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Weathering Steel Used as Architectural Hardscape

weathering steel

The versatility, durability, and ability to avoid corrosion make weathering steel a popular building, design, and architectural metal. You probably see it every day without knowing it in the bridges, buildings, and fences around your city or hometown. But did you know that weathering steel is also used for parks, gardens, and design elements in landscaping? So much so that in 2019, The Wall Street Journal called weathering steel a “top trend” for garden design. 

This article will discuss how weathering steel is used in landscaping, particularly hardscapes, as well as review the benefits of this adaptable metal and how to use it in every day, and not so every day, applications.

Weathering Steel and Its Benefits

What is Weathering Steel?

Weathering steel, also referred to as Corten or Cor-Ten steel, is a group of low carbon steel alloys that were created to make a metal that was corrosion resistant, didn’t need to be painted, and was stronger than other steel grades. Weathering steel, after exposure to the elements, forms a rust-like patina on the outside which protects the metal against corrosion and extends the life and use of the metal.

Benefits of Weathering Steel

Maintaining its own protective patina is impressive on its own, but there is more that weathering steel can provide, such as:

  • Durability
  • Low Maintenance
  • No Paint Needed
  • Long Lasting
  • Great Aesthetic
  • Many Ways to Use

What sets weathering steel apart from other steel is that it becomes harder and stronger when exposed to the weather. The patina that forms over time protects the material from the weather. It shows up as an orangish color that many find pleasurable to look at and useful for outdoor or indoor projects.                                                      

What is a Hardscape?

A hardscape is any solid construction in an outdoor area that isn’t plant life. Driveways, patios, water features, decks, firepits, and walkways are all examples of hardscapes. These structures and features are incorporated into the space, combining nature with man-made materials that merge into one well-defined space. 

Uses for Weathering Steel 

Instead of using typical standard materials like wrought iron or cedar, architects today opt for clean lines and easy maintenance of weathering steel. On top of all the other positive benefits, the functionality of this metal cannot be understated. Here are some of the uses and applications for weathering steel.

Landscape Edging: A simple and effective way to define space around plants and along driveways and sidewalks. 

Retaining Walls: These are not only practical but also look clean and polished in outdoor spaces. While a boulder or concrete block retaining wall works fine, it doesn’t have the same contemporary aesthetic as weathering steel.

Planter Boxes: These boxes are used for house plants, of course,  but they also function as a barrier and a decorative divider as well.

Raised Beds: These work like planter boxes and retaining walls and are used to construct raised beds or gardens. Weathering steel creates thin edges that are helpful because they don’t take up any more room than you need. 

Fencing, Gates, and Privacy Screens: These help complete any outdoor landscaping area, and the weathering steel can help put the finishing touches on the fencing or screens.

Bollards: These short posts help to create a barrier in outdoor spaces and can also help guide traffic and protect any pedestrians in the area.

Roofing and Awnings: Shade is often a necessity to beat the heat outside, and roofing and awnings are a big help to offer up additional shade.

Water and Fire Features: Fire pits and fountains add charm and function to outdoor areas.

Quality Metal for Your Next Landscaping Project

MetalTech Global is the nation’s premier distributor and fabricator of coil, sheet, and finished architectural metals products. We promote the use of sustainable metal products in the buildings and can create custom perforated patterns and shapes as well. With high-tech tools and over 25 years of experience, our architectural support staff can realize an unlimited variety of folded and perforated panel designs.

Contact us today for all of your weathering steel, perforated metal, coil, panel, and fabrication needs! We look forward to working with you to realize your next architectural dream.

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Metals Used in Architectural Landscape Designs

architectural landscape designs

When designing a landscape, one should keep a few key aesthetical elements in mind, such as line, form, color, texture, and scale. There’s a delicate balance when incorporating metal in a landscape, such as lush and stark, light and dark, weak and strong. The striking symbiosis of metal and foliage can highlight and enhance your space, and each kind of metal has its own benefits, function, and form to give.

Depending on the metal you choose, you can bring new life into an older landscape or invigorate an already modern area when paired with the outdoors. Let’s look at the most popular metals used in architectural designs for landscape and see how they help accentuate and show off the space with stark contrast visuals that can show off in a utilitarian and industrial way as well as blend in seamlessly throughout the space. 

Zinc

Lightweight and strong, zinc is a quality metal that can be used for several landscaping projects and designs. Its ability to blend with or highlight other materials such as wood and glass make zinc advantageous for use.

Zinc is great for all budgets, and it is very low maintenance. This is due to it going through natural oxidation and forming its own protective patina, which acts like a sort of armor for the metal. This also helps it be less corrosive as well.

Uses:

Since the 19th century, zinc has been used as a roofing and facade cladding material due to its natural surface and changing reflections making it an extraordinarily versatile material. It can also be used for planters, gutter systems, and building ornamentation.

Copper

Copper is wildly popular in architectural design due to its aesthetic properties. The patina of copper starts out as a beautiful metallic russet color and then slowly evolves into its green patina stage. This patina serves as a protective coating, giving the material excellent corrosion resistance and durability.

Copper also has anti-microbial properties, allowing for interior designs as well as exterior. Its natural patina makes it quite favorable where design is concerned. Natural yet modern copper offers not only style but function as it is 100% recyclable while maintaining its value.

Uses:

Architectural copper can be seen in facades, roofing systems, flashings and copings, rain gutters and downspouts, building expansion joints, wall cladding, domes, spires, vaults, and various other design elements.

Stainless Steel

Another popular metal for architectural purposes is stainless steel. It is lightweight, versatile, and does not corrode or rust.

Stainless steel will not form a patina, and the alloy does not succumb to heat, water, or most chemicals when exposed. It is strong, durable, and ductile. After copper, steel is one of the most recycled materials in the construction industry, making it very sustainable and eco-friendly. 

Uses:

There are many uses for stainless steel in landscape design. Other than polishing, it doesn’t need much maintenance, so the uses for the material in landscaping can be quite vast. Some of its uses include water features, framing for pergolas, awnings, light fixtures, patio furniture, facades, murals, feature walls, walkways, roofs and much more. 

Weathering (Corten) Steel

Corten steel is a popular structural steel due to its unique burnt orange patina that happens over time or can otherwise be chemically hastened. This rust layer keeps the core safe from corrosion and is basically maintenance-free. 

Another name for Corten steel is weathered steel due to its look and is very popular in architectural landscaping. It is also heat resistant and quite sustainable/eco-friendly. 

Uses:

Weathering steel can be used in various ways due to its longevity and look, such as retaining walls, landscape edging, fencing, gates, bollards, roofing, siding, and planter boxes, to name a few. 

Aluminum 

Aluminum has many stellar features. Some of which include its strength, corrosion resistance, ability to be 100% recycled, resistance as it combines flexibility with strength as well as the ability to be finished with many different techniques. 

Uses:

Because of its ability to be shaped along with being lightweight, aluminum has many uses in landscaping and design, such as edging for walkways, furniture (tables, benches, chairs, or swings), fencing, and paneling, facades, roofing, ceiling, fixtures, and more.

Quality Metals to Help Build the Design of Your Dreams

MetalTech Global is the nation’s premier distributor and fabricator of coil, sheet, and finished architectural metals products. Working with our affiliates, we are promoting the use of sustainable metal products in building. 

We envision that home and commercial construction will be committed to using only durable and reusable products. MetalTech Global can help your commitment to sustainability be successful as durability, reusability, and sustainability are our areas of expertise. We work with companies like elZinc America, VMZinc, Lorin Industries, and Hussey Copper to provide the highest quality architectural products in natural metals. 

Contact us today for information on architectural metals, coils, panels, metal fabrication and cutting, folding, and more. We look forward to being a part of your next successful project!

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Understanding the Different Types of Facades

facades

In architecture and construction, facades can play an important role in the design and function of a building’s structure. Facades are not only an architect’s way of playing with the form and flow of the building’s composition, but they also can be the main barrier to heat, cold, and damage from outside elements. 

The catalog of facades can vary quite significantly depending on aesthetic, price, material, and design. This article will help break down these different types of facades and the materials used to make them. While facades elevate the layout, their function extends beyond just aesthetics and can improve much more than just a plain look, as you will learn below.

What is a Facade?

In architecture, a facade is the face or front of a building, an exterior that protects the interior behind it. They are an important part of the outside of a building as they help to keep whoever is inside cool during the summer and warm during the winter, as well as helping to shield the shell of the building from other weather elements.

Facades can be made of many different materials (from clay to steel), and used in many different ways. Architecturally, they can convey whatever the designer aspires to showcase, and they run the gamut from modern and minimalist to conceptual and experimental. 

When utilized, facades can offer an eco-friendly way to protect its interior from heat and cold, which effectively saves money due to energy efficiency. It can also protect the structure from water and sun damage as well. Aesthetics are only the tip of the iceberg when it comes to the versatility of facades.

What is a Facade System?

A facade system is a cladding system that provides vertical and lateral protection from wind and other elements. It leaves a ventilated chamber between cladding and insulation that eliminates water build-up (condensation) from humidity, rain, and more, as well as to help stop thermal bridging.

The weather resistance of these facade systems provides necessary heat, wind, sun, cold, sound, and fire resistance. Materials such as zinc, copper, corten steel, and aluminum make the look cohesive with the added environmental benefits.

Types of Facade Systems

Scale, architectural design, type of building, and budget are some of the factors that can determine the type of facade system you will need. Here are just some of the facade systems you can utilize in your next build:

Trapezoidal Corrugated System

​The trapezoidal corrugated systems are screen wall profiles more commonly known as the “box” corrugated. Like Sinusoidal Corrugated, these systems are used for their unique design capabilities; however, Trapezoidal Corrugated offers a more robust exchange of light and shadow than Sinusoidal profiles. This system can be arranged horizontally, vertically, and diagonally.

Benefits:

  • It can be installed horizontally, vertically, and diagonally
  • Easy to maintain
  • Unlimited perforation capabilities
  • Cost-effective
  • Clean lines and edges
  • Wide range of available materials and colors
  • Exposed fastening system

Reveal Panel System

The reveal panel has endless possibilities in regard to design. These systems have a variable reveal width ranging from 0-1”, thus providing flexibility for the designer with vertical and horizontal installation.

Installation of the Reveal Panel is done from top to bottom and can be executed quickly. Combining horizontal and vertical reveal panels makes for an exquisite design and facade.

Benefits:

  • Installed horizontally and vertically
  • Reveal Panels create striking shadows
  • Unlimited design capabilities
  • Enhanced and accentuated facade design
  • Variable face heights and widths lengths for optimal design capabilities.
  • Wide range of available materials and colors

Shiplap Panel System

The Shiplap Panel System solutions are designed for high-level facade projects. Commercial and public buildings requiring intricate design or a staggered-like appearance often choose this system because of its layered characteristics and shadowless joints. When exposed to light and shade, sharp contours appear because of the profile geometry of the Shiplap Panel System.

Benefits:

  • Installed horizontally
  • Creates sharp and eye-catching contours
  • Layered panel design
  • Enhanced scalloped design
  • Wide range of available materials and colors
  • Unique cladding, reminiscent of a wooden facade

HV90 System

​HV90 is an integrated wall panel system that has now become one of the most popular profiles selected for use on buildings of all types. With its concealed clip and fastener design, this panel system is sure to create a stunning facade.

HV90 offers a wide variety of custom designs. These panels can be installed vertically, horizontally, or in combination.

Benefits:

  • Unlimited perforation capabilities
  • Design support
  • Fully engineered systems

Get the Function and Style Your Design Calls For with MetalTech Global

MetalTech Global is the nation’s premier distributor and fabricator of coil, sheet, and finished architectural metals products. We promote the use of sustainable metal products in the buildings and are able to create custom perforated patterns and shapes as well. With high-tech tools and over 15 years of experience, our architectural support staff can realize an unlimited variety of folded and perforated panel designs, as well as a range of facade systems and 3D wall systems. 

Contact us today, and we will help you make your design dreams into reality. From facade systems to any of your perforated metal, coil, panel, and fabrication needs, we hope to work with you today to realize your next architectural dream.

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Be Amazed With These Perforated Metal Architectural Projects From Around the World

perforated metal

In recent years, one of the growing trends in modern architecture has been the incorporation of perforated metal in construction. This is not necessarily surprising, given that perforated metal sheets can be used to enhance a building’s facade with an almost infinitely wide range of images, textures, and shapes. And although perforated metal is most often used for aesthetic and design purposes, it can frequently serve practical functions as well. 

To showcase the wide range of fascinating and eye-catching uses of perforated metal in architecture, this article will showcase some noteworthy examples from building projects around the world. 

1. Miami Museum Garage

There is no shortage of flashy, eye-catching sights when exploring Miami’s downtown design district. But even in this high-competition environment, the exterior of the Miami museum parking garage is an arresting sight.

While different sections of the building’s exterior have been decorated by a collection of artists, the building’s front is covered in a layer of perforated metal, presenting a beautiful, flowing facade created through the use of color and gaps in the metal. These gaps showcase specific rooms within the structure and evoke the tunnels and chambers of an ant colony. 

Not only does the outer layer of metal provide a beautiful and unique face, but the metal also serves to moderate and control the amount of sun and wind that enter the parking structure, thus serving a double function, both aesthetic and practical. 

2. Salesforce Transit Center

The Salesforce Transit Center in San Francisco is another large building that boldly features perforated metal panels. This massive transportation hub took 17 years to finish construction, and is surrounded by rolling, wave-shaped sheets of perforated metal. The design cut into the metal was designed by physicist and mathematician Sir Roger Penrose, who took his inspiration for the pattern from both the natural world and math itself. 

3. Douyun Bookstore

Architect firm Wutopia Lab made a bold choice when, rather than demolishing two abandoned buildings, they joined the two empty spaces into a single functional bookstore by wrapping the structure in perforated aluminum. The aluminum sheet surrounding Douyun bookstore is perforated at differing sizes, creating different levels of visibility around the structure, sometimes giving partial views of the old original structures below, and overall creating a gentle, welcoming, “cloudy” look.

Where once two “unfocused” buildings eventually failed, the single uniting factor of the perforated metal gently covering the bookstore creates a clean, well-spaced interior as well as attractive outside garden and courtyard spaces that make this flagship bookstore location a destination in its own right. 

4. Vancouver’s Treehouse

The looming building in West Vancouver known as the Tree House is a condo building whose exterior is made up of a combination of concrete, dark painted metal, and of course, perforated metal sheets. Similar to the Miami garage structure, these metal sheets will serve a dual function of giving the building’s exterior a more tree-like and “natural” look while also regulating the amount of sun that directly strikes the walls and windows of the building, helping to better control the temperature and levels of natural light.

These metal sheets, along with the intentionally uneven shape of the building, help it feel almost like a natural formation jutting out of the surrounding wilderness. 

5. Cinema Le Grand Palais

When the french design group, Antonio Virga Architecte, set out to repurpose a space that had at different points been both a convent and a military base, their goal was to make a movie theater that was built from modern design sensibilities while still evoking the grand, monumental movie theaters of the past. 

The Cinema Le Grand Palais does this with two main building structures – one a simple but elegant white marble rectangle that matches the dimensions of the nearby centuries-old homes, the other half covered in a “false” extension of a brilliant gold perforated metal sheet. The overall design is founded in the architectural history of the area while still presenting a magnificent and opulent facade and still provides a practical use as light spilling from within the large golden box helps to illuminate the surrounding square. 

The Sky’s the Limit 

There can be no doubt that the use of perforated metal sheets in architecture around the globe is on the rise, and the reasons for this trend are equally clear. That’s why, if you are starting or planning a new construction project, there has never been a better time to contact MetalTech Global to help bring your artistic vision to life.

As the nation’s single premier manufacturer and distributor of zinc sheets and coils. Zinc sheet is a hugely flexible metal, both physically and metaphorically, capable of being molded into nearly any shape and displaying any image through careful perforation. Take advantage of our services now to find out how we can help you realize your next construction dream.

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Why Do Architects Prefer Zinc for Roofing and Cladding?

zinc

As any architect can tell you, choosing the right construction materials is one of the earliest and most critical steps in any construction project. And, naturally enough, as the years pass, different materials will come in and out of popular favor. Recent years have seen zinc increasingly used in more and more construction projects around the world, and when one thinks about it, it’s hardly surprising why. 

Zinc offers a wide array of benefits as a building material that make it an attractive choice, offering many of the same benefits as much more expensive metals like copper while still holding strict and distinct advantages over cheaper metals like stainless steel. This article will explore the principal reasons why zinc has taken off so much in recent years by examining its unique benefits. 

Zinc Is Eco-Friendly

Zinc has several “Green” advantages over many of the other commercial metals used in construction. First of all, it’s an incredibly common element, ranking the 24th most commonly found in the Earth’s crust, which means that it can be found and mined in abundance. 

Zinc also has several eco advantages in the smelting and manufacturing process as well. It has a lower melting point than aluminum or copper, which means that it requires less energy to melt down and refine. Additionally, zinc is close to 100% recyclable, which means that at the end of its service life (or just after a building has been demolished), old zinc sheets can be melted down and reforged into a new zinc sheet of almost the same size. This, in combination with its long service life, means that less zinc overall needs to be extracted from the Earth.

Zinc Has a Long Service Life

As we just mentioned, zinc has a long service life – due to the protective patina that zinc roofing and cladding will naturally form, it’s weatherproof, resistant to corrosion, antimicrobial, and resistant to UV radiation. All of this means that a zinc roof, if well maintained, can easily last for 100 years without needing to be replaced. 

A zinc roof won’t need major repairs or anything more than very basic maintenance due to its patina. This protective outer layer makes the metal self-healing since, even when receiving minor scratches or damage over time, a fresh layer of patina will readily form over the damaged area. While there are other metals that offer the same benefit, zinc is generally a fraction of the price of more premium metals like copper.

Zinc Is Weatherproof

Similar to the last point, zinc is resistant to many corrosive weather elements. While a zinc roof in an environment rich with salt water won’t last as long as one in a drier climate, it still clearly outperforms stainless steel (its cheaper alternative) by a long shot. Zinc roofing and cladding also do well in heavily snowy environments. 

Zinc is Flexible

One of its main advantages is that zinc is flexible both literally and figuratively. While zinc roofing is highly popular, it’s hardly the only use for this amazing metal. Zinc works well at any pitch between 5 and 90 degrees and, when rolled thin (around 0.7mm), it can be molded into a vast range of flowing curves, angles, and shapes. All of this means that zinc is an ideal metal not only for roofing but for cladding the entire outer envelope of a building.

In recent years, architects around the world have been taking advantage of this fact to create all sorts of imaginative, beautiful, and unconventional projects, able to be used on any project be it thoroughly modern, totally traditional, or anything in between. With a zinc structure, the architect’s imagination is their only limit!

Zinc is Beautiful

Last of all, it should not be left merely implied that zinc is simply an aesthetically pleasing metal. The clean, crisp, lines of a metal roof work just as beautifully in a modern aesthetic as they did in the earliest zinc roofs built in Europe in the 19th century.

From the natural black of the metal, to the subtle bluish color of its patina, to the vibrant range of colors that it can be given through painting and treatment, zinc can be used to create any kind of aesthetic, from traditional, to straight-laced modern, to bright and playful. 

Taking Advantage of the Best

Indeed, the ever-increasing popularity and presence of zinc in the modern architecture landscape is hardly surprising. At MetalTech Global, we know from experience just how incredible this metal is, and with our state-of-the-art facilities, we are the most experienced in the country with manufacturing, designing, and engineering of zinc building enveloping systems.

As the premier manufacturer and distributor of zinc in North America, we are equipped with all the resources and know-how necessary to provide you with the finest possible zinc sheets and coils to complete your next building project.

Contact us today to learn how we can help you bring your next project to life with zinc.

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The Revival of Zinc

zinc

Although it is much less famous and widely known than some of its counterparts such as copper or stainless steel, zinc has a long-standing history of usage in architecture. It was first used several hundred years ago during the 19th century in Europe, and is now once again on the rise in popularity in architectural projects around the world. 

But what first attracted builders to this metal in the past, and why is interest in it increasing once again? There are a lot of reasons why zinc is increasingly used in roofs and cladding, both in the past and currently, and this article will explore those reasons in detail. 

Basic Zinc Facts

Zinc is a particularly abundant and common element – specifically the 24th most common to be found in Earth’s crust. Indeed, it can be found in the Earth, water, and even air all around us, and plays a critical role in regulating the metabolic functions of living things from plants, to animals, to humans. You can even buy zinc supplements over the counter in your local pharmacy’s vitamins and supplements section.

As a construction material scientifically considered a heavy metal, it seems strange that zinc would be desirable (let alone safe) to ingest. Strange as it is however, zinc’s non-toxic qualities are well known, and actually make it an ideal metal for structures that interact with water and runoff, such as gutters. 

A Short History of Zinc

Humans have been aware of zinc for a long time – even the ancient Romans made use of it (although not as an architectural metal). That said, it wasn’t until the 19th century that people began to be fully aware of zinc’s potential when the first major center for extracting, processing, and smelting zinc was built to create the first lightweight, rolled sheets of the metal.

Some of the earliest innovations with zinc were made in Germany and Austria as the metal was used in a hollow casting process to create a huge range of decorative elements from lampposts, to statuary, to flowing filigree on doors and balconies. And of course it didn’t take long for people to discover the primary use of zinc – as a roofing and cladding material. 

When Baron Georges-Eugène Haussmann was tasked by Napoleon with carrying out a massive urban renewal plan in Paris, his extensive use of zinc roofing had an enduring effect on the city. Both in terms of the literal long service life of those original rooves, but also because the visual style that he established is still defining what people think of as the Parisian look today. 

Durability

Before engineering and metallurgical science had provided the wide range of modern alloys and materials that modern construction depends upon, zinc was the lightweight, durable material of choice for architects in the harsh environments of northern Europe. 

Lightweight, resistant to corrosion and even to physical damage, given the right combination of geographic position and local conditions, a well-maintained zinc roof can last for a century, or even potentially longer! What’s more, this durability refers not just to zinc’s longevity, but the ease and low cost associated with maintaining it. The natural patina formed by the metal makes it anti-microbial, and will naturally continually reform, allowing a zinc roof to “self-heal” minor scratches. 

Eco Advantages

Connected to its incredible longevity, zinc offers several ecological advantages. The primary perk of course, is that a long-lasting zinc roof will not need to be replaced for a long time, and thus will not require the extraction or production of new metal. Compare this “one time” installation to asphalt shingles for example – every year the US generates around 11 million tons of asphalt waste associated with re-roofing buildings. 

There’s also the question of recyclability. An asphalt shingle might last for around 15 to 17 years before it must go straight into a landfill. Zinc on the other hand is 100% recyclable, which means that even after a 90 year service life, a zinc roof can be removed, melted down and reshaped into a fresh piece of metal that can be used all over again in an entirely different building. 

Even producing fresh zinc sheets is a comparatively eco-friendly option since it has a lower melting point than other similar architectural metals. This means that processing zinc requires only one quarter of the raw amount of energy necessary to process aluminum, and only a third of the energy required for stainless steel or copper.

Zinc on the Rise

Zinc, once associated specifically with roofing in a few European countries, is becoming more and more common in a range of uses and a variety of projects around the world. It has many of the same desirable qualities as high-end metals like copper while being cheaper, while still offering superior durability and recyclability than cheaper metals like stainless steel. 

That’s why you should contact MetalTech Global today – we are the nation’s premier zinc manufacturer and distributor, and our state of the art facilities allow us to produce zinc sheets and coils to your specifications. Find out how we can bring your next project to life!

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Is Copper Good for Roofing?

copper

It can be argued that copper makes for the most attractive of all metal roofing options, and stays unique because of how it changes color over time. The metallic sheen of new copper will eventually become a blue-green patina that is near impossible to replicate.

Copper is an option for those who are looking for a roof to have a longer lifespan as well as a unique look. Copper is a long-lasting industrial metal that can remain intact for hundreds of years with proper maintenance.

Learning the pros and cons of sustainable materials can educate home and business owners on new ways to save money while keeping their homes formidable in the housing market as well. This article will take you through all the advantages of using copper for roofing, as well as why not every building has a copper roof (yet.) 

Copper Roofing: Benefits

Copper is a natural material that has been used for centuries in roofing and other architecture. Many gothic buildings and churches were roofed in copper and you can still visit some that are intact to this day.

With longevity and energy efficiency being top priorities when creating and designing buildings, copper roofing is becoming a popular metal roofing option for both industrial and domestic projects. Here are some of the major benefits of using copper for your next roofing job.

Lifelong Use

The biggest benefit you get from having a copper roof is its lifespan. Copper is considered a “lifetime” roofing option as you won’t have to replace it while you are living in your home and perhaps even after a few generations.

When properly installed, you will never have to replace it and simple maintenance will keep the patina looking amazing. No other roofing material can boast the longevity of copper, which gets better as it ages and stays just as durable and useful.

Durable

Being fireproof, and antimicrobial, it is no wonder this material is used in roofing and facades and is becoming more and more popular nowadays. On top of that, copper is lightweight, easy to install, incredibly durable, and cost-effective.

Asphalt roofing must be replaced every 12 to 18 years, but the structure and durability of copper roofing require very little maintenance once it is installed. This is because copper does not rust or corrode through oxidation.

It also does not require an additional coating and does not need to be repainted. Copper roofing is safer than other roofing materials and thus won’t become damaged through storms.

Lightweight

Copper is relatively lightweight, especially compared to other roofing materials like asphalt or shingles. This means there’s much less strain on your home’s structure when you use it.

Since it is lightweight and malleable, it can be formed to fit almost any house or building shape. Because of copper’s malleable nature, a professional with the proper tools can shape and mold it to fit even the most unique architectural features.

Great Aesthetic

Some of the most revered architecture in the world has copper in it. Medieval churches and buildings scattered through Europe show the gorgeous patina of copper throughout the ages and some of it is still standing hundreds of years later.

Copper can work with many types of architectural designs. From modern to classic structures, this roofing option is highly adaptable. Having a copper roof will definitely stand out in the neighborhood.

From its early days as a gorgeous metallic sheen to its slowly forming that gorgeous green patina we are all used to seeing on older structures, copper’s structure and form are timeless.

Eco-Friendly

Copper is one of the only materials that can be recycled repeatedly without seeing any loss of performance. It is 100% recyclable and that makes it incredibly eco-friendly.

Though it does need to be mined to be used, its recyclability makes it great for those who want to be environmentally aware. Copper wiring, pipes, fixtures, and even old roofs can be recycled and reused over and over.

Copper Roofing: Disadvantages

The biggest issue for someone with using copper roofing is the price of materials. On average, a copper installation can cost more than twice as much as a standard asphalt roof.

The high price of getting a copper roof makes it hard for many homeowners to afford to use it, but when looking at the long-term benefits of a copper roof it can be a worthwhile investment.  Though you pay more at the start, a copper roof can cut down costs for many years. 

Ask the Building Material Specialists at MetalTech About Copper Today

MetalTech Global is the nation’s premier distributor and fabricator of coil, sheet, and finished architectural metals products. Working with our affiliates, we are promoting the use of sustainable metal products in building. 

We envision that home and commercial construction will be committed to using only durable and reusable products. MetalTech Global can help your commitment be successful as durability, reusability, and sustainability is our area of expertise. We work with companies like elZinc America, VMZinc, Lorin Industries, and all major Copper mills to provide the highest quality architectural products in natural metals. 

Contact us today for information on architectural metals, coils, panels, metal fabrication and cutting, folding, and more. We look forward to being a part of your next successful project!

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Perforated Metal: The Top Choice for Building Facades

perforated metal

The versatility and utility of perforated metal cannot be overstated. Architects, designers, and those in construction use it for its versatility, aesthetic, and durability. The transformative ways it can be used for many types of projects, big and small, make it the best choice for those who need it for specific projects, such as facades.

With perforated metal, not only will you get durability and strength, but the design elements that can be made using it are next level, and it has many applications, big and small. This article will explore why perforated metal is beneficial as well as exceptional in the many avenues it is used for. 

Perforated Metal: A Quick Instruction

Perforated metal, which can also be called a perforated sheet, perforated plate, or perforated screen, is sheet metal that has been stamped or punched by hand or machine using CNC technology or laser cutting to create different holes, patterns, and shapes in the metal to come up with different looks and uses.  It is most commonly made from aluminum and steel, but other metals can be incorporated as well.

Advantages of Using Perforated Metal

Price

One of, if not the most important, reasons that perforated metal is so highly regarded is that with all of its advantages, it is still incredibly kind to your budget when using it for projects in construction and design jobs. Many cities and public buildings use perforated metal in their designs as they are economical without losing out aesthetically. 

Aesthetics

The perforated metal look delivers a modern and unique look wherever it is used. Because of the almost endless options when it comes to the hole sizes, hole shapes, patterns, and finishes that you are able to do with perforated metal, it makes for the perfect material for whatever look the project calls for.

Perforated metal also allows the person designing the facade to control outside visibility. By changing the size of the perforated metal design, you can make it difficult for those on the outside to look in while still allowing for natural light and air to come through. It can be as open or as private as you would like, which makes perforated metal ideal for designing great-looking spaces that feel secure with the added benefit of being aesthetically pleasing.

Versatility

The nature of perforated metal allows for it to be easily manipulated, bent, and changed to fit your design. Because of how versatile and easy it can be molded to your specifications, perforated metal can be used as decorative or structural. This gives designers many options when it comes to the use and application of perforated metal, from sunscreens that can filter light and heat to railing infills that can add to structure while reducing the mass.

Durability

The structure and strength of perforated metal makes it a cut above when comparing it to other materials and metals. It can withstand rough and varied weather elements with its strength-to-weight ratio making it formidable against the harshest weather Mother Nature has to dish out.

With this type of metal, the perforations lighten the metal and allow for it to be used in more applications and in more areas as it won’t weigh down the structure nearly as much as other metals. The durability of perforated metal is far better than fabric, mesh, or glass, as they can rip or break quite easily. 

Perforated metal is difficult to damage and quite easy to clean, making it great for larger projects in big cities as well as smaller design projects for the facade of a small business. 

Energy Efficiency

Energy efficiency is becoming more and more important as we realize the toll and expense of using too much energy. Because perforated metal balances ventilation and light, it allows those designing with it to utilize and manage the heat from the sun within the facade and build.

When you deflect heat, less energy is used to cool the space, and thus, not only does it keep the building cooler but saves money as well. HVAC systems can overload breakers and cause brown and blackouts during high heat summers, so using perforated metal to keep the sun at bay can really be a help when needed most. 

Eco-Friendliness

Coinciding with energy efficiency is the eco-friendliness of this type of metal. Perforated metal is a fantastic “green” material because it is very recyclable, it reduces energy, as we have learned, as well as promotes sustainability and innovation when it comes to the use of the material.

Because of the perforations in the metal, less metal is actually used, which reduces weight, and this reduction in weight can lower costs when building or even transporting the metal to the job site. Using eco-friendly metals helps the designer to explore the versatility and use while saving on budget and making a truly unique product.

Get Advice From the Metal Experts 

MetalTech Global is the nation’s premier distributor and fabricator of coil, sheet, and finished architectural metals products. We promote the use of sustainable metal products in the buildings and are able to create custom perforated patterns and shapes as well. With high-tech tools and over 15 years of experience, our architectural support staff can realize an unlimited variety of folded and perforated panel designs.

Contact us today for all of your perforated metal, coil, panel, and fabrication needs! We hope to work with you today to realize your next architectural dream.

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Learn the History of Perforated Metal

perforated metal

Perforated metal has a storied history that stretches across hundreds of years. With a wide variety of functions and applications, this type of metal has appeared across continents and cultures over the years, used in warfare, technology, art, and construction.

With characteristics that lend themselves both to structural and decorative uses, perforated metal is an ideal material for many types of mediums. This article will look at the history of perforated metal, from its conception and throughout history to today, as well as how they are applied in today’s world.  

What is Perforated Metal?   

Perforated metal is sheet metal with holes designed in a particular size and shape. This metal has a mesh-like look, and any aspects of the metal, such as the pattern, shape (typically circular), and size (standard size is 1mm) of the holes, can be customized. When customizing the size of the hole, the bigger the hole, the thicker the metal sheeting will have to be.

History of Perforated Metal

Early History

Some earlier examples of the technique of perforated metal was in World War II when the military used perforated steel planking to construct temporary runways and landing strips. Though the historical methods were more basic, you can see the applications being used by hand that machines do nowadays.

Perforating metal is just the evolution of early man perforating items for daily use. As primitive humans evolved, so did our methods of making tools and items of use.  Back then, a person would have had to strike the metal or material thousands of times to produce the perforations modern punch machines do in seconds. 

As civilization moved on, more metals were discovered for use in art, and the construction of homes and tools.  Many peoples, including Asians, Native Americans, Africans, and Europeans, began making coins for currency with this metal, and the coins would have a hole in the middle. The hole was handy to string the coins together and save on how much metal was used. 

Perforation would allow for decoration and design to be added within the build, adding to the armors that were to come for war and sport. In addition, it allowed for ventilation and movement.

Age of Industry

When the industrial rolling mill was introduced in the early 1600s, it revolutionized the possibilities for crafting metal and other materials. Until now, all perforated metal was made by hand.

Over the next two hundred years, sheet metal production would eventually make way for machine-punched metal. The first machines to perforate metal automatically were built in the early 1800s.

An industrialist named Eli Hendrick started to drill holes in thick plate metal, but he needed machines to ensure holes were drilled simultaneously. This machine would become the prototype for the modern metal perforating punch machine.  

These innovations were happening around the world. In the late 1800s, the UK developed a perforated metal process that would introduce the first zero-waste method of creating perforations. Patterns and designs began to appear in the late 1800s, and industrial casting offered a pathway to customization as never seen before. 

Today

The early 2000s set the stage for a new phase for perforated metal as digital technology began (and continues to) push the envelope of what perforated metal can do and be. With the aid of computers and more advanced machinery, designers and developers have given perforated metal a new renaissance. This renaissance has evolved into not just design but shows the energy-saving and environmentalist abilities of perforated metal as well.

In 2015, research into facades showed that using perforated metal as a “second skin” on the exterior of buildings would reduce energy usage by keeping the building behind it cooler. This expands into heating, ventilation, and lighting consumption for energy. 

Uses and Advantages

Not only can perforated metal be used for groundbreaking design, structure, and amazing energy savings, but it can also:

  • Diffuse sound
  • Enhance privacy
  • Help walkways and stairs become slip-resistant and easy-to-clean 
  • Great for drainage
  • Create shade
  • Be used in industrial cooking
  • Help with filtration 
  • Help in many other sectors such as automotive, construction, and architecture.

The uses for perforated metal are almost limitless!

Consult with the Perforated Metal Experts at MetalTech Global

MetalTech Global is the nation’s premier distributor and fabricator of coil, sheet, and finished architectural metals products. We promote the use of sustainable metal products in the buildings and can create custom perforated patterns and shapes as well. With high-tech tools and over 15 years of experience, our architectural support staff can realize an unlimited variety of folded and perforated panel designs.

Contact us today for all of your perforated metal, coil, panel, and fabrication needs! We hope to work with you today to realize your next architectural dream.

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The History of Weathering Steel

weathering steel

For almost a century, weathering steel has been used in bridges, fences, buildings, and even artwork. Its unique appearance and ability to avoid corrosion have made it a must-use for many construction and structural projects over the decades.

Even if you haven’t heard of weathering steel, the buildings and structures around your city or hometown have definitely benefited from its use. This article will go over how weathering steel was discovered and come to be as it is today, as well as its practical uses in everyday life.  

What is Weathering Steel?

Weathering steel is also referred to as Corten A or Corten B steel. It is an alloy steel that is often used in construction and is well-known for its rust-like appearance.

The outer appearance is actually a protective rust layer called a “patina” that inhibits further corrosion and extends the life and use of the steel. These steels are low alloy and have great strength due to their resistance to corrosion.

The Composition of Weathering Steel

Weathering steel is a low-carbon alloy. The low amount of carbon is what allows it to be tough and ductile. The three alloys in weathering steel are nickel, copper, and chromium.

While weathering steel can rust, it only does so on the outer surface. If the outer coating of rust has grown, the rust does not go further into the steel. The rust-coated surface serves as a kind of protective shield, preventing the steel from any additional corrosion.

The rust layer that is formed on the plain carbon steel is porous and breaks off, which allows it to form another layer deeper into the steel. The cycle continues until the regular steel is useless.

The first layer of rust on the weathering steel forms to hold on because of the contribution of alloys. Hence there is no need to coat the metal with a protective layer as it is self-protected through any sort of weather that occurs. You can, however, coat weathering steel in a protective coating to stop the rust from staining the surrounding areas as the rust will spread when rained on. 

The History of Weathering Steel

In the 1930s, the US Steel Corporation developed weathering steel to get the stronger, more durable steel they needed for the hopper carts to carry their ore and coal to the furnace.

Later they realized this metal alloy had useful corrosion resistance that could be marketed and sold in other industries, so the new alloy was trademarked and called COR-TEN® steel. 

The first time weathering steel was used for architectural purposes was at the John Deere World Headquarters in Illinois. This building was designed by famed architect Eero Saarinen, and the building was finished in 1964. 

Weathering steel is also used for artistic purposes. In 1977, Robert Indiana created a Hebrew version of the LOVE sculpture using weathering steel for the Israel Museum Art Garden in Jerusalem.

Many artists have incorporated weathering steel into their work since its arrival; the most well-known artist being American sculptor Richard Serra. Serra has built numerous, massive sculptures using weathering steel that can be found around the world.

The first weathering steel bridge was a footbridge built in 1967 at York University. It has been used in large bridge and structural applications around the world since. Some examples are the New River Gorge Bridge, the second span of the Newburgh–Beacon Bridge in 1980, and the Australian Center for Contemporary Art (ACCA) and MONA.           

It was also used in 1971 for the Highliner electric cars built by the St. Louis Car Company for the Illinois Central Railroad. Using weathering steel was seen as a way to cut costs in comparison with the pricey stainless steel that was the railcar standard. 

Companies such as MetalTech Global have vast experience in fabrication and artful design, which can be seen in such projects like:

  • Embry Riddle Aeronautical University in Florida
  • CREC Academy of Aerospace & Engineering in Connecticut
  • Los Angeles Trade Technical College in California
  • Owensboro Convention Center in Kentucky
  • Casa Val in Costa Rica
  • Chelsea Studios in New York

These examples show the range of what perforated metal can do in the hands of experts and talented artists and craftspeople. 

How Long Does Weathering Steel Last?

Because of its protective rust coat that provides corrosion resistance, weathering steel used in bridges, architecture, and other mediums can last upwards of a few decades to over 100 years in the proper conditions.

Get Quality Materials for Your Next Project 

MetalTech Global is the nation’s premier distributor and fabricator of coil, sheet, and finished architectural metals products. We promote the use of sustainable metal products in the buildings and are able to create custom perforated patterns and shapes as well. With high-tech tools and over 25 years of experience, our architectural support staff can realize an unlimited variety of folded and perforated panel designs.

Contact us today for all of your weathering steel, perforated metal, coil, panel, and fabrication needs! We hope to work with you today to realize your next architectural dream.

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