Tips to Buying Metal Roofing

A recent article by Metal Construction News noted the challenges of the supply chain of America's top metal roofing manufacturers.  While the construction industry supply chain is having its problems, there is no question of the trickle down impacts to the rest of the specialty markets including metal roofing.  U.S. suppliers are concerned of the how such challenges are impacted by the infiltration of international competition and getting consumers to stay home when purchasing metal roofing. Also, new players in the market have long time metal roofing companies cautiously optimistic on what the future holds for their industry.

What will rule the day?  

One answer-the establishment of minimum requirements for metal roofing quality.  

US manufacturers remain under the constant barrage of products introduced into the American marketplace from all over the world.  Keeping bad metal out keeps the bad experiences out.  Performance is key here.  Process is just as important with an eye on pre-treatment, metal coating and substrate gauge.  Finally, experience is probably the single most important variable that a consumer must take into consideration before buying a metal roof-little experience means greater cost down the road for the unsuspecting building owner or facility manager.

Key to protecting both the consumer and this important U.S. market is education.  Writers on this topic are saying that consumers need to understand the language of metal and the metal roofing industry needs to raise awareness among consumers of the benefits of metal roofing as well as the importance of choosing the right contractor. 

Quality contractors also need to educate the marketplace as well.  Can they certify the coating, paint warranties, steel thickness and quality? Is there documentation to support the quality levels? The Metal Construction Association (MCA) has an established a certification program for metal roofing. According to Executive Director of the MCA Jeff Henry the program currently has 45 metal roofing products certified among a handful of manufacturers. If the program is expanded, industry experts believe such action will  ensure the industry doesn't suffer from adverse publicity because of poor metal roof performance.  

Bottom line-Contractors need to work with experienced, long-term providers who stand behind their work.

To find out more about how GET, LLC, through our metal building partners can help with 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.    

Buying for Retail-Some Advice for Purchasing Quality Leather Furniture

A great article re-emerged from Russell Bienenstock in the home furnishings industry's top publication on the benefits and advantages to buying leather furniture products.  His first in a two part piece in the New Rochelle, New York-based Furniture World Magazine made me think-WOW!  This blogger shares some of it here and I must say it was very informative and helps with the argument on whether or not to use this material in a modern office or living space:

"...From a consumer standpoint, buying a leather sofa can seem like a “no-brainer, wrote Bienenstock. "There are no fabric patterns to choose, simplifying decorating decisions for the design-challenged. It is also true that quality leather has properties which can make it superior to many fabrics. 

Consider the following...Leather outlasts most fabric coverings. It has an exceptionally long useful life. It will not tear and is half again as strong as other upholstery materials -- even along the seam lines. It is fire resistant and emits no toxic fumes, even when exposed to intense heat. Modern full grain leather products won’t crack or peel. Quality leather stretches and retains its shape without sagging. It 'breathes', assumes body temperature rapidly and is instantaneously comfortable. It resists heat and sun damage. Leather is a practical material, ideal for busy lifestyles. No special solvents or cleaners and no lengthy or expensive procedures are necessary for its care. Leather generally ages well.

On the other hand, depending on how it is used, covers promoted and sold as leather differ in how long they will last, how easy they are to clean, in their suppleness and, how effectively they can be repaired. There are big differences in leather price, quality and wear, yet retail customers may have trouble evaluating how these differences correlate with desired benefits. This is not surprising since even retail salespeople who should have this expertise, may not be conversant with the types of leather, finishes or products such as leather splits, vinyl and fabric/leather composite materials.

Although home furnishings industry professionals do not need to know the fine details of leather production, basic information regarding hide quality, tanning, dyeing and finishing can help retailers to steer customers toward making informed purchase decisions."

The article stresses that there is quality to be had across the entire price point spectrum.  Best to be educated than to make a poor design and material choice.  In the end the value will be appreciated by the owner or end users.

Don't think leather is only for the ultra-rich.  Bienenstock remarked that tanning technology, globalization and composite leather materials are changing the marketplace making leather furniture more affordable and gaining broad consumer appeal.

For more on how GET, LLC through our friends at Savoy Contract Furniture and teaming partner American Hotel Register can assist you with your specific furniture needs-even leather-please check out our website at www.get-guam.com or give us a call at 671-483-0789 to discuss the best solution for your facility.  All the solutions are Made in America!!!