Magnificent Metal Monday – Fire Resistance Ratings

This Wednesday, June 7th, Steve Gaynor of RAiNA and PIVOTH, will share important information about the exterior wall assembly fire performance code during our next METALCON Live! webinar. In addition to understanding the exterior wall assembly, knowledge about construction types is vital for firefighters and anyone in the construction industry. Thanks to BigRentz, here’s a look at the five building construction types and their respective fire resistance ratings.

At the IBHS facility in South Carolina, Daniel Gorham and his colleagues test building materials in a wildfire simulation. Engineers designed and built a full-size duplex home. On one side, the house has cedar siding, vinyl gutters, single-pane windows and bark mulch around the foundation. On the other side, the house is designed to be fire-resistant, with cement siding, metal gutters, double-pane windows and gravel around the foundation.
Credit: Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety

Magnificent Metal Monday – MRA’s Best Residential Metal Roofing Contest Q1 Winner

As announced by DesignandBuildwithMetal, the Metal Roofing Alliance (MRA) has named a beautiful copper metal re-roofing project, installed by Istueta Roofing and manufactured by Metal Master Shop, as the winner of its Best Metal Roofing Project competition for the first quarter of 2023.

Take the Mid-Year Survey by Shield Wall Media

Shield Wall Media is conducting their mid-year survey and every voice counts. The survey will take you about 5 minutes and will contribute greatly to their “Mid-Year State-of-the-Industry” article, which aims to provide an in-depth analysis of the construction industry.

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Celebrating MCA’s 40 Years – “Life with MCA Over the Years” by Six Industry Veterans

The Metal Construction Association (MCA) kicked off their 40th anniversary at its Winter Meeting held in January in Clearwater, Florida, and will continue to celebrate throughout the year. MCA’s 40th Anniversary is covered in depth in this month’s issue of Metal Construction News including a look back at the association’s history, a look forward at their newest program “Future Leaders,” a list of service award winners, current MCA Members, and featured here, interviews with six industry veterans to see how “Life with MCA Over the Years” has been.

“How Hot is Metal Roofing Growth” – MetalCast with Renee Ramey of the Metal Roofing Alliance

LISTEN TO THE METALCAST HERE

Last month Heidi J. Ellsworth, owner of RoofersCoffeeShop™ and MetalCoffeeShop™, sat down with the “leading lady of metal,” Renee Ramey, executive director of the Metal Roofing Alliance (MRA), to talk about the growth of residential metal roofing and the driving factors of this growth.

Magnificent Metal Monday – Innovative New Door Frames by Schweiss

Schweiss Doors Erects New Manufacturing Building As Showcase For New Door Frames
Photo Credit: Schweiss Doors | DesignandBuildwithMetal.com

A leader in hydraulic doors and header frames for over 40 years, Schweiss continues to innovate. Recently featured in DesignandBuildwithMetal, their latest is erecting a new manufacturing facility to serve as a showcase for the company’s new “free-standing” header frames. The 90 by 94-foot metal building will have an inside clearance of 20 feet and will feature three hydraulic doors that illustrate the company’s free-standing header frames integrated into the hydraulic doors, allowing the doors to support themselves with no reliance on the building structure itself. Owner Mike Schweiss says, “The building and free-standing hydraulic door design will be a real exhibit that displays the new stand-alone hydraulic door. There’s nothing on the market like it.”

April is National Welding Month – Tune in Tonight to AWS’ Weld Wednesday

The metal construction industry is the sum of many parts, an integral one being welding. Since 1996, the American Welding Society has designated the month of April as National Welding Month to bring awareness to the welding industry and its available career paths. This year’s theme, “Be Part of The Future of Welding,” celebrates the industry’s vast and diverse welding community. With welding and other skilled trades continuing to see labor shortages, it is more important than ever to bring awareness to the importance of this industry.

MBMA Announces 2022 Student Design Competition Award Winners

Winning Design by Bobby Buttrick, Graduate Student at Univ. of Mass; Photo Credit: MBMA

The Metal Building Manufacturers Association (MBMA) has announced the winners of its second annual Student Design Competition, granting $28,500 in awards to six winners and to their faculty sponsors in an online ceremony. Two of the top winners hail from the University of Massachusetts at Amherst! The competition took place during the 2022 fall semester, with entries due January 6, 2023. This year’s contest for undergraduate and graduate architecture students challenged each participant to create an innovative metal building design for a fire station and department headquarters. 

Congratulations to Bobby Buttrick, who was awarded the top prize of $5,000 and to Pranav Amin for earning first place and $4,000 in the “Graduate Division.” Both are graduate students at the University of Massachusetts at Amherst and advised by Professor Stephen Schreiber, Chair of the Department of Architecture in the College of Humanities and Fine Arts. 

Magnificent Metal Monday – Broad Street Self-Storage Case Study

Photo Credit: Inside Self-Storage

According to Storeganize, “The self storage industry, currently valued at $54 billion, is projected to grow at a CAGR of 7.53% between 2022 and 2027 to hit a whopping $83.6 billion at the end of the forecast period, with the North American market is projected to contribute the largest chunk of this figure.” Given this projected demand, how will communities maintain their aesthetics as green space or older buildings give way to these typically nondescript, linear, modular looking buildings? Take a look at this MCA Case Study where metal roofing and wall panels achieve a desired aesthetic for a visible self-storage facility in a southern Californian town.

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

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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!

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!

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.

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.

Final Week to Make Your Voice Heard | State of the Construction Industry Survey

TAKE 4 MINUTES NOW AND GET 50% OFF YOUR METALCON REGISTRATION AND FREE DOWNLOADS FROM SHIELD MEDIA!

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METALCON and Shield Wall Media have joined forces to conduct this “State of the Construction Industry” survey. By collecting, evaluating and disseminating valuable industry data, we can all make better business decisions, chart a course towards a more prosperous future, and gain some clarity in an uncertain world. Let’s work together to grow our industry by gathering and sharing market data on the segments of the construction industry we serve.

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.

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.

Happy Thanksgiving

“Gratitude makes sense of our past, brings peace for today, and creates a vision for tomorrow.” — Melody Beattie, author

May your Thanksgiving and all the days ahead be filled with health, happiness, joy and prosperity. On behalf of the METALCON team, we extend our gratitude to our partners and to the entire metal construction industry for your ongoing support and continued successes.

S-5! Celebrates 30 Years and Announces New Products and Patents

S-5! exhibiting at METALCON last month in Indianapolis; Photo Credit: McBoat Photography

S-5!, one of the world’s leading developers of engineered, manufactured, metal roof attachments, is having a big year! Not only are they wrapping up their 30th anniversary year, but they just exhibited at METALCON for the 31st time! Additionally, they have introduced another new mounting product to the market adding to their family of clamps and attachments, and just announced 14 new patents awarded in 2022. On behalf of the METALCON team, we congratulate the S-5! family on their successes and thank them for their continued support and leadership in the metal construction community.

We Want to Hear from You! State of the Construction Industry Survey

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METALCON and Shield Wall Media have joined forces to conduct this “State of the Construction Industry” survey. By collecting, evaluating and disseminating valuable industry data, we can all make better business decisions, chart a course towards a more prosperous future, and gain some clarity in an uncertain world. Let’s work together to grow our industry by gathering and sharing market data on the segments of the construction industry we serve.

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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.