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LEWISVILLE, Texas – Innovations in building science are enabling contractors, builders, architects and property managers to meet new performance and aesthetic goals. Insulated metal panels provide a simple solution with a variety of looks and appearances, combining both design freedom and functionality. This versatile product provides a simple solution for retrofit and new construction applications alike.
There are several different options to consider when selecting a wall system. These variations impact the appearance, spanning abilities, texture and even thermal properties of the architectural panels.
Flat vs. Profiled Panels - Insulated metal wall systems come in a variety of textures for greater design freedom and functionality. In some projects, a large field of panels needs some contrast to catch the eye. In other projects, a lightly corrugated profile with subtle striations delivers a clean appearance.
Profiled commercial wall panels can provide just the right accent with horizontal or vertical lineation. Striated wall systems also help mask imperfections by deflecting light, giving projects a more pristine, eye-catching appearance.
A continuous polyurethane foam core insulation system boosts the energy efficiency of the building envelope, reducing heating and cooling costs. Keep in mind, deep striations in panels decrease thermal performance because they reduce the thickness of the foam core in the low points.
Striated insulated metal panels also have impressive performance characteristics that reduce installation costs. In fact, profiled panels with heavy creases and deep striations have better spanning abilities because the profiles increase the strength of the panels. Smooth panels lack the added strength and have shorter spanning capabilities. Therefore, some profiled architectural panels come in lengths up to 52 feet compared to smooth flat panels with a maximum panel length of 16 feet.
Embossed vs. Smooth Panels - Embossed commercial wall products have an orange-peel texture and warm, visually appealing qualities. Embossing helps obscure dirt and blemishes for a consistent appearance. Like striated panels, embossed panels have greater spanning abilities, and flat panels come in lengths up to 32 feet when embossed. Longer panels are advantageous because they typically have lower installation costs because they are quicker and easier to install.
To ensure architectural panel durability, high-quality coatings must be applied. PVDF coatings provide excellent resistance from metal weathering over time for product protection. Flat, profiled, embossed, and smooth panels alike will stay pristine and attractive with quality PVDF coatings.
Bossier City, La.— There’s nothing wrong with constructing any building to be aesthetically attractive, including a self-storage facility.
CubeSmart storage facilities in Cranston, R.I., has embraced a new-look storage facility and enhanced the attractiveness by erecting energy efficient buildings through the use of insulated metal panels (IMPs).
“Lately, people are doing whatever they can to avoid having a big plain-Jane gray building,” says Ed McKean, owner of EKM Construction Inc. in Burlington, N.C. “Staggering the colors in a random pattern is one way of doing just that, that seems to be a new trend. It’s not hard, but you have to pay attention when you’re installing the panels.”
There are two storage facilities on this site in Cranston, R.I., with plans for a third facility to be erected by the same contractors. All are operated on electricity produced by rooftop solar panels. The specification of solar panels as well as insulated metal panels meets the needs of the owner seeking to construct “green” facilities. McKean says the entire team has plans to construct similar storage facilities in Warrick, R.I.
McElroy Metal supplied approximately 30,000 square feet of 24-gauge, 4-inch thick Green Span Profiles WaveLine insulated metal panels for the project – all panels were 42 inches wide. Plans called for 24,000 square feet of 4-inch thick Ash Gray panels, 5,000 square feet of 2-inch thick Ash Gray panels, 5,000 square feet of 4-inch thick CubeSmart Red panels and 5,000 square feet of 2-inch thick CubeSmart Red panels. McElroy Metal provided the CubeSmart Red framing material, preformed trims and all associated insulated metal panel accessories.
McKean says this project worked because the entire team was on the same page … the property owner, architect, general contractor and the EKM team all worked together to complete the successful project in about a year.
The main building is a three-story storage facility with units in a variety of sizes and two banks of elevators. IMPs installed on the three-story climate-controlled building are 4 inches thick. The one-story building is not climate controlled, so 2-inch IMPs were satisfactory. The IMPs feature 24-gauge exterior metal and 26-gauge interior metal in Regal White.
“We really like working with this entire team, from the owner on down,” McKean says. “We’re already looking forward to the next project with them.”
Bossier City, La., — No one wants the hassle and expense of replacing a worn-out roof. However, when that time arrives, McElroy Metal is poised to help building owners make the best decision with the company’s new E-book. This valuable reference identifies the many long-term and cost-effective benefits of installing a metal roof. The title of the E-book is Need a New Roof? How Building Owners Reduce Cost with a Metal Roof.
McElroy Metal, a family-owned manufacturer of metal roofing and wall panels for a variety of markets, has developed two symmetrical standing seam metal roofing systems that are installed more quickly and provide a long-term, high-performance solution.
Need a New Roof? was developed to help building owners understand re-roofing options and present the features and benefits of Metal-Over-Metal and Metal-Over-Shingle Recover Systems. These two symmetrical standing seam metal roofing systems represent the optimal solutions with regard to both long-term performance and cost.
REFLECTOR™ Enhancer Floors are usually specified because they are able to create a completely custom design to match any surrounding environment. Since these floors are unrepeatable, the options of design are endless. You can create different visual effects with the one to twenty color options available. At times, these colors meld together creating custom colors. Designs can range from simple to completely wild. Depending on your specific commercial space, REFLECTOR™ Enhancer Floors have endless design possibilities.
For as long as we’ve been building homes they’ve been susceptible to all kinds of problems. The typical building materials which are so popular among construction teams around the world come with a laundry list of weaknesses and potential hazards that could put both you and your family at risk. Not only are common building materials likely to fail in event of extreme weather, they also tend to cost more and take longer to build with.
That’s why a new kind of building material has been introduced to the world, ICF’s. ICF’s are insulated concrete forms, and they hold a multitude of advantages over typical materials like wood and metal.
Not Your Average Concrete Block
An average block of concrete is completely rigid and unmoving. It’s entirely comprised of concrete and is very susceptible to crumbling, erosion, and other types of damage. An ICF block, however, is made from density modified EPS foam. This is stronger than regular concrete and much less susceptible to damage.
But, that’s not all. Your average straight ICF block is actually comprised of two pieces of EPS foam that are tied together by 6 full-length strong plastic molded ties that are injection molded and created from PP regrind resin.
As each block is stacked on top of each other to build a wall, there are reinforcing horizontal steel bars inserted into each layer as it is completed. They are securely locked in place and give the wall an extra layer of strength against strong winds and other elements which could potentially damage it.
ICF’s come in a variety of different forms, because every building needs multiple kinds of concrete blocks to facilitate proper construction. The various types of ICF’s are as follows:
By using all of these blocks in combination, construction teams are able to build almost any kind of design no matter how complex.
The Benefits of ICF’s
Obviously, the number one benefit of ICF’s is their resistance to strong winds and flying debris. This is very important in areas like the south-east United States, where hurricanes and high winds are known to ravage the homes of thousands of families every year.
Because of the steel-reinforced design described above, ICF built homes are far more likely to stand up against hurricane abuse than your average home. ICF’s are actually the ideal choice for tornado and hurricane shelters for this reason.
Many people choose to have their basements constructed with ICF’s as well. Basements can be vulnerable to flooding and leakage through the walls after a while, but with ICF basements you don’t need to worry about this happening. On top of being one of, if not the safest building material on Earth, ICF’s are also extremely energy efficient. Especially in basements and cold weather areas, ICF’s are able to keep heat in and cold out with astounding efficiency. This is thanks to their high thermal mass as well as the continuous air barrier they provide. They are also very good at keeping moisture out when combined with a waterproofing membrane, which will prevent mold from growing in your basement.
More Advantages You Should Know
When it comes to the financial side of things, you might expect ICF’s to cost a lot more, but they don’t. They actually cost less than or the same as most building materials, despite offering many more benefits. They also aren’t created with any harmful chemicals like VOC’s or formaldehyde, meaning your air quality won’t suffer from them. ICF’s also eliminate the need for insulation, which can be messy and take up a lot of space. They provide an excellent sound barrier as well, which is why most movie theaters are now built with ICF’s. You don’t have to worry about infestation or rot with them either, as they are much more resistant to these things than your average material, saving homeowners thousands in future repair costs.
When it comes time for you to buy or switch your homeowner’s insurance, you’ll get a lower premium with an ICF built home. This is because insurance companies are well aware of the safety rating on ICF built homes and are more than willing to compensate you for it.
Consider ICF’s For Your Next Home
Indeed, when you consider the many benefits and advantages of ICF’s when it comes to building basements or entire houses, it’s safe to say there isn’t another material out there that can compete.
The financial savings combined with the increased security and comfort that ICF’s provide are hard to ignore, judging by the number of people who are now choosing to build homes and other buildings with ICF’s rather than typical materials.
LEWISVILLE, Texas – Insulated metal panels as roofing and siding proved to be the most effective choice for the architectural team and installation crew at the General RV Center store in Orange Park, Fla.
Metl-Span provided approximately 4,500 square feet of insulated metal panels installed as siding and another 8,600 square feet installed as roofing on the new store.
“The heat here in Florida is ferocious,” says Robert Taylor, AIA, of Scherer Construction of Gainesville, Fla. “New buildings of this type are required to have a roofing R-value of 38 and insulated metal panels go a long way in helping achieve that. They certainly speed up the installation process and give you a durable and attractive end product.”
The insulated metal panels were installed as siding on the upper two-thirds of the building and were 2-1/2 inches thick. The siding is a 26-gauge panel, Light Stone in color with a Mesa finish, to complement the split-faced concrete block installed on the lower third of the storefront. The roofing consists of 4-inch thick insulated metal panels with a 24-gauge exterior finish in Galvalume Plus, coupled with an Igloo White vinyl-faced interior insulation to help achieve the required 38 R-value.
“I’m a big fan of the insulated metal panel,” says Leonard Cassidy, project superintendent for IMP installer Pre-Engineered Steel Inc. of Jacksonville, Fla. “This facility is a metal building system from Ceco Buildings, finished with IMPs from Metl-Span.
“Insulated metal panels were chosen for this project mostly for aesthetics. The inside of the building was open, so the panels are exposed. With insulated metal panels, you can achieve the required R-value and you have the interior skin or protective panel. It’s a clean look. I think when you put the numbers together, it just makes financial sense to use the insulated metal panel.”
Insulated metal panel systems offer a wide array of profile, texture and reveal configurations. The product provides high-performance thermal efficiency and moisture control, while a factory foamed-in-place insulating core minimizes insulation gaps.
Cassidy, who has been with Pre-Engineered Steel for 26 years, appreciates a couple things about insulated metal panels, including the fact that a rainstorm does not stop construction. “You have to be careful when working with some insulation products,” he says. “They can’t get wet. The summer is our rainy season and it rains almost every day. With insulated metal panels, we can keep working and that’s important because time is money.”
QUEBEC CITY, PRNewswire - The largest producer of natural stone in North America, Polycor Inc., is pleased to announce the completion of its merger with Indiana Limestone Company ("ILCO"), a leading dimensional limestone quarrier and building products producer headquartered in Bloomington, Indiana. This announcement comes shortly after Polycor's recent acquisition of four limestone quarries in France in July, now positioning the company as a global leader in the natural stone industry.
United by a common business culture, the merger is expected to drive meaningful growth through cross-selling synergies, geographic expansion, and sharing of best practices. In addition, the merger will provide an expanded product offering for customers of both companies, positioning the combined business as the solution of choice for architects, builders, dealers and other stakeholders in the natural stone value chain. Existing customers and suppliers can expect a seamless transition and to receive the same quality of service they have come to expect over time.
"This transaction represents another milestone in Polycor's journey to become the global leader in the natural stone industry," says Patrick Perus, President and CEO of Polycor Inc. "we are thrilled to be joining forces with the leading producer of Indiana limestone in ILCO, and look forward to welcoming this world-class team into the Polycor family." ILCO is a Nationally recognized brand in North America's natural stone industry, with its stone being used in the construction of some of the U.S. most iconic buildings and monuments. ILCO also produces a wide range of natural stone masonry and hardscape products for use in residential, commercial, institutional and renovation applications.
Tom Quigley, CEO of ILCO, said "Our business today touches the lives of dealers, fabricators, distributors and architects worldwide. We are proud to be a part of a great industry. Now, by joining with Polycor, a business partner with whom we share common values, passion and ambition, there is unlimited potential to expand our offering and deliver even greater value to our customers."
Through this merger, both companies expect continued growth and momentum in all phases of business operations. As such, all plants and quarries will continue to operate as normal, with both the Polycor and ILCO management teams leading their respective business operations going forward. Existing ILCO shareholders will become significant minority shareholders in the go-forward entity as the business embarks on its next phase of growth. With a more diversified and expansive geographic presence, ILCO's offices in Bloomington will serve as a primary base to support continued expansion in North America.
About Polycor Inc. - Polycor Inc. is the world's leading natural stone quarrier and its core mission is to make people fall in love with natural stone. Their world-class reputation comes from a great legacy of stone work on historical landmarks, institutional, commercial and residential projects. Founded in Québec City (Canada) in 1987, the company now employs nearly 1,100 people and owns over 44 quarries and 17 manufacturing plants across North America and Europe.
About ILCO - Indiana Limestone Company is unmatched as the premier supplier of Indiana limestone in a range of beautiful and lasting building products. Founded in 1926 (with predecessor firms that had been quarrying limestone since the mid-1800s), Indiana Limestone Company today remains the provider of choice for this internationally renowned natural stone. Throughout an illustrious history in which its stone has made such iconic structures as the Empire State Building, National Cathedral, and the Pentagon, Indiana Limestone Company has reliably provided the highest quality products and services carefully tailored to the needs of the market with an environmental, natural focus.
Calm, composed and effortlessly sophisticated, Benjamin Moore’s Color of the Year 2019, Metropolitan AF-690, exudes glamour, beauty and balance.
Metropolitan AF-690 is supported by Color Trends 2019, a coordinating palette of 15 harmonious hues.
“Metropolitan AF-690 emanates nuance, harmony and extravagant ease. Always adaptable, it softens to matte or shimmers with sheen. It's neutral. It's understated. It just is. This is color, off-duty.”—Ellen O'Neill, Benjamin Moore & Co.
Thermolite has developed a new cost-effective tool to help commercial building owners determine the energy savings they can expect from building envelope improvements. According to the Department of Energy, 58% of the energy used in buildings is impacted by its windows. Thermolite’s Energy Savings Assessment (ESA) calculates the rate of energy loss through a particular building’s existing window system, as well as the cost, expected performance and payback period of different window retrofit upgrades. The ESA calculates energy savings based on a variety of factors including the geographic location of a building, its window-to-wall ratio, and the type of heating/cooling system it uses. The ESA utilizes a baseline calibrated eQUEST model along with energy and utility data from around the country to quantify the energy savings associated with installing Thermolite window systems.
Traditionally, analyzing the expected savings and ROI of commercial building energy solutions is an extensive process, requiring detailed information about a building’s structure and engineering. Thermolite’s new ESA streamlines this process, making it much easier for building owners to understand and decide if a window upgrade is a viable energy solution for their particular building.
In most cases, a window upgrade can cut annual utility costs by more than 20%. Thermolite has developed the ESA Calculator as a way to help building owners and property managers identify viable opportunities for building envelope upgrades that will achieve the most benefits. If you own or manage a building with single pane windows, contact Thermolite today to request a free energy savings assessment.
Bossier City, La. — HydraShell MAX and HydraShell Supreme SA are McElroy Metal’s new underlayments. HydraShell MAX is the standard synthetic underlayment and HydraShell Supreme SA is a peel-and-stick underlayment. HydraShell MAX has a four-layer construction and can be used under all types of finished roofing materials, including steel roofing and is suitable for roof pitches as low as ½:12. HydraShell MAX requires significantly fewer fasteners than competitive products and provides a durable deck cover. HydraShell Supreme SA is the best choice in high-temperature, self-adhering applications. The SBS modified asphalt provides excellent pliability and the cool gray surface reduces heat build-up.
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Voting open to the public until November 2
Columbia, MD (October 10, 2018)—Global design and BIM software solutions provider Vectorworks, Inc. received several nominations for this year’s Construction Computing Awards. The company itself and Vectorworks Architect were nominated for three awards, while the Nomad app also received recognition. Jonathan Reeves, director of Jonathan Reeves Architects, obtained three nominations for his projects and work as a Vectorworks trainer.
Now in its thirteenth year and known as “The Hammers,” the awards program showcases and rewards the technology, tools and solutions for the effective design, construction, maintenance and modification of commercial buildings, residential and social housing and civil engineering projects of all sizes. With more than 20 categories, the Construction Computing Awards allow companies from every sector of the industry to seek recognition for their efforts over the past 12 months.
“The Vectorworks philosophy is that we never want to stop pushing the boundaries to create software that will empower our users to transform the world,” said Vectorworks UK Director of Customer Success Tamsin Slatter. “Our recognition with the Construction Computing Awards shortlist this year is especially meaningful because it reflects that our software is not only helpful to the AEC market but that our company and trainers are also highly respected within the industry.” The awards are divided into sections and decided by reader voting and a panel of judges. The Editor’s Choice award is selected by David Chadwick, editor of Construction Computing Magazine.
Vectorworks has received nominations in the following categories:
• BIM Product of the Year: Vectorworks Architect
• Architectural Design Product of the Year: Vectorworks Architect
• Product of the Year: Vectorworks Architect
• Mobile/Field App Technology of the Year: Vectorworks’ Nomad app
• Company of the Year: Vectorworks
• One to Watch Company of the Year: Vectorworks
• Editor’s Choice: Vectorworks
• Best Use of IT in a Construction Project of the Year: Jonathan Reeves Architecture with Vectorworks for Swithland Lane
• BIM Project of the Year: Jonathan Reeves Architecture with Vectorworks for the Bradgate Rd Project
• Training Software/Provider of the Year: Jonathan Reeves – Vectorworks Training
Voting closes on November 2 and the winners’ ceremony will be held on November 15. To view the full list of nominees and to cast your vote, click "Read More" below. Winners will appear in the November/December ’18 issues of CAD User and Construction Computing Magazine.
