Columns/Blogs

I addressed a few common myths concerning metal construction products in my previous column. Like all myths, sometimes they’re based on fact - or some small thread of a fact - and other times they’re simply way off-base. In this installment, I'd like to take a look at a handful of other often-heard misconceptions.

How do snow guards work? Believe it or not, this is a highly debated question within the construction and snow retention industries. It’s a common misconception that snow guards are intended to break up snow and ice into little pieces, basically cut up the mass, so that it comes off in smaller pieces. It’s easy to understand how people with limited knowledge of snow retention might think this.

Whether it's the existence of Bigfoot, assassination conspiracy theories, or the idea that the U.S. moon landings were faked, the appetite for urban legends and myths seems to be at an all-time high. This summer there was even a planned movement (apparently conceived as comedy, which some took seriously) to storm Area 51 in Nevada with the hope of proving that the government was hiding evidence of alien encounters. I'd like to review a few common myths or misconceptions about metal construction products that have been around for decades.

In my previous column, I reviewed some of the many terms used in metal construction which are known by multiple names. That column focused on roofing terms, while this one will cover buildings and walls.

By next year (2020), the commercial and residential metal roofing market is expected to reach $4 billion, continuing a growth trend that began about three years ago. There are numerous reasons cited for the upward shift, according to Principia Consulting, a leading research and consulting firm focused exclusively on the building materials and construction industry. One growth driver includes the fact that building owners have begun to more fully understand and accept the life-cycle cost and long-term performance benefits of metal roof systems.

The awareness of metal roofing is undoubtedly at an all-time high, yet I still hear it frequently referred to as “tin roofing". I don't find it to be an offensive reference; instead, it's a reminder of how important language is within the construction industry.

If you are reading this article, you likely know how truly beneficial metal can be as a roof or wall covering. Aside from the strength, beauty, aesthetic and geometric design opportunities that it provides, it is 100% recyclable, comprised of a considerable percentage of recycled content, can provide a wide array of reflectivity, and by design, requires less maintenance than almost any other building enclosure material on the market today.

We live in a world where price is important to most people, including those of us involved in the construction industry. Through the years we’ve experienced large fluctuations in the prices that are paid for labor, fuel, land and construction products. Despite the fluctuations in price, often times going up and not as frequently trending downward, it seems to me that many people become too focused on cost while overlooking the all-important issue of quality.

Some people refer to metal building systems as pre-engineered, while others think of them as custom-engineered - because they can literally be engineered to the specific needs of any low-rise construction need. And, of course, to many people they are simply metal buildings. Whatever you call them, metal building systems offer a tremendous range of advantages that help them meet the design and functions required by a particular project.

Those who depend on roll formers for their livelihood expect a lot from their roll forming line. They want it to do more, be more versatile and they want it faster. It’s not always easy, but that’s the goal when a customer requests or demands improvements.

The talk in some circles in Washington, DC is turning back to a green agenda. Some have called it the “green new deal”. The effort is to eliminate fossil fuels in order to minimize or eliminate carbon emissions. So again we hear about potential global warming due to man’s use of fossil fuels. Amidst the market and politics, companies do their best to do the right things to stay in business. And, there are companies that are innovating to be superior.

Normally, I never watch CBS’s Sixty Minutes on a Sunday Evening on television. But recently I was stopped with my remote in hand when I heard that the show that night would feature people that were planning an enormous undertaking.

Combining both utility and aesthetics, insulated metal roof panels (IMPs) are growing in popularity. Once used primarily for cold storage, this versatile building solution is ideal for numerous commercial and industrial projects. The IMP roof panels provide air, water and vapor barriers all in one product. Office buildings, schools, community buildings, athletic facilities, data centers, retail centers and industrial warehouses are ideal applications.

China has historically been mysterious to the Western world. In today’s news, China is mentioned in regard to currency and international tariffs, as well as dumping some products. What was once very closed within China is now open to the world.

Innovations in building science are enabling contractors, builders, architects and property managers to meet new performance and aesthetic goals. Insulated metal panels provide a simple solution with a variety of looks and appearances, combining both design freedom and functionality. This versatile product provides a simple solution for retrofit and new construction applications alike.

This year’s Greenbuild conference and expo (held in Chicago, November 14-16) showcased the usual products, systems, and technologies developed to help to lower carbon emissions and energy usage, while also reducing water consumption and waste. In addition, the show provided education on Sustainability, Resilience and even Adaptability for roof system applications. Much of the education is done with actual case studies in the construction industry. Much of the information is applicable to the metal construction industry.

As someone who spent their middle years practicing HTML coding to perfect their MySpace profile page and their high school and college years scouring Tumblr, Facebook, Twitter and Instagram for content, growing up to become a social media manager seems like an occupation that would come naturally to me. Though many people today have adapted to the language of social media, there are stark differences in using social media for personal purposes and using it for the sake of social media marketing.

The debate on climate change continues. Recently a protester appeared on television and compared the consequences of not doing anything to stop climate change to the carnage from World War II! Let’s hope that is just one person's radical position.

Insulated metal panels (IMPs) can be installed either vertically or horizontally. With most manufacturers’ wall panels, the exact same panels are used for either orientation. However, there are key differences in how the supporting wall system must be designed to accommodate the panel direction. In addition, the details used to design and the labor used to install vertical vs. horizontal panels can be quite different.

In recent years, some manufacturers have sought to imply that silicon-modified polyester (SMP) and ultra-durable polyester coatings can offer the same long-term performance benefits as 70% PVDF or FEVE fluoropolymer coatings. Such assertions are misleading for two reasons.