The Reasons Why:
Expressing a vision and creating opportunity
Dave Brown,
Posted
04/01/2009
Metal wall panel
systems offer many benefits, such as durability, beauty,
environmental sustainability and economic incentives-economic
incentives for both the end user and installer. In today's market,
metal wall panel systems can be used on virtually every type of
structure, from manufacturing facilities and stores to arenas,
schools and offices, to name just a few. Through a better
understanding of the many reasons why designers are integrating
metal wall panel systems into their projects, you can start
planning and taking advantage of new opportunities that exist for
your business.
Creating a Vision
To create buildings that convey emotion. Metal wall panel systems
are installed vertically or horizontally; they can be curved; and
they are available in an array of colors, textures and specialty
finishes to create dramatic, bold designs or subdued,
environmental, blending effects. Many manufacturers have a more
diverse profile offering, which includes batten, corrugated and a
variety of concealed-fastener designs to fulfill these design
needs. Several, such as Fabral, Lancaster, Pa., are also expanding
their finish offerings to range from standard Kynar colors to
semitransparent clear coats, extraordinary metallic finishes,
varying patina designs and natural wood designs. Profiles and
finishes such as these provide designers with an unlimited spectrum
of mediums and help convey emotion through the use of color,
shadows and lines.
To create sustainable buildings.Just as metal wall panel systems
are available in a broad range of architecturally appealing product
designs and color choices, there are also many metal wall panel
systems that are consistent with green building are manufactured
from substrates that utilize a significant amount of recycled
material,are 100 percent recyclable and are coated with systems
that allow many of the colors to reflect a significant amount of
heat away from the structure. Metal wall panels help a project earn
LEED points, which count toward obtaining green building
certification for energy-efficient, environmentally friendly
structures. In some applications, such as garages, perforated metal
wall panel systems can also provide open areas to allow natural
light and improve air flow and movement.
Now that you have a clearer understanding of why so many buildings
are being designed with metal wall panels systems, it is time to
review some of the economic incentives that arise from installation
and long-term paybacks.
Creating an Opportunity
Lower installation costs. As stated by The Metal Initiative, a
program of the Metal Construction Association, Glenview, Ill.,
"typically metal wall panel systems offer lower installed costs
than that of tilt-up, precast or brick, and comparable to synthetic
stucco or EIFS, because they can often be installed faster than
other wall materials, resulting in savings in construction
costs."
Streamlined
installations. TMI has also noted: "Metal wall panel systems can be
installed more quickly because their installation is not slowed by
weather conditions. This all-weather capability minimizes
construction delays, permits fast-track scheduling, gets the
building dried-in quicker and allows the other trades to proceed
with their interior work." These dollar- and time-saving
initiatives allow your business to be more efficient and
streamlined in operations.
Long-term performance. In addition, building owners can look
forward to a metal wall panel service life of 20 to 30 plus years
depending on geographic location and the surrounding environmental
conditions.The long-term color retention and performance of the
panels are due not only to their metallic construction but also to
the high-definition coatings used to protect them.
Examples
All these benefits can be seen in projects throughout the United
States.
Rego Park Mall, Queens, N.Y. By integrating a vibrant red color
with horizontal andcurved lines, this building conveys a very
contemporary design. Plus, the wall panel systems were factory
assembled in modular units and hoisted in place on-site, saving
valuable installation dollars.
YMCA, Chicago. By utilizing over 240 blue, red and yellow squares
of an architectural yet economical metal exterior finish, this
structure reflects the character of a local Chicago neighborhood.
The use of vibrant custom colors and vertically and horizontally
installed panels allow this facility to radiate for blocks.
U.S. Post Office, Philadelphia. By incorporating a perforated,
stainless-steel wall system, the design team created a sustainable
building, offering many benefits to those working and living in the
surrounding neighborhood.
Many Opportunities
When installing a metal wall panel system, look to manufacturers
that offer long-term, industry leading warranties and unbeatable
paint systems that take performance to the next level by providing
you and your customer with the peace of mind and confidence of
knowing they have long-lasting application projection.
Clearly there are many opportunities that exist for businesses that
are familiar with, trained and ready to start installing metal wall
panel systems. To learn more and review training opportunities,
look to your metal wall system manufacturers. For even more
information regarding metal wall panel system economic incentives,
visit the TMI Web site at www.themetalinitiative.com.
Dave Brown is director of sales and marketing for Lancaster,
Pa.-based Fabral's Architectural Systems Division. Visit
www.fabral.com for details.