MMM – MCN Readers’ Choice Awards 2019

Taking the #1 spot – TRUE BLUE Squares by Empire Level Manufacturing Co.

Magnificent Metal Monday hails the readers today by featuring Metal Construction News’ Readers’ Choice Awards for 2019. MCN comments, “In our sixth annual Readers’ Choice Awards, Metal Construction News readers identified four different roofing underlayments as their top products for the last year, and of those four, three were in the top six of overall products.

The list contains products ranging from metal roofing panels to insulated metal panels to chimney pots and caps. There were also a number of energy reduction products rising to the surface, including insulation materials and daylighting products that help reduce energy demands. But the bigger change in the 2019 Readers’ Choice Awards compared to previous years is the number of tools our readers were interested in. The Empire Level Manufacturing Co.’s TRUE Blue Squares took the top spot. 

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  #2 goes to DAP Products for their Ultra Clear Sealant

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  #3 goes to MFM Building Products Corp.
  Wind & Water Seal Underlayment

For a product to be considered for the Readers’ Choice Awards, it must have been featured in the editorial coverage between the May 2018 and April 2019 issues of Metal Construction News. MCN tracks the leads generated by each product from their readers and ranks them according to the number of leads. Continue reading the full story for the full list of the 30 winners.

Many of these manufacturing companies will be exhibiting at METALCON 2019, October 16-18, 2019 in Pittsburgh. Check out the FLOOR PLAN for the largest event in North America dedicated to metal in design and construction and register today. On behalf of the METALCON team, congratulations to the winners of the 2019 Metal Construction News Readers’ Choice Awards.

CLICK ON THE IMAGE FOR A SPECIAL BLOG REGISTRATION DISCOUNT. The promo code does not work for exhibitors, manufacturers, suppliers or distributor registration categories.

MMM – Metal Panels are Economical Solution for Pittsburgh Urban Home

Photo Courtesy: DesignandBuildwithMetal.com

Magnificent Metal Monday travels to Pittsburgh, PA, the location of METALCON 2019, for a look at a unique three-story home built in one of the city’s dense urban neighborhoods. Designed by David W. Nitchkey, a principal at CORE Architects of Pittsburgh, he opted for the use of exposed fastener panels from McElroy Metal for the home’s exterior.

Nitchkey’s home appeared in a recent issue of DesignandBuildwithMetal.com as a “featured project.” Nitchkey explains, “My wife and I both wanted to live in a contemporary urban home, reflecting a modern design on both the exterior and the interior. We chose metal to create the contemporary industrial aesthetic of the exterior. Beyond aesthetics, the exposed fastener metal panel system provided an economical solution and the material is basically maintenance free. After maintaining a large 1950s era suburban home for 14 years, we were ready to spend less time on exterior maintenance and more time enjoying the benefits of living in a city neighborhood.” Part of their decision to use metal was also to pay homage to the city’s steeped history in steel and metal making.

The home measures 2,500 square feet on a narrow 20-foot by 60-foot lot. “As a designer, I looked at the exterior cladding as an exercise in graphic design,” Nitchkey says. “The dimensional profiles, direction of the panel patterns, panel sizes and seaming, and exposed fastener colors, all became part of the layers of the design. Conceptually, the first floor horizontal U-Panels in a Charcoal color, provide a dark base to ground the structure and create a platform to support the silver Galvalume volume of the second and third floors, clad in vertical U-Panels. To provide a visual interest, ‘the wedge’ utilizes horizontal Mega Rib panels in Regal White. The added depth of these panels contrasts nicely against the shallower U-Panels.

Photo Courtesy: DesignandBuildwithMetal.com

Abreez Contracting of Pittsburgh installed the McElroy panels: 1,140 square feet of U-Panels in Charcoal, 3,408 square feet of U-Panels in unfinished Galvalume, 360 square feet of Mega-Rib panels in Regal White and 162 square feet of Matrix soffit panels in unfinished Galvalume.

McElroy Metal markets metal roofing, siding, and substructural products for architectural, residential, commercial, and industrial applications. McElroy has 13 manufacturing facilities across the United States. You can visit McElroy Metals and see their latest product line in Booth #1740 at METALCON 2019.

DesignandBuildwithMetal.com will also be on hand at METALCON 2019 with their generous support of the cash prizes for the Innovation Station Scavenger Hunt.

REGISTER TODAY!

Make METALCON your Metal Roofing Punch List

METALCON 2019 is a “one-stop shop” for key training, education and one-on-one time with industry experts and exhibitors. It is a critical addition to any “punch list” for a roofing job. Recently featured in Metal Construction News, having a punch list is necessary in any metal roofing job whether it is a roof retrofit or new construction. The information that can be obtained at METALCON this year will give you the tools to complete a job accurately.

MBCEA’s 2019 Building of the Year Awards

MBCEA Building of the Year; photo credit Metal Construction News.

Metal Construction News announced MBCEA’s Building of the Year Awards for 2019 in their July issue. Top honors went to the BARNES Buildings and Management Group based in Weymouth, MA, for their Boston MedFlight Hangar 12A project. The awards were announced at MBCEA’s Annual Meeting that took place in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina May 2-4.

Metal Roof Installation Training offered at METALCON 2019

Increase Credibility with Clients with a Roofing Certification

Photo credit: MBCI

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.

National Women in Roofing Seeks Award Nominations for New WORLD Award

From our friends with National Women in Roofing and Roofers Coffee Shop …

June 15, 2019

The award recognizes a Woman of Outstanding Roofing Leadership Distinction (W.O.R.L.D.).

Do you know someone who leads by example, with passion, strength and integrity? A true champion for women in the roofing industry as well as her local community and family?

The National Women in Roofing Organization’s mission is to support and empower women in our industry through education, mentorship, networking and recruiting, and our growing membership is filled with outstanding women who fulfill our mission on a daily basis nationwide!  The organization focuses on connecting and empowering women so that their training and leadership skills can help drive the overall betterment and professionalism of the roofing industry. 

Innovation Stations Return to METALCON 2019

Did you know that you will have four chances to win a $500 CASH PRIZE at METALCON 2019? All you have to do is visit all ten Innovation Stations located on the show floor and scan the METALCON APP for a chance to be entered into the daily drawing. Cash prizes are generously donated by METALCON’s long standing partner publication, DesignandBuildwithMetal.com. Drawings will be held on Wednesday at 2 pm and 5pm and Thursday at 2pm and 5pm; entry is based on cumulative scans not daily scans and a person may only win one time.

Theater Education Schedule Announced for METALCON 2019

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METALCON’s commitment to the industry goes far beyond exhibits. The show not only offers one on one interactions with exhibitors, but also offers opportunities to learn from industry experts. The METALCON team is excited to announce this year’s “line-up” for the PPG Theatre, sponsored by PPG which is headquartered in the host city, Pittsburgh. In addition PPG is sponsoring Bryan Trottier, former professional ice hockey player for the Pittsburgh Penguins and seven-time Stanley Cup winner, as one of the keynote speakers. A full schedule of general sessions on key industry topics will be available throughout the show in the PPG Theatre.

MMM Celebrates Earth Day

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.

MMM – Robotics Headquarters Features All-Metal Aesthetic, Building Envelope

Innovation First International headquarters; photo courtesy of DesignandBuildwithMetal.com

Magnificent Metal Monday (MMM) travels to Greenville, Texas, to check out the new high tech headquarters for Innovation First International. As reported by our friends with DesignandBuildwithMetal.com in March, “The company behind the popular HEX BUG micro robotic toy line was founded on the belief that product and technological innovation are vital to success, so it’s no wonder the company turned to a state-of-the-art, Metl-Span building envelope for its new, 63,500 square-foot headquarters.”

New Report Suggests Growth for Metal Roofing is based on Climate Changes

Photo credit: Metal Roofing Alliance

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.

A Fresh Look at Stone Coated Steel Tiles

Gerard stone-coated steel-tile roof – Barrel Vault Profile; photo credit Roofingcalc.com

Dating back to the days of World War II when the British demanded a stronger roofing product to protect themselves against bombings, stone coated steel roofing tiles have played an important part of roofing history. It wasn’t until a few years ago that the industry saw a surge in their popularity and usage.

Metal Roofing in the Spotlight

Metal Roofing Ezine

DesignandBuildwithMetal.com has issued their inaugural Metal Roofing Edition. This issue features some of the most outstanding metal roofing projects showcased on their website over the past 12 months, along with a number of supporting articles dealing with related technologies and ancillary products. The cover features a fire station in Florida that doubles as a hurricane command center. The building showcases metal roofing from Petersen, illustrating both the aesthetic qualities and performance attributes that have made metal the first choice for such projects.

Recycling Makes the Heart Grow

A recent article in Metropolis Magazine asks, “When a building comes down, where do its materials go?” Recycling five essential materials—steel, concrete, drywall, glass, flooring—turns up different challenges, but architects can be part of the solution. As the environmental crisis worsens, we must ask: Can we reduce our demand on new resources? The article

Metal Industry Awards – Vote Today!

Cast your vote!

With it being award season for film, music and more, why should the metal industry be any exception?

Metal Construction News is running several contests and would like you to cast your vote!

Metal Construction Hall of Fame

Let it Snow!

As winter weather officially sets in and reports of snow and ice storms appear in the news on a more regular basis, thanks to our friends at MCA, you will be well prepared. MCA has released a technical bulletin concerning snow retention and the proper design and use of snow retention devices when a metal roof is involved called Qualifying Snow Retention Systems for Metal Roofing.

Best of the Best of 2018

Grand Award winner in the 2018 Metal Construction News Building & Roofing Awards; photo courtesy of pod architecture + design, Rabbit Hole Distilling, and Prodigy Construction

You know it’s nearing the end of another year when “best of” lists for everything from music to toys to movies to fashion begin popping up everywhere.  The construction and roofing industry is no exception.  Here’s a round-up of some of the industry’s “best of the best” from 2018:

Magnificent Metal Monday

Among the 275 exhibitors at METALCON 2018 was CertainTeed, a leading North American brand of exterior and interior building products, including roofing, siding, fence, decking, railing, trim, insulation, drywall and ceilings.  METALCON attendees were  offered an exclusive preview of their impressive Matterhorn® Metal Roofing collection and what contractors, architects and building owners will soon see in expanded markets nationwide.

Charlotte is ‘Revving’ up for METALCON

METALCON will take place in Charlotte as planned October 10-12, 2018.  In the wake of Hurricane Florence, there has been no damage or interruption in services reported at the Charlotte airport, hotels, and Convention Center. “Charlotte weathered Hurricane Florence and is doing well,” says Charlotte Regional Visitor Authority (CRVA) Director of Communications, Laura White.  Our thoughts and sympathies are with those affected by the terrible devastation caused by the hurricane. By attending METALCON, you can help North Carolina with its rebuilding efforts.

Charlotte’s Thriving Business Community

 

Among the many reasons, METALCON named Charlotte as the location of choice this year because of its metal manufacturing industry base. More than 600 regional companies employing nearly 16,000 employees comprise related industries. Nucor Corporation is a Fortune 500 company headquartered in Charlotte, with $16.2 billion in annual revenues and a profit of nearly $800 million. It is the largest U.S.- based steel manufacturer and the 12th largest steel producer in the world.

Local North Carolinian companies that will be exhibiting and attending the show include: 3A Composites; Betco, Inc.; Cape Fear Automation; IMS USA LLC; Metal Fastening Systems Inc.; RCI, Inc.; Union Corrugating and Wuko, Inc.

Getting to Charlotte

By car, plane, train or bus, ease of accessibility is another reason why Charlotte is an excellent location for METALCON. Air service in and out of Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT) is exceptional. Nine major airlines operate at CLT, offering over 700 daily flights with nonstop service to 165 destinations and 33 international destinations. The airport is located only 7 miles away from the Charlotte Convention Center and Downtown hotels, about a 15 minute ride away!  Visit Charlotte’s website for detailed information on travel to the city. Once you arrive at the airport, ShuttleFare is offering a $5.00 discount for roundtrip airport shuttles.  Click HERE to book your shuttle.

Networking After-Hours … Charlotte’s Dining is Fit for a Queen

Home to culinary incubators like Johnson & Wales University, the Queen City draws innovative chefs who, inspired by their own backgrounds, rethink local and regional delicacies. Visitors can eat, drink and tour Charlotte’s culinary scene by taking advantage of unique tour options via segways, bicycles, or by foot. Check out some of Charlotte’s most popular eats on Charlotte NC Tours’ Taste and Glide Segway Tour or for our “foodies,” you may want to check out FEAST Food Tours. The Taste of Carolina Gourmet Food Tour offers chef creations coupled with learning about the history of the Queen City or if museums are your thing, check out the Taste of the Mint!

Outside of METALCON Show Hours … Charlotte’s Top 5!

Here are the top 5 things (plus a bonus) to do while visiting the “Queen’s City!” Appropriately named for its 325 foot peak, conquer the twists, turns and drops aboard Fury 325, the world’s tallest and fastest giga roller coaster located at Carowinds. Just steps away from the convention center, the heart of racing beats at the NASCAR Hall of Fame. If water is your thing, head to the U.S. National Whitewater Center (USNWC), home of the world’s largest man-made whitewater river and an official Olympic Training Site. You can pay your respects to the late Reverend Billy Graham at The Billy Graham Library. Born in Charlotte in 1918, the renowned evangelist was raised on his family’s dairy farm, just miles away from Charlotte’s Airport.

In less than two weeks, the metal construction industry’s largest international event for metal construction products, technologies and solutions takes place October 10 – 12 at the Charlotte Convention Center.  

REGISTER before September 30 and receive a $40 discount off registration.  

Looking for a “Few More Good Teams” to compete in METALCON Roofing Games

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!

 

 

Metal Roofing Championship Games at METALCON 2018

Be a part of the 5^TH 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!

Magnificent Metal Monday

Charlotte’s Airport new exterior

Pedestrian walkways

Building an airport fit for a Queen!  Charlotte-Douglas International Airport in Charlotte, North Carolina (the “Queen’s City”),is underway with a $2.5 billion capital plan, Destination CLT, that will expand and modernize the facility, allowing the airport to accommodate an expected increase in passenger flow.  While the ongoing projects are not expected to be fully complete until 2026, METALCON attendees will enjoy some upgraded amenities when the trade show convenes in October.

METALCON attendees will be some of the first travelers to get a glimpse of one of the major projects known as the “Elevated Roadway and Terminal Curb Front” project.  This $50 million project will add more lanes for cars picking up and dropping off and add sky bridges for people walking to the parking decks.

Other current projects include:

• Nine gates, and associated infrastructure, at Concourse A ($200 million)
• 51,000-square-foot, three-level addition at Concourses D and E that includes pet and children’s areas, a food court and 12,000 square feet of office space ($29 million)
• Terminal improvements and renovations ($70 million).

Future projects in the design and planning stages include:

• 25,000-square-foot expansion of Concourse E ($30 million)
• Terminal lobby expansion ($247 million)
• Fourth runway ($422 million)
• 16-gate expansion of Concourse A ($300 million)
• 10 to 12 gate expansion of Concourse C ($463 million)
• 8 to 10 gate expansion of Concourse B ($463 million)
• An air traffic control tower with no current cost estimate

http://www.cltairport.com/News/Pages/DestinationCLTProjects.aspx

https://www.charlotteagenda.com/127194/charlottes-airport-is-in-the-middle-of-2-5-billion-in-construction-see-the-latest-on-8-major-projects/

Metal Roof Installation Training at METALCON 2018

Become a Certified Metal Roof Installer in just 2 days at METALCON 2018!  For the third consecutive year, top experts in the metal roofing industry will lead a two-day, eight-hour certification program based on MCA’s Metal Roof Installation Manual.  The Metal Roof Installation Training offers quality face-time with industry experts on substrates, safety, sealants, flashings, panel types and connections, tools, fasteners, maintenance and more. This year’s course will take place Tuesday afternoon, October 9, from 1:00 pm – 5:00 pm and Wednesday, October 10, from 10:00 am – 4:00 pm (including 2 hours on the show floor) at METALCON 2018 in Charlotte, North Carolina.  Registration in the training will also include access to the trade show for all three days!  

Magnificent Metal Monday

This new construction project in the North Woods of Wisconsin features a standing seam metal roof comprised of zinc panels. Photos: RHEINZINK/ Roofingmagazine.com.

Zinc?  Why yes, zinc!  By having the awesome responsibility of blogging for the METALCON community, perusing the metal building and construction trades is a daily activity.  Stories about zinc roofing projects seem to be appearing with regularity so it raised a bit of curiosity.  Zinc has been around since the dark ages … well, maybe not that long, but zinc has a rich global history and is known for its long lifespan.

Big Win for Solar Energy

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.  

Magnificent Metal Monday

Innovation happens when two metal manufacturing companies team up!  When McElroy Metal wanted to add solar panels to its California manufacturing plant, they called on fellow METALCON exhibitor, S-5! to assist.  Although their California plant didn’t necessarily need a new roof, after seeing the success they had from installing solar panels to their facility in Peachtree City, GA, McElroy decided it was worth the investment.  After almost five years, the energy generated at the McElroy Peachtree City facility surpassed the plant’s energy consumption, saving the company thousands of dollars.  McElroy expects to offset their California plant’s electrical usage and show a return on investment in approximately three years.

Charlotte’s “Royal Welcome” for METALCON

Charlotte’s skyline; photo credit by: charlottesgotalot.com

METALCON 2018 will take place in Charlotte, North Carolina October 10-12.  This will be METALCON’s first appearance in the city nicknamed the “Queen City” in honor of Charlotte of Mecklenburg-Strelitz who had become the Queen of England several years before the city’s inception. While Charlotte is not considered one of the United States’ “major” metropolitan cities … take note, THIS is a city on the rise.  By attending METALCON this year, you will have the chance to explore why this is a city worth seeing.

Magnificent Metal Monday

Is red the new black?  Top roofing trends for 2018 are “standing out from the crowd.”  With more color options available than any other roofing type, metal roofing color trends are setting the tone for the latest in homeowner style preferences.  According to the Metal Roofing Alliance (MRA), “predictions for the most popular shades this year include bright reds, brilliant whites and moody deep blues. Multi-tones and raw organic hues such as copper, titanium and bright stainless steel also are attracting homeowners for their one-of-a-kind appeal.” 

Swenson Shear Introduces Equipment Financing Options

Ceres, CA – Swenson Shear, a leading supplier of innovative tools for the metal roofing industry – including SnapTable all-in-one tools than can notch, shear and hem snap lock and standing seam panel profiles – announces that customers now have the ability to arrange financing for equipment purchases on the company’s website.

3D Printing, Construction and the Millennials

3D printing, construction and the Millennials, yes we’ve grouped all three together for a reason. We’ve touched a bit on how 3D printing will change the construction industry for the better. Yes I said it for the better; I look at it as a huge opportunity for both manufacturers and the people out in the field. Now how does the millennial generation fit into the equation?