The Metal Construction News Readers’ Choice Product Awards are open to any manufacturer or exclusive U.S. distributor of products used by contractors, erectors, engineers and other professionals who use metal in their work.
Product submissions will be open from Monday, October 19, 2026, to Sunday, December 6, 2026.
Categories and Entry Fees
The base entry fee is $250 US and entitles the product to compete in one base category. These categories are as follows, including examples (Examples are illustrative and not exhaustive):
- Roofing Systems and Components
Metal Roofing; Roof Underlayments; Roof Curbs and Hatches; Roof Accessories; Snow Retention; Roof Drainage, Gutters, and Rainware; Ridge Caps and Trim; Standing-Seam Attachment Systems; Skylights and Daylighting; Rooftop Solar; Retrofit Systems.
- Wall & Building Envelope Systems
Metal Wall Panels; Insulated Metal Panels; Metal Composite Materials; Curtain walls and Storefronts; Insulation Systems; Air/Vapor Barriers and Retarders; Thermal Breaks and Spacers; Wall Retrofit Systems.
- Metal Building Systems, Framing, Doors and Openings
Metal Building Systems (PEMBs); Light-Gauge/Cold-Formed Steel; Structural Framing Components; Doors (Rolling, Bifold and Walkthrough); Windows; Louvers, Grilles, Sunshades and Solar Shading Systems; Canopies; Awnings.
- Finishes, Coatings, Architectural Metals
Paints and Coatings; Metal Ceiling Systems; Perforated and Expanded Metals; Decorative/Architectural Metal Products.
- Sealants, Fasteners, and Accessories
Caulks and Sealants; Tapes and Adhesives; Fasteners; Clips and Connectors; Flashings and Miscellaneous Accessories.
- Manufacturing and Fabrication
Metal Coil and Sheet; Roll Formers; Brakes and Folders; Shears; Cutting Equipment; Welding Equipment; Coil Processing and Handling Equipment; Shop/Fabrication Equipment.
- Tools and Jobsite Equipment
Hand and Power Tools; Metal Cutting and Forming Tools; Installation Tools; Measuring, Inspection, and Monitoring Equipment; Tool Storage and Organization; Lifting and Material Handling Equipment; Material Transport and Hauling Equipment; Safety, Security, PPE, and Fall Protection.
- Software and Digital Technology
Estimating; 3D Building Design and Detailing; BIM/CAD; Project Management; Takeoff; ERP/Business Management Software; Manufacturing/Fabrication Software; Field Technology; Reality Capture and Data Analysis; Automation Software.
In addition, each product may be entered into one or more relevant bonus categories. There is an added fee of $100 for each bonus category. They are as follows:
- Best New Product – Must have been launched in 2025 or later.
- Best Tried and True Product – Must have been launched in 2021 or earlier.
Finally, entrants may choose to add a YouTube video to each product entry for an additional fee of $100. This video will appear on the voting page for any entered categories.
Voting Process
During the voting period, conducted during the month of December 2026 – January 2027, products will be presented to readers category-by-category (both base and bonus categories) and provide them with the ability to rate each product. Each product will display its name, company name, image, description, and video (if applicable).
Each entrant will be notified when voting opens so that they may share the link with their own customers.
Winners
Winners will be announced in the March 2027 issue of Metal Construction News. Winners will be notified of their win once voting is complete and tallied, but may not publicize this until the issue is released on March 3, 2027.
All winners will receive a digital copy of the Metal Construction News Readers’ Choice Product Awards 2026 badge for use in their marketing materials.
Each category will have multiple winners. The number of winners will be at the discretion of the Metal Construction News editorial team.
Eligibility
All products entered must be available for use within the United States. Products not adhering to the rules will be disqualified. There are no refunds for disqualified entries.
If you are a distributor, you must have the exclusive U.S. rights to distribute the product entered, otherwise entry should be made by the manufacturer.
Metal Construction News reserves the right to move entered products into a different base category if it is deemed that the original category selected is not the most relevant for the product.
