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Boulder, CO - SmartBuild Systems is a sales tool to create bids for all your bolt-up, weld-up, and barndominium buildings in just 15 minutes. Simple enough for anyone to use, this web-based software quickly generates a 3D model, material lists, pricing, proposals, and construction documents for almost any building.

As the end of 2024 draws near, businesses across industries are thinking about tax planning strategies that maximize their financial benefits. For construction companies, now is the perfect time to take advantage of one powerful incentive: Section 179 of the U.S. tax code. This tax deduction allows businesses to deduct the full purchase price of qualifying equipment, offering immediate savings and encouraging investment in essential assets.

Portland, OR — Millions of homeowners are experiencing sticker shock when it comes to increases in home insurance costs. And that is if they can get home insurance at all. That’s why making improvement decisions that could help lower the cost of insurance premiums is more essential than ever. According to experts at the Metal Roofing Alliance (MRA), the largest nonprofit organization representing the residential metal roofing industry in the U.S. and Canada, this is particularly true when it comes to re-roofing decisions.

Boulder, CO - In the ever-evolving realm of roofing solutions, one option that has gained significant attention in recent years is metal reroofing. Not only does metal reroofing offer durability, but it also brings a touch of style to your structure. In this comprehensive guide, we will delve into the myriad benefits of metal reroofing, empowering you to make informed decisions for your roofing needs.

Schaumburg, IL - Participants at the Fenestration and Glazing Industry Alliance (FGIA) 2024 Fall Conference in Minneapolis heard color forecasts from an expert in the field, who shared an exploration of trends emerging and evolving in the building products market over the next three to five years. Kiki Redhead drives all Color, Material, Finish (CMF) and trend initiatives for Sherwin-Williams Industrial and Performance Coatings, including heading the DesignHouse in Minneapolis. FGIA conference participants were given the opportunity to tour the Sherwin-Williams headquarters, including the DesignHouse as part of the conference.

Boulder, CO - The recent surge in demand for barndominiums has created a great sales opportunity for the post-frame supply community. SmartBuild Systems’ software has been the gold standard for post-frame buildings for nearly a decade, and now it gets even better - SBS Software designs buildings using steel framing and metal panels for walls.

Portland, OR — From Cottagecore and New Colonial, to Eclectic Grandpa and Coastal Grandma, social media has spurred its share of home décor styles and trends. But not all trends have names. That's how the Metal Roofing Alliance (MRA) came to dub an emerging exterior trend as “Master Mixologist.” Master Mixologist describes how homeowners are mixing and matching not only different exterior colors, but a variety of material types and options, and using them in atypical ways to create customized curb appeal.

Davidson, NC - The commercial building industry is changing rapidly. Architects, developers, builders, contractors and fabricators are searching for innovative – and cost-effective – solutions that will enable them to work quickly and safely while still delivering high-quality, sustainable finished projects. One such solution is prefabricated (pre-fab) construction, a method that helps to streamline the building process and produce beautiful results.

Newton, MA - Metal roofing continues to claim a larger part of the market, and with that growth there is a demand for more qualified installers. METALCON - which will be held Oct. 30 thru Nov. 1 in Atlanta - is offering the opportunity to obtain hands-on experience, observing and installing metal roofing on the trade show floor. New to the tradeshow in 2024 is the Metal Construction Association’s Metal Mastery area.

Boulder, CO - "Let’s face it: if you’re in sales, no matter the industry, presentation is key. Suppliers and contractors selling post-frame buildings, shops, garages, and even barndominiums, are all equally affected by presentation," writes Royden Wagler of SmartBuild Systems. "A 3D modeling software product like SmartBuild provides a visual advantage like never before."

Preparing a “fire hardened” home is essential as wildfires threaten more U.S. and Canadian regions than ever before. Leading residential trade organizations such as the Metal Roofing Alliance (MRA) and wildfire safety experts say it is up to homeowners to take steps now to help their home survive a wildfire. That includes paying heed to the four “S’s”—Structures, Spacing, Selection and Sprucing.

In the realm of modern architecture, innovation is the cornerstone of progress. It's the spark that ignites creativity and allows architects and designers to redefine the boundaries of possibility. At Norbec, we invite you to embark on a journey with us as we unveil our latest masterpiece – Architectural Elements | fins. These elegant and versatile design elements are revolutionizing building envelopes, adding a new dimension of both aesthetics and functionality. In this blog, we'll delve into the world of Architectural Elements | Fins, exploring their myriad applications and the boundless possibilities they offer to architects, builders, and dreamers of architectural excellence.

Last year, raging fires destroyed much of Lahaina, a historic resort town located on the island of Maui. An image that quickly went viral showed the burnt remnants of homes once populating the scenic tropical coastline. Each had been reduced to ashes and debris except one—a nearly 100-year-old dwelling that just the year before was fitted with a standing seam metal roof.

Laurel, MT - Insulated metal panels (IMPs) can be challenging to lift, move, and install on the jobsite. Before vacuum lifting changed the game, the weight and size of IMPs required extra time, extra muscle, and extra equipment. More importantly, other handling methods posed a greater risk for personal injury and load damage.

Aurora, CO - As a business owner, it’s important to take advantage of every opportunity to save on taxes. Contractors and manufacturers who purchase new rollforming equipment may be eligible for a significant tax deduction on their machine by taking advantage of Section 179 of the U.S. Internal Revenue Code, which offers substantial tax benefits for qualifying equipment purchases.

Bossier City, LA – Installing a new roof is an investment, not just in terms of money but in the protection of your customers’ property. It’s a vital component of the property that provides protection and greatly impacts property value. With its 50-to-60-year life expectancy and warranties, metal roofing has an acknowledged advantage.

Whiting, IN - In a significant development for coastal construction projects across the Hawaiian Islands, Armored Coast, the renowned metal roofing solution celebrated for its exceptional durability and resilience, has now made its debut in Hawaii. This milestone marks an important step in advancing coastal roof protection in the region. Armored Coast will redefine standards for roofing excellence in Hawaii's unique environment, both for the unique composition of metal and for the warranties for homeowners.

Davidson, NC - The design of educational buildings is about more than functionality; instead it’s about creating spaces that encourage curiosity and an enthusiasm for learning. By incorporating durable and sustainable ALUCOBOND with its imaginative range of brilliant colors and rich finishes, architects are able to generate building designs that, when implemented, promote an enthusiasm for discovery.

Portland, OR — Homeowners take heed: The prime time for thunder, lightning and hailstorms is on the way, with two-thirds of lightning-related fires occurring between June and August. With that in mind, how do you separate fact from fiction when it comes to protecting your home from one of Mother Nature’s most powerful forces? Take the following pop quiz.

Fairefax, MN – The concept of human flight is virtually as old as humankind. Ever since man first walked the earth, he has dreamed of ascending above it. Mike Schweiss, founder of Hector, MN-based Schweiss Doors, fulfilled a piece of that dream with his first solo flight behind the controls of a Cessna 172 in 1991. Although he continued to fly after earning his license, Mike was sidetracked with an occupation that gave a distinct boost to the world of aviation.