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In 1991, Red McConnohie had an idea to create a retrofit system that would allow the installation of a new metal roof over an old worn-out metal roof. He and Dale Nelson formed Roof Hugger to market a “new and better” product to metal building contractors and erectors. In this article, Nelson describes how "shirt sleeve engineering has progressed to full system performance engineering with predictable results."

Insulated metal panels, commonly known as IMPs, are gaining popularity in various construction projects due to their sustainability, durability and aesthetic benefits. These panels serve as an all-in-one barrier solution for air, water and vapor, providing a lightweight, cost-effective and thermally efficient alternative to traditional building materials like tilt up concrete and exterior finishing systems.

Muskegon, MI - Lorin Industries Inc., a global industry leader in the innovation and production of coil anodized aluminum, calls attention to its anodized aluminum for roofing, in light of the Metal Roofing Alliance recently identifying anodized aluminum metal roofs as one of the top three residential metal roofing trends of 2023.

Wilmington, DE - Dawn gray Tedlar® was installed onto the steel siding of a DuPont™ plant in Japan 40 years ago. Since then, the laminated PVF film has demonstrated the ability to protect the industrial structure, while maintaining the aesthetics of the panels.

Portland, OR — What are the latest curb appeal style trends for the new year? With the booming growth in the popularity for metal roofing in the U.S. and Canada, the Metal Roofing Alliance (MRA) is reporting 2023 is all about substance over superficial, and that beauty isn’t all about appearance, but performance too.

Muskegon, MI - Continuous coil anodized aluminum offers significant benefits for exterior façades. An excellent alternative to applied coatings like paint, continuous coil anodized aluminum provides a durable, consistent, and elegant appearance combined with lower maintenance costs and significant environmental benefits.

Boucherville, Quebec - Long-known for its walk-in coolers and freezers, Norbec is now making a name for itself in the architectural arena. The Boucherville-based company's insulated metal wall and roof panels systems (IMPs) are being specified for all types of projects, including increasingly for the niche market of Aquatic Centers. Case in point is the new Beloeil Aquatic Centre in Beloeil, Quebec.

DeLand, FL - The United States is filled with old buildings. In fact, The American Institute of Architects estimates that nearly half of all commercial buildings in the United States are more than 40 years old. Insulated metal panels (IMPs) like those produced by Kingspan Insulated Panels - North America are in high demand as companies construct new buildings or retrofit old ones. The versatility and sustainability of IMPs allows them to be used in construction projects ranging from schools to warehouses to airports to stadiums.

Vacaville, CA - All Weather Insulated Panels stays at the forefront of design assistance and support with a complete suite of Building Information Modeling (BIM) products, including its newest offering, a 3D Viewer.

Philadelphia, PA - Fifty-six years ago, Angelo Borzillo was an employee of Bethlehem Steel, an American steel-making company in Pennsylvania. For most of the 20th century, Bethlehem Steel was one of the world's largest steel producing and shipbuilding companies. Borzillo and his manager, Jim Horton, wished to find a better way to combat corrosion of sheet metal than the industry’s standard of galvanizing with 100% zinc.

Winsted, CT - Calculating the risk of taking chances with lightning is a dangerous game. Earlier this summer, lightning struck a Maine fire station, damaging equipment and disrupting operations. East Coast Lightning Equipment advises that to ensure continuous operations during storms, it is vital for fire stations to be protected from lightning damage.

Newton, MA - The versatility of metal buildings is no longer a secret. More and more, architects and contractors are taking advantage of the benefits offered by metal buildings to grow the market. Mark Swagerty, Exhibit Sales Manager, says they'll be a prominent focus of the METALCON 2022 show in Indianapolis, October 12 - 14.

Portland, OR - Summertime sweat happens, especially in areas of high humidity, but damp, moist home interiors are a sign of a potentially serious problem. Most of these problems can be traced to the roof or attic, but the exact causes can be the subject of misinformation or misconceptions. In its mission to educate consumers and contractors about sound roofing design, especially in the case of metal systems, the Metal Roofing Alliance tackles some of these humidity myths below.

Colorado Springs, CO - The beginnings of S-5! is a tale steeped in history. It all began in 1991. Rob Haddock had been a long-time contractor (and consultant) in the metal roofing and metal construction industry—having learned ground-up, straight from the trenches, all about erecting metal buildings and metal roofing. Throughout his contracting career, he was always innovating and discovering different and better ways to do things. He realized the attachment of anything to standing seam roofing without violating the integrity of the roof seemed impossible.

Newton, MA — For anyone looking to learn about insulated metal panels (IMPs), a visit to METALCON International is a must. For a second consecutive year, the trade show for the metal construction industry will feature an IMP Pavilion, bringing together manufacturers to promote the benefits and use of insulated metal panels.

Choosing the right materials for any architectural project is a major feat. Whether you're a building owner, architect, general contractor, distributor, fabricator, or installer, you all take part in seeing a project through from start to finish. Which ultimately means you've been involved in making these important decisions.

Lutz, FL - Dale Nelson, president of Roof Hugger LLC, has looked into his "crystal ball" to see the future of metal roofing. One thing he sees very clearly is "the realization that our roofs will more and more serve as the platform for the generation of electrical power."

Muskegon, MI - Lorin Industries Inc., a global industry leader in the innovation and production of coil anodized aluminum, highlights their leading product, ClearMatt® Architectural Class I finish which is featured on a multitude of iconic buildings.

Norcross, GA — Interestingly enough, most roofs are installed outside and as such are likely going to be exposed to an active and sometimes “angry” environment. In conversations with customers and owners, discussions of aesthetics can sometimes proceed the discussion of long-term performance of metal roofing and cladding solutions. As a metal roofing and cladding manufacturer, we get it, you can do lots of cool stuff with metal but at some point the specifiers, engineers, and designers need to roll up their collective sleeves and do some “nerd work”.

Portland, OR – For homeowners who want serious performance and durability from the roof over their head, the Metal Roofing Alliance (MRA) suggests taking a good look at metal. And the first thing you see—the coating—may be one of the most important features when it comes to longevity, energy efficiency and overall performance.