Metal Building Systems Offer The Ultimate Long-Term Energy Solution
By Keith E. Fischer, Chairman, 2008 Metal Building Manufacturers Association
Though we live in precarious times, those of us involved in steel construction remain confident in the quality and longevity of the industry we serve. Sure, steel prices have been on the rise. But, this is a storm we’ve weathered before in years past.
Costs and pricing have changed with the times, but the issues remain the same. Today, even though we’ve been challenged by global forces that are impacting the cost of steel and other construction materials, the metal building manufacturing industry has never been in a better position. Our ability to deliver custom building solutions that create energy savings and build long-term value makes metal building systems the most nimble and adaptable form of low-rise building construction. This is not rhetoric. It’s based on fact.
Construction technology for metal building systems has proven to be better than any other. Every building is a custom-designed and engineered steel structure. Once the building is designed and detailed, computerized instructions are sent to the fabrication plant where steel members are cut to exact standards for the specific application. This is in contrast to conventional buildings that are hindered by the need to use pre-sized structural members. Custom manufacturing of building systems means that there is no waste. And structural elements are cut with state-of-the-art equipment so every piece precisely fits with adjoining members. That means there is rarely down time or product waste. The industry has evolved to the point where we can produce intricately complex steel structures and tackle nearly any low rise building configuration.
This is evidenced in every city across America. Whether you’re visiting a small town Dollar General, a mid-size city’s church or car dealership, or a big city shopping mall or theater, the buildings are different, but their components are produced by the same quality manufacturers. In addition, as you drive up and down main streets and highways, you see rows and rows of buildings: restaurants, furniture stores, auto repair shops, fitness centers, daycares, hotels, and strip centers. They may not look like steel structures. They may be dressed up in facades of masonry, brick, tilt-up, ornamental metal, or stucco; but they are metal building systems through and through.
The outright building complexity available through metal building systems totally dispels the outdated notion of metal buildings as a tin box industry. We’re not your father’s metal building. In fact, the industry has matured into a very sophisticated building market. Each is custom designed for individual loads and tailored for specific needs. Like an erector set, our methods and processes allow us to custom design every piece of steel that goes into the building. The bottom line is clear: Less steel is used, less design time is needed, and less abuse of the environment occurs because waste simply does not exist.
Live a Long, Environmentally-Enriching Life
Life cycle savings for metal building systems is phenomenal when compared against conventional structures. Developers are beginning to look beyond buildings as 15 to 20-year investments. Because of the permanence, durability, stability, and quality of metal building systems, developers can look at 50 to 100-year lifecycles. This is a new paradigm that offers great potential for building owners.
And then there are roofs. Metal roofing materials are recycled and recyclable, last for decades, and require no more maintenance than an occasional removal of debris. Special coatings enhance their value, reflecting sunshine away from sun drenched buildings and cutting energy costs by double digits and more. Conventional roofs are replaced every 15-20 years, require substantial yearly maintenance expenses, and eventually wind up filling our landfills with potentially toxic trash. Metal roofs will last far beyond, with little maintenance and are 100% recyclable.
In addition, metal buildings are easily insulated which, in addition to cool roofing, helps to lower overall heating and cooling costs.
Leave a Legacy
In these days, some developers and owners consider metal building systems to be the perfect building product. One reason is that metal is also clearly the preferred material to meet the global green initiative. Today, 50 to 60% of all steel is recycled. In addition, 35% of steel used in buildings comes from recycled product. Green is now the predominant driver for cost processes. It is a great value when you look at the long lifespan of the material, its maintenance-free composition, and its ability to reduce energy use and support sustainability.
We are responsible to leave a legacy for future generations through energy-saving and value-efficient buildings that are enduring spaces to live, work, worship and create—structures that will stand strong for many years to come. When building your buildings, think about the environment you’re leaving behind and what impact your legacy will leave.
Keith Fischer, the 2008 chairman of the Metal Building Manufacturers Association (www.mbma.com), is the former president of the Robertson-Ceco Division of NCI Building Systems. A registered professional engineer, Keith has more than 30 years of construction industry experience.
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