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Drexel Metals Blog

Helpful information for homeowners, building owners, and anyone interested in metal roofing and wall panels.

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Featured Article
Insulating Power: Testing for R-Value

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.

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Dec 13, 2024
Latest Articles
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Insulating Power: Testing for R-Value
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.
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Dec 13, 2024
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How On-Site Rollforming Delivers Jobsite Efficiencies
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.
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Nov 15, 2024
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Insulating Power: Real-World Factors Impacting R-Value
Delivering an energy-efficient, high-performance structure requires a comprehensive approach to building design. This, of course, includes careful consideration of the building products and systems used on a project. But here’s the thing; this careful consideration extends beyond what you see when you look at a building (picture those striking metal roof and wall panels) and must also include the insulation underneath.
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Oct 14, 2024
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Debunking Metal Roofing Myths: Metal Roofs Make Homes and Buildings Hotter
Late last year, the Department of Energy (DOE) passed legislation that requires gas furnaces and other appliances to operate with greater efficiency. This rule follows a long line of efforts to reduce the environmental impact of both commercial buildings and personal residences. With more emphasis being placed on sustainability, it is important to note that increasing a building’s energy efficiency goes beyond installing certain appliances. It also includes considering how adjacent building systems, like a roof, support these efforts.
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Aug 19, 2024
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Debunking Metal Roofing Myths: Expensive and Difficult to Upkeep
Offering a winning combination of practicality, sustainability and a beautiful aesthetic, metal roofs are more popular than ever. However, while sought-after by many, some homeowners still hold concerns about owning a metal roof, believing that they are expensive and difficult to maintain. But like the assumption that metal roofs are noisy when it rains or aren’t designed to weather a storm, these are just common misconceptions.
Metal roofs provide long-term savings that outweigh the upfront cost
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Jul 19, 2024
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4 Ways Metal Roofs Benefit Clubhouse Design
Golf course clubhouse design can present a variety of challenges. After all, these multi-purpose buildings are typically charged with offering the comfortable stylings of a residence and meeting the functional needs of an events space, gym, spa, sports complex and restaurant.
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Jun 24, 2024
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3 Ways Metal Roofs Support Sustainable Construction
Metal roofing systems require little maintenance to provide long-term performance and beauty. In fact, they can last two to three times as long as other roofing materials. This can help lower the total cost of ownership over a building’s lifetime. But as sustainability and energy efficiency further drive material selection choices, building professionals may be curious about how metal roofs support sustainable construction practices.
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May 28, 2024
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4 Benefits of Becoming a Certified Regional Manufacturer
“Everything looks rosy,” report economists and industry insiders alike in Metal Roofing’s 2024 State of the Industry forecast. Drexel Metals’ very own National Sales Manager, Brian McLaughlin, contributed to the annual report, stating, “We see continuing opportunity. The metal roofing industry is interesting as no manufacturer has market share. Instead, it is a fragmented regional industry with many players. And while some are viewing 2024 as bearish due to rising interest rates (there may be some truth to that), activity in bid work and design work remains strong.” 
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Apr 15, 2024
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5 Metal Roofing Performance FAQs with MRA Chairman Brian Partyka
Metal roofs are more popular now than they’ve ever been. Beautiful and always on-trend, metal roofs can be customized to accommodate any design vision on a residential or commercial project. But are metal roofs more than just a pretty face? Absolutely. Strong, durable and resistant to the damaging effects of weathering, metal roofs make it possible for contractors and designers to deliver performance and lasting style overhead.
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Mar 14, 2024
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Understanding Metal Roof Performance Standards & Testing
Metal roofing systems are tested by third-party laboratories to several performance standards, ensuring they can withstand the damaging effects of powerful storms, wildfires and more.
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Jan 23, 2024
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How Metal Roofs Stand Strong Against Today’s Extreme Weather Events
Learn how durable metal roofs provide protection against the rise in extreme weather events like powerful storms and heat waves.
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Dec 28, 2023
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Endless Design Options with Metal Wall Panels 
Like metal roofs, metal wall panels have become an increasingly popular choice for building facades. It’s easy to see why! Ideal for commercial or residential applications, metal wall panels can enhance the appearance of a building's facade in a variety of ways, from creating a sleek and contemporary look to adding depth and complexity to the design.  
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Nov 3, 2023
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Metal Roof Finishes: Customization and Lasting Performance  
Metal roofs come with several practical advantages, including a service life of 40-60 years—up to three times longer than other roofing materials. But it’s their ability to deliver lasting performance and style that make metal roofs well-suited for a variety of commercial, residential and custom applications. Metal roofing systems can be customized to help architects and designers create statement-making roof designs that enhance a building’s appearance. For example, in addition to offering multiple profile options, metal roofing systems from Drexel Metals can be finished in over 40 standard colors with custom colors available. With so many opportunities for customization, project designers do not have to compromise their design vision for roof performance. 
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Nov 3, 2023
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Is Your Metal Roof Ready for Winter: 5 Tips to Prep for the Cold
Winters can be tough on all roofs, especially for areas that experience extreme weather. While snow and ice formation can pose several problems to more traditional roofing materials, metal panel roofing systems can withstand the added strain. But like any outdoor building product that is exposed to the elements, metal roofs still need a little care to prepare for the colder months.
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Feb 17, 2023
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Debunking Metal Roofing Myths: Rust & Leaks
The resiliency, longevity and design versatility of a metal roof is truly unmatched. And yet, home and building owners can still feel hesitant to upgrade to a metal roof. Some believe that a metal roof is noisier (it’s not, thanks to insulation), and some think they are more prone to damage from extreme weather events like lightning strikes or hail (not true either due to high conductivity and high impact resistance).  
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Feb 9, 2023
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How Metal Roofs Contribute to Green Building Goals
Building sustainably and reducing our carbon footprint has never been more important as climate change continues to affect the world. Nearly one third of the total energy consumed, greenhouse gases emitted, raw materials used, and waste created in the United States comes from the construction industry. It’s more crucial than ever, as a top energy spender, that the building industry find alternatives towards greener building.
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Jan 18, 2023
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Curved Metal Roofing Panels for Design Versatility 
Curved metal roofing panels open up countless design possibilities that are not easily accomplished by other roofing materials. Offering both functional advantages and building-defining aesthetics, curved roofs can be used on designs as diverse as era-defying Coptic churches to military outbuildings—plus, they are more easily attainable than ever before, thanks to advances in production technologies like on-site roll forming.  
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Dec 6, 2022
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Debunking Metal Roofing Myths: Lightning Strikes and Hail Damage 
Many home and building owners believe metal roofing systems attract lightning strikes and are easily damaged by hail.  Like the assumption that metal roofs are noisy when it rains, these beliefs are misconceptions. The facts paint a much different picture—mainly that metal roofing systems can endure various forms of extreme weather. 
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Nov 18, 2022
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Drexel Metals: Higher-Quality Roofing Materials are Found and Sourced at Home 
Since 1985, Drexel Metals has been a trusted provider of superior-quality metal roofing systems, equipment and custom fabrication services. Unlike other metal roof manufacturers, Drexel Metals has built its first-rate reputation by using over 99% American-made and sourced products.  
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Oct 24, 2022
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5 Reasons Roofing Contractors Should Invest in a Portable Rollforming Machine
Taking the next step to expand a roofing construction business can be full of uncertainty. Some of these doubts revolve around investing in the equipment necessary to expand. Which machinery will bring the most return on investment? Is this the same equipment needed to fulfill customer requests? How can it be used to its maximum potential?
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Oct 17, 2022
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Cool Roofs Support Ecofriendly Building 
As sustainable building practices have developed, the definition of what is sustainable in the building industry has expanded. Now, not only are designers and building owners aiming for construction methods that reduce environmental impact, but they are also specifying materials that off-set the emissions and pollution caused by erecting new structures.  
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Aug 8, 2022
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Debunking Metal Roofing Myths: Noise
Metal roofing has a long history—some of the oldest copper roofs date back thousands of years to temples in Sri Lanka. Developments in galvanization and sheet forming have helped metal roofing systems provide long-lasting and aesthetically pleasing designs in the U.S. since the 18th century. Despite this expansive history, myths about metal roofing still persist.  
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Jul 13, 2022
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The Visual Appeal of Metal Roofing 
A well-designed roof can intrigue passers-by and establish a building as an urban landmark. For instance, the New York Life Building’s roof provides a dazzling gold sliver to Manhattan’s skyline. Likewise, the iconic roof of Sydney’s Opera House can be recognized around the world. While jaw-dropping visual appeal is important, even the most decorative roofs need to serve a purpose: to protect a building’s interior and occupants.  
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Jun 13, 2022
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Metal Roofs: Protection from All Weather 
One of the main functions of a roof is to protect occupants from inclement weather. While the occasional light rain or snowstorm poses little cause for concern for most roofing materials, larger storms like tornadoes, hurricanes and blizzards can noticeably damage some roofing materials. These weather events can also create small breeches in a roof’s surface, which could worsen over time or cause costly structural damage. 
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May 12, 2022
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What are the Benefits of Regional Manufacturing? 
Roofing with metal provides customers with a long-lasting and sustainable product. Roofing professionals who use rollformed metal panels can go a step beyond and meet customer demand for a range of color and profile options, ensuring the roof will look as good as it performs. While these benefits may seem exclusive to the people living under them, they can also extend to the fabricators themselves. 
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Apr 19, 2022
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How are Metal Roofs Sustainable? Let’s Count the Ways 
In the United States, the construction industry accounts for nearly one third of: total energy consumed, greenhouse gases emitted, raw materials used, and waste created. Acknowledging the profound impact of building, many architecture firms have pledged their commitment to more sustainable practices—adhering to LEED certification, the Living Building Challenge, the 2030 Challenge, and many more. 
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Apr 14, 2022
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What Should You Look for in a Metal Roofing Warranty? 
Warranties guarantee the integrity of a product. They also provide valuable peace of mind that a roof will be covered should anything happen to it. But, as homeowners and contractors know, warranties can vary widely. This is especially true for metal roof systems, as many incorporate multiple components into one product and are influenced by environmental factors, seam profiles and installation methods. 
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Mar 23, 2022
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A Fight of the Finish: PVDF vs SMP 
While metal roofing substrates are durable on their own, their ability to last up to 50 years relies heavily on their paint system. For metal roofing, the paint system is made from three basic ingredients: resins, pigments, and additives. Pigments add color to the paint system, and additives help those pigments attach to resins. In general, these ingredients do not affect the strength of a paint system.
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Mar 9, 2022
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What Advantages Come with Metal Roofs?
Metal roofing is not new. In fact, it can be found on notable American buildings dating as far back as the
mid-1700s. While most historical uses of metal roofing were on commercial buildings, technological
advances have made it a popular choice for residential roofing as well. Its popularity extends beyond its
trendiness. Home and building owners who choose to build or resurface their roofs with metal will see
the following benefits:
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Feb 7, 2022
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