As buildings age and budgets tighten, there is bound to be additional focus on rehab/remodel work. Reroofing with metal over old, failed roof systems has been a popular choice for decades and always sees a surge in popularity during economic downturns. I expect to see more of this during 2010 and beyond.
The metal construction industry is as flexible and resilient as the broad range of products it offers. I expect that we’ll continue to see opportunities in the health care industry. Likewise, educational markets show great promise for metal roofing, wall and framing products.
As I heard repeatedly during the recent METALCON International trade show in Tampa (October 6-8, 2009), nearly everyone in the metal construction industry feels that the construction market has seen the bottom and is now on an upward track.
The real question in construction right now seems to be whether there will be steady, month by month gains in activity, or if we’ll continue to see the bumpy ride that’s been experience by many companies this summer. A common report during METALCON was that a slight gain in one month during the late spring and summer of 2009 was usually followed by a drop the following month. The result is a market that’s difficult to project as we start 2010.
Solar collection, coupled with metal roof and wall systems, continues to be a great opportunity for growth as well as other “green” construction products that emphasize sustainability. Again, demonstrating the versatility of metal products, these systems can be used in both new and retrofit applications.
Shawn Zuver
editorial/content director
shawnz@designandbuildwithmetal.com
DesignandBuildwithMetal.com