According to the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB)¹ and the Associated General Contractors (AGC) of America², residential and commercial projects have seen increases in construction costs in 2024.
However, rising construction costs are not putting a damper on construction activity. In fact, construction starts are up, with forecasters flagging a slow but steady upswing in planning activity as many owners and developers prepare for stronger market conditions in 2025. For example, the Dodge Momentum Index, a benchmark measuring nonresidential construction, increased 2.9 percent in August due to broad-based growth in both commercial and institutional sectors.³ According to the associate director of forecasting at the Dodge Construction Network, the Federal Reserve’s September rate cut is the biggest factor contributing to stronger planning activity, along with a modest upgrade in consumer demand.⁴
Linking these market insights with the construction industry’s ongoing labor shortage, it is clear prioritizing cost and labor efficiencies is a must if contractors want to keep their heads above water in 2025. For general contractors and subcontractors, using metal roofing and wall panel systems can be a viable building solution for achieving labor and cost efficiencies on residential and commercial projects. This is especially true when contractors use the panel manufacturing method and fastening systems best suited for their project type. By doing this, project teams can turn any challenges into opportunities in 2025 and ultimately grow their bottom line.
Factory-formed panels streamline installation on commercial projects
To capitalize on labor savings on large-scale commercial applications, project teams can benefit from choosing factory-formed metal wall panels. When specifiers take this route, the metal panels are fabricated and cut to size at a manufacturing plant and shipped to the project site. Being able to take panels off the truck and quickly snap them into place reduces on-site installation times. This is key when covering a large surface area. Additionally, when metal panels are precision-formed in a controlled factory environment, they typically have greater uniformity and consistency—both of which contribute to a high-quality building envelope.
Although factory-formed panels can support on-site efficiencies, it is important to choose manufacturers who are experienced in shipping panels safely. This not only reduces the potential for unexpected costs of damaged panels but also helps keep projects on time by minimizing delays caused by ordering replacement material.
On-site rollforming increases efficiencies
Conversely, to capitalize on material cost-savings on residential or light commercial projects, project teams may benefit from using on-site rollformed metal panels. Essentially, on-site rollforming is a manufacturing process that is ideal for small-scale projects where large quantities of long-run panels are not needed. Being able to roll coils into the desired profile and then cut the panels to the exact length for the specific section of the roof significantly reduces the amount of material waste on the job site. This also increases a project’s overall material cost efficiencies while prioritizing a more environmentally friendly operation.
Shipping metal to the job site in large coils also allows for greater truck load optimization. This is because coil takes up less space on the truck than factory-formed panels, allowing loads to be limited by the truck’s weight capacity rather than available space. It is also unlikely for the product to be damaged because rollformed panels only need to be walked across the job site rather than shipped across the country, which further reduces the project’s carbon footprint.
Intuitive fastening systems improve building performance and reduce reworks
The next thing to consider is what happens once the metal panels are in the contractor’s hands. Because no matter how good the metal panel is, it does nothing without an equally dependable and resilient fastening system holding it in place. When contractors choose the most effective fastening screw, they ensure quality workmanship and a more energy-efficient building envelope. The right fastener also helps meet necessary uplift requirements and minimum design loads to maximize the lifespan of a wall system.
For metal panel construction, fastening systems can range from simple, exposed screws to more complex hidden clip systems. Contractors need to choose the fasteners appropriate for the decks, trusses, and insulation beneath the panels. For example, a self-drilling 25-mm (1-in.) screw might be ideal for metal-to-metal fastening, but a self-drilling 150-mm (6-in.) screw could be a better choice for panels installed over rigid installation.
Selecting the right material, coating, and cap head of a fastener are crucial considerations for preventing leaks and corrosion to improve the overall performance of a metal panel wall, especially in locations with heavy or frequent rain and snow. Additionally, contractors should be aware of the consequences of pairing dissimilar metals together. Selecting compatible metals reduces the risk of galvanic corrosion and supports longer-lasting metal panel systems.
To make choosing the right fastening system easier, industry-leading metal panel manufacturers offer comprehensive literature explaining which panel profiles a clip is compatible with and which installation conditions a fastener is most applicable for. This information can simplify choosing the right product for a project, so contractors can improve the quality of their work and reduce the risk of repair and maintenance for the building owner.
Choosing the right metal panel manufacturer
Using the panel manufacturing method that is best for the project type (whether factory-formed or on-site rollformed) and intuitive fastening systems can help contractors reap the efficiencies in labor and cost necessary for success in today’s market. However, when it comes to optimizing labor and material costs for increased profitability and customer satisfaction, using metal wall panels will not solve all the challenges contractors face on the job site. This approach comes with some inevitable challenges as well—from shipping logistics to quick turn replacement orders if any damage happens to the uninstalled material.
To mitigate these challenges, it is recommended project teams work with industry-leading metal panel manufacturers. A trusted partner can provide support and guidance throughout the entire process to help recommend the best panel manufacturing for the project to maximize efficiencies. This can keep a project on time and budget, resulting in more possible jobs for contractors and more satisfied customers.
Notes
³ https://www.constructiondive.com/news/planning-activity-jumps-ahead-of-fed-meeting/726770/
Brian McLaughlin is the director of sales at Drexel Metals. He is a graduate of Temple University and has been involved in the metal roofing industry for over 15 years. He has held many positions within Drexel Metals and has grown within the company and the industry as a leading expert in metal. For more information, visit https://drexmet.com/contact-us/
