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With building code changes over the last decade or so, retrofitting existing buildings in coastal areas with metal roofs have become even more difficult and complex. The changes in code have dramatically increased the load requirements in the edges and corners of a roof - a challenge not easily met by most standing seam panels on the 5’ purlin spacing common in older buildings. There is an easy solution to these conditions.

Silverback Solar recently designed a unique and cost-effective racking system for a problematic pre-engineered metal building where coupling maximized power generation with prudent engineering was the challenge.

Job takeoffs require patience, understanding of what is to be furnished and a lot of uninterrupted time to calculate the material required for the project. Such is the everyday routine at Roof Hugger, Inc. – an industry-leading manufacturer/supplier of sub-purlins and other materials for the reroofing of existing steel roofs. No software existed to assist with their estimating, until Roof Hugger’s Dale Nelson met AppliCad’s Ray Smith and Leigh Menzel.

Sustainable or “green” buildings – buildings that are deliberately designed to use natural resources in a way that’s environmentally friendly – are no longer a luxury. They are an imperative.

Historical buildings are essential to the Canadian culture, says Erika Huber of Ornamentals Manufacturing, LLC. When undertaking restoration projects, she advises that the proper balance between historical preservation, economical viability and sustainability awareness must be maintained. This often includes the use of long-lasting metal roofing and related products.

The green building movement began with a focus on making all new buildings more eco and energy efficient. The USGBC’s LEED rating system was a key factor in setting the pace of this trend. Plus, metal’s ability to add points toward LEED certification increased awareness of metal and our industry. As new construction has slowed, however, the upswing in renovation and reuse adds a new perspective to the business of using metal in construction.

The Port of Tyne Bio-Mass Fuel Storage Facility in Newcastle, United Kingdom features 161,458 sq. ft. of steel roofing, which posed concerns that condensation might form on the underside of the roof panels and damage bio-fuel pellets inside the structure. However, that was easily addressed by using LantorCondenStop fleece which was adhered to the underside of the panels.

Moisture condensation is common where humidity and temperature fluctuations occur outside and when conditions or activities inside a building create moisture. Plus, the current emphasis on creating more energy efficient or more airtight buildings can actually trap moisture inside the building. Left untreated, unwanted moisture can damage wood and cause corrosion of metal decking, roof panels and fasteners in the roof structure.

As a leading provider of equipment, materials, engineering and warranties for the production of standing seam metal roofing systems, Drexel Metals Inc. is proud to be able to promote 34 ENERGY STAR®-labeled cool metal roofing products.

Not all metal roofs approaching the end of their useful service life need to be replaced. Thanks to the development of products such as Aldo Products Company's ALDOCOAT 374, old metal roofs can gain new life and regain their like-new appearance.

Some people, and organizations too, have a knack for seeing the future. Good business fortune is rarely pure luck. Often it’s the result of strategies that anticipate and respond to emerging market trends. Over the past decade, a commitment to working with architectural zinc has helped some forward-thinking contractors, panel fabricators, and metal distributors grow their business.

Due to higher initial cost, building and home owners sometimes don’t consider materials like copper or zinc for their rainwater systems. In this article, the author explains that copper and zinc rainwater systems are actually more affordable and cost-effective, in part because of their inherent durability and sustainability.

Design and construction professionals have the opportunity to meet with their customers face to face every day. But how often are they presented with the opportunity to personally meet the people who create the products they use and recommend? For those who specify or construct with metal, METALCON provides that chance.

After Hurricane Rita devastated Cameron Parish, LA in September 2005, the community turned tragedy into opportunity by contracting six new sustainable civic facilities, complete with Metal Sales Manufacturing Corporation products. Metal Sales supplied roofing and soffit panels for the Cameron Parish School Board office building, two fire stations, and the parish’s East Annex.

Rowing has long been regarded a traditional pastime for Ivy Leaguers and the elites. Today a new boathouse complex is opening up both the sport of crew and innovative architectural ideas along this stately river with the help of Wilson® Premier Bi-Fold aluminum frame.

Breathable underlayments for metal roofing, which have been used successfully in Europe, are now available in North America. David Nemes of Nemco Industries shares some of his views on the advantages of breathable underlayments, while describing the Dry-Tech product that his company offers.

When federal and international sanitary inspections mandated flying insect infiltration reductions at a California pharmaceutical manufacturing plant’s four shipping doors, project engineers started thinking far outside the box to save the Walnut Creek, CA facility more than $75,000 in necessary door retrofit costs.

There are plenty of unique features packed into the newly constructed 40' x 30' retreat on Martha's Vineyard. Among them is an aluminum-framed, polycarbonate and glass-skinned hydraulic door by Schweiss doors. Occupying virtually the entire west wall, the door opens onto a deck that offers panoramic views.

The idea of starting a blueberry farming business does not usually conjure up images of photovoltaic arrays. But for an entrepreneur in Slatington, PA, one thing led to the other.

When it comes to solar electric expertise, companies in Colorado have plenty to offer. One Denver area school discovered as much first-hand when it began exploring opportunities to use solar electric as a means of meeting a significant portion of its energy demands. Among the firms enlisted to help make the project a reality was S-5!.