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

As renewable energy technology continues to develop and net-zero energy buildings become more feasible, it’s no longer impossible to envision a future where buildings of all kinds can power themselves and stand on their own. For example, we’re seeing more examples of buildings incorporating rooftop solar photovoltaic arrays to offset their own power use. It’s exciting technology and, as efficiency increases and costs come down, it certainly will become more commonplace. I like to even hope that integrated power generation eventually will become just part of what’s expected of a building.

PV technology still is in its relative infancy and has a long way to go before it truly becomes cost effective enough for wide-spread use. For projects installing such technology today, two factors are of great importance: government incentives and the longevity of the system. Government incentives and tax credits can help with the up-front expense, and longevity allows the system’s costs to be spread out over a period of many years. The longer the operational life, the greater the return on investment.

Because most current solar PV arrays have an operational life expectancy of more than 20 years, it’s important to think about the longevity of the roof system the PV panels or laminate sheets are installed on. When you factor this into the equation, standing seam metal roofs become not only an ideal solution–in many cases they may be the only truly viable solution.

It reminds me a bit of the early days of those TV/VCR combo units. I remember reading several reports that warned consumers about the technology because oftentimes the VCR part of the appliance would break down years before the TV part would, so you’d be left with a half-functioning device. In much the same way, it doesn’t make much sense to install a long-lasting solar power-generation system on a roof that’s going to need to be replaced halfway through the life of the array.

A cornerstone of the sustainability movement is a shift to a more long-term view of things. How will decisions we make today play out five, 10 and 20 years from now? With its durability and low maintenance requirements, metal roofing fits very well into this kind of philosophy. As we come to expect more from our buildings and make them more long-lasting and independent, metal has a big role to play.

By Jim Schneider, LEED AP, editor, metalmag

jschneider@hanleywood.com

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Petersen Aluminum has introduced the PAC Solar Series, which integrates cutting-edge photovoltaic technology with the durability of a standing seam roof system.

Thin-film solar laminate is fused to the surface of the metal panel substrate to create a green solution for energy generation.

Unlike polycrystalline photocells that are heavy and fragile, no roof penetration or structural support is required with the flexible and durable PAC Solar Series.  The Solar Series includes a complete, standardized system with schematics and specifications for all electrical components.

Provided through the EnergyPeak™ Program, PAC Solar Series is available on these Petersen profiles:  Snap-Clad, Redi-Roof, Tite-Loc, Tite-Loc HS and Tite-Loc Plus.  Solar Series roofs provide payback in 10 years or less and offer a 20-year warranty.