificent Metal Monday — Ladies and Gentlemen, Start Your Engines … Only 2 Days till METALCON ’22

Super-Charge Your Metal Knowledge at METALCON ’22 — Learn from Metal Hall of Famers

With METALCON ’22 roaring into Indianapolis this week, it’s time to make your final plans to maximize your time at the most influential metal construction and design event in the world. While meeting with exhibitors is an essential part of the event, so can learning from experts to super-charge your knowledge. Here is your “ultimate road-map” to navigating the show floor, where EVERYTHING happens ON THE SHOW FLOOR … AND … included in your Total Experience registration (see FLOOR PLAN). REGISTER HERE!

METALCON is thrilled to welcome four MCN Hall of Famers as presenters this year including:

• Jim Bush, 2014 inductee and VP of Sales and Marketing of ATAS International presenting “Above-Sheathing Ventilation: The Forgotten Cool Roof” in the Sustainability Learning Center.
• Rob Haddock, inaugural inductee in 2012 and CEO and Founder of S-5!, presenting one of the specialty workshops titled Understanding Metal Roofing: Parts 1 and 2
• Chuck Howard, 2014 inductee and owner of Metal Roof Consultants, presenting in the Main Theatre as a panelist in the State of the Industry.
• Todd Miller, 2020 inductee and president and co-owner of Isaiah Industries Inc., presenting Take Your Metal Roofing Business from Good to Great in the Best Practices Learning Center and Oilcanning: The Why and Can You Avoid It? in the Technical Know-How Learning Center.

CONTINUE FOR YOUR “ULTIMATE ROAD-MAP” TO EXHIBITS AND EDUCATION …

Magnificent Metal Monday – Hurricane Ian Aftermath

Cat 4 Hurricane Ian as it makes landfall in SW Florida

With over a million still without power, Florida residents are dealing with immeasurable loss. From flood-ridden homes to structural damage due to fallen trees, wind and rain, the rebuilding will go on for months and years to come. Resources, workers, equipment and more are needed to help. While still too early to assess what structures stood up to this Cat 4 hurricane, here is a quick compilation of some stories coming in … METALCON’s Give Back organization, World Central Kitchen, has mobilized to help hurricane victims, a success story of a Tesla Solar Roof surviving the storm, a Hurricane Ian Recovery Guide for Contractors courtesy of RoofersCoffeeShop®, and how IMPs stand up to hurricanes.

“Rev Up” Your Knowledge at METALCON ’22 with Credit Earning Education

Benjamin Franklin said, “An investment in knowledge always pays the best interest.” Make an investment in your future by attending METALCON ’22 for its extensive education program including workshops, keynotes and free learning sessions.

Get a preview of one of this year’s Keynote speakers TOMORROW, Wednesday, June 22 at 1:00 pm, when Dr. Melissa Furman presents a “Special Edition” of METALCONLive! — Personal Branding: An Important Skill for Professional Success. This course is eligible for 1 free AIA LU. REGISTER NOW.

Sponsored by CIDAN Machinery

MCN Announces Annual Top Metal Builders

For metal building contractors and erectors, 2021 was a roller coaster ride with steel prices in total flux rising to all time highs and decreasing to all time lows. Paul Deffenbaugh, editorial director of Metal Construction News (MCN), comments, ” Price, availability and demand for construction materials all fluctuated widely in 2021, but despite that, the top metal builders report increases in the average tonnage and square footage. In fact, by all measures, 2021 was a very strong year for the metal building industry when looking at the largest contractors.”

What’s a Home Without Its Roof? A Look at What’s Happening in the Roofing World

With National Roofing Week approaching in about a month, let’s look at what’s happening in the roofing world (with a slight bias toward metal roofs of course!).

Earlier this month, the National Roofing Contractors Association (NRCA), hosted 224 participants – 88 attending for the first time – at Roofing Day 2022 on April 5-6 in Washington, D.C. Roofing professionals from throughout the U.S. met with 173 members of Congress and their staffs to advocate for solutions to workforce and supply chain challenges through immigration reform, Perkins career and technical education grants, and reauthorization of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act. NRCA reported 62% of these meetings were in-person, and attendees were able to meet with Congress members from 34 different states, with top top state represented being Ohio, followed by Texas, California, Florida and Maryland. 

METALCON Live! “A View from the Roof” – Wednesday, May 4 at 1:00 PM … READ MORE …

New Infrastructure Bill Includes Buy America Guidance for Iron and Steel

Steel manufacturing trade groups lauded the news that the new Infrastructure Bill includes a provision stating all iron and steel used in projects outlined in the bill must be produced in the United States. Metal Center News reported this week, “The guidance further requires all manufactured products in the project must be produced domestically. The product itself must be manufactured here, and the components of the product must represent 55 percent or more of the total cost of the product. All construction materials must also be manufactured in the U.S.”

According to a White House memo, projects funded by the $1.2 trillion infrastructure package must only use iron and steel produced in the U.S starting May 14. The requirement includes all manufacturing processes for the metals, from initial melting stage thru application of coatings. The announcement also includes a process to waive those requirements if domestic materials are not reasonably available or would raise the cost of the project by more than 25%. (Source: Construction Dive)

MCN 41st Annual Contractor Survey Results

“Across the board, metal construction projects increased in number and size from 2020 to 2021.“

Photo Credit: Metal Construction News

Published on March 1, the MCN 41st Annual Contractor Survey sees a robust market environment in the metal construction industry, comparable to the overall construction market. Metal builders, roofers, wall panel contractors and light-gauge steel contractors all report that 2021 was better than 2020 and they anticipate 2022 being even better. According to survey respondents, MCN reports that metal building construction increased 12.9% in 2021, seeing a metal roofing 9.3% increase, metal wall panels 2.5% increase and light-gauge steel framing up 9.5% for exteriors and 3% for interiors.

Magnificent Metal Monday – METALCON Registration Opens!

What could be more MAGNIFICENT then having registration OPEN for METALCON 2022!! Join us October 12 – 14 as Indianapolis welcomes us with their “Hoozier Hospitality!”

Everyone Start your Registrations!

REGISTER by May 15^th and get an EXTRA $20 OFF Early Bird Pricing — that’s a savings of up to $75! Enter promo code: RaceToRegister to activate $20 bonus

Read more to learn what will be new at METALCON and what will be returning …

Inflation, Material Delays and Labor Issues

Credit: Travelers

There is no question the “trifecta of pricing woes” is on everyone’s mind causing business owners and leaders to rethink, strategize, and get creative in order to maintain their profitability. Earlier this month, Construction Dive reported, “Despite a surprisingly strong U.S. January jobs report, nonresidential construction employment fell by 9,000 workers in the heavy and civil engineering sectors as an aging labor force retires or quits; according to The Associated Builders and Contractors, construction unemployment rate rose to 7.1% vs. 4% across all industries; and the third wild card: supply-chain snafus making it harder to count days to completion or shareholder profits.”

METALCON Live! TODAY at 1:00 PM – Join MBCEA Member to Review Temporary Bracing Guidelines

EARN 1 AIA LU HSW – REGISTER TODAY!

Join us today at 1:00 pm as we continue the “Best of METALCON series” with Temporary Bracing Guidelines, presented by Keith Wentworth, vice president of Dutton & Garfield Inc., a full service construction company serving the New England community for over 50 years and a member of the Metal Building Contractors & Erectors Association (MBCEA). Assemblers, builders and manufacturers will learn critical steps to ensure the stability and safety of a structure.

Women in Construction: State of the Industry and WIC Week™

Image credit: BigRentz

Since 1987, March has been proclaimed as Women’s History Month so it is only fitting for NAWIC (National Association of Women in Construction) to hold its annual WIC Week ™ or Women in Construction Week ™ this month. Happening next week, March 6 -12, this year’s theme, “Envision Equity,” is intended to highlight women as a viable component of the construction industry.

According to BigRentz from a January article, the needle has still not moved much regarding the number of women in construction jobs. They reported, “Of all the people working in construction, women comprise only 10.9%. Even smaller is the number of women on the front lines of a job site — only 1 for every 100 employees in the field. Considering that women make up 47% of all employed individuals, this means that the construction industry is only benefitting from about 1.25% of women in the workforce.”

METALCON Live! to Highlight Importance of Bracing Sequencing for Metal Building

EARN 1 AIA LU HSW – REGISTER TODAY!

Join us this coming Wednesday, March 2 as we continue the “Best of METALCON series” with Temporary Bracing Guidelines, presented by Keith Wentworth, Vice President with Dutton & Garfield Inc., a full service construction company serving the New England community for over 50 years and a member of the Metal Building Contractors & Erectors Association (MBCEA). Assemblers, builders and manufacturers will learn critical steps to ensure the stability and safety of a structure.

EARN 1 FREE AIA LU! REGISTER NOW for Thermal Breaks in Cladding Support Attachment Assemblies presented by METALCON Live! and MCA – TODAY at 1:00 pm

EARN 1 FREE AIA LU!

Join us TODAY at 1PM ET, as METALCON Live! and MCA present Bilal Khan of Northern Facades speaking on Thermal Breaks in Cladding Support Attachment Assemblies. Reaching toward net zero energy ready buildings has become a popular topic in today’s climate changing world. Energy efficiency has expanded towards exterior wall assemblies where effects of thermal bridging are considered and thermally broken sub-framing systems are becoming the new norm. This course will identify and compare various cladding attachment methods on the market.

Learn How Thermal Breaks in Cladding Support Help Achieve Net Zero Results

EARN 1 FREE AIA LU!

Join us next Wednesday February 16, 2022 at 1PM ET, as METALCON Live! and MCA present Bilal Khan of Northern Facades speaking on Thermal Breaks in Cladding Support Attachment Assemblies.

MCN 2022 State of the Industry

The pandemic holds on but the industry is emerging and battling new challenges

For over a decade now, Metal Construction News has issued an annual “State of the Industry” report by compiling updates from key industry contributors representing various disciplines of metal construction. MCN Editorial Director, Paul Deffenbaugh, shares his outlook for this year, “The coronavirus pandemic upended the world and the construction industry, and two years after the onset, we are still dealing with it. For the construction industry, that means supply chain issues, increased material and labor costs and a continued labor shortage.”

This year’s report includes seven unique articles covering subjects including economic drivers and their impact on construction, insurance premiums, solar market growth and the relationship with metal roofing, inflation predictions, current challenges for contractors, labor/ workforce demands, and the ways the construction industry can work together to face the unique challenges. Read on for links to each article.

MCN 2022 Contractor Survey

CLICK HERE for Annual Contractor Survey.

Deadline: February 4.

Every year, Metal Construction News publishes a survey of the industry, looking at the results of the previous year and speculating about the upcoming year. MCN understands 2021 was a bounce-back year after the extreme difficulties of 2020, but they would like to know by how much. And if the bounce back will stick.

MCN Editorial Director, Paul Deffenbaugh, says, “The metal construction industry is a unique niche and information specific to it is difficult to capture. You can’t just turn to the U.S. Census Bureau and grab a bunch of statistics about our industry. There is no one classification that aggregates all that data. So, that’s our job.” Help MCN be the voice by participating in the annual survey.

Magnificent Metal Monday – Solar and Net Zero

Our next METALCONLive! is happening THIS Wednesday and puts solar and net zero construction in the spotlight. Entrepreneur turned solar expert, Dan Javan, CEO of Suntuity, will speak on the growth of solar and the emergence of net zero construction. While Suntuity has been busy making solar more accessible to the masses, they now have another accomplishment – building their first “Net Zero” structure, a unique, one-of-a-kind home running solely on renewable energy sources. Their “Net Zero Home Project” will operate as a completely self-sustaining LEED Platinum certified home that meets ENERGY STAR® and Department of Energy requirements.

Photo Credit: DesignedBuildwithMetal

METALCONLive! Presents: Fundamentals of Rainscreen Design – REGISTER TODAY

METALCON Live! returns tomorrow at 1:00 pm with the first of our new series, “The Best of METALCON,” with Fundamentals of Rainscreen Design. Join Managing Director of Pivoth Corp and Vice Chairman at Rainscreen Association in North America (RAiNA), Steve Gaynor, for a deeper look at the reasons for using a rainscreen and the performance requirements.

Back by Popular Demand – METALCONLive! Presents: Fundamentals of Rainscreen Design

METALCON Live! returns next week with the first of our new series, “The Best of METALCON,” with Fundamentals of Rainscreen Design. Join Managing Director of Pivoth Corp and Vice Chairman at Rainscreen Association in North America (RAiNA), Steve Gaynor, next Wednesday November 17, 2021 at 1PM ET.

What do a Fisherman and an Economist Have in Common?

These accomplished individuals will bring a fascinating combination of motivation, inspiration and education in their keynote addresses at METALCON 2021, October 6 and 7, in beautiful Tampa, Florida! Despite their vastly different backgrounds, “Deadliest Catch” Captain Keith Colburn and Chief Economist Ken Simonson, will share valuable information and advice to help you grow your business and achieve financial success. We are less than 30 days from meeting back IN PERSON at the only global event dedicated to the application of metal in design and construction. Check out the METALCON DIGITAL SHOW GUIDE to start planning and REGISTER TODAY!

METALCON NEWS – RARE IMP PAVILION A FEATURE AT METALCON 2021

As Released to the Media —

“METALCON is the ONLY place you can compare and contrast the six IMP manufacturers now dominating the U.S. and Canadian markets,” said Judy Geller, METALCON’s Vice President of Tradeshows. “This is a rare opportunity!”  The MCA’s IMP Alliance comprises leading manufacturers, material suppliers and resellers who are dedicated to growing and increasing the use of IMPs in the construction marketplace. For the first time ever, AT METALCON, architects, specifiers, contractors, building owners, and government agencies will have an opportunity to visit with each company and see first-hand the newest products and visual illustrations of projects, in addition to receiving on-site product and technical guidance.  

REGISTER BY 8/27 FOR EARLY BIRD PRICING!

HOT OFF THE PRESS! CHECK OUT THE METALCON DIGITAL SHOW GUIDE PRODUCED BY METAL CONSTRUCTION NEWS FOR ALL SHOW DETAILS.

Magnificent Metal Monday – US Infrastructure Update

Photo Credit: Mario Tama via Getty Images

Construction Dive reported last week, “The U.S. is one step closer to a massive, much-needed infrastructure spending package.” The Senate voted last Wednesday to advance a bipartisan bill, which includes $550 billion in new federal funding for infrastructure. The bill will now enter a process of debates and amendments. Should the bill pass, it would inject funding into transportation, utilities and broadband spending. Senators voted to advance the package 67-32, with 17 Republicans joining all 48 Senate Democrats — and two Independents who caucus with the Democrats — in favor of advancing it.

Magnificent Metal Monday – Knowledge is POWER at METALCON – and CREDITS Too!

METALCON’s Extensive Conference Program Offers More Education and CEUs than Ever Before

“An investment in knowledge always pays the best interest.” Benjamin Franklin

Introducing METALCON’S best education yet! Learn from the industry’s top technical whizzes, business experts, design professionals, and industry insiders. From intensive pre-show Workshops to Keynotes, Super Sessions and 40+ FREE educational sessions conveniently located inside the exhibit hall, METALCON has it all.  Best of all … you’ll earn valuable credits while you learn!

You can customize and organize your daily education schedule by clicking on the favorite “star” button by the sessions you want, then clicking on the tab “My Sessions.” You can then export your show schedule. Read on for details on Keynotes, Super Sessions, Workshops, and the Education Sessions.

METALCON Announces Keynote Speakers, Show Highlights and Major Sponsors for Tampa

AS RELEASED TO THE MEDIA TODAY