Magnificent Metal Monday – The Importance of Rainscreens

Image credit: RAiNA

The rainscreen is the first line of defense against the effects of moisture on the wall detail. According to the Rainscreen Association in North American (RAiNA), “A rainscreen is defined as an assembly applied to an exterior wall which consists of, at minimum, an outer layer, an inner layer, and a cavity between them sufficient for the passive removal of liquid water and water vapor.” Given their importance and their relationship with cladding, fire safety, codes, energy efficiency, and more, METALCON has partnered with RAiNA to not only feature an exclusive installer training workshop at METALCON 2023 but also have its co-founder, Steve Gaynor, present the next METALCON Live! on June 7.

ONLY at METALCON 2023 will you have access to RAiNA’s Rainscreen Assemblies Installer Training featuring a comprehensive all-day session comprised of both a knowledge component and a hands-on component. And on June 7, join Steve during METALCON Live! for “NFPA 285 & Other Fire Considerations,” when he shares information about the exterior wall assembly fire performance code.

FREE WEBINAR TOMORROW – METALCONLive! and the FMA Present “Roll Forming Basics”

REGISTER HERE

Join us tomorrow, March 8, at 1:00 pm EST for a live presentation with leading roll forming expert, Paul Tiefenthal, as he covers the basics of the roll forming industry. Roll forming isn’t a single process carried out on a single type of system, but a family of processes performed on a variety of systems. Learning about roll forming is a matter of learning about roll forming lines, the processes they perform, and the roles and capabilities of auxiliary equipment including seam welders, and more. Discover all this and more details about what makes roll forming an indepth process.

METALCONLive! and the FMA Present — Roll Forming Basics — Next Wednesday, March 8

REGISTER HERE

Join us next Wednesday, March 8, as leading roll forming expert, Paul Tiefenthal, leads us in an important presentation on the basics of the roll forming industry. Roll forming isn’t a single process carried out on a single type of system, but a family of processes performed on a variety of systems. Learning about roll forming is a matter of learning about roll forming lines, the processes they perform, and the roles and capabilities of auxiliary equipment including seam welders, and more. Discover all this and more details about what makes roll forming an indepth process.

Magnificent Metal Monday – Historic Amphitheatre Redo with Metal

Credit: Red Rocks

Credit: Red Rocks

Credit: Red Rocks

“There’s no better place to see the stars” …

Red Rocks Amphitheatre, known as the only naturally occurring, acoustically perfect amphitheater in the world, is home to not only Mother Nature’s stars but also to some of the world’s most iconic entertainment stars! Located just west of Denver and nestled among huge red sandstone monoliths in the foothills of the Rocky Mountains, Colorado’s most celebrated piece of architecture has received a “facelift” in metal with METALCON’s long-standing partner and exhibitor, S-5!, taking “center stage” in the project.

AECDaily Announced as Official Partner for The Architect’s Experience at METALCON

After the successful launch of The Architect’s Experience last year, METALCON is proud to announce AECDaily as this year’s official partner for the specialty program. See “Call for Presentations” below.

METALCON LIVE! MCA AND THE MCM ALLIANCE PRESENTS: CLADDING SAFETY IN LIGHT OF GLOBAL FIRES – TOMORROW, 4/20 AT 1:00 PM

ELIGIBLE FOR 1 AIA LU HSW– REGISTER NOW

Join us tomorrow as this panel of experts takes a “deep dive” into why Engineering Evaluations (EE) could be an acceptable alternative to running an NFPA 285 wall assembly test. This course will show how this evaluation process can be used as a viable path to evaluate wall assemblies to the requirements of the International Building Code. The baseline information required and the “layer-by-layer” analysis used will be reviewed by a qualified fire professional to demonstrate that a specific wall assembly meets the intent of the code. This approach should make the expected performance of the wall assembly clear to the local authority having jurisdiction (AHJ) so that an informed decision can be made on the acceptance of the proposed wall assembly.

NO JOKING AROUND — METALCON 2022 is Only 6 Months Away!

It may be April Fool’s Day today, but all kidding aside, we are only 6 months away from METALCON 2022 — the only global event focused exclusively on the use of metal in construction and design! If you are a construction professional, an architect, engineer or specifier who uses, plans to use, or wants to expand into metal in construction, this is a “must-attend” event for you. Not only will thousands of metal fabricators, suppliers, distributors and manufactures from around the globe come to showcase the greatest range of metal construction products, services equipment and technology in the world, but METALCON also touts the most comprehensive education program in the industry.

BLOCK OUT YOUR CALENDAR AND JOIN US OCTOBER 12-14 IN INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA!

Happening Tomorrow! “Metal Building 101” Webinar with Industry Expert Lee Shoemaker – REGISTER NOW

GET 1 FREE AIA LU!

Start your New Year off right with this “not to be missed” FREE webinar being given by one of the most respected experts in the industry. Lee Shoemaker, Metal Construction Hall of Famer and Director of Research and Engineering for MBMA, will kick off the METALCON Live! 2022 series with “Metal Building Systems 101.” Whether you are just starting out in the industry or a veteran, you won’t want to miss the insights and knowledge that Lee has to share.

Industry Expert Lee Shoemaker Kicks off METALCON Live! 2022 Next Week with Metal Building 101

GET 1 FREE AIA LU!

Before you ring in the New Year, mark your calendar for this “not to be missed” FREE webinar scheduled for next week, Wednesday, January 5 at 1:00 pm by one of the most respected experts in the industry. Lee Shoemaker, Metal Construction Hall of Famer and Director of Research and Engineering for MBMA, will kick off the METALCON Live! 2022 series with “Metal Building Systems 101.” Whether you are just starting out in the industry or a veteran, you won’t want to miss learning from this expert.

Important Federal Update on Solar Trade to be featured at METALCON This Week

Join us in Tampa next week, Wednesday, Oct. 6th, at METALCON, for a Federal Update on Solar Trade & Manufacturing by Justin Vandenbroeck, President of the Florida Solar Energy Industry Association (FlaSEIA).

Opportunities and challenges continue to define the solar industry in the United States. While demand for solar energy continues to soar, the industry faces increased logistics and materials costs as well as gaps in the domestic solar supply chain. Justin Vandenbroeck, president of FlaSEIA, will present the outlook for solar in the United States along with the State of Florida, and present insights into industry efforts to grow domestic solar manufacturing and current international trade issues.  TO REGISTER, go here! THIS SESSION QUALIFIES FOR .10 ICC CEU AND FOR 1 AIA LU.

About FlaSEIA

FlaSEIA is a trade association representing solar photovoltaic and solar thermal contractors, installers, manufacturers, distributors, consultants, engineers, and designers.

About METALCON

METALCON is the largest international event in the metal construction and design industry. Established in 1991, it’s the only annual tradeshow and conference devoted exclusively to the application of metal in design and construction. Contractors, architects, developers, owners, fabricators, manufacturers and suppliers from more than 50 countries attend each year. Industry experts from 200 leading companies exhibit the latest products, solutions and game-changing technologies, while sharing their knowledge with attendees. METALCON’s success is based on a dynamic exhibit hall, extensive educational programs and interactive learning opportunities. METALCON is produced by PSMJ Resources, Inc., and sponsored by the Metal Construction Association. For more information, visit METALCON or register here.

METALCON Live! FREE WEBINAR TODAY AT 1PM — Metal Building Industry Setting the Bar with AC478

REGISTER NOW

Industry leaders, Art Hance and Jen Heimburger (bios below), will present and answer questions about the Metal Building Assemblers Inspection Accreditation AC478. They will provide an overview of this important accreditation program that will improve the quality of work in the metal building industry. Both Art and Jen are currently serving in leadership roles with the Metal Building Contractors and Erectors Association (MBCEA). This accreditation program is recognized as a measure of quality endorsed by the MBCEA, the North American Iron Workers/IMPACT Labor-Management, the Metal Building Manufacturers Association (MBMA) and the International Code Council (ICC).

Next up on METALCON Live! Important Metal Building Accreditation Program Reviewed by Industry Leaders

METALCON Live! Presents … Metal Building Industry Setting the Bar with AC478

REGISTER NOW FOR AUGUST 11

This presentation will provide an overview of the important accreditation program that will improve the quality of work in the metal building industry. Industry leaders, Art Hance and Jen Heimburger (see bios below), will present and answer questions about the Metal Building Assemblers Inspection Accreditation AC478. Both Art and Jen are currently serving in leadership roles with the Metal Building Contractors and Erectors Association (MBCEA). This accreditation program is recognized as a measure of quality endorsed by the MBCEA, the North American Iron Workers/IMPACT Labor-Management, the Metal Building Manufacturers Association (MBMA) and the International Code Council (ICC).

Magnificent Metal Monday – AISC 2021 IDEAS2 Winners

The American Institute of Steel Construction recognize 10 projects that exemplify the potential of steel construction

MERIT AWARD WINNER (Less than $15 million): McDonald’s Net Zero Quick Service Restaurant Rebuild, Kissimmee, Fla. Steel Fabricator: P&A Welding and Machine, Inc., Mulberry, Fla. (AISC Member), Structural Engineer: CPH, Inc., Sanford, Fla., Architects: CPH, Inc., Sanford, Fla.; Ross Barney Architects, Chicago, General Contractor: Southland Construction, Inc., Apopka, Fla.; Photo Credit: Architect Magazine

As posted by Architect Magazine, the following is an April 12 press release from the American Institute of Steel Construction announcing the winners of its 2021 IDEAS² Awards.

Ten innovative projects throughout the U.S. have won 2021 IDEAS² Awards, the steel industry’s top design honor. Sponsored by the American Institute of Steel Construction (AISC), the Innovative Design in Engineering and Architecture with Structural Steel (IDEAS²) Award program recognizes projects that illustrate the exciting possibilities of building with structural steel. “These projects showcase the versatility of structural steel,” said AISC President Charles J. Carter, SE, PE, PhD, “and they all demonstrate a remarkable amount of innovation and creativity. Congratulations to the team behind each project for a job very well done!”

Fastener Selection and Installation are Essential to Any Job

LEARN FASTENER SELECTION & INSTALLATION GUIDELINES FROM AN INDUSTRY EXPERT THIS WEDNESDAY – FREE WEBINAR! REGISTER TODAY!

Fasteners are an essential piece of any metal building project. From the framing to the metal wall and roof panels, fasteners are necessary to put any metal building together. According to a Metal Construction News article, “With fasteners being such an important aspect of any project, it is also important to make sure that you are using the correct type of fastener for each piece of the building, since when improper screws are used, both the fastener and the panel system can fail.” Without the knowledge of properly selecting and installing fasteners, you may waste critical hours on a job site.

Magnificent Metal Monday – Los Angeles Convention Center in Spotlight

Photo Credit: CityWatchLA

After not being used for months on end and also serving as an overflow hospital for COVID-19 patients, the Los Angeles Convention Center (LACC) took center stage last night as the primary venue for the high profile Grammys event. Although there was no audience present, there was a red carpet, awards and live performances.

Compared to other convention destinations, Los Angeles has lagged behind, especially to its neighbor Anaheim. According to CityWatchLA, “To attract a greater share of the lucrative convention business, the Tourism and Convention Board has been modernizing the Convention Center and promoting hotel development with the goal of adding 4,000 new hotel rooms within walking distance of it by 2020.”

Magnificent Metal Monday – Post Super Bowl Issue

On behalf of the METALCON team, we excitedly congratulate the TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS on their Super Bowl victory! METALCON and the beautiful city of Tampa have long enjoyed a relationship over the history of the show and we can’t wait to return THIS year. Let’s help Tampa continue to make history by coming together in October with record attendance for METALCON 2021 scheduled for October 6-8! REGISTER TODAY.

In the spirit of the Super Bowl, 2020 welcomed two new stadiums to the National Football League that continue to raise the bar in the construction and technology world. Allegiant Stadium, the new home for the Las Vegas Raiders, opened in a prime location on The Strip in Las Vegas and SoFi Stadium opened in Los Angeles as the new home for the Los Angeles Rams and Chargers.

Metal Construction Hall of Fame

A pioneer of innovative metal building systems … A dedicated supporter of metal construction … A co-founder of Modern Trade Communications … A leader in safety and education for metal building contractors … A trailblazer who brought computerization to metal building engineering and drafting … A leader with a lifelong career dedicated to the industry … A professional committed to advancing the metal construction industry … and an industry leader who has spent his lifetime in metal construction with an endless drive to contribute … What do all of these descriptions have in common? They describe the members of the inaugural group MCN Hall of Fame inductees in 2012! For a list of all inducted Hall of Famers click HERE.

The 2021 Metal Construction Hall of Fame nomination process is open. If you you know of someone deserving of the industry’s highest honor, make sure they get nominated.

Get Your Nominations in Now!

1 Day until METALCONLive! Learn the Truths Behind Quality MCM Fabricators – REGISTER TODAY!

REGISTER NOW FOR FREE

Metal composite material (MCM) has transformed modern architecture. But what makes some metal manufacturers better than others? What do you look for in your metal supplier to make sure only quality products are provided on your next project? Join us TOMORROW to learn from industry expert and MCA member, John Trifonoff, Vice President of East Coast Metal Systems, a full-service fabricator and installer of engineered architectural metal and exterior envelope systems.

The Metal Construction Association Presents:

Bring Your MCM to Life with a Quality MCM Fabricator

When: Wednesday, November 18 at 1:00 PM EST

Where: Live and On-Demand with Registration   

Cost: FREE

The Metal Construction Association Presents: 12 Ways to Recover an Existing Sloped Roof with Metal – on METALCON Live! October 21 @ 1PM EST

In this on-line session you will learn how to use a structural standing seam system in recover applications on an existing building with a sloped roof.

Promoting Diversity in Workforce Development

Photo Credit: Let’s Build Construction Camp for Girls

In celebration of National Roofing Week, we are proud to bring you an amazing story about a collaborative effort being done in Pennsylvania to promote diversity in work force development. ATAS International, one of METALCON’s long-standing exhibitors, was once again involved in their local “Let’s Build Construction Camp for Girls” last month. This year, the “advanced camp” group designed and constructed a shed from the ground up, as part of a Habitat for Humanity fundraiser, including the installation of an ATAS metal roof. Now in its fourth year, this annual event serves as a way for the design and construction community in the Lehigh Valley Pennsylvania area to promote work force development for the industry as a whole. Continue reading for the ATAS’ press release on the initiative.

Magnificent Metal Monday – Metal Product Resources

ONLINE PRODUCT MARKETPLACES

With the impact of the pandemic still being felt, it is more important than ever to connect with design professionals, manufacturers, and suppliers that can be trusted to deliver top-quality metal construction products and services. Three online product “marketplaces” that can assist you include METALCON’s NEW Product Marketplace, DesignandBuildWithMetal.com’s Product Showcase, and The Metal Directory and Resource Guide brought to you by Metal Construction News.

Magnificent Metal Monday – Infrastructure Bill Update

The Moving Forward Act’s Proposed $1.5 Trillion in New Investments Will Improve Range of Public Infrastructure, Creating Needed Demand for Construction While Making the Economy More Efficient (AGC)

With the current surface transportation authorization’s expiration date of September 30 drawing closer, lawmakers are turning their attention to passing a new infrastructure bill. As reported by Construction Dive, “Last week, House Democrats unveiled a $1.5 trillion infrastructure bill that includes almost $500 billion of green measures proposed as part of the Investing in a New Vision for the Environment and Surface Transportation in America (INVEST in America) Act earlier this month.”

Magnificent Metal Monday

COTE Top Ten Plus Award Environmental Nature Center and Preschool, Newport Beach, Calif.; photo credit: Cris Costea.

TOP AIA COTE® AWARD HIGHLIGHTS IMPORTANCE OF TEACHING SUSTAINABILITY AT A YOUNG AGE

Each year, the AIA’s Committee on the Environment (COTE®) recognizes 10 projects that integrate design excellence and environmental performance. One winner receives the COTE Top Ten Plus award—an indication of exemplary proven energy performance and post-occupancy results. This year’s “plus” award was given to the Environmental Nature Center and Preschool in Newport Beach, California, for reasons of “Introducing kids to responsible sustainability at a young age and represents a place where people will want to send their children. It does all the right things—water, biophilia, resilience, and strong material choices.” (ARCHITECT Magazine) Through simple and cost-effective design strategies, the center was certified as the first LEED Platinum building in Orange County, California, and has operated at net zero since it opened, serving the community as an educational tool for sustainability.

METALCONLive! June 3 Highlights and Preview of Next Week’s Event

Key Take-Aways

“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 Technology Survey, Tools and Resources

METALCON TECHNOLOGY SURVEY

CONTECH will make its return at METALCON 2020, scheduled for October 21-23 in Las Vegas! To help us better serve you, please complete this 2-minute TECHNOLOGY SURVEY.

TECHNOLOGY TOOLS AND RESOURCES

CONTECH made its debut on the show floor last year at METALCON 2019 and provided an interactive hub that showcased the game-changing technologies shaping the construction industry today and tomorrow.

Since the pandemic crisis started, industries around the globe have been forced to pivot and find new ways to work during the lockdowns. Before we knew it, the use of technology in the construction arena made a quick transition from “good to have” to being a necessity. From mobile technology to aerial photography to video conferencing, the industry is discovering a whole new way to work and while doing so, re-designing the business model. Digital engagement is here to stay!

Technology has been discussed in several of our new weekly METALCONLive! broadcast events so we thought we would provide you with some of the resources and tools mentioned over the past several weeks.

METALCONLive! Week 8 Highlights and Register for Next Week

Key Take-Aways from 5/20/20

Optimism and Concerns as Nation Re-Opens 

Use Visuals to Sell Metal to Architects

Training Will Be Key to Combat Labor Shortage

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.

Reminder – METALCONLive! TODAY at 1:00 EST! Register NOW!

REGISTER for today’s LIVE event hosted by METALCON Co-Founder CEO Frank A. Stasiowski, FAIA in partnership with the Metal Construction Association, and Rob Haddock, CEO and Founder of S-5! Metal Roof Innovations as they draw upon their combined years of industry experience in the A/E/C and metal construction industries. Today’s discussion will explore the architect’s role in the metal design process and how will the glut of steel in the market affect the metal construction industry?

TODAY’S SPECIAL GUEST: Mark Kalin, President at Kalin Associates Specifications

Mark Kalin (FAIA, FCSI, LEED) is a highly experienced specification writer, author, speaker, and registered architect. Mark is a CSI certified construction specifier, USGBC LEED accredited professional, and one of only 27 individuals advanced to fellowship in both the American Institute of Architects and the Construction Specifications Institute. Mark has been involved in over 4,000 specification projects since 1984, including 250 LEED projects. He has taught Architectural Specifications at the Graduate School of Design at Harvard University.

METALCONLive! Week 7 Highlights (Magnificent Metal Monday Special Edition) and Register for this Week

Key Take-Aways

Global Perspective of Crisis 

Shortage of Residential Metal Roofing Contractors

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.

Reminder – METALCONLive! TODAY at 1:00 EST! Register NOW!

Tune in to today’s LIVE event hosted by METALCON Co-Founder CEO Frank A. Stasiowski, FAIA in partnership with the Metal Construction Association, and Rob Haddock, CEO and Founder of S-5! Metal Roof Innovations as they draw upon their combined years of industry experience in the A/E/C and metal construction industries along with the expertise of their special guests.

TODAY’S SPECIAL GUESTS:

Ken Gieseke, VP Marketing, McElroy Metal: As a metal construction component manufacturer, Ken brings his unique insight from multiple angles — the frame builder community as well as his experience as a manufacturer with multiple markets, channels, and geographic locations. He will explain what McElroy is doing to be proactive, change, adapt and position their company to come out ahead.

Ray Smith, Founder and CEO of AppliCad Software: Our first METALCONLive! guest from overseas (Australia) will help bring a global perspective to this week’s discussion. Hear how his country has responded to the health crises and what we can learn from them.  What will they be doing differently post-pandemic than they did before the crises?

METALCONLive! is your online weekly business boosting broadcast that connects you with other metal construction company owners, contractors, fabricators, suppliers and experts for the strategies that enable us all to BUILD BACK BETTER.

With the COVID-19 crisis, the metal construction industry faces a new challenge every week, so METALCONLive! is here to help with the latest data and news, exclusive interviews with key players, eye-opening forecasts, creative solutions to sales, marketing, staffing, logistics, safety, and other concerns. All FREE, all LIVE and ONLINE, all focused on helping your business THRIVE in the next normal.

#BuildBackBetter #ReigniteSales #metalcon #metalconstruction #metalbuilding #metalroofing #sustainability #greenbuilding #metalbending #standingseam #sheetmetal #steelbuildings #lightsteelframe #steelframing #civilengineering #metalpanels #commercialconstruction #residentialconstruction #retrofit #generalcontractors #contractor #architecture #coldformedsteel #rollforming #metalforming #customfabrication #cncmachine #architecturalmetals #construction #contech #constructiontechnology @mcelroymetal @applicadspftware

METALCONLive! Week 6 Highlights (Magnificent Metal Monday Special Edition)

Key Take-Aways

Re-Open with Optimism and Act NOW

Integrate Digital Engagement into Strategic Plan 

Importance of Utilizing CRM Systems

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, have begun shifting the focus away from crisis-mode to how the industry can “build back better.” Special guests Paul Lechiara, owner of East Coast Metal Roofing, and Bobby Darnell, principal of Construction Market Consultants, Inc., joined the discussion to offer their sales and marketing strategies implemented during the lockdown, which have proven to be successful.