Standing Seam Roofs-A Great Fit for Micronesia

A recently published Metal Construction News article highlighted the Metal Roof industry-outlining the top technologies in the marketplace today.  In recent years, GET,LLC has been witness to the utilization of one particular metal roofing system on Guam that can withstand the harsh tropical climate of the Western Pacific and provide a long lasting roofing solution. The end result has been an increase in value to current metal buildings from Yigo to US Naval Base Guam.

Whether you have plans to develop a commercial project or you are closely watching the Guam Housing Corporation's residential home building project in Dededo, there are many types of metal roofing options for a facility on Guam and Micronesia with only one shining above the rest-the standing seam metal roof panel.

The standing seam metal panels are interlocking single-skin panels with concealed fasteners and raised seams.  The panels in these systems are typically installed at continuous lengths from eave to ridge and can vary in widths and styles.  Installed vertically, these systems come in structural or architectural varieties. 

The benefits of a such a system begins with its durability.  A lack of interlocks allows for an expansion of the system that is much better across the entire roof which means a longer life usage.  

Most roofing systems are now sold to meet various UL classifications and ASTM standards for strength, wind uplift and energy efficiency codes for Guam and the region.  Made of aluminum, these systems are recyclable at end of life. With some posting 20 year warranties, the standing seam roof is an affordable solution to any roofing job in Micronesia.  The warranties also take weather tightness into consideration-a must with the amount of rainfall and storm activity we see on a yearly basis.

From a maintenance point of view, standing seam roofs are "low-to-no" maintenance if installed properly.  Cleaning these roofs are as simple as mild soap and clean water.  These systems are also energy efficient and can aid in LEED Certification-especially those in "cool roof" colors.  Integration with solar photovoltaics are simple. Need a quick roof solution? "Float" a standing seam roof system over existing roofing materials for an affordable fix that will last for years. Give a standing seam roofing solution a chance on your next metal building project.

To find out more about how GET, LLC, through our metal building partners at Ceco Building Systems, can help your next steel building or aluminum roofing project, give us a call at 671-483-0789 or our website at www.get-guam.com for more information.

   

Mobile Apps and the Steel Building Industry

Over the past week, I have spent a majority of my time on the roof of a steel building in the final stages of a standing seam roof retrofit on a federal defense installation.  The experience has been a great one for me as I am but an "infant" in the metal construction industry.  I have been intrigued by the many requests and discussions on the proper fasteners for this particular roof design, what are the safety measures in place once the roof is completely installed and would a "clip" be able to hold in place critical infrastructure during a natural disaster-particularly a typhoon or tropical storm.  The short lectures and insight had me asking if there was a way to use technology to get to the heart of these issues and answer some of the arguments on the job site.  While the debates should be minimal because of contractually mandated submissions and approvals by competent professionals, there still can be discussions to drive future decision making processes. 

Timing is everything in this business.  

It just so happens I came across an interesting initiative of the American Institute of Steel Construction (AISC) that may have answered my questions related to the "steel biz".  The AISC has launched its first mobile app called Build-A-Bolt.  The app reportedly helps steel construction industry professionals select the right structural bolt, washer, nut combination and can be used in the field to determine bolt grade and manufacturer. Apparently the app is also useful for detailers and specifiers in providing dimensions and fastener compatibility. Best of it all-the app is free.  You can find it on the AISC website and is a must for your field Smartphone, iPads or computers. We can expect more steel apps to be rolled out in the near future, thanks in large part to the AISC and a new Steel Apps contest at www.aisc.org/steelappscontest giving the opportunity to win cash prizes, totaling $9,000. I expect this type of technology will help me grow and become "mature" in this metal business in no time.

GET, LLC is so very proud to be partnered with MCR Guam Inc., a small business poised to grow in the years to come.  MCR Guam Inc. is bringing new products and services to bear on contractors and steel building owners across the Pacific Rim.  They have strategic alliances with the World's Leading Provider of Metal Roof and Panel Systems Fabral, America's top metal building company Ceco Building Systems of Columbus, Mississippi and access to a vast network of metal building professionals across the globe. 

To find out more about how GET, LLC and MCR Guam Inc. can help your next project, give us a call at 671-483-0780 or our website for more information.

Steel is Good "Shelter from the Storm"

A great article by Mark Robbins of Metal Construction News recently brings to mind a great sale pitch for metal buildings: "...with proper design and storm-resistant construction, the damage to buildings by Mother Nature's tantrums can be greatly reduced."

While building to code is just not enough, ensuring your metal building is designed and constructed to resist wind effects is very important.  Living in the Western Pacific that is so true.  Life in "Typhoon Alley" means you must build to withstand hurricane or typhoon force winds of 170 miles per hour.  The best constructed steel buildings on Guam have answered that call.  There are still some post-War buildings that stand today on our island that have seen dozens of storms come and go in our latitude.  Must mean that the construction of the vertical and lateral load paths of these monuments to Mother Nature were spot on.  Fasteners, bracing and straps were also instrumental in keeping these buildings intact.

In discussions with CECO Building Systems, they have assured that will take extra efforts to ensure that steel building built on Guam will be properly engineered to this extreme weather condition that I believe is such a value added benefit for the local steel building customer.  Extra time to ensure that their product can withstand the harsh elements related to tropical storms or typhoons in the Western Pacific is a testament to their commitment to great customer service and above all-keeping the building owner and the neighboring public to these facilities safe.

While perlins and girts need to be strengthened,  it is the roof that must be able to be storm-resistant.  One of our partners in Fabral are just as committed to protecting against the sometimes volatile Western Pacific trade winds.  Their attention to detail in the engineering of roofing systems can be seen on a number of buildings here in Micronesia and take the extra step with weather tightness warranties that are so very important out here.

Other parts of the steel building from the gutter, louvers and curbs cannot be overlooked in relation to being storm ready.  Windows and doors should also be impenetrable to the harsh environments that island life can bring.  

Design to code and install correctly.  Take these steps and your metal building will serve your needs for decades and saves costs and reduces liabilities during a storm.  For more on metal building solutions for your organization, please contact GET, LLC.  Our strategic partnership with MCR Guam Inc. and Metal Construction Resources LLP will ensure you have the best metal building for your needs.  Drop us a line or call us to discuss further.

NCI wins AMA Marketer of the Year Honors

GET, LLC, through our relationship with Metal Construction Resources, LLP and MCR Guam want to congratulate Texas-based NCI Building Systems who was named recently as Marketer of the Year by the Houston Chapter of the American Marketing Association.  MCR is a Ceco Builder who is key part of the NCI Family.  

This is a big deal.  

NCI was chosen for the honor ahead of 145 companies.  The reason for the honor:

"NCI Building Systems stood out due to its impressive results and measurable accomplishments throughout 2012. Despite lackluster economic conditions and nominal growth in the U.S. non-residential construction market last year, NCI and its 20 brands significantly out-performed market growth, generating year-over-year revenue growth of 20 percent. Much of this growth is attributed to a focus on market segmentation that has effectively aligned sales and marketing in support of well-orchestrated growth initiatives."

As a fan of the top marketing efforts of the Nation's leading companies, I think NCI's initiatives that led to the winning of the award are pretty innovative including there efforts this past year in conducting customer research to develop a new "Preferred Customer Financing Program," and developing a customized marketing forecast management system that came within four percent accuracy by year end.

This says to me that the steel buildings industry is doing very well.  As an alternative to concrete in this part of the world, I would suggest taking another look at steel.  It is more economical. It meets the wind and seismic codes for the Western Pacific.  It is a great building solution.  Good job NCI.

Obama State of the Union Described by Steel Producers as "mixed bag"; Steel Imports on the Rise

The American Iron and Steel Institute (AISI) reacted to President Barack Obama's State of the Union Address by saying it did lay out some"positive goals", but was short on specifics.  

AISI serves as the voice of the North American steel industry in the public policy arena and advances the case for steel in the marketplace as the preferred material of choice.

The nation's largest trade organization representing steel products was pleased with the recognition of the steel industry in the speech, but was looking for more details from the President on how they and other industries would push the American economy forward. AISI President and CEO Thomas Gibson said President Obama fell short on details to correct America's massive trade imbalance with China-a huge steel exporter, tax reform, and energy independence.

“We are encouraged that some of the President’s proposals will benefit the steel industry, but are also disappointed that he did not lay out concrete plans to achieve the goals," said Gibson.  "We will continue to work with the Administration and Congress to turn the rhetoric into action.”

The President's policy speech comes on the heels of the U.S. Department of Commerce reporting last week that steel imports are up, a strong sign of the market gaining ground this fiscal year.  AISI announced that steel import applicationsfor January totaled 2.6 million net tons (NT)-up eight percent from December2012. 

GET, LLC, through MCR Guam Inc. and MCR, LLP (One of the largest builders of Ceco Building Systems). is able to assist you with your steel construction needs.  Give us a call to discuss further.

State of the Metal Construction Industry in 2013 and the Outlook for Guam & Metal Buildings

A Repeat of 2012.  Lack of focus on selling the value of steel buildings over price.  Lack of definitive direction in Washington.  Those are just some of the things being said by the leaders of the metal construction industry on the outlook for 2013.  

Metal Construction News is the original news magazine of the metal construction industry and has been the premier source for news, products and strategies since 1994.  The Monthly publication talked to the industry leaders about what the new year can expect to hold for the business. 

The article can be found: http://www.metalconstructionnews.com/articles/magazine-features/2013-state-of-the-metal-construction-industry.aspx

The discussion on metal construction in the residential market, change in public policy, the workforce and the evolution into a sustainable industry were thought provoking. 

For the islands of the Western Pacific, metal buildings have been a part of the landscape since 1945.  If you look closely, many of those original structures are still standing in varying degrees of deterioration.  For the most part, these steel icons have stood the test of time.  

Today, demand is on the rebound.  Smaller projects are featuring steel buildings.  Contractors are revisiting steel versus concrete as a solution to their project needs.  While the Butler brand has been front and center on Guam.  Ceco is now making a run on the marketplace.  The end result has been more competitive pricing and quality products entering the region. With many taking a second look at the Guam Buildup and associated structures needed, metal buildings could once again be the owners choice.  

Why is this encouraging?  

Construction materials made up 3% of imports into Guam in July 2012. Steel structures accounted for $432,997 or about a quarter of the construction material imports.  This is an encouraging sign and expect it to grow in the months to come.  2013 could be a great year for the metal buildings industry on Guam. And on the heels of a anticipated ramp up in 2014 and 2015, this could be even better for metal buildings here.