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.

Magnificent Metal Monday – Curved Metal Roofing Panels

Thanks to our friends at DrexelMetals and the MetalCoffeeShop®, this recent article highlights the limitless design potential of curved metal roofing panels. With the advent of innovative production methods like on-site roll forming, constructing curved roofs has become a more straightforward practice. Not only do metal roofing panels simplify the installation process, but they also provide a weather-tight solution for curved roofing. Discover how these features translate into versatile building designs and learn about the innovative ways in which curved metal roofing panels are being utilized today. Read on for three examples of the versatile power.

Magnificent Metal Monday – Victorian Home Roof Restoration

In last week’s METALCONLive!, industry expert Todd Miller with Isaiah Industries detailed the importance of project management for metal roof restoration jobs. In today’s Magnificent Metal Monday, let’s take a look at one of the projects completed by a division of Isaiah Industries, Kassel & Irons along with Swita Metal Roofing. After being selected for the job for their reasonable estimate, efficient installation, and careful treatment of the roof and grounds, they beautifully replaced the old wood shake roof with a stylish, durable metal roof on a 19th-century Victorian home in Lake Mills, Wisconsin.

Metal Construction Hall of Fame Call for Nominations

Metal Construction News‘ call for nominees for this year’s Metal Construction Hall of Fame is underway. Founded in 2012, this annual award honors those individuals who have made significant contributions to the success, innovation and growth of the metal construction industry.

The deadline to nominate is March 10, 2023.

Click here to nominate a person to the Metal Construction Hall of Fame

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.

Don’t Miss Tomorrow’s METALCONLive! – The Importance of Wall to Roof Connections for the Air Barrier

Join us TOMORROW when METALCONLive! and the Air Barrier Association of America (ABAA) present a LIVE webinar on the “The Big Disconnect.” International author and speaker, Roy Schauffele, FCSI, CCPR, FABAA, CABS, Certified Air Barrier Specialist with ABAA and President and Founder of Division 7 Solutions, Inc., will focus on things to consider from a design standpoint, along with practical approaches to ensuring a robust connection is constructed and executed. REGISTER NOW to reserve your virtual seat!

Magnificent Metal Monday – IDEAS² Award Winners

The American Institute of Steel Construction (AISC) has announced its annual Innovative Design in Engineering and Architecture with Structural Steel (IDEAS²) Award winners for 2023. These awards are the industry’s most prestigious design honor, recognizing projects that illustrate the exciting possibilities of building with structural steel and highlighting the many ways steel can help express architectural intent while harnessing its unique advantages for both simple and complex structural systems. This year’s winners are a mix of adaptive reuse and brand-new structures.

AISC President Charles J. Carter, SE, PE, PhD., says, “I love how this year’s winners not only use steel to create modern masterpieces but also take full advantage of steel’s unique ability to give a second life to structures that would otherwise be demolished.” Winners are listed below, separated into the categories of “Less than $15 million,” “$15 – $75 million,” “$75 to $200 million,” and “Greater than $200 million.”

What is “The Big Disconnect?”

Join us next Wednesday when METALCONLive! and the Air Barrier Association of America (ABAA) present a LIVE webinar exploring the importance of wall to roof connections for the air barrier. Certified air barrier specialist, Roy Schauffele, FCSI, CCPR, FABAA, CABS, will focus on things to consider from a design standpoint, along with practical approaches to ensuring a robust connection is constructed and executed. REGISTER NOW to reserve your virtual seat!

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

2023 State of the Metal Construction Industry LIVE Tomorrow at 1:00 PM – RESERVE YOUR SEAT

In less than 24 hours, join us for the first METALCONLive! of the year!

Get answers to these burning questions about the year ahead —

• Will the packed production schedules continue?
• Are supply chain challenges finally fading?
• What design trends will your clients be demanding and which ones are destined to be yesterday’s news?

Reserve your “seat” now for tomorrow’s METALCONLive! at 1pm EST. Our panel of experts representing every corner of the metal construction industry will share their observations, thoughts, and opinions on where we are now and where we’ll be this time next year.

Magnificent Metal Monday – World-Class Projects on Saadiyat Island Aim for Culture and Calm

On this day of observance of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and his dream of living in a world of peace among all beings, we travel to Saadiyat Island, a 10 square mile island which aims to bring “culture and calm” together, perhaps just a place Dr. King envisioned in his speech “I Have a Dream.” Lying approximately 10 miles from the center of Abu Dhabi, in addition to its white sandy beaches, it is fast becoming a world-renown international cultural destination. With two projects already open, and four under construction, here is a look at the cultural assets all brimming with the use of metal that truly showcases the union of art and form.

Industry Experts Will Peer into the 2023 Crystal Ball

In just one week, join us for the first METALCONLive! of the year, next Wednesday, 1/18, LIVE at 1pm EST for “The 2023 State of the Metal Construction Industry” presented by METALCONLive! and Metal Construction News. REGISTER NOW!

Do you want answers to these burning questions about the year ahead?

• Will the packed production schedules continue?
• Are supply chain challenges finally fading?
• What design trends will your clients be demanding and which ones are destined to be yesterday’s news?

If you answered yes to any of them, then reserve your “seat” today for next week’s METALCONLive! on January 18 at 1pm EST. Our panel of experts representing every corner of the metal construction industry will share their observations, thoughts, and opinions on where we are now and where we’ll be this time next year.

Magnificent Metal Monday – Metal Roof Selected to Withstand Wyoming’s Diverse Climate

Credit: MCA Case Study

A new construction project by Spring Creek Ranch was recently featured as a Metal Roofing Case Study by the Metal Construction Association. When the owners embarked on the new construction of 15 buildings located on their luxury resort property during the spring of 2022, they were seeking high-performance materials that could withstand the diverse climates of Jackson Hole. Their search led them to select metal roofs laminated with matte black Tedlar® supplied by Metal Alliance LLC.

Magnificent Metal Monday – MCN 2022 Project Excellence Awards

As announced earlier this month by Metal Construction News, the Grand Award winner in their 2022 Project Excellence Awards is none other than a parking structure! Chosen for its innovative use of metal, the top honor goes to the City of Hope Northeast Parking Structure, Duarte, Calif. Calling it “the most innovative use of metal we’ve seen of all the entries,” the MCN Award Judges selected it saying this project “took something that was so mundane and turned it into a civic presence.” A clear testament to the versatility of metal in the design and building process.

Self Storage Boom Means Greater Demand for Metal Buildings

Photo courtesy of Metl-Span

In a recent article, Building Design + Construction reports, “Nearly 60% of the country’s top 100 metros are building storage units at a higher rate than the national average.” In September, Metal Construction News featured the trend saying, “Over the last five years, there has been 255.5 million square feet of storage space built, equivalent to 16% of the total inventory. With one in three Americans using self storage units, the self storage industry is quite robust.” And with the vast majority of these storage buildings being made from steel, the metal industry has also seen steady growth in its demand for pre-engineered structures, insulated metal panels and automated technology for unmanned storage projects.

Magnificent Metal Monday – MRA Best Residential Metal Roofing 3rd Quarter Honors Two Projects

Since the start of its Best Residential Metal Roofing Project competition began, the Metal Roofing Alliance (MRA) has selected a winner and a runner-up winner for the third quarter of 2022. Top honor goes to a new home construction project located in Kennewick, Washington, completed by C&C Roofing out of Hermiston, Oregon, featuring a beautiful mechanical seamed metal roof in a rich dark gray color that is the crowning touch on a stately 7,000 square-foot home.

MetalCoffeeShop Brings Unique LIVE Experience to METALCON 2022

Since MetalCoffeeShop (MCS) came on the scene 6 months ago, it has positioned itself as a strong voice and online forum for the metal roofing industry. Led by award-winning RoofersCoffeeShop founder Heidi Ellsworth, MCS is delivering a one-of-a-kind educational, informational and community experience for metal contractors and the metal industry, brought to you by Sherwin-Williams Coil Coatings. Delivering a unique LIVE experience this year at METALCON, Heidi was joined by RoofersCoffeeShop President Karen Edwards, and delivered their program “Coffee Conversations” from a sound stage built on the show floor courtesy of New Tech Machinery.

Cast your Vote for Annual Metal of Honor Awards

Now in its 19th year, Metal Roofing Magazine will present its Metal of Honor Awards in their April issue. Cast your vote for the suppliers who do the best job of providing the services and products you need to successfully run your business. Select three from the existing list, or if you don’t see your favorite supplier listed, you can nominate up to three.

MCA 2023 Winter Meeting Details and Registration

The Metal Construction Association‘s annual Winter Meeting will take place January 22-25, 2023 at the Hyatt Regency in Clearwater Beach Resort and Spa in Clearwater, FL. The MCA Winter Meeting is open to members and non-members and the event will cover an array of topics pertinent to the use of metal in the building envelope, plus several opportunities to network with industry leaders. Registration is NOW OPEN.

Magnificent Metal Monday – Thanksgiving Station Building Cladded with MCM

Photo: Corey Middleton / Metal Construction News

With the sounds, tastes and smells of Thanksgiving still fresh in our minds, let’s travel to Thanksgiving Station, a relatively new residential and commercial mixed-use community located within Thanksgiving Point, located in Lehi, Utah, a suburb of Salt Lake City. Appropriately named to express gratitude after receiving the land as a gift from her husband, wife of tech giant WordPerfect co-founder first established Thanksgiving Point in 1995 as a nonprofit indoor and outdoor farm, garden and museum complex. Much growth and expansion has occurred over the past 20 years including the Thanksgiving Station Office Park, a 1,000,000-square-foot mixed-use development that has offices, restaurants, fitness centers, a park and access to public transportation.

When architecture firm Beecher Walker sought to create the 150,000 square-foot building Thanksgiving Station 3, the fourth of five buildings, to embody the innovation associated with prospective tech company tenants, they turned to a design that integrated boxy forms clad with metal composite material (MCM) and glazing.

Industry Experts Discuss “State of the Industry” at Last Month’s METALCON ’22

Last month at METALCON, Paul Deffenbaugh, editorial director of Metal Construction News, moderated a state of the industry panel featuring Tony Bouquot, general manager of the Metal Builders Manufacturers Association (MBMA); Jennifer Heimburger, president of the Metal Builders Contractors & Erectors Association (MBCEA); Chuck Howard, long-time industry veteran and president of Metal Roof Consultants; and Alan Scott, FAIA, registered architect and sustainability practitioner with Intertek. They discussed supply chain issues, rising costs, the labor shortage and workforce development.

Magnificent Metal Monday – MCA Design Winner Spotlight on Rose Hill Project

Photo Courtesy of CetraRuddy Architecture, Esto/David Sundberg, Rockefeller Group

Last month at METALCON in Indianapolis, the Metal Construction Association announced the winners of their MCA 2022 Design Awards, a new awards program serves to recognize MCA member companies for their contributions to making an architect’s designs come alive with metal in construction. Taking first place in the Insulated Metal Panels category, MCA Members Kingspan and 3A Composites were recognized for their work on Rose Hill, a 45-story residential building located in the NoMad neighborhood of Manhattan (area that lies North and West of Madison Square Park in NYC). What makes this building truly unique is the elegant and intricate filigree with post-era detailing, accomplished only by the use of metal.

Magnificent Metal Monday – METALCON People’s Choice Winners Announced

From left, Jim Bus of ATAS International, Inc; Heidi Ellsworth and Karen Edwards of Roofers Coffee Shop; and Dale Nelson and colleagues with Roof Hugger, LLC accept top product awards at METALCON ’22.

While foot traffic began to slow on the final day, the excitement grew in anticipation for the announcement of this year’s METALCON Top Product People’s Choice Award winners. Returning for its second year, METALCON attendees were invited to vote on-site this month in Indianapolis for their top three choice products among the winners of the METALCON Top Products Awards which were announced last month.

Congratulations to this year’s METALCON People’s Choice Award winners including ATAS International, RoofersCoffeeShop/MetalCoffeeShop, and Roof Hugger. Continue reading for details on their winning products.

Magnificent Metal Monday – MCA 2022 Design Awards Announced at METALCON

MCA Design Awards at METALCON

Last week at METALCON 2022, the Metal Construction Association announced the winners of their MCA 2022 Design Awards. Positioned down the show floor’s “power aisle,” the projects were on display for everyone to see while walking from exhibitor to exhibitor. The new awards program serves to recognize MCA member companies for their contributions to making an architect’s designs come alive with metal in construction. Lori Reynolds Morrow, LEED Green Associate at Sheffield Metals International, was the emcee for the awards presentation during METALCON.

A panel of architects along with MCA members, judged submissions based on overall appearance, significance of metal in the project, and innovative use of metal. Winners were announced in the categories of Custom and Ornamental, Insulated Metal Panels, Metal Composite Material Panels, Single-Skin Panels, Roofs – Commercial and Residential, and Retrofit.

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 …

Calling all Roof Installers! Amazing Opportunity to Get Certified at METALCON ’22

Are your best installers ready to become nationally recognized? The NRCA ProCertification^® Metal Panel Roof Systems Hands-on Performance Exam Event is being offered THIS WEEK at METALCON, October 12 – 14, at the Indiana Convention Center for FREE! Through this certification, experienced workers who demonstrate substantial roofing skills and knowledge can become certified by NRCA in specific roof system installations.

METALCON ’22 EDUCATION SPOTLIGHT – BEST PRACTICES LEARNING CENTER

METALCON Best Practices Learning Center

In today’s economy, it’s more important than ever to have your business run smoothly and maximize every employee’s time and every dollar you spend on running your business. Sessions in the METALCON Best Practices Learning Center will feature industry experts who will provide you with solid, sensible advice and the tried and true techniques, tools and strategies you need to ensure your business’s growth and success. Join us at METALCON in a few weeks scheduled for October 12 – 14 at the Indiana Convention Center in Indianapolis, Indiana.

METALCON ’22 EDUCATION SPOTLIGHT – SUSTAINABILITY LEARNING CENTER

METALCON Sustainability Learning Center

Sustainability is on our minds now more than ever. Knowing how important “real-time” information is for the metal design and construction community, METALCON’s Sustainability Learning Center is a special educational hub dedicated to helping you capitalize on this critical issue. Conveniently located on the show floor, learn current and relevant information on sustainability practices and products for metal buildings from leading industry experts and discover new ways to deal with that nasty “C” word: Carbon.

METALCON 2022 TOP PRODUCT AWARD WINNERS ANNOUNCED

Now in its second year, METALCON is thrilled to announce this year’s TOP PRODUCT Award winners. This year’s exhibitors were invited to nominate their top metal products introduced to the market after Jan. 1, 2021 in one of 15 product categories, “We are very excited to announce our METALCON Top Products Award winners and showcase the industry’s top products and technologies at our show in Indianapolis,” says Judy Geller, METALCON’s Vice President of Tradeshows. Winners were determined by an electronic vote and all winning manufacturers are exhibiting at METALCON ’22.

Award winners are invited to showcase their top products with special product recognition at their booths next month at METALCON. Attendees will be given the chance to vote on-site for their top three choice products and the METALCON People’s Choice award winners will be announced at “The Deck” (show management booth) on Friday, Oct. 14 at 12:30 p.m.