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McHenry, IL – As Sno Gem® Inc. celebrates its 20th anniversary in 2014, it is an opportunity to reflect on its journey from start-up to the forefront of the snow retention industry.

Molybdenum is extracted from the mineral molybdenite, discovered by Peter Jacob Hjelm in 1782. It remained a laboratory curiosity until the extraction of commercial quantities became practical. Today it is used in many industries including construction, where it is a key component in stainless steel.

Throughout its 24 years, METALCON has offered new features, ideas and products with a consistent quality unmatched by other industry events. This year’s tradeshow and conference offers the excitement of being in Denver for the first time, an innovative education format that combines classroom and interactive exhibit hall sessions, and a fantastic line-up of new exhibitors and products.

As an architect or specifer, you are ultimately responsible for establishing the louver requirements for your valued project. When selecting a louver product; performance, familiarity, reputation of a manufacturer, options and cost all play a part. Due to various reasons, architects and specifiers need to be cognizant of numerous variables when selecting a louver product – the depth of a louver, type, blade profile, color, free area, water penetration, pressure drop, AMCA certification and the list continues. Contingent on your application, one or all of these details may come into consideration.

Everyone has a story. The story of David “Homie” Mulcahy, a custom metal manufacturer and fabricator in Utah, is truly like no other.

Butyl sealants are a relatively small portion of metal buildings – yet they play an important role in assuring the integrity and weathertightness of each finished structure. So contractors and manufacturers look to sealant producers for reliability in these behind-the-scene products. Family-owned GSSI makes sealant tapes for the metal building and components industry. Just like its high quality sealant products, GSSI offers reliability and design flexibility to its customers, which has resulted in long-term customer relationships.

Premier Products Inc. of Monroe, La., manufactures commercial hollow metal steel doors and frames, as well as a complete line of building doors, frames and aluminum windows for metal building applications. With the help of roll forming equipment from Samco Machinery, Premier plans to improve its manufacturing capabilities.

At first glance you'd swear the building was clad in real mahogany. But after another look, you'll find that Alcoa Architectural Products' (AAP) Reynobond® Aluminum Composite Material (ACM), coated with a natural Mahogany Brown wood grain Design Line paint coating, was used instead. Virtually indistinguishable from nature's own handiwork, AAP's Design Line finishes can be used to inject the natural warmth of wood, the strength of granite or the rustic tone of terra cotta in any way you might imagine.

Attaching equipment to the building structure, through the roof, is the most efficient method of attachment, but often such work is done without consideration of waterproofing concerns. Any attachment penetration must not compromise the integrity of the roofing system. This is why RoofScreen Manufacturing got into the business … to discover and develop a better method for leak-proof attachment for all types of roofing and building structures.

AppliCad has led the world in waste reduction and material optimization in its software tools for metal roofing for over 20 years. AppliCad is continuously striving for even better results and forever fine tuning their software tools to further improve ease of use and provide greater efficiency. With that in mind, the company has announced its latest RoofWizard software enhancement: Block-Cut.

An improving construction market leads to increased confidence and that confidence leads to spending or investing. If you’re making a living in the construction industry, Bob Repovs, CEO of Samco Machinery, says 2014 is likely the year to grow your business through the purchase of capital, specifically, roll forming equipment.

RoofScreen Manufacturing developed modular rooftop equipment screens to aid architects and contractors in the quest to improve building aesthetics. The company offers a variety of systems designed to mask unsightly rooftop equipment. RoofScreen often works directly with architects to match the aesthetics of the host building.

When you first look at the typical collegiate boathouse, you’re likely to get a little confused. When we think of boathouses, we usually think of small buildings nestled against a dock and extended over the water. The truth of the matter is that most college boathouses look more like barns or large garages. And because of the kinds of boats they house and the types of crews that use them, more often than not they aren’t located right on the water—but near it.

Gutter systems and related architectural sheet metal trim can have a profound impact on both the functional & visual quality of the building exterior. Managing the runoff of any roof is a key strategy for keeping the building dry and façade clean. Enhancing the gutter system & trim with preweathered zinc can not only extend the durability and improve performance, but also provide a natural aesthetic that can’t be imitated by paint, pigmented stains, or metallic coatings.

Alcoa Architectural Products' latest installation innovation is a face-fastened ACM panel system utilizing the company's flagship product, Reynobond®. George Rosado, Commercial Director, calls it the perfect combination of durability, flexibility, simplicity and affordability that will inspire endless design possibilities. In this bylined feature for DesignandBuildwithMetal, Rosado describes in detail the system's composition and installation.

Like many successful trade shows – METALCON International offers the best in new products and industry expertise – all available in one place for a limited time. What makes METALCON different is its approach to making it an enjoyable, valuable learning experience.

Have you ever been under a metal roof that had condensation on the bottom side of it? It is quite annoying to have the condensation falling on you like rain. Worse, if the roof is over your shop, carport, barn or self-storage unit, you have to worry about what damage it is doing to the contents of these buildings. Ken Buchinger of MBCI discusses a product that addresses condensation.

Material selection directly impacts the performance, aesthetics and durability of a structure. A roof fabricated from architectural zinc (titanium-zinc alloy) may be the best metal value for many steep-slope applications.

The road to success is not easily traveled. No matter its size or scope, a company will experience some bumps along the way that become challenges or opportunities depending on how they are managed. For ATAS International, Allentown, PA, its 50-year path has been driven by a consistent, positive attitude. Although ATAS is family-owned, its philosophy of hiring and training the best people regardless of family ties has developed a strong team ethic.

In addition to speaking regularly with customers around the world, Ray Smith, managing director of AppliCad USA Inc. learns a lot from trade show attendees, including the ones he sees each year at the International Roofing Expo. Smith noticed technology everywhere at the 2013 show. The contractors he talked to did too. Many are keen to use it to help their businesses grow but aren't sure where to focus their efforts and resources. Smith has a suggestion.