Drexel Products

Regardless of what industry you’re involved in, a new year always ushers in a crop of new trends. But we’re living in a time of such rapid advancement that it can sometimes feel overwhelming to stay informed on all things “new,” especially when you have a business to run or the next jobsite to get to. That’s why for many in the metal construction industry, attending METALCON is so valuable—it’s like getting a sneak peek into the future. The ultimate trends forecaster, the 2024 METALCON expo (which took place in late fall) was an opportunity to take in the game-changing products and innovations that will influence material and design choices this year.  

When designing an energy-efficient building, one of the most important metrics to consider is R-value— the measure of a material’s resistance to heat flow. R-value is determined through standardized testing methods which help architects, designers and builders compare the effectiveness of various insulating options. Essentially, the higher the R-value of a material, the greater its insulating power.

According to the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) and the Associated General Contractors (AGC) of America, both residential and commercial projects have seen increases in the costs of construction in 2024. But that’s not to say that rising construction costs are putting a damper on construction activity. In fact, construction activity is picking up speed! Forecasters are seeing a slow but steady upswing in planning activity as many owners and developers prepare for stronger market conditions in 2025. If you couple these market insights with the construction industry’s ongoing labor shortage, it’s clear that prioritizing cost and labor efficiencies on jobs has never been more important.