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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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Metal Construction & Fabrication Growth: A Q&A With Drexel Metals

As the metal construction industry continues to evolve, contractors are looking for ways to manage costs, keep projects on schedule and deliver greater value to their customers. For many contractors, investing in fabrication equipment can be an effective way to meet these industry pressures and create new opportunities for growth.

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Sep 30, 2026

Latest Articles

Metal Construction & Fabrication Growth: A Q&A With Drexel Metals

As the metal construction industry continues to evolve, contractors are looking for ways to manage costs, keep projects on schedule and deliver greater value to their customers. For many contractors, investing in fabrication equipment can be an effective way to meet these industry pressures and create new opportunities for growth.

Read More

Sep 30, 2026

What Every Roofing Contractor Should Know About Weather-Resistant Metal Roofs

Key Takeaways:
• Weather-resistant metal roofs provide long-term protection against high winds, hail, UV exposure, and heavy rain and snow
• Third-party testing validates product performance while the ICC-ES Evaluation Report documents code compliance
• Metal roofing helps contractors deliver lasting value to home and building owners through superior weather resistance, energy efficiency, low maintenance, and a 40- to 60-year service life

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Aug 20, 2026

An aerial photo of a forest wildfire.

What Your Customers Should Know About Metal Roofing and Fire Mitigation

According to the National Interagency Fire Center, as of June 2026, more than 34,427 fires have burned almost 2.8 million acres nationwide, exceeding the 10-year average for both fires and acres burned to date.

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Jul 24, 2026

What Contractors Should Look for in a Metal Roofing Supplier

A successful metal roofing project depends on more than quality installation, it also depends on having the right supplier behind the scenes. To deliver customer satisfaction and grow your business, you need a long-term partner (not a vendor) that uses quality materials, helps keep project timelines on schedule, provides technical expertise, offers strong warranties, and more. It just goes to show that the right supplier can make all the difference.

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Jun 19, 2026

Potential Metal Roofing Issues and How to Minimize Their Impact: Popping Noises

Metal roofing has become synonymous with sought-after qualities like durability, weather resistance, and long-lasting style. Still, even the best roofing systems have some quirks. For instance, an issue sometimes associated with metal roofing is the potential for adjustment noises, or “popping” noises. This is a natural occurrence that can happen during thermal expansion and contraction. Fortunately, this issue does not indicate a structural problem, but it does still deserve some consideration. With proper design, material selection, and installation practices, popping noises can be managed to ultimately ensure that customers can reap the proven benefits of a metal roof with minimal distraction.

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May 22, 2026

A wide view image of a neutral home with a antique bronze metal roof.

Comparing Roof Warranties: Metal Roofs Vs. Asphalt Shingles

Standing seam metal roofing systems offer premium resistance to high winds, heavy rain, hail, snow, and other extreme weather conditions. They also provide a critical layer of defense in the event of a wildfire. In addition to their performance capabilities, metal roof panels are available in a wide range of substrates, profile types, and colors, giving homeowners and contractors flexibility in both function and design.

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Apr 17, 2026

Why More Contractors Are Recommending Metal Over Asphalt Shingles to Homeowners

For decades, asphalt shingles have dominated the roofing market, due in part to their affordability, widespread availability, and familiarity among both contractors and homeowners. But this longstanding preference is shifting. Across the country, and especially in regions that frequently experience extreme weather events, more contractors are steering homeowners toward standing seam metal roofing systems as a smarter long-term investment.

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Mar 30, 2026

How to Select the Right Underlayment for Your Next Re-roofing Job

Strong and durable roofing systems can help homes withstand inclement weather, provide improved energy efficiency, and allow a wider range of aesthetic potential. For metal roofing systems specifically, the panels’ substrate and finish offer several advantages to residential design. Taking things one step further, underlayment, an often-overlooked component of the complete roof system, can help a metal roof maximize its performance potential.

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Feb 20, 2026

An example of oil canning, or visible waviness, on a gray metal roof.

Potential Metal Roofing Issues and How to Minimize Their Impact: Oil Canning

Choosing a metal roof means choosing one of the most durable, beautiful, and high-performing roofing systems available. That said, even the best roofing materials have some quirks. For example, a concern sometimes associated with a metal roofing system is the potential for visible “waviness,” which is known as oil canning. This does not indicate a structural problem; it is primarily a cosmetic issue. But it does deserve some thoughtful consideration because a metal roof is a significant investment. With proper design, material selection, and installation practices, this potential issue can be minimized, ensuring customers’ new or retrofitted roofs deliver the lasting beauty metal systems are known for.

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Feb 3, 2026

A charcoal metal roof on a white home surrounded by palm trees.

Proven Performance, Storm After Storm: PRG Roofing’s Success with Drexel Metals

For PRG Roofing & Construction, roofing is more than a trade. It is a skilled craft that has been passed down through generations. Founded by Randy Garand in 2018, who started his career as a roofing installer in the 1980s, this Fort Myers, Florida, based business operates on a simple guiding principle: do it right the first time.

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Nov 21, 2025

Asphalt Shingles vs. Standing Seam Metal Roofs for Gulf Coast Homes

According to estimates from the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB), the median age of Gulf Coast homes ranges from 25 to 30 years old. Since most roofs typically last between 15 and 30 years depending on the material and wear, many homes in the region are likely approaching the end of their roof’s service life. This signals remodeling and roof replacement opportunities for roofing contractors living and working in Gulf Coast states.

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Nov 10, 2025

A large house at sunset surrounded by snow.

How Does a Metal Roof Benefit from a Snow Retention System?

Snowfall may soon turn many neighborhoods across the country into charming winter scenes, but that beautiful winterscape can wreak havoc on a roof. Accumulated snow is incredibly heavy and, if not properly managed, can lead to roof leaks, interior water damage, ice dams, and even permanent structural damage. That’s why having a high-performance roof system made from a durable substrate is essential for protecting homes.

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Oct 9, 2025

How On-Site Rollforming Can Help Contractors Keep Residential Projects on Schedule and on Budget

The United States Census Bureau reported that the average sales price of a new single-family home sold in 2025 is 3.3% higher than that of one sold a year ago in 2024. Many contributing factors are to blame, including rising building material costs and the ongoing labor shortage. This makes it increasingly difficult to keep new construction costs down in the residential sector.

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Aug 29, 2025

Standing Seam Metal Roofs: A Solution for Homes in the Gulf States and Beyond

“It’s probably time to look past asphalt shingles,” Michael Yaworksy, Florida’s insurance commissioner, told a crowd of insurance executives at the 2025 Florida Chamber Insurance Summit recently. Yaworksy’s comments sparked an ongoing debate: should Gulf Coast states leave behind asphalt shingles for more resilient roofing solutions?

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Aug 20, 2025

A large home with a blue metal roof surrounded by fall trees in the middle of the woods.

How Metal Roof and Wall Panels Perform in Extreme Weather Conditions

Today’s weather patterns are often unpredictable and extreme. From hurricane-force winds to relentless rain and hail, homes across the country are facing tough conditions that test the limits of traditional building materials. That’s why now more than ever before, it’s all about using exterior home building solutions that deliver protection and peace of mind to the homeowner.

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Aug 4, 2025

How Metal Roofs Mitigate the Heat Effect

According to a recent CBS News report, “High temperatures projected across the U.S. this summer could take a toll on Americans’ budgets by driving up the price of keeping homes cool.”

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Jul 3, 2025

A couple with a realtor outside a home discussing the roof.

Educating Homeowners on the Benefits of Standing Seam Metal Roofs

From Pacific Northwest mountain homes to Midwest farmhouses to contemporary residences along the Gulf Coast, standing seam metal roofs serve up a winning combination of long-term protection, aesthetics and sustainability. Roofing contractors who work with standing seam metal roofs understand the value these high-performance systems bring to any type of project.

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Jun 2, 2025

A white board and batten home exterior with a black metal roof surrounded by trees and landscaping.

Board and Batten: What It Is and How to Bring the Look to Your Next Project

The board and batten look is more popular than ever, especially with homeowners—many of whom have seen the style on Pinterest boards, Instagram feeds, or the pages of a home design magazine.

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May 6, 2025

An aerial view of a neutral home with a gated driveway and a silver metal roof.

The Asphalt Shingles vs. Metal Debate: Time to Leave Asphalt Behind?

According to a 2022 third-party report, asphalt shingles cover approximately 70% of homes along the Gulf Coast. But here’s the problem with that; while asphalt’s affordability and familiarity have made it a longstanding favorite with homeowners and contractors alike, the material’s poor track record in extreme weather conditions has come under scrutiny. This scrutiny is justified, especially as severe weather events along the Gulf Coast, and the devastation they’ve caused, have dominated the news cycle over the last several years.

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Apr 15, 2025

An infographic showing a map with highlighted sections next to polyiso insulation.

Insulating Power: How Much R-Value Do You Need?

R-value, the performance marker for how a building envelope material will resist heat flow, plays a critical role in prioritizing a building’s energy efficiency and comfort. To help reduce building energy costs and maintain a comfortable indoor environment, many building designers specify polyisocyanurate (polyiso) insulation in the roof and wall systems. Polyiso has one of the highest R-values per inch compared to other insulation products, including mineral wool insulation.

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Feb 26, 2025

Top 2025 Metal Construction Trends Inspired by What We Saw at METALCON

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.

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Feb 7, 2025

A diagram showing three polyiso insulation walls.

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

A view on a construction site of a rollformer in action.

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

A diagram showing three polyiso insulation walls.

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

A mixed wood home with white accents and a light grey metal roof surrounded by other homes.

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

An image showcasing a brown metal roof on a home surrounded by trees.

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

An image of a white Medalist Golf Club flag with the number 18.

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

A white and mint green home with a grey metal roof surrounded by palm trees.

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

An image of a New Tech Machinery rollformer hire.

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

The outside of a grey brick home in Daniel Island, SC with a grey metal roof and dark wood accents, and a pool.

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

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

A wide drone view of a neutral home with a black metal roof and light wood accents, surrounded in trees.

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

A shot from below viewing a grey metal, textured design.

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

A view of a Cigars International building with a bright red metal roof in the mountains.

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

An aerial view of a white home covered in snow with a light grey metal roof.

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

The top of a building looking at a teal metal roof, various flags, and the beach.

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

The exterior of a neutral stone and brown metal roof home.

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

The exterior of a white and gold church with a gold curved metal roof.

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

An image of a church with white walls and a silver metal roof with a storm in the background.

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

View from the sidewalk looking at two manicured lawns, an american flag, and two homes with metal roofs.

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

An image of two workmen using a rollforming machine in a neighborhood on the street.

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

A pink and white home with a large rectangular pool and pool chairs.

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

A wooden farmhouse with a metal roof in a snowy valley with a mountain in the background.

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 18^th century. Despite this expansive history, myths about metal roofing still persist.

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Jul 13, 2022

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

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

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

A side view on top of a dark brown metal roof with red windows.

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

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

The exterior of a white company building with a turquoise metal roof

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

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