For decades, metal roofs have been the preferred choice for architects and designers for their durability, versatility, eco-friendliness and many other factors. As the coated metal industry continues to innovate and inspire, we see an increase in the use of metal in nearly all aspects of construction, not just the roofs. Here are just some of the reasons we are seeing metal used more and more in the construction of today’s most impressive buildings.
Versatility
Coated metal today has the ability to be an endless selection of colors and can emulate a growing number of textures, including asphalt, stone, concrete, barn siding and other materials. There’s been a huge demand in the market for the application of innovative color-shifting coatings, which offer an eye-catching, bilateral color finish. With textured metal products, architects can meet client demands for visual depth and designs that differentiate them in the market and give their buildings a unique look.
Interior Capabilities
Recently, prepainted metal has become popular in the construction process for its number of interior applications. Whether it’s interior walls, surfacing, ceilings or windows, using coated metals can bring all the durability and beauty used for its exterior applications indoors. For example, suspended ceiling tile systems in offices and airports often use coated metal panels for their light weight, decorative appearance, durability, high heat and sound insulation qualities.
Durability
In the case of textured metal products, metal panels last longer than the materials they emulate such as wood or slate. Metal panels are designed to withstand harsh weather elements and provide excellent corrosion resistance through pretreatment and multiple coatings. The coatings are then applied to both sides of the metal to enhance its long-term durability. Textured paint is also designed to be very scratch-resistant and reduces the appearance of oil canning, dents and other imperfections found on long panels.
Eco-Friendliness
The reflective coating of metal panels protects the roof substrate from harmful UV radiation, which extends the life of the roof, saving on replacement costs. Metals have a very long life and can be recycled, so buildings that use metal products also reduce waste with landfill materials, CO2 emissions and the roof surface temperature by up to 30 degrees F. Designers who use these products can help qualify their buildings and earn credits and tax savings for LEED, Energy Star and cool roof compliance.
With their beauty, long life and strength, it’s no surprise architects want to incorporate metal products in the construction of buildings. As scientific advancements continue, the industry can expect more innovation in colors, textures and sustainability that will push the industry toward endless possibilities in building design.
Keep the conversation going and post your comments on this topic. To dive deeper into the discussion on the latest news and trends in the industry, be sure to share these posts via Facebook, Twitter and other social media using the buttons below and join the NCCA LinkedIn group here. The NCCA LinkedIn group provides a forum for discussing issues pertinent to the process, industry participants, users and potential users of pre-painted metal.
COAT NOTES 
February 20, 2018 at 4:30 pm
I like how you mentioned that metal building supplies are designed to withstand harsh weather elements and provide corrosion resistance. I used to think they were always prone to rust and wasn’t sure what could be done to fix that. What you said about the coatings applied to enhance its long-term durability was very interesting to me. http://www.buildingsuppliesfrederick.com
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June 25, 2018 at 11:33 pm
You caught my attention when you said that metal panels have the ability to withstand harsh weather elements so you can expect them to be a durable construction material. This is an important tip for us because we’re interested in constructing our own building soon. We want our investment to be worthy, so it’s important for us to choose a cost-effective construction material. We’ll get in touch with a metal building contractor soon.
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August 31, 2018 at 1:22 am
I appreciate it when you pointed out that metal allows the reduction of materials in landfills because they are very durable and can be reused countless times. If that is the case, then I will be sure to mention this to my parents who will have a shop built soon. I heard that there was a place nearby where we can get recycled metal pieces. It might be a good idea to try getting our materials there.
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May 29, 2020 at 7:05 pm
My garage is so crowded with the lawnmower, the power tools, and all of our mountain bikes, so I am thinking about having a shed built in the backyard. I didn’t realize that metal is such a good building material until I read your article! Thanks for explaining that it can withstand harsh weather and is corrosion resistant.
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September 25, 2020 at 2:52 pm
I’m glad you mentioned that metal panels can be coated to resist harsh weather conditions. I would like to build a new office building next year for my business, and I have been considering using structural steel for it. Considering the intense winters that happen in my area, durability is definitely an important factor.
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October 15, 2020 at 5:43 pm
It’s interesting to learn that metal panels can extend the life of your roof by blocking harmful UV radiation. My wife and I are wanting to build a new home and we were wondering how we could make the house very durable. I’ll be sure to tell her that we should consider installing metal panels for the roof.
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November 10, 2020 at 5:22 pm
I really like your point that the coatings on the metal roofing will bounce the UV back and protect the building. My brother is thinking about getting a new coating around his building. He needs to make sure he is working with the right professionals that can apply the coating properly so that it lasts for a long time.
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December 1, 2020 at 4:29 pm
Thanks for explaining that metal panels last longer than wood or slate. I think it would be nice to always build with the best materials. Ones that can take the rain, hail, and snow but can also last for decades.
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December 8, 2020 at 8:20 pm
It’s good to learn that metal panels are known to last a long time when being used in construction. My brother is wanting to build a warehouse for his company and he was wondering what the building should be made out of. I’ll be sure to tell him that he should consider building the warehouse out of metal panels.
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May 10, 2021 at 9:17 pm
It was good to learn all of the information you provided about the benefits of metal in construction. I found it interesting that metal products are much longer-lasting than other types of construction materials. I would imagine that it would be important to find a reputable welding service for those metal structures to ensure that they are reliable and durable.
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June 10, 2021 at 1:08 am
The best part of your blog is when you said that metal panels can withstand harsh weather elements and provide corrosion resistance. With this in mind, I will be sure to hire a metal building contractor for the barn house that my husband and I want to install on our new property. We want to ensure that it will last for a long time not only to protect our livestock well but to save money on repairs. Thanks!
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September 3, 2021 at 2:06 am
It sure was nice when you said that metal panels are designed to withstand harsh weather elements. This is something that my husband and I will consider because we wanted to have our dream apartment building constructed early next year. It is important for us to choose quality and durable materials since our hard-earned money would be used for the construction. Thanks for sharing this.
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February 9, 2022 at 11:39 am
Materials for construction is based on cost and effectiveness to resisting the loads and stresses acting on the structure. As a structural engineer, I work with my clients to decide on the type of materials used in each project depending on the size and use of the building.
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October 29, 2022 at 3:03 am
Thank you for sharing in your post that coated metals can bring all the durability and beauty used for their exterior applications indoors. I like to use metal in the construction of our house to create an aesthetic design and add different colors to it. We plan to go to a recycled building materials company here in Ballarat to get cheaper materials.
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March 22, 2023 at 11:31 pm
Thanks for pointing out how metal panels are made to withstand harsh weather conditions because of their durability and corrosion-resistant qualities. This is perfect for regions with high humidity levels and frequent rainfalls. If I ever decide to set up a shop there, I’ll ensure the place is constructed with metal frames and sheet.
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