[Best Product 50] Clatronic to present its toaster featuring blue light

HONG KONG, China (AVING Special Report on 'Hong Kong Electronics Fair 2007') -- Clatronic(www.clatronic.com) presented its toaster ‘TA3071’ model during Hong Kong Electronics Fair 2007, which features blue light in the bottom.







AVING Special Report Team for 'Hong Kong Electronics Fair 2007': Min Choi, Paul Shin, Sheri Choi, Sophia Kwag, W Yoo

Source Aving.net

[Best Product 50] Clatronic to present its stainless steel kettle adopting wooden handle

HONG KONG, China (AVING Special Report on 'Hong Kong Electronics Fair 2007') -- Clatronic(www.clatronic.com) presented its 1.7L stainless steel kettle 'WKS 3042' model during Hong Kong Electronics Fair 2007, which adopted wooden handle.





AVING Special Report Team for 'Hong Kong Electronics Fair 2007': Min Choi, Paul Shin, Sheri Choi, Sophia Kwag, W Yoo

Source Aving.net

[Best Product 50] Clatronic to present its 12-cup coffee machine 'KA3094'

HONG KONG, China (AVING Special Report on 'Hong Kong Electronics Fair 2007') -- Clatronic(www.clatronic.com) presented its 12-cup coffee machine 'KA3094' model during Hong Kong Electronics Fair 2007.









AVING Special Report Team for 'Hong Kong Electronics Fair 2007': Min Choi, Paul Shin, Sheri Choi, Sophia Kwag, W Yoo

Source Aving.net

Residential re-roofing with metal

Metal Roofing Magazine invited 12 installers of metal roofing to discuss the important points of selling residential re-roofing jobs to homeowners and making them happy.

Residential retrofit '08: Englert, Inc.

Residential retrofit '08: Allmet

Residential retrofit '08: Everlast Roofing

Residential retrofit '08: Met-Tile

Residential retrofit '08: ATAS International

Residential retrofit '08: Metro Roof Products

Residential retrofit '08: Metro Giveaway

Residential retrofit '08: ABC

Residential retrofit '08: Decra Roofing

Residential retrofit '08: Central States Manufacturing

Residential retrofit '08: MetalWorks by TAMKO

Residential retrofit '08: Drexel Metals

Residential retrofit '08: SteelRock

Source constructionmagnet.com

Gutter Opportunities, August '08

Gutter Cap photos

Stone-coated metal roofing products, as previously reported in these pages (see “Metal Up Close,” December 2006-January 2007), are quickly gaining a share of the market. One metal roofer in California, who installs products with the look of tile and shake, predicted that “stone-coated metal shingles have the potential to be the top seller of the three.” Another installer in Nebraska commented that stone-coated metal roofing shingles “haven’t been on the market as long as tile and shake facsimiles, but the shingles are getting more popular.” And a Kansas roofer concluded, “I think that metal shingles will eventually outsell the metal shake and tile products.”

So if stone-coated metal shingles that faithfully recreate the look of asphalt shingles are catching on — then could stone-coated metal gutter covers be far behind? After all, one of major challenges for gutter contractors is blending the gutter profile with the homeowner’s roof. If the gutter covers rise up too high, or if the colors don’t match, then customers aren’t too happy.

Thus it stands to reason stone-coated metal gutter covers, because they recreate the look of asphalt shingles, might offer an aesthetically seamless blend. Or at least, that’s what president Steve Tenute of Gutter Cap believes. Based in Naperville, Ill., the company in 2006 introduced its Gutter Roof product with the slogan, “Put a Roof over Your Gutter!”

“With domed gutter protection products,” Tenute explains, “the finish has always been an issue. Baked-on enamel finish, which is used by most metal dome systems, eventually fades. Dirt and tree resin forms an unsightly crust that also affects the overall performance. And many homeowners simply don’t like the noticeable contrast between the enamel finish of the gutter protection and the gritty texture of the roof.”

Thus in January 2008, continues chief operating officer Patrick Huff, Gutter Cap launched its Gutter Roof as “a metal dome gutter protection product with roof granules incorporated into the finish. We made the finish so that it’s very similar to the stone coating on high-end metal roofing and has the same durability. Our aim was to provide a product that would look different than other metal dome gutter protection products, blend in better with the roof line and increase the water cohesion. The roofing granules helped us to achieve this purpose.”

From a marketing standpoint, Tenute affirms, the distinctive look of its stone-coated gutter cover has enabled the company to set itself apart from the dozens of competing systems on the market. “The product can’t be mistaken for another product,” he states, “is almost invisible on the home and handles a large magnitude of water without the fly-over that’s common with many metal dome systems that have smooth finishes.”

By featuring a stone-coated finish, Gutter Roof enjoys “the best of both worlds” by lending itself to installations on either asphalt or metal roofs. “We’re getting interest from both sides of the roofing business,” Tenute points out, “because in its appearance, Gutter

Roof actually becomes your first row of shingles.” The company sells six colors which, he notes, allow installers to blend the product with nearly 40 different roof-shingle colors.

Yet the product is also proving itself through solid performance. “The granules slow down the water, as well as providing more surface area, so that you get better cohesion and reduced fly-over,” states Tenute. And because Gutter Roof is a retrofit product, rather than a one-piece gutter-and-hood system, contractors can install between 300 and 500 feet per day. A proprietary installation system, developed for the company’s original Gutter Cap product, cuts installation time and labor.

Tenute patented his Gutter Cap system in 1993 and launched his business a year later. “I’d been installing siding since 1976,” he recalls, “and then after a hailstorm in 1983, I started doing additional jobs on the side. Since the economy was coming out of a recession, it was a good time to go into the siding business for myself.” That company, Selective Seamless Siding, was renamed Home Improvements USA in 2005 and now installs siding, windows and gutters throughout the Chicago area.

Gutter Cap did well in Chicago and soon attracted dealers nationwide. With its premium Kynar finish, plus the proprietary one-piece installation system that eliminates brackets and straps, the product “is mostly sold around the country through high-end window companies,” says Tenute. “These companies are really savvy marketers. With all respect to gutter contractors, the window companies know how to sell the benefits of a product.”

Those benefits include a durable X-10 metal alloy, no vertical openings to clog, plus a unique no-clog channeling system. And since Gutter Cap does not fasten with clips or brackets, it can even be removed and re-installed on a replacement roof.

“Yet with so many gutter protection products on the market,” Tenute recounts, “you’ve always got to be looking for ways to gain an edge. So we took our basic 1993 patent for Gutter Cap, added stone coating and came up with a new Gutter Roof product that meets a real need. Hood systems are commonplace today for both contractors and consumers. But a stone-coated product really makes people do a double-take.”

Since Gutter Roof was introduced in January, Tenute and Huff have been recruiting dealers nationwide. The product is sold direct from the manufacturer only to home improvement companies. Installers who enroll in the company’s Gold Program pay a deposit — which goes toward promotional materials and displays — and receive training in installation, marketing and sales at the Gutter Cap corporate offices in Chicago.

“We provide classroom instruction,” says Huff, “and then have three different rooms where we teach practical applications. Each room becomes progressively harder. By the end of the course, you’ll encounter every roof application imaginable. And until you demonstrate consistency and proficiency in one application, you can’t progress to the next room.”

The training is rigorous, Tenute maintains, because “we measure our success by the success of our dealers.” Though he realizes that installers have a wide array of gutter protection products from which to choose, he also knows that “installers need to set themselves apart from the crowd — and we’ve designed Gutter Roof with that need in mind. It’s made to be a product with distinctive benefits that you sell to your customers.”

Tenute believes that Gutter Roof can capture at least a 10 percent share of every market where the product is sold. “But for us and our dealers to grow together,” he says, “as an installer you must be willing to always sharpen your skills in order to get better and succeed. Often times, gutter installers only think about installing more linear feet. But you can’t think that you’re too busy to learn new things.”

In fact, Tenute advances the heretical thought that “maybe you should be willing to install less feet — and instead learn how to sell better. Your objective isn’t just to be the lowest-cost provider. Your objective is to identify solutions for homeowners and then educate them so they can see how your solutions provide them with real value.”

Source constructionmagnet.com

Editor's Log: "It's not your fault, it's the asphalt"

by Jim Austin, senior editor

Advanced Metal Roofing photo

Thanks to Advanced Metal Roofing Corp., for providing an easy headline to write. It’s simple and to the point.
Advanced Metal Roofing of Wilmington, N.C., applied for and received trademark certification for its new company slogan: “It’s not your fault, it’s the asphalt.”

Advanced is a residential metal roofing company serving eastern North Carolina. Owner Jim Kenton believes metal roofing is a superior material for homes, especially when compared to an alternative (one might say temporary) material such as asphalt.

Like many great ideas, the slogan was inspired by a meeting of the minds.

“A couple of managers and I were just hanging around one night having a few beers and talking about the business — our wives would tell you that’s all we talk about,” Kenton says. “At the time we were contemplating an ad campaign and decided that we needed a catchy slogan. No one actually takes full credit for the slogan — we were just bouncing ideas around and someone came up with one part of it, someone else put the finishing touch on it.

“We applied for the trademark because of the immediate response the slogan generated. It seemed like whenever someone saw our logo they were telling the person next to them, ‘That’s the get off your asphalt company.’ Realizing we had a valuable commodity, I checked into whether this slogan was ever trademarked or copyrighted. I then searched the web for usage of this phrase relating to roofing and again came up empty. In the retail environment, I believe intellectual property is at least as important as your trucks or your office — it determines how your business is perceived by the consumer.”

Advanced forms roofing product in-house, including all trim components, using Schechtl machinery. The company purchases coil from MBCI and McElroy Metal.

Advanced Metal Roofing’s slogan may bring a smile to the faces of customers and potential customers, but Kenton is serious about metal roofing.

“Metal roofing is superior to asphalt shingles and is the best choice for your home,” he says.

You all know that or you wouldn’t be in the business of selling and installing investment grade roofing. Metal roofing products cost more than asphalt products, although some say the gap in price is closing. That can only mean good news for you and your customers.

While it may be true, for the time being, the number of new homes being built is down, there are still plenty of homes already built in need of new roofing because the asphalt shingles are no longer able to do the job they were installed to do.

Asphalt shingles are the inexpensive temporary fix, but again, I’m not telling you anything you don’t already know. What Metal Roofing Magazine hopes to provide in this issue is some help at increasing your share of the residential re-roofing market.
We rounded up stories from a dozen roofing contractors from throughout the U.S., all making a big part of their living in the residential re-roofing market. They’re installing everything from standing seam roofing to stone-coated shingles.

In their stories, they share what works for them. What are customers really looking for? What eventually sells them on investing in metal? What do they understand about metal roofing and what do they need to be educated on?

Maybe some of their ideas can help. Take a look and good luck. You’re offering the superior product — get off your asphalt and let them know about it.

Source constructionmagnet.com

Supplier News (August '08)

N.B. Handy photo

N.B. Handy Company, a Metal of Honor winner, honored its “Preferred Vendors” for outstanding performance during the 2007 calendar year at its eighth annual Vendor Performance Recognition Event on May 13 in Lynchburg, Va., home to its corporate office.

The top nine performers included two vendors consistently on the list since the programs inception eight years ago — Ideal Tape and Johns Manville. The top nine 2007 winners were Berger Building Products, Carlisle SynTec, Coleman Cable, Ductmate Industries, Fabral, Heating & Cooling Products, Ideal Tape, Johns Manville and The Techs.

Five special awards were acknowledged at the event:

— Vendor of the Year — Fabral (third consecutive year)

— Most Improved — Duro Dyne

— Most Innovative — Honeywell

— Outstanding Sales Achievement

— Jerry Wandel, Fabral

— Outstanding Customer Service Rep.

— Mary Turek, Ductmate

ATAS tabs projects of the year
ATAS International announced the winners of its annual Project of the Year awards. The awards were created to recognize those individuals who further the advancement of metal in construction. The 2007 ATAS Project of the Year Awards were open to any project completed in 2007 using systems manufactured by ATAS.

The winning project in the commercial division was the New York State Thruway Rest Stop building in Chittenango, N.Y. The slate grey Dutch Seam panels were distributed by Bradco Supply of Syracuse, N.Y., and installed by Henderson-Johnson of Syracuse, N.Y.

The winning project in the residential division was a private residence in Covington, Ky., and featured in the idea book this year. The Mission Red Scan Roof tiles were distributed by Roofing Supply Group of Louisville, Ky., and installed by Estate Systems, also of Louisville, Ky. The architect for the project was Batson and Associates of Covington, Ky.

— ATAS held its 19th annual Customer Appreciation Day in Allentown, Pa. Customers were invited to learn more about ATAS products and services and take tours of the plants.

During the continental breakfast, customers were encouraged to visit product education booths to learn more about ATAS products and services. The booths included information and products such as ventilation solutions and products, mix-and-match wall panel systems, accent extrusion trims, perimeter edge trim products, the InSpire Wall system, perforated products, column covers, rainware, ATA-Solar PV laminate, new website features, embossing capabilities, the redesigned Standing Seam Shingle and the Crown Line of mouldings. Plant tours of both Allentown facilities were also provided.

After breakfast, the annual Advanta installation contest was held. The winner was Scott Raffo of Raffo Construction, located in Staten Island, N.Y., with a time of nine minutes and 46 seconds to properly install 10 square feet of the ATAS Advanta Shingle. The “State of the Industry” address presented annually by ATAS president Dick Bus focused this year on the evolution of ATAS and Jack Bus, founder of ATAS, who recently passed away at the age of 80.

“Customer Appreciation Day allows us to educate our valued customers about ATAS products and services while providing tours of our state-of-the-art manufacturing facilities,” says Bus. “Of course, the afternoon golf outing and other activities are always popular with our customers too.”

After lunch, customers were invited to participate in a golf outing, a trap shoot or bet on the ponies at the local off-track betting facility. Dinner was at a local country club and many donated prizes, both by ATAS and their vendors, were raffled off. Visitors to the morning sessions were also awarded extra prizes.

Berger becomes registered AIA/CES provider
Berger Building Products announced it is a registered American Institute of Architects Continuing Education Systems program provider. The program is an hour-long course that reviews knowledge and proper use and improves specification practices of snow guards. The course is designed to:

— Help participants understand the effects of accumulating snow and ice on sloped roofs.

— Explain the benefits of snow retention on sloped roofs.

— Understand the limitation of snow retention on sloped roofs.

— Improve details and specifications of snow retention systems.

The one-hour course is worth 1 Learning Unit of credit and falls into the Health, Safety and Welfare category. There is no cost to present this program to a group.

Met-Tile featured on Planet Green network
Met-Tile, Inc., a manufacturer with a “cool roof” system that combines the popular look of tile with Energy Star performance, is featured on Episode #5 of Renovation Nation, a new television series on the Planet Green network. The episode was expected to debut in June and will air multiple times.

The segment, which centers on a visit to the Met-Tile factory in Ontario, Calif., includes a plant tour with company president Terry Holman and a discussion of what makes Met-Tile green. Renovation Nation producers selected Met-Tile for coverage because of the many green attributes of its roofing product. In addition to earning an Energy Star rating for its solar reflectivity, Met-Tile is made of recyclable steel, it can be repainted instead of replaced after a number of years and its light weight can translate into reduced substructure requirements during construction and renovation, saving on resources.

In a series of hour-long episodes, Renovation Nation addresses the many questions homeowners have about “going green.”

Sheffield Metals continues expansion to Texas, Colorado
Sheffield Metals has completed a strategic growth initiative in the Western United States to better serve its customer base. To maintain consistent customer service and ship orders out within three days, Sheffield opened a facility in Mansfield, Texas, in November 2007. This full-line facility has a maximum coil size of 20,000 pounds. To assist customers in the Texas office and territory, Sheffield hired Nathan Johnson as its new southwest sales manager and Kourtney DeParvine as inside sales representative.

“Nathan and Kourtney make a great team,” says Mike Blake, president of Sheffield Metals. “Nathan is an industry veteran with 10 years experience and Kourtney gained valuable experience at a major mill for three years.”

In April 2008 Sheffield continued its expansion by opening a Denver facility. It stocks all of Sheffield’s 24-gauge painted flat stock and most colors in 20- and 24-inch painted coil. In addition to coil and flat sheets, Sheffield offers spin-down services as well as slitting for custom coil widths. Dale Showalter was brought on board as the western sales manager and Adam Mazzella joined as the inside sales representative for the Denver facility.

Simpson Strong-Tie volunteers travel to Gulf Coast to re-build
Simpson Strong-Tie volunteers from across the country traveled to the Gulf Coast in May to work alongside former U.S. President and Nobel Peace Prize laureate Jimmy Carter and his wife, Rosalynn. Simpson Strong-Tie employees join thousands of volunteers to build 30 new homes, rehabilitate 30 homes and frame up to 48 more in the host cities of Biloxi, Gulfport and Pascagoula, Miss., as part of the 25th annual Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter Work Project hosted by Habitat for Humanity of the Mississippi Gulf Coast.

“Simpson Strong-Tie is committed to helping build safer and stronger homes economically in collaboration with families in need,” said Terry Kingsfather, president of Simpson Stong-Tie. “By sharing similar goals with Habitat and working together at the 25th annual Carter Project, we can provide more people in the Gulf Coast with homes that are built to last.”

In addition to sending a team of eighteen volunteers from California, Ohio, Texas, Mississippi, Louisiana, North Carolina and Alabama, Simpson Strong-Tie is supporting Habitat’s Carter Project with a cash donation and a supply of structural connector products to be used in the 30 new homes built during the week-long project. Simpson Strong-Tie reinforced its support, which extends more than a decade, to Habitat for Humanity in 2007 when it announced it would make a $1 million donation to the organization — the donation made up of cash and gift-in-kind products spans a four-year period. The donation is being used to help underwrite Habitat for Humanity projects, such as the Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter Work Project and the Home Builders Blitz.

AppliCad launches multi-language website.
For almost 12 years, AppliCad has been developing its international business strategy. To this end, AppliCad has added a “gadget” on its website home page that allows visitors to select their native language and the rest of the visit to the website will be displayed in their language.

Some of the languages automatically translated include — German, Finnish, Swedish, Dutch, Chinese, Korean and Arabic. Check it out at www.applicad.com.au. The translation “gadget” has also been applied to AppliCad’s other sites — www.roofestimating.com and www.staircasesoftware.com.

Supplier Briefs
— Drexel Metals Corporation has restructured and expanded its Denver branch staff to support its continuing growth in the Rocky Mountain region. Dan Clark was hired as general manager and Ernie Coronado was added as an outside sales representative. Christina Davis is a new inside sales coordinator. In the warehouse, Brian Chochol will serve as warehouse manager and Dan Molina as warehouse operator.

— Makita U.S.A. is the Official Power Tool Sponsor of Championship Off Road Racing. Makita also has become a sponsor of longtime CORR Series racers Team LeDuc, creating Rockstar Makita Team LeDuc Racing. Both sponsorships are an extension of the brand’s growing presence in live race events. CORR brings high action, four-wheel motorsports — including 2-wheel drive and 4-wheel drive trucks — to the closed course off road arena. The 2008 CORR season includes eight events at tracks in Los Angeles/Pomona, San Diego/Chula Vista and Las Vegas/Primm, NV.

— Exceptional Metals, a division of Duro-Last Roofing, has expanded its production capacity due to increased demand for metal components that are installed with the Duro-Last roofing system and other single-ply systems. Exceptional Metals began operating in Jackson in July 2007 and the location’s doubling of sales during the year has enabled Exceptional Metals to relocate production operations to a larger facility in Jackson.

According to Art Gilles, national production manager, the new 16,000-square-foot building will help keep up with the increased demand for custom made metal products.

Source constructionmagnet.com

MRA Update: Metal gains in popularity

by By Bill Hippard, MRA president

Driven to reduce their energy costs and make long-term improvements to their homes, more and more homeowners are installing durable and environmentally friendly metal roofing systems. Contractor members of the Metal Roofing Alliance are seeing the evidence in markets across the country. The demand for metal roofing has never been greater and contractors are adding crews to keep up with the increased interest in metal.

A recent study conducted by the Freedonia Group, Inc., a Cleveland-based industry market research firm, reported that renovation activity in the residential market would provide growth opportunities for roofing. Metal was sighted as being one of the products that will see the fastest growth in the U.S. through 2010. Tiles, metal panels and shingles will be used as alternatives to roofing tile and asphalt shingles.

There are a number of reasons the metal roofing industry continues to flourish. The trend toward cool roofing and environmentally conscious energy codes has had a huge impact on our industry. Metal roofing is recognized as a sustainable building material as many metal roofs typically have a minimum of 25 percent recycled content. This level of recycled content allows metal roofing to be routinely included on listings for “green” and recycled content products. Metal roofing is 100 percent recyclable where other roofing materials are routinely removed and disposed of by the tons in landfills.

A study conducted by Oak Ridge National Laboratory found the installation of reflective metal roofing can save homeowners up to 40 percent in summer cooling costs while highly emissive metal roofs can reduce urban air temperatures by as much as 12 degrees. A basic unpainted metal roof will reflect much of the solar radiation usually absorbed in the attic and home with an asphalt roof. However, for homes in warmer climates, pre-painted or granular coated metal roofing systems not only reflect solar energy but they also cool the home by re-emitting most of the solar radiation that is absorbed.

Metal roofing is a great investment for contractors looking for high margin, high quality products to add to their product offerings. In addition to educating consumers, the MRA continues to focus on educating contractors on the many benefits of metal roofing for residential application. “From the very beginning, one of our key objectives has been to increase the number of metal roofing installers in the United States and Canada,” says Tom Black, executive director of the MRA. “Many roofers and contractors don’t realize that the metal roofing industry has changed dramatically over the last several years. There are a number of products on the market that are easier to install and the margins on metal roofing are very attractive. Homeowners tell us there are many reasons they’re choosing metal roofs. The two most compelling reasons to get a metal roof are the environmental benefits coupled with energy costs savings.”

The metal roofing industry is poised to grow substantially in the coming energy-efficient, ecologically friendly marketplace. For more information on the many environmental benefits of residential metal roofing, or to join the MRA, please visit www.metalroofing.com.

Bill Hippard is the president of the Metal Roofing Alliance and vice president for sales at Precoat Metals.

To learn more about the Metal Roofing Alliance visit www.metalroofing.com.

Source constructionmagnet.com

Residential retrofit '08: SteelRock

SteelRock photos

In the age of daily occurrences of severe weather and the rising costs of energy, how are property owners better able to protect their structures?

Increasingly, property owners have decided to re-roof their existing structures with metal roofing.

In Mansfield, Texas, homeowner Mary Gaines’ one-story composition roof sustained severe damage due to a recent hailstorm. She had been hit with hailstorms repeatedly and was becoming tired of replacing her roof after each storm.

It was at that point she decided to call Dallas-based Horn Brothers Roofing to discuss the benefits of re-roofing her home with a metal roofing system.

Her concerns were typical: she wondered if a metal roof could improve the value of her home, whether or not it would save her money on her energy bills and how long the roof would last.

There are many benefits to having a metal roof installed on a structure. It is important that property owners understand these benefits. The key points important to remember when selling a metal roof: durability, environmental impacts, energy efficiency, long-term value, tax and insurance discounts and the wide variety of product choices.

Composition roofing is the most common roofing system and the most often replaced. Asphalt roofing is made of fiberglass or oil saturated paper which starts to decompose as soon as it is exposed to the elements. A metal roof can withstand the weather and will not deteriorate.

If consumers decided to re-roof with a metal roofing system, it would greatly reduce the amount of waste in our landfills. According to the National Association of Homebuilders Research Center, 20 billion pounds of composition shingle waste is dumped into U.S. landfills each year. A metal roof will always be 100 percent recyclable.

Metal roofing is an excellent insulator. While shingles deteriorate as a result of UV rays, metal roofing deflects the rays, which keeps the home cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter.

The long term value of a metal roof always far exceeds the cost of putting on a metal roof. The market value of the property is increased immediately after the installation. Warranties for metal roofing are the best in the industry; metal roofing is installed for a lifetime, thus avoiding costly maintenance or replacement costs.

In states where severe weather is prevalent, insurance discounts up to 35 percent are available for property owners who have metal roofing installed.

Metal roofing is designed to fit any taste and style. Do not underestimate the power of aesthetics.

SteelRock manufactures three distinctive styles of stone coated steel. Roman Villa Tile, Pacific Tile, and Pacific Shake panels have deep and crisp forming methods, making the strongest and most defined shapes. Each panel is protected with natural ISP stone granules for vivid colors that will not fade and will last a lifetime.

One of the key selling points in the presentation was the fact that Gaines was given many different styles, colors and designs to choose from.

After careful consideration, she chose SteelRock stone-coated steel in Pacific Shake, Shadow Wood. Horn Brothers also installed its trademark “Full Envelope System,” which saves her approximately 20-30 percent on the home’s energy bills each month.

The SteelRock panels have a 2-1/2-inch Hail Class 4 UL 2218 resistance rating, so she qualified for a significant discount on her homeowners insurance and the Energy Tax Credit. The SteelRock system came with a non-prorated lifetime limited warranty; she will never have to replace her roof again.

In the end, Gaines is able to see how the product will not only continue to save her money, but also will allow her home to stand out amongst the other homes in her neighborhood.

Metal roofing is not only the smart alternative, but it is the most cost effective, environmentally conscious and versatile product on the market today.

Source constructionmagnet.com

Residential retrofit '08: Drexel Metals

Drexel Metals photos

With today’s technology, there are many more avenues for building owners, architects and consumers to learn about all types of roofing products. It also seems anyone and everyone is looking for a marketing advantage especially when it comes to making the presentation for a project to re-roof. This makes everyone’s job more difficult during the selling process as you are telling your potential customer something they may already know. Why metal and why should they purchase this from you? Do you focus on the green benefits of cool metal roofing, aesthetics, functionality or dependability? With the threat of a recession, lack of consumer confidence and soaring fuel costs it is becoming more difficult to sell the benefit of the installed price of metal roofing versus the less expensive roof systems even though a metal roof offers so many long term benefits.

Bob Delise is a commercial product manager for Harvey Industries in Waltham, Mass., a large roofing, window and home improvement distributor serving all of New England. “Metal roofing is one of the most durable roofing materials on the market today,” he says. “Metal roofing allows snow to come off more easily than other roofing materials and thus offers homeowners relief from snow dam conditions. It will be the last roof the owner will need to install.

“Metal roofing can be installed directly over asphalt shingles with the proper barrier — weight is not an issue and it eliminates the need for (and expense of) disposal.”

A quick fact: According to the National Association of Homebuilders Research Center, 20 billion pounds of asphalt shingles are dumped into U.S. landfills every year. If one loaded those in 40,000 pound trailers and lined them up end-to-end they would make a line from New York City to Los Angeles, back to New York City and on to Chicago.

Selling points for metal roofing?
It’s a green product that meets “cool” roofing standards and easily accepts photovoltaic (solar) panels. Metal roofing is low maintenance, durable, lightweight and aesthetically pleasing — and it’s the last roof a homeowner will need. Metal roofing ...

— Is wind resistant

— Reflects rather than absorbs the suns energy

— Is manufactured from recycled content

— Is fire resistant

Let the customer know!

Delise says a company can gain a competitive advantage by eliminating layers and manufacturing their own metal roof systems. “Our mobile metal roofing trucks allow us to service metal roofing customer needs with short lead times,” he says. “By having the products and accessories in stock we can provide the product in a timely manner; we are less reliant on a fabricator. We can also sell the same coil and accessories to our contractor customers who have their own roll forming machine.”

What profiles and why?
The philosophy at Harvey Industries is to go with a single profile in each of markets. “We chose the profile that is the most popular in each of these markets,” Delise says. “For Vermont we chose the 1-inch mechanical and for New Hampshire/Northeastern Massachusetts we chose the 1-1/2-inch snap lock panel.”

Delise says Drexel provides his company with exceptional support in the field. Drexel can assist a contractor in estimating and installation of his first project or a new detail he’s encountered for the first time. This takes much of the fear of metal roofing away for the new user.

“A big challenge for the residential re-roofer is educating the consumer of the benefits of using metal roofing over traditional asphalt shingles,” Delise says. “Also getting traditional asphalt roofers to offer metal as an option is difficult. Overcoming their fear of the product has been a challenge. By having this service and the support of Drexel in the field we’ve successfully converted many roofers to using this product.

“I once heard a owner say ‘why would I install a temporary roof and accept the fact that I’ll have to replace my roof in 10 to 15 years — my roof is the most important part of my home as it keeps my family safe and protects everything I worked for.’ With that being said, why would anyone choose not to install a metal roof — it will be the last roof they’ll need.”

Source constructionmagnet.com

Residential retrofit '08: MetalWorks by TAMKO

by Dan Perkins, Dan Perkins Construction

Dan Perkins Construction photos

Residential re-roofing is a challenging trade in general. The work is hard and dangerous and the profit margins are generally tight.
By specializing in metal shingles, a residential roofing contractor can increase profit margins while installing a product less than half the weight of composite shingles and substantially more durable.

When customers ask how much more a metal roof costs than asphalt, I reply without hesitation that I will be 2 to 3 times more than my colleagues with asphalt. The only task left is explaining why it’s worth it.

I have found the type of customer who is open to the idea of spending more money for a better product is exactly the type of customer I want to service. They pay promptly and appreciate a job well done.

My installers prefer working with steel because it’s physically easier work and because the end product is more satisfying to behold. We install standing seam products and metal shingles, MetalWorks by TAMKO.

The margins are stronger because we have specialized in steel roofing products and price points have not become as highly competitive as with asphalt. Strong margins are a key factor in providing a good service and keeping a good reputation. With money in the bank we can afford to satisfy our customers’ whims and complaints without haggling over pennies.

We have built our business by selling and installing quality. We have developed our own system for flashing chimneys, skylights, valleys and vents. We make our own drip edge and hem our metal roofing over it on all roof edges. One of our advantages is we continue to promote and ride an ever-growing wave of consumer interest in metal roofing products. The National Roofing Contractors Association recently reported a membership survey found architectural metal roofs in new home construction reached a projected 30 percent of the market in 2007 — this is a 23 percent increase from 2004.

Because we have always enjoyed a growing demand for what we do we have been able to keep our price point strong.

One of the most gratifying aspects of metal roofing is seeing the finished product and knowing that it will still be beautiful and functional long after I’m retired.

Dan Perkins is the owner of Dan Perkins Construction in Ishpeming, Mich. You can visit his website at www.danperkinsroof.com.

Source constructionmagnet.com

Residential retrofit '08: Central States Manufacturing

Central States Mfg. photos

If selling a metal roof were easy, we would see metal roofs on every home in America. But while the percentage of metal roofs is narrowing the gap with conventional roofing materials, metal roofs still make up a small portion of the market. With every sales pitch there are obstacles to overcome. Whether it is price, aesthetics, improper perceptions or simply indifference, each of us must help the homeowner understand the value a metal roof can bring to their home.

Miller Metals of Lowell, Ark., has success in simply helping the customer understand the key advantages of metal as a roofing material.

Matt Miller founded Miller Metals in 2002 and quickly became a leading metal roof installer in the booming Northwest Arkansas region. Miller Metals stresses simplicity in its presentation. “People are smart. Usually they have researched options and they want someone to verify the information that they have,” Miller says. “They are looking for a person that has experience and speaks confidently. When I am selling the homeowner on a metal roof, I bring every topic back to two main selling points: product-life and energy savings.”

Because metal roofs can cost up to three times more than conventional roofs, Miller believes selling value is the key to getting the job. Today’s metal roofs can last from 30-40 years, with some manufacturers offering lifetime warranties on their products. “When you compare the lifespan of metal to the lifespan of shingles, metal always comes out being more valuable. But people do not always connect the dots,” says Miller. “My job is to help them see that buying a metal roof is like buying 2-3 asphalt shingle roofs. But I can do it all at once, without them having to constantly worry about their roof every 10-12 years.”

Most of Miller’s residential re-roofing projects call for the Horizon Loc 16-inch concealed fastener panel from Central States Manufacturing. Customers are sold on the combination of durability and beauty of the panels.

One point to always bring up when talking about the lifespan of metal is the “storm-resistance” of a metal roof. This is the reason many insurance companies offer discounts to homes with metal roofs. “Homeowners like to know a strong wind is not going to blow off sections of a properly installed metal roof. It’s always good to bring out pictures of hurricane areas, where shingle roofs are gone and the only roofs for miles are metal roofs,” Miller continues. “It’s hard to argue with that.”

With “green” products being advertised everywhere, homeowners are more aware of the ecological benefits of a metal roof. Miller says, “People want to help the environment, but the environment won’t convince people to install a metal roof — but energy savings can.” When you convince people installing a metal roof will lower their electric bill by as much as 30 percent, they begin to listen to you. “With some people, you can talk reflectivity and emissivity, but with most homeowners I simply tell them that certain metals reflect more heat than shingles. I keep it simple,” says Miller. Miller directs his prospects to various websites where they can learn more if they desire.

In the end, selling a metal roof is like selling any product. You have to show the customers the value of the product is worth more than the cost. “Bring every topic back to value,” says Miller. “A metal roof will save a homeowner more than it cost to install. Convince them of the product-life and the energy savings and your business will flourish.”

Metal roofing is growing each year and its success lies in the salesmen on the front line of the battle.

Source constructionmagnet.com

Residential retrofit '08: Decra Roofing

Decra Roofing photos

The roof can be the largest surface on the exterior of a home. The color, style and material chosen will affect the curb appeal of the home. Time and attention go into choosing a roofing material, especially when it is time to replace the old roof. Benefits and limitations are carefully reviewed, so it’s important someone can explain them to homeowners.

When the owners of this home in Alamo, Calif., were choosing a roofing product for their re-roofing project, they wanted to enhance the look of their home with a more classic look. The original roof was a laminated asphalt shingle and it did not provide the classic look the stucco exterior and curved sections of the roofline demanded.

Tony Farber of Western Sierra Roofing promotes products that contribute to resale value, are durable with long life cycles and have a strong warranty. The homeowners said they were looking for a product that could be installed over their existing asphalt shingles, as they were concerned about their roof ending up in the landfill. Farber told them about the new Villa Tile product Decra Roofing Systems was preparing to introduce. The classic look of a tile roof was exactly what they were looking for to enhance the look of their home. The Villa Tile was the perfect product for the project because it weighs less than conventional tile and does not require the existing material to be torn off.

Additionally, the benefits of stone-coated steel were attractive to the home-owner. With a 50-year limited warranty, a hail penetration warranty and a wind warranty of 120 mph, the owners knew their home would be well protected. In fact, they liked the product so much they waited a full year for the product to be available. According to Farber, “the homeowner was so taken by the high profile and realistic barrel design that they waited for the Villa Tile to re-roof.” Their home was the first Villa Tile project in California. The homeowners chose the roof color Venetian Gold, with a solar reflectance value of .23, another selling point.

Because the new stone-coated roof went directly over the existing asphalt shingles, that material was diverted from the local landfill. This diversion, says Farber, “fits in with my commitment to green roofing practices.” Customers like hearing that ­— almost as much as saving the expense of tear-off, hauling it away and dumping it. Steel is another important component in his green roofing practices. Stone-coated steel products are manufactured of upwards of 25 percent recycled steel content. The product is recyclable at the end of its useful life and can, in turn, be used to make yet another steel product thereby reducing the burden on raw materials.

The design of the Villa Tile also helps to reduce as much as 30 percent of heated air entering the attic space. The barrels are 3-1/4 inches high, providing an offset from the roof deck. This offset contributes to the continuous airflow across the deck and helps pull the heated air away from the attic. Less heated air in the attic moving into the conditioned space equates to less stress on the cooling system and lower energy consumption.

Installing products on a batten system is another way to achieve the necessary offset for the heat reduction benefit. Other stone-coated steel profiles are installed on battens and Farber discusses this with his customers. “I’ve always known there was a benefit to having an airspace between the deck and the roofing product,” he says. “Recent studies are helping to prove my case and I tell my customers about this benefit.”

Source constructionmagnet.com

Residential retrofit '08: ABC

ABC photos

It’s not quite as easy as sitting back and waiting for the phone to ring, but that’s how most of Dennis Wenger residential re-roofing jobs come in.

Actually, Wenger’s roofing company, Skyline Roofing of Harrisonburg, Va., works hard to stay busy. And Skyline Roofing stays pretty busy.

“We do a local home and garden show every year,” Wenger says. “We have a slide show of jobs we’ve done. This year’s show was about two months ago and we’ve picked up three or four jobs from that already. More and more people are shopping for metal and there’s about three or four contractors around here we compete with.”

Skyline Roofing installs roofing from American Building Components for residential applications in approximately an 80-mile radius. Wenger says most home-owners he deals with choose the SL-16 profile with striations. ABC’s SL-16 is a 16-inch wide snap-lock panel with one-inch leg. Wenger says most customers prefer panels with striations to keep the appearance of oil canning to a minimum. “There’s always a few customers who like the flat pan and they understand it will show oil canning more, but that’s what they want,” he says. If they know what they want, he doesn’t try and talk them out of it.

The good news is Harrisonburg-area consumers are becoming more knowledgeable about metal roofing. “A lot of people want metal until they see the price,” Wenger says. “The up-sell of metal right now for us is the energy efficiency. Asphalt absorbs heat; metal reflects heat. Energy savings get people excited. And we sell on the fact that metal is a long-term investment.”

While residential installations comprise of only about one-third of Skyline’s work, Wenger honestly says the attraction to maintaining a residential presence in the market is the margins. It’s a niche market that requires a true craftsman to install it correctly. Wenger says the quality metal product from ABC and his craftsmanship are the selling points to residential customers. “Anyone can nail down an asphalt shingle,” he says. “Plus customers recognize this will be the last roof they will have to put on. They’re sick and tired of messing with shingles every few years. With metal, they never have to mess with their roof again.”

Source constructionmagnet.com

Residential retrofit '08: Metro Giveaway

Lifetime Shingles photos

The Marik family of Mauston, Wis., was in desperate need of a new roof. Vince Marik is a baker and his wife, Laura, is a stay-at-home mom to their seven children. Two of their children are disabled. Their prayers were answered when they were chosen by radio station WCOW-FM, Cow 97, to win a new investment grade metal roof.

The Metal Roofing Alliance sponsored the radio promotion to highlight the many benefits of metal roofing. Metro Roof Products donated the stone coated steel shingles used to transform the Mariks’ home.

On May 19th, the Mariks experienced a bit of an “extreme” home makeover when the Lifetime Shingles crew arrived, along with representatives of Metro Roofing and a radio team. Cow 97 interviewed Vince Marik about the project during a live remote broadcast.

Wisconsin contractor Wayne Stanek, owner and president of Lifetime Shingles, was happy to work with Metro Roof Products to install the new metal roof. “We’re always happy to help someone in our community.” He continued, “The energy efficient Metro metal roof we installed is extremely durable and will protect the family for many, many years. All Metro Roof Products are supported by a long term warranty; therefore, the Mariks will no longer need to worry about curling, cracking, breaking or shedding heavy snow loads.”

Lifetime Shingles is an independently owned company specializing in the installation of stone-coated steel roofing systems. Lifetime Shingles is committed to providing quality products and services to their customers. Through their many years of experience, they’ve found that steel roofing is an excellent roofing material, particularly in the harsh extremes of the Midwestern climate.

Source constructionmagnet.com

Residential retrofit '08: Metro Roof Products

Lifetime Shingles photo

Just like every roof is different, so is every customer. You never know for sure what you’re dealing with until you’re onsite.

That’s why Wayne Stanek of Lifetime Shingles, with offices in Jordan, Minn., and Marshfield, Wis., makes sure he always meets with all of the decision makers. The sooner you can answer all the questions, the better chance you have of getting the project. You want to answer any possible objections — not leave it up to someone else.

“When you’re dealing with a church, you’re best bet is making a presentation to the whole board,” Stanek says. “When we can meet with the whole board, we do pretty well. If we get to meet with one board member and trust that board member to relay our message to the rest of the board, we got about a 90 percent failure rate.”

Stanek says the same rule applies when selling metal roofing to homeowners — make sure all decision makers are there. Your chances of closing the deal after meeting with only the husband or only the wife are not as good as they are meeting with both.

You never know what’s going to tip a customer to purchase investment grade roofing. One selling point that comes up more frequently is the fact metal roofing is “green.” Stanek says the best thing is metal has always been green or environmentally friendly. He’s devoted a page on his company website (www.lifetimeshingles.com) to the green benefits of metal. “You never know what people are going to grab on to,” Stanek says.

Education is still the key component to selling metal roofing. Asphalt shingles are a habit, a bad habit, the way Stanek tells it.

“They’ve been puffing along with asphalt shingles for years and it’s my job to find a way to make them quit,” he says. “Sooner or later, something clicks, it makes sense and they can relate to it and say, ‘I want that.’

“People know more about steel than they did a few years ago, but it’s still a process.”

Source constructionmagnet.com

Residential retrofit '08: ATAS International

ATAS International photos

If every new home had been topped with a metal roof, there would be no residential re-roofing market. That market is where a lot of metal roofing installers make their living.

Bill Zeigler of Zeigler Contracting in New Ringgold, Pa., is a third generation metal roofing contractor and he’s happy most people installed asphalt shingles on their homes.

“We don’t want to get too big and we don’t want to get into commercial,” Zeigler says. “Housing is down right now, but we’re staying busy. We’ve always got work. We’ll take the small jobs, the little porch or the bay windows. Those jobs often lead to bigger jobs.”

Most residential re-roofing sales are similar, Zeigler says. He humbly admits if he gets a chance to talk with a customer, he can help them see the light when it comes to choosing metal as a re-roofing product. “I had a good teacher,” he says. “My father taught me well.”

For this particular project in Fogelsville, Pa., the homeowner was familiar with metal, but wanted to learn more about re-roofing options for her 30-year-old home. Once Zeigler explained the benefits of metal roofing, it was a no-brainer.

“She lost her husband a while back and she’s got a 12-year-old son,” Zeigler says. “She has no intention of moving in the near future, so she wanted a one-and-done roof. It’s one less headache in the long run.

“The roofing products available nowadays are so much better, with the Kynar finishes and all. Any roofing I do now, I certainly won’t have to worry about going back to replace.”

This home is topped with the Advanta Shingle from ATAS International. The color is Desert Tan. ATAS is Zeigler’s main roofing supplier. In fact, he even does some training for the company with new customers.

“There are some people out there who get into metal to make money,” he says. “It’s not a get-rich-quick thing. At least it isn’t for us. Every roof is different and has to be approached that way.”

For Zeigler, word of mouth is his top salesperson. “That’s why we take the time to install it right,” he says. “We don’t cut corners. On this project, we had to work with four skylights, four valleys — it was a little bit challenging, but not impossible.”

Good work leads to more work, especially in the residential re-roofing market, where people are looking for the best value. A metal roof, installed properly, will provide the best deal.

“When you can offer a lighter material that can be installed right over the top of old shingles, you lower labor cost,” Zeigler says. “When we get up in the Poconos, we find a lot of people who want to ‘keep ahead of the Joneses.’ They’ll say they want something different and better than their neighbor. That’s good for our business.”

Residential re-roofing in eastern Pennsylvania farm country occasionally can be challenging because of the initial investment, Zeigler says. With new homes, price is less of an issue to the customer. “Some people simply don’t have the funds,” he says. “We’ll try to cut them a break on labor to help people out. They know it’s the best choice.”

Better educated customers and a growing customer base in the residential re-roofing market has forced Zeigler to learn more about the wide array metal roofing products available. The first two generations of Zeiglers ran 1-inch field lock panels off a roll former from ESE Machines. Working with ATAS International, Zeigler has more arrows in the quiver, a variety of profiles. Zeigler says ATAS will even make up special trim pieces for him if he draws them up. “Sometimes, the standard trim pieces just don’t look right,” he says.

“I’ve learned that as stuff changes you have to keep up with the times,” he says. “There’s not a panel out there I don’t know at least a little bit about. I have to be able to answer those questions as they come up. I have to know what I’m talking about.”

Source constructionmagnet.com

Residential retrofit '08: Met-Tile

Met-Tile photos

Metal “tile panel” or tile facsimile roofing is a premium re-roofing product, so some contractors believe it is suited only to high-end residential projects. “Not so!” says Belinda Loosen of Classic Roofing Systems by K.F. Loosen Construction in Cloquet, Minn., a general contractor and roofer who specializes in metal systems for residential and light commercial projects.

“Our company has used metal tile panels to re-roof hundreds of projects over the years, on everything from small homes and cabins to high-end custom residences,” Loosen says. “Even though the customers may be very different, the sales approach is essentially the same.”

Selling an upgrade
“We sell the customer on upgrading to premium metal roofing to increase the value of their home,” Loosen says. “A new shingle roof will simply maintain value, but a top quality metal roof is like earning instant equity. We know homeowners who have had their homes reappraised after re-roofing and the increase in property value is equal to or even greater than the cost of the roof. So it can virtually pay for itself.”

Though the initial cost of a metal system is higher, Loosen feels the gap is closing. “With the rising cost of oil, which of course is used in the production of shingle products, metal is starting to be competitive with a 430-pound shingle,” she says. “But you can’t just compare raw materials. When you re-roof with shingles, you usually have to tear off the existing roof to ensure that the warranty will not be voided. The resulting labor and disposal costs factor into the equation. With metal, you can usually go right over the existing roof and you only have to do it once: When it’s time for a ‘new’ roof, you can repaint the existing panels instead of having to replace the whole roof. And during the years in between, a good metal roof will be leak-free and will save on maintenance and repairs.

“These are all selling points that can help convince the homeowner to upgrade to a premium metal roof system.”

The company is a manufacturer’s representative and installing contractor for Met-Tile, Inc., a leading metal tile panel roof manufacturer. Met-Tile offers an Energy Star cool roof system that combines energy savings and high performance with the popular look of Spanish tile. Classic Roofing Systems installed its first Met-Tile roof in 1983.

“With any re-roof project, you have to start by looking at the R-value,” Loosen says. “We always want to make sure the home is properly insulated so that it will be cool in summer and warm in winter. With the Met-Tile system, the Energy Star rating ensures that the finish will be highly reflective and will stay cooler in the warm months. Another benefit is that the tile panel has a stepped design, which creates a ventilating air space between the roof and the substructure. Flat panels do not offer that advantage.”

Metal vs. metal
Metal systems are not all created equal, says Loosen. To make an educated buying decision, she recommends looking at a variety of design and performance factors:

— Finish: As noted, a solar-reflective paint finish will reflect away more heat in the summer, but that is not the only thing to look for. “A stucco-embossed finish, like that used on the Met-Tile panel, is less likely than a smooth finish to show dents and dings from hail or other severe weather,” says Loosen. “Also, a good metal system will be far more hail-resistant than shingles. Last year we had several customers whose shingle roofs were badly damaged by hailstorms, and they used their insurance checks to re-roof with metal.” She recommends looking for a product with UL Class 4 impact resistance, the highest level of protection against hail.

— Thickness of metal: “There are many products to choose from and some are only 29-gauge steel, which will not deliver the same performance as a sturdier panel,” says Loosen. “A 26-gauge thickness might be fine for a corrugated tile-facsimile profile, but flat panels are not as strong as corrugated, so 24-gauge might be required for those applications.”

— Dimensions and orientation of panel: Loosen also notes the dimensions of the panel and the manner of installation (i.e., horizontal versus vertical) can have a big impact on performance. “Some tile facsimile panels measure about 1x4 feet and are applied horizontally, so there are a lot of visible seams,” says Loosen. “These products may not be as weather-tight and if there are any existing insulation or ventilation issues, they will not protect against these problems. We have found that full-length, vertically installed panels that extend from eave to ridge offer a better solution.

“Panels of 16 to 18 feet are standard for most houses, though sometimes we go with longer lengths. Anything above 25 feet becomes problematic because the panels are hard to handle and flatbeds are needed to transport them.”

— Insurance credits and tax rebates: “Insurance companies are starting to pony up and give discounts for products with good ratings for fire, hail and/or wind protection,” Loosen says. She notes that local tax credits or incentives may also be available to homeowners and to contractors for use of energy-efficient systems. “Not all products have the same ratings, so you need to explore these discounts and credits both with local insurers and with the roofing manufacturers.”

Source constructionmagnet.com

Residential retrofit '08: Everlast Roofing

Everlast Roofing photos

Sometimes, metal sells itself.

Steve Eby makes his living constructing post-frame buildings, but occasionally United Enterprises Construction in Mercersburg, Pa., gets called on to install metal roofing on someone’s home. Some of those projects are older homes — 100 years old or older — in need of a new metal roof.

As much as some like to believe a metal roof will last forever, the reality is it may last “only” 5 or 6 times longer than an asphalt shingle roof. Many of Eby’s customers understand and appreciate the value of metal. He says one of the big selling points of metal in southeastern Pennsylvania is customers recognize it’s a cost-effective roofing material. “The number one thing is it looks good,” he says. “It’s also cost effective and durable.”

How much metal roofing could you sell if you didn’t have that hurdle to get over? It’s not always that simple, but for this project — a home originally built in the mid-1800s — it was all about replacing metal with metal.

“The old metal roof was leaking and starting to blow off in some areas,” Eby says. “It needed to be replaced and it made sense to go with metal again. This home is situated on top of a hill, there’s a lot of wind and this roof is nice and tight.”

The homeowner selected the Everlast II profile from Everlast Roofing in the color Charcoal. The Everlast II is a 29-gauge through-fastened panel measuring 38 inches and providing 36 inches of cover. This Everlast II panel is part of the Omni generation of panels from Everlast Roofing with unprecedented barrier protection and better paint adhesion.

For this project, United Enterprises Construction had to tear down the roof as well as the rafters, right down to the stone walls. The challenge then was to construct a level support system roof for the new metal roof. Eby says the walls were 4 inches lower on one end than the other. “We squared it all up before we installed the roof,” he says. “That roof is 100 percent level. And the customer is tickled.”

United installed gutters to complete the job.

“Metal has come a long way in the last few years,” Eby says. “The durability of the panels and the paint are so much better.”

Source constructionmagnet.com

Residential retrofit '08: Allmet

Allmet photos

If your metal roofing portfolio contains a product that offers the look of another roofing material, you may be able to provide a better solution for a homeowner in the market to re-roof.

The Beiger Mansion in Mishawaka, Ind., now used as a bed and breakfast, was built in 1903 and was topped with Luigi Brothers tile roofing. The home was built to fulfill the desire of the homeowners who wanted a home similar to that of a friend’s home in Newport, R.I. The original homeowners left the home to the city of Mishawaka and it served as a health care facility for elderly women from 1927 until 1967. It was uninhabited when a 1974 fire gutted the home. The community rallied around saving the mansion and was eventually able to sell it the current owners who operate the home as the Beiger Mansion Inn. The mansion hosts wedding receptions and serves as a bed and breakfast.

The new homeowners wanted to restore the look of the mansion as it was originally built, including the roof. Understandably leery of installing heavy tile roofing, the owners went with the Continental profile from Allmet Roofing. Master Steel Roofing of Goshen, Ind., installed the Continental tile roofing.

“For this project, it was all about the look of the Continental panel,” says Wayne Wingard of Master Steel Roofing. “With most of our re-roofing projects, people are coming for the energy savings. That’s the big selling point, even though we lost the tax credit. I don’t think it’s cost us any jobs, but a lot of them still ask about the tax credit.”

The Beiger Mansion took three installers about six weeks to complete. It was the first Allmet project for Master Steel Roofing and Wingard says it turned out very well. It wasn’t as profitable as he would have liked (15 time-consuming dormers will slow down even the best installers) but it’s a very visible roof. He expects to get a couple of residential re-roofing jobs out of this project. “The bad thing was in that town, they won’t let you put signs out by the road,” he says. “They have a city ordinance that says we had to take them down every night when we were done working. That was a little disappointing.”

Despite the fact he was unable to educate potential customers with his yard signs, Wingard believes there is a growing awareness of metal in his area. “We still have to overcome price, but they know it’s a better product,” he says. “Ultimately, that’s what they’re looking for. Steel is all we do.”

Source constructionmagnet.com

Residential retrofit '08: Englert, Inc.

Englert photos

Rick Ragan, owner of Southern Roofing Company of Tennessee, located in Nashville, considers himself fortunate to be replacing old roofs with new standing seam, particularly in the current economy.

“Our economy is very good in the Nashville area and it continues to grow,” he notes. While tract builders may be suffering, the high-end custom market in the upscale areas continue to thrive, he observes. And even some of the downtown areas are being rejuvenated with mixed use residential and commercial construction being embraced by new homeowners tired of paying soaring fuel costs that are part and parcel of the cost of suburban commuting.

Ragan has been in business serving Nashville and parts of Middle Tennessee since 1981. When he totals up his work, he reports it is 85 percent re-roofing and 15 percent new — both in residential and commercial roofing.

Ragan admits he is an example of being in the right place at the right time. But he’s capitalized on that good fortune by creating a roofing company that is the exception more than the rule — an exception that has served him well. He concentrates on the high-end market restoring fine homes, providing his customers with service and expertise they might not find elsewhere. All work is done by full-time employees who have learned from craftsmen who have been with the company more than 25 years. He does not use subcontractors. Quality detail and craftsmanship are paramount. In fact, while he doesn’t quite say it, he appears to regard construction concepts like “value engineering” as the current economy’s euphemism for low cost that sacrifices quality.

Most of his work is negotiated because he has found that many of the people making choices in a competitive bidding environment are focused more on low price and less on quality or craftsmanship.

Many of his re-roofing projects are historical renovations — homes built between 1840 and 1930 — where the current owners are trying to use materials that were commonly used in that time frame. Often, Ragan is replacing cedar shakes with standing seam, both of which were prevalent even in the early 1800s.

Witness one of his recent restoration projects — a log home built in the early 1870s on the site of what is now the Nashville International Airport. It was moved around 1930 to its current location on the south side of Nashville on the border of Brentwood, Tenn. When it was reconstructed in the 1930s, concrete tile was used as the roofing material. It is believed that wood shakes were used in the original construction in 1870. The concrete tile had deteriorated due to age and when the current owner bought and renovated the home in 2006, he wished to use a material that would have been historically correct. This could have been either a standing seam metal roof or the wood shakes. The work also includes a new wood shop that was built during the renovations in 2006. The logs, chinking and roof system was all used to mimic the original construction of the home. Ultimately, Ragan counseled the owner to choose an Englert Series 2000 standing seam Galvalume panel. While the wood shakes would have been a good choice, the owner chose the metal due to the longevity of the metal roof system compared to the life expectancy of the wood shake. There was also a cost savings on labor using the metal roof system.

“Our clients trust us, they know we’re reasonable and, most important, they are looking to us for ideas,” he notes. “Generally, they are looking for a replacement roof that will last longer, meet the historical provenance of the structure and be aesthetically pleasing. Cost is usually a bonus.”

Source constructionmagnet.com

Photo contest: Customer generosity

Zeigler Contracting photos

Every project has its special challenges and there are usually warning signs. All’s it takes is a demanding customer or unique project to scare away some contractors. The best metal roofing installers get the job done — even if they’ve been called in after the materials have been delivered.

Bill Zeigler of Zeigler Contracting in New Ringgold, Pa., likes challenges, just to keep things interesting. For being an installer not afraid to take on a challenging project — and sharing the photos with Metal Roofing Magazine — Zeigler has been named the winner of this issue’s Photo Contest. Congrats Bill!

This particular homeowner knew what he wanted and wasn’t going to settle for anything less.

The first thing was the standing seam metal roofing on the returns had to have the standing seam in the middle. That’s reasonable.

The second thing was the turret on the right-hand side of the home. It’s challenging enough, but the owner didn’t want a cap on the top, but rather to have the whole roof meet together at a point. The materials delivered to the jobsite included a commercial ridge cap. Zeigler agreed there had to be a better looking solution. “That thing was 14 or 16 inches wide and it wouldn’t have looked too good,” Zeigler says. “I took some metal home and tried to get what he wanted. I threw quite a few pieces of metal out the back door before I got it right, but it turned out pretty good.”

Zeigler worked on the project alone and it took about two weeks. “When we got done, the customer gave us an extra $250” Zeigler says. “Told me to take my wife out to eat with that money.”

Everyone likes to feel appreciated. Congrats Bill!


Metal Roofing Magazine will publish a winning photo every issue and pay the winner $100! Runners-up will be automatically eligible for future issues. Send a slide, hard copy, or a high-resolution digital image to: Metal Roofing Magazine, 700 E. State St., Iola, WI, 54990, or by e-mail to jim.austin@fwpubs.com. Photographs must be free of copyright restriction. Photographs will be assumed to show appropriate safety practices.

Source constructionmagnet.com

Industry News (August-September'08)

Make the “Move to Metal.”

For building owners and architects who want to know more about using metal in their projects, the Metal Construction Association’s new “Move to Metal” program offers a chance to discover the benefits of using metal by attending the 18th annual METALCON trade show and conference this fall in Baltimore.

Sponsored by the MCA, METALCON International and The Metal Initiative, the program offers this opportunity only to qualified architects and building owners. Applicants for the program must be involved in non-residential development and have not previously attended METALCON.

“There’s no better spot to learn about metal than METALCON,” says Claire Kilcoyne, show director for METALCON. “It’s the only event totally focused on the use of metal in the building envelope. For someone who wants to know how using metal can benefit their business, this event has everything they need to know — from the latest products to the chance to meet with literally thousands of industry experts who staff the booths and those who present the educational programs.”

METALCON runs from October 1-3 at the Baltimore Convention Center in Baltimore. It offers a 50-session conference program, more than 400 product exhibits and daily live demonstrations of the latest field techniques.

The “Move to Metal” package includes domestic airfare to Baltimore, hotel accommodations for one night, complimentary admission to the METALCON exhibit hall, a full conference program package (a value of $420) and admission to a special opening day reception.

Applications for the program are available through the Metal Construction Association at www.metalconstruction.org.

U.S. Green Building Council re-launches Greenbuild365
The U.S. Green Building Council has re-launched its Greenbuild365 website. Visitors will find increased educational offerings, podcasts and expanded resources, along with year-round access to plenaries and master speaker presentations from USGBC’s annual Greenbuild Conference & Expo — the industry’s largest gathering of representatives from all sectors of the green building movement.

“The building industry is changing; we are no longer designing and constructing buildings in the same way we have always done,” said Peter Templeton, senior vice president of research & education, USGBC. “The green building movement offers an unprecedented opportunity to respond to the most important challenges of our time, including global climate change, dependence on non-sustainable and expensive sources of energy and threats to human health.”

As part of UTC’s commitment to Greenbuild365, online courses will be available to team leaders at 1,700 Habitat for Humanity sites across the country at no charge. Visit www.greenbuild365.org.

NCCER plans careers week
The National Center for Construction Education and Research’s fourth annual Careers in Construction Week will take place October 13-17.

Careers in Construction Week is designed to increase public awareness of the hard work and contributions of our nation’s craft professionals. In addition, this week promotes recognition among parents, teachers, guidance counselors and students of the rewarding career opportunities available in construction.

“2007 was a success,” says Don Whyte, NCCER president. “Thirty-eight governors proclaimed Careers in Construction Week in their state and the week received recognition from the White House. We encourage contractors and schools to use this week to honor our craft professionals and recognize construction as a rewarding career.”

During this week, NCCER will also broadcast the 2008 Build Your Future career awareness video. This video is distributed free of charge and features interviews from real craft professionals who are already experiencing a rewarding construction career. Contractors, schools and industry associations throughout the country will conduct career fairs and various construction-related activities to help promote construction career opportunities in their communities.

All organizations planning an event during this week should submit their event online at www.careers.nccer.org.

ANSI partners with ICC to deliver I-Codes in Spanish
The International Code Council has partnered with the American National Standards Institute to distribute the recently released Spanish versions of the 2006 International Codes in electronic format. These codes include the International Building, Fire, Residential, Energy Conservation, Plumbing, Mechanical, Fuel Gas and Property maintenance codes. The popularity of the International Codes globally has provided the impetus for the Code Council to pursue development of these codes in multiple languages. In addition to interest outside the U.S., ICC has experienced an increase in demand for the codes in Spanish from the Spanish-speaking community within the U.S.

“The Code Council is committed to partnering with others to provide the most current building safety solutions in as many different formats and languages as possible in order to serve the global community,” says ICC business and product development senior vice president Mark Johnson. “The code council is pleased to partner with ANSI to make it easier for building professionals to have access to the Spanish codes through the Institute’s state of the art electronic delivery system.”

Having the codes available electronically and in Spanish will not only save time in accessing them but will expand their usage and application as well, thereby enhancing the overall level of safety. The 2006 International Codes in Spanish can be obtained by visiting the ANSI eStandards Store at www.webstore.ansi.org/.

Roofing Industry Alliance releases ergonomics report
The Roofing Industry Alliance for Progress has released “Identification and Management of Musculoskeletal Disorders,” a report identifying best practices for reducing repetitive-stress injuries in roofing workers through education; redesign of work activities; and improved design of tools, equipment and materials.

The report focuses on ergonomics, the science of fitting workplace conditions and physical demands to a work force’s physical capabilities. The alliance hopes this report will promote a proactive approach to ergonomics through risk management by identifying and mitigating factors that may contribute to worker injury or illness.

The alliance was established in 1996 within the National Roofing Foundation, a separate but related educational and research organization of NRCA, to address critical industry issues. The organization is open to all roofing contractor and industry partners. Alliance members are committed to securing the future excellence of the roofing industry.

The ergonomics report is $40 for NRCA members and $80 for nonmembers. To purchase the report, contact NRCA’s Customer Service Department at 866-275-6722 or info@nrca.net. For more information about the alliance, visit www.roofingindustryalliance.net or contact Bennett Judson, the alliance’s executive director, at (800) 323-9545, ext. 7513 or bjudson@roofingindustryalliance.net.

Source constructionmagnet.com

Product Profile: Fasteners/clips '08

AMSI Supply
AMSI manufactures more than 375 different standing seam metal roof clips, including UL classified parts to fit most popular snap-lock profiles, including New Tech Machinery, Zimmerman Metals and Quadro-Pro. AMSI clips are available in a variety of standard steel gauges and can be supplied in G-90 galvanized and 304 stainless steel. AMSI stocks a wide variety of screws, including ASO series screws that feature combo drive to eliminate the need for magnetic drivers and a saw-cut sharp point to allow the screw to cut through multiple thicknesses of sheet metal with ease.

Atlas Bolt & Screw
Flat-Tops, ideal for roof and wall applications, combine undercut a HWH with EPDM cut tubular sealing washers. The Ultimate LocFast, assembled with the DEKS washer provides four sealing points. The metal washer is encapsulated in EPDM for real strength. The zinc head provides protection against red rust for the life of the building. Self-Drillers, made for metal-to-metal applications are manufactured with a tapered compression point, allowing for tightened tolerance controls to provide a sharp cutting edge.

Building Products Development
BPD provides a full line of clips for standing seam panels, both UL listed and non-UL listed, to fit most any profile. The company’s UL sliding clip has nominal 4-inch slide capability and offers greater uplift resistance than most others on the market. BPD offers the ability to do custom work and has experience to assist with clip design and testing.

Burco, Inc.
Burco supplies collated black ring shank nails to the stone-coated steel roofing industry. Burco nails are available through and approved by all the major manufacturers including Gerard, Decra, Allmet, Metro, SteelRock and Stonehenge for the installation of their roof panels. Burco nails are available through dealers nationwide that supply stone-coated steel. Available in both a 2-3/8-inch collated “panel nail” and a 3-1/4-inch collated “batten nail” in a ring shank with a 1,000-hour corrosion resistant black coating. Burco nails have been proven to be the only approved legitimate alternative to screws that meet or exceed the industries specs for a more efficient, economical and easier installation.

DB Fasteners
DB distributes ICC ES #5617 approved fasteners along with many other accessories to the metal roofing industry. The company’s in-house painting department specializes in small and unusual orders. DB is a master distributor for ITW Buildex, Trufast, Schnee Morehead, Aztec Washer (Masterflash) and DeWalt Tools, with warehouses in Ontario and Sacramento, Calif., Phoenix, Ariz., and Laredo, Texas.

Dynamic Fastener
The company offers self-drilling screws for stitching and sheet-to-structural applications as well as clip screws where a low clearance head is required when fastening to steel or wood. Fasteners are available in stainless steel and with the Dyna-Coat 1,000-hour salt spray premium coating. Also available are #14 self-drilling T-5 fasteners from 1-1/2 inches to 8 inches to fasten steel to structural steel from .25 inches to .625 inches total steel thickness.

ESE Machines
This Pennsylvania-based manufacturer of roll forming, seaming and decoiling equipment also provides hand tools, fixed and expansion cleats for architectural double-lock standing seam. Cleat sizes vary from 1 inch to 1-3/4 inches in height. All the ESE cleats are manufactured from stainless steel for compatibility with the roofing materials used in the industry. The cleats with added height are offered to accommodate installations with mesh underlayment.

East Coast Fasteners
The Ply-Lo PC features a powder coat paint finish applied to the fastener head and washer assembly, which provides durability and corrosion resistance. EPDM sealing washers provide a positive seal. The impact resistance is in accordance with ASTM D-2794 or 100-inch pounds and 100-inch pounds reverse. When put through Kesternich cabinet testing simulating acid rain conditions, Ply-Lo fasteners last longer than G90 and Galvalume fasteners. Standard Ply-Lo fasteners can be color matched to any panel. The Type 17 point with high-low thread generates holding strength and makes installation easy.

Fastener Systems, Inc.
Fastener Systems offers a complete line of metal roofing and insulated panel clip fasteners. The company’s pancake head fasteners range from 5/8 to 8 inches, #10 to #14 diameter and drilling capacities equivalent to tek 1 to tek 5. Clip fasteners are available in carbon steel with yellow zinc plating, long life (1,000 hours) coating and epoxy coated, also available in 300 and 400 type stainless steel. All FSI fasteners are head stamped for traceability. Custom labeling and packaging are available.

GRK Fasteners
The MSS Metal Siding/Roofing Screw has an integrated concave washer head and is complemented with an EPDM sealing washer designed to seal under the screw head. No pre-drilling is needed due to the MSS multiple tip design, suitable for thin sidings as well as thick studs. The MSS is available in different colors to match siding appearance and is powder coated for exceptionally high corrosion resistance.

Ideal Building Fasteners
Ideal is a major supplier/manufacturer of fasteners for the metal construction industry. The company line includes a variety of self-drilling fasteners, featuring its SDS brand, available in various metal alloys to meet the specifications of most building projects. Ideal also stocks a complete line of closure strips, butyl caulk tapes and pipe sealers.

ITW Buildex
The Illinois company manufactures fastening systems and accessories for the pre-engineered metal building and light-gauge steel frame markets. ITW produces tools and fasteners to attach metal-to-metal, exterior sheathing to light-gauge framing and metal-to-wood. The product line includes Teks, Gyp-Fast, Scots, Tru-Grip, HTZ, Destrip and Dektite.

Leland Industries
Leland manufactures a complete line of fasteners for metal roofing, wood frame or steel frame projects. The company offers self-drilling and self-tapping sealing fasteners in lengths to 4 inches, in Nos. 10, 12, and 14 diameters. Longer lengths, up to 8 inches, are available on special order. Leland’s fasteners are produced in carbon steel or stainless steel, plated, coated or powder coated to match any panel color and any manufacturer’s long-life paint warranty. Color matching fasteners is not a problem with Leland’s powder coating process. The company paints both the head and under the head, where corrosion starts.

Levi’s Screws and Nails
Levi’s handles pancake screws in square drive in lengths of 1, 1-1/2 and 2 inches. The company also handles many other screws for the metal roofing industry with in-house painting. Color matched per request.

Marco Industries
Building Fasteners, a division of Marco, carries a full line of fasteners for both metal buildings (Qwik-Drill fasteners) and post-frame buildings (Qwik-Grip fasteners). Both are available with the company’s state of the art paint system.

Maze Nails
Maze is a maker of top-quality double hot-dipped galvanized rubber washer nails — in colors to match all major brands of painted metal roofing and siding. Each Maze washer has sharp ring shanks for superior holding power. The EPDM and silicone washers on Maze Nails will provide decades of leak-free service.

North American Bocker
The Draco Fixed Clip Former is a hand-operated tool to manufacturer fixed cleats. It bends, punches holes, perforates and cuts in one operation. It’s available for a variety of panel heights.

Precision Fastener and Components
Precision delivers a complete line of top-rated fasteners for the metal roofing professional including standing seam slip screws to fit all requirements: plated, coated and stainless steel. Also available are through-panel screws in mill and painted, stainless painted and zinc capped screws, as well as a variety of gutter screws, stitch screws, framing screws and hex and pancake screws.

Raytec Manufacturing
All of the company’s screws are available in all popular sizes and colors. Two-hundred-hour gold color zinc-plated screws are independently lab tested to resist red rust. Rezist screws have three layers of ceramic baked on to resist red rust up to 500 hours in an independent lab salt spray test. The 410 stainless steel screw has magnetic properties and maintains sharp points and threads.

Rosko Fasteners
The Georgia company offers the Rx Driller for steel frame building systems and the Woody and Super Woody for post-frame applications. The post-frame building fasteners come standard with CR Long Life protective coating at no extra charge. Rosko has a computerized color matching for its painted fasteners to match any panels. Accessory items include closure strips, pipe flashings, sealants, tapes, rivets and masonry anchors.

S-5! Solutions
Patented S-5! clamp technology makes attaching ancillary items to standing seam roofs simple, quick and as dependable as the roof systems they complement. Some uses include attachment of pipes, conduits, roof ladders, solar collector panels, HVAC equipment, roof dormers, equipment screens, roof walks, satellite dishes and snow retention products.

Sealtite
The Ohio company supplies fasteners for metal roofing in the steel-frame, post-frame and residential building industries. Company strengths include the drill point quality of its self-drilling and post-frame screws as well as a commitment to corrosion resistance. Point walking on metal panels is eliminated. The Maxx integral head Steelbinder and the Eclipse round head Steelbinder were designed with aesthetics in mind. The cupped head and round head designs encapsulate the rubber EPDM washer, preventing it from protruding beyond the washer face. The Kwikseal II Type 17 post-frame screw has a milled drill point, unique thread design to maximize holding strength and mechanical zinc plating. The Z-XL Woodbinder and Steelbinder each have a zinc-aluminum molded head that makes them impervious to red rust, backed by a written warranty. Other corrosion resistant screws include the ST-XL 304 stainless steel cap Type 17 for Galvalume roof post-frame applications and the Woodbinder ACQ stainless steel wood screw for treated lumber.

SFS intec
SFS manufactures a wide range of engineered panel clips for standard profiles as well as custom designed metal panel systems. The Pennsylvania company offers snap-lock and architectural fixed and floating clips in both galvanized and stainless steel. SFS also offers fasteners for clip attachments in various head styles and drill point configurations, in both galvanized and stainless steel, to meet all performance requirements.

Swan Secure
Swan Secure manufactures and distributes a comprehensive line of stainless steel and copper alloy fasteners for high-end residential construction. Whether it is standing seam, slate, wood shingle, synthetic slate or asphalt roofing, Swan Secure fasteners stand the test of time and weather the elements for the life of the roof. The company stocks hand-drive nails and screws as well as collated nails, screws and staples to fasten just about any kind of roofing material.

Triangle Fastener
Triangle supplies standard and specialty fasteners, tools, sealants and accessories for metal roofing and metal building applications. Seven in-house painting facilities available for painted fasteners. Triangle offers jobsite support, technical assistance, inventory management programs and product development, as well as 24 stocking locations.

Source constructionmagnet.com