The start of fall season is typically the time to prepare for colder weather, but with a changing climate, many regions are now experiencing hotter weather patterns that stretch far longer into the year, making home air conditioning systems not just a nice to have, but a need to have for families everywhere. That increasing demand is why the Metal Roofing Alliance (MRA) is calling on federal, state and local governments and utilities to take more action to help incentivize homeowners to make smart, energy efficient decisions when it comes to home building and remodeling practices.
Last week the New York Times reported, “The Biden administration released a blueprint showing how the nation could move toward producing almost half of its electricity from the sun by 2050 — a potentially big step toward fighting climate change but one that would require vast upgrades to the electric grid.” The Energy Department laid out an ambitious blueprint for solar power to go from 4% to 45%.
Join us next month at METALCON where solar will take center stage with its new S-5! sponsored SOLAR EDUCATION CENTER, a dedicated pavilion to discover how solar and metal go hand-in-hand and to learn how to capitalize on the opportunities it present through a variety of exhibits, educational sessions, live demos, and solar trivia games.
1st Quarter Winner of MRA’s Best Residential Metal Roofing Project; photo credit: MRA
As featured in last week’s blog, the Metal Roofing Alliance (MRA) Best Residential Metal Roofing Project competition is underway and the winner for the first quarter has been announced. According to DesignandBuildwithMetal.com, manufacturer DECRA Metal Roofing and roofing installer Weather Shield Metal Roofing of Gulf Breeze, Florida have been selected as the winners of its Best Residential Metal Roofing Project competition for a stunning metal roofing project recently completed on a home in Gulf Breeze. A winner will be announced for each quarter of 2021.
The search is on for outstanding metal roofing projects (open to U.S. and Canadian homeowners and the trades) …
The Metal Roofing Alliance (MRA) has kicked off its 2021 Best Residential Metal Roofing Project quarterly competition and this year, the opportunity to enter is open to both the trades and homeowners. Beginning Jan. 1, 2021 and running through Dec. 31, 2021 the MRA will award a quarterly winner of the project judged to be the most outstanding example of a great metal roofing project. ENTER TODAY.
As part of National Roofing Week, METALCON salutes the Roofing Alliance, the foundation of the National Roofing Contractors Association (NRCA), as they continue to celebrate their 25th anniversary. Help them prepare a list of their 25 greatest accomplishments by emailing Bennett Judson, the Roofing Alliance’s executive director, at bjudson@roofingalliance.net to let them know what program, project or outreach you believe was one of their greatest successes. To further promote the annivesary, you can add their 25th anniversary logo to your email signature blocks, websites, communications with your customers, advertisements, etc. Visit the 25th anniversary page to download the logo and other 25th anniversary materials.
Each year, National Roofing Week increases awareness about the significance of roofs to every home and business and shares the good deeds of the industry. NRCA encourages members to participate in National Roofing Week by engaging in their communities and informing the public about the essential role roofs and professional roofing contractors play in every community.
There are several key reasons why a metal roof is the right choice. According to the Metal Roofing Alliance (MRA), among these reasons include energy savings, aesthetic appeal, performance in weather-related events, longevity and environmentally sustainability. In this era of increased focus on sustainability, copper is “king.” According to Copper.org (Copper Development Association, Inc.), it’s durable, reliable and often outlives its aluminum, plastic and other metal counterparts. Copper adorns one of the world’s most stunning homes in the United States — The Hope Residence, located in Palm Springs, California.
According to Metal Roofing Alliance, “For a home that is nearly as famous and unique as the American entertainer who inspired it, the Hope Residence has been compared to a spaceship, a mushroom and a volcano. Whatever shape you imagine it resembles, there is no doubt there is nothing like this nearly 24,000 square foot home set at the highest point overlooking the star-studded city. The most striking element of the curvaceous, expansive home is the roof itself. Made from copper that slopes upward from three points to meet at an enormous open oculus, the roof seems to rise from the mountains, its dark aged patina softly glowing in ever-shifting desert light.”
Roofing industry stakeholders from throughout the U.S. participated virtually in Roofing Day in D.C. 2021 March 23-24.
Led by the National Roofing Contractors Association (NRCA) and partner organizations, the annual event is an unprecedented effort to share the industry’s message with members of Congress. Traditionally held as a fly-in event in Washington, D.C., Roofing Day in D.C. 2021 was held virtually because of the COVID-19 pandemic.
When IMPs first emerged as a building product in the 1960s they were predominantly used as an exterior wall assembly. Throughout the last 60 years, the materials and production methods have advanced considerably. According to the Metal Construction Association, “Insulated Metal Panel Roofs are premier building products on the leading edge of innovation.” The far reaching benefits include: high performance, sustainable building envelope, design flexibility, single component, and speed of build. The question isn’t “why an IMP roof” … the question is “why not.”
Join METALCONLive! and MCA TOMORROW as they present, The Advantages of an IMP Roof, by Greg Lusty, Vice President of Sales at All Weather Insulated Panels. Greg will provide a review of insulated metal roof panel systems in terms of their performance characteristics, profiles, and testing/approval requirements; along with the design and installation considerations that will help you be successful. This webinar qualifies for one AIA LU and its FREE!
On behalf of the METALCON team, we are honored to celebrate the 25th Anniversary of the Roofing Alliance, the foundation of the National Roofing Contractors Association (NRCA). We invite you to celebrate their success by joining their mission to promote the professionalism of roofing while giving back to the industry through research, education and philanthropy.
Metal Construction News has released their 2021 State of the Industry and overall, the industry looks forward to a more positive 2021. As MCN looked back to a year ago, none of the experts who contributed to the 2020 State of the Industry predicted how the year would unfold and went into the year with optimism. Coming into this year, the same experts retain their sense of optimism, less likely to be undone by the unforeseeable. Based on the collective voice of the experts, the future seems to be brighter than it has in many years past but identifying which part of the uncertain future that holds the most promise is yet to be discovered. So grab your cup of coffee and take some time to read the following pieces authored by the “who’s who” of industry experts to hopefully give you some sense of direction …
On December 1, Metal Construction News (MCN) announced the winners of their annual Building & Roofing Awards for 2020. The Grand Award winner is the United States Olympic and Paralympic Museum, Colorado Springs, Colorado, which we seredinpitously featured in a recent MMM blog post for its unique use of metal. MCN found the project noteworthy for its unique façade and for its use of metal as a very predominant building material.
According to a recent article featured in Metal Construction News, there appears to be a direct correlation between the growth of metal roofing alongside the increased use of solar. The article states, “As homeowners become more educated about the benefits of solar, the use of a metal roof makes economical sense. And, a metal roof is the perfect platform for installing solar, due to interest in a longer lasting, better performing, more sustainable roof option.” Even through the slowdown due to COVID-19, homeowners are continuing to install solar on their homes with solar companies seeing a need to hire versus layoff as so many other companies and businesses have had to do.
Rob Haddock, CEO and founder of S-5!, Colorado Springs, Colo., was quoted in the article saying, “It’s natural to choose metal roofs for installing solar PV because metal roofs provide an ideal platform as metal roofing is the only roof type with a service life that actually exceeds the service life of a solar PV system. It is also the most sustainable roofing type and is conducive to lower solar installation costs.” He adds, “Metal roofs are a cost-effective solution for mounting solar photovoltaic panels with mechanical solar attachments since they provide fewer components, materials which are lightweight and provide a zero-penetration system with no holes or leaks, so it does not violate roof warranties.”
Photo courtesy of S-5!
Renee Ramey, executive director of the Metal Roofing Alliance, concurs, saying, “The reason why solar and metal roofs are so well matched is because of the return on a residential roof-mounted solar investment is only as good as the quality and longevity of the roof where it’s installed. Metal roofs are the best option for photovoltaic systems, greatly reducing the risk of a roof failing before a solar panel system does. She goes on to explain, “The estimated life span of solar panels is typically about 20 to 25 years, while metal roofs can last for 50-plus years, two or three times the average life span of other types of roofing materials. That means a metal roof should easily outlast the solar panels. Metal also is exceptionally strong and durable, able to support the weight of potentially heavy solar systems by using a simple attachment and clip solution that does not require drilling holes into the roof or the need for self-ballasted systems, reducing the possibility of roofing failures and potential leaks.”
According to research from the MRA, metal roofing is now the second most preferred roofing material in the U.S. As Ramey explains, some of the reasons for that include climate threats, long-term ROI, improved performance, better sustainability, and curb appeal and style options.
The list of reasons are mounting making metal roofing and solar panels a perfect pair given the financial benefits, the benefits and longevity of metal roofing, energy codes, and net-zero goals.
The Metal Roofing Alliance (MRA) announced last month the latest industry report for the U.S. residential roofing sector showing growth for metal roofing for new home construction has doubled in the past year, and continues to enjoy an ongoing steady demand among the repair/remodel market segment.
Projects that were completed after Jan. 1, 2019 are eligible in the following categories:
Metal Buildings
Metal Roofs-New
Metal Roofs-Retrofit
Metal Walls-New
Metal Walls- Retrofit
For more information, download the entry form here. Submit entry by September 18, 2020.
For a list of the 2019 winners, click HERE. Metal Construction News is the proud sponsor of the METALCON Official Show Guide. Due to ongoing concerns over the COVID-19 pandemic, METALCON 2020 has been postponed until 2021 and will take place October 6-8 in Tampa, Florida. For the full update on the show, click HERE.
Each year, National Roofing Week increases awareness about the significance of roofs to every home and business and shares the good deeds of the industry.
NRCA encourages members to participate in National Roofing Week by engaging in their communities and informing the public about the essential role roofs and professional roofing contractors play in every community. Continue reading to see how you can participate this week.
As we head into this holiday weekend, be sure to carve out some time to read the feature story posted yesterday by Metal Construction News titled, “Uncharted Waters.” Paul Deffenbaug, editorial director, asks five industry experts to weigh in on the current business environment given the disruption caused by the coronovirus pandemic. They all respond to questions covering these five key areas: length of time for the industry to bounce back, the greatest challenges being faced as a result of coronavirus from a business perspective, the effect on the labor shortage, the best tactical moves to address the changing market and recommendations to get the industry back on track.
“Buy America” – Cost of Capital Is at Its Lowest in Decades
Steel Dynamics Inc., Hopes to Make U.S. More “Steel Sufficient” with Construction of its New Steel Mill
Continued Focus on Training and Education Will Be Key for Greater Usage of Metal
METALCON Co-Founder and CEO, Frank A. Stasiowski, FAIA, in partnership with the Metal Construction Association and Rob Haddock, CEO and Founder of S-5! Metal Roof Innovations, continued to highlight “Build Back Better” with a special focus on steel with guests Brian Smallwood, Market Manager-Construction for Steel Dynamics, Inc., and Marines Hagemann, Director of Client Experience for Allied Steel Buildings.
METALCON Co-Founder and CEO, Frank A. Stasiowski, FAIA, in partnership with the Metal Construction Association and Rob Haddock, CEO and Founder of S-5! Metal Roof Innovations, continued the focus on “Build Back Better” with special guest Mark Kalin (FAIA, FCSI, LEED), President of Kalin Associates Specifications and highly experienced specification writer, author, speaker and registered architect. See below for Mark’s valuable insight of the specifications industry and strategies to leverage more metal sales with architects.
The coronavirus shutdown has been going since the middle of March with states ordering shelter in place restrictions at varying times. Now, nearly two months later, the country is trying to open back up for business. MCN’s third survey in the last month delves into attitudes within the metal construction industry about the threat and how it has affected its businesses.
Metal is Changing Perception in Residential & Commercial Design & Usage
METALCON Co-Founder and CEO, Frank A. Stasiowski, FAIA, in partnership with the Metal Construction Association and Rob Haddock, CEO and Founder of S-5! Metal Roof Innovations, continued the focus of “Build Back Better” with special guests Ken Gieske of McElroy Metals and Ray Smith of Australia-based AppliCad Software. Read on for important take-aways from last week’s discussion and REGISTER today for this week’s METALCONLive! as we welcome expert specification writer and architect, Mark Kalin of Kalin Associates Specifications.
Example of bold metal roof color; photo credit: MRA
According to the Metal Roofing Alliance (MRA), coping with climate extremes, getting creative and achieving better, longer-lasting performance that adds more ROI for the home improvement dollar are all top of mind for U.S. and Canadian homeowners this year. MRA reports that the top five key style and performance trends in the U.S. and Canada include:
Featured in the November 22 issue of Metal Construction News, “MRA (Metal Roofing Alliance) Predicts Metal Roofing Trends for 2020.” According to the MRA, “metal roofing is an idea whose time has finally come.” They focused on the top five style and performance trends in the U.S. and Canada:
Show of Strength – Toughening up the home’s exterior to be better prepared for extreme climate changes. “Delicate detailing is out, while the use of heartier exterior features that offer an almost fortress-like feel and are meant to show off a home’s rugged resiliency are more popular than ever.” Metal roofs designed to mimic slate are especially on trend, helping homes achieve a substantial, natural look while delivering serious, low-maintenance and reliable performance.
Our friends with MBCI shared in a blog post, “Just because you’ve been installing roofing for 30 years, doesn’t mean installer training and certification isn’t necessary. From a bottom line perspective, it’s important for companies to be proactive in making sure there is always someone on their team who is a certified installer for the products they use—or might use.”
With the knowledge that comes with certification, you’ll be able to assist contractors and consumers alike in choosing the right metal roof for their needs. Being a certified provider, homeowners, design professionals and contractors will be able to clearly differentiate quality levels of steep slope metal roofing by applying industry performance standards.
On this Earth Day, Magnificent Metal Monday (MMM) turns to our friends at Metal Roofing Alliance to see how metal stacks up against other roofing materials in being environmentally friendly. According to MRA, metal is considered the most environmentally friendly and sustainable roofing material available based on its sustainability, energy savings and value. Metal roofs are 100% recyclable and are made with a minimum of 25% recycled material, depending on the type of metal. Metal roofs can also often be installed over an existing roof, eliminating the environmental impact of disposal.
According to the latest figures from the Metal Roofing Alliance (MRA), metal roofing is growing in popularity, especially in states that experience severe climate conditions. The report identifies the top five states for interest in metal roofing are Florida, Pennsylvania, California, New York and North Carolina, with Texas close behind.
Show off your roofing skills at METALCON 2018 and you will have the chance of winning up to $8,500! The MCA Metal Roofing Games take place directly on the show floor at METALCON so conveniently located near all of the exhibits and education sessions. Join us at this year’s “Total Experience” in Charlotte, North Carolina, October 10-12, 2018. Click HERE to register your team to compete in the Roofing Games.
Take advantage of our current “BACKTOSCHOOL” offer and receive 40% off registration. Click HERE to register. Good through September 30 so register today!
Be a part of the 5TH Annual National Metal Roofing Championship Games competition to be held this October at METALCON in Charlotte, North Carolina, October 10-12, 2018. The MCA Metal Roofing Games Task Force is now taking contestant registrations. Ten teams of two participants each are needed for the competition. Teams should consist of players from the same company and who are planning to attend METALCON all 3 days of the event. Deadline to pre-register is August 1! Continue reading →
Breaking News! This week California became the first state to mandate solar panels on new home construction. As reported by the Wall Street Journal, “The California Energy Commission voted unanimously to approve a mandate that residential buildings up to three stories high, including single-family homes and condos, be built with solar installations starting in 2020.” Final approval will be made by the Building Standards Commission later this year. Continue reading →
It’s time to book your hotel accommodations for METALCON 2018 in Charlotte, NC, for October 10 – 12, 2018. METALCON’s official housing company is NOW taking reservations. GLOBETROTTER is the official and ONLY housing agent for the METALCON show. If you make your reservations with any other travel company, your reservation may not be guaranteed. Continue reading →
Be a part of the 5TH Annual National Metal Roofing Championship Games competition to be held this October at 
Breaking News! This week California became the first state to mandate solar panels on new home construction. As reported by the 
It’s time to 