The Design & Cost Means Report

In This Issue...

Means News • Feature Article • RSMeans Focuses On • Cost Data

Means News

On Nov. 10-12, join Reed Construction Data at the 2009 Greenbuild Conference and Expo in Phoenix, AZ (Booth # 1948). Sign up in advance or stop by the booth for a one-on-one expert consultation on tools to help you evaluate and document green products, building information modeling (BIM) solutions to help you increase efficiency, project data services to help you find and track construction projects, and cost data tools to help you accurately estimate your projects. Special offers available at the booth.

In addition, don’t miss a special presentation by Phillip Waier, P.E., LEED AP, co-author of “Green Building: Project Planning and Cost Estimating,” as he addresses the recognized building rating systems and resources for identifying green materials.

Learn More!

Feature Article

Cool Metal Roofing Battles Rising Energy Costs

When cool roof products were first introduced, there was a great deal of enthusiasm in the industry in regard to the products’ potential, particularly in terms of energy savings for the consumer. Over the last five years, the metal building and roofing industry has continued to invest in research and development of more environmentally friendly manufacturing processes. With innovative products and systems, such as cool metal roofing colors, the metal building and roofing industry has made significant strides in providing sustainable roofing products that offer lower energy costs with less of an impact on the environment.

Metal roofing products are wind and fire resistant, durable, and provide a low-cost life cycle. In addition, cool metal roofing colors are helping win the energy war by increasing heat reflectivity - even on medium- to dark-colored metal roofs - to meet EnergyStar specifications. In warmer climates, such as the South, the need for roofing systems that reduce the impact on the environment and provide high reflectivity is increasing every day. With rising global air temperatures, roofs must absorb more heat than ever before, increasing energy production to alarmingly high......

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RSMeans Focuses On Metal Roof & Wall Products

Focus on Metal Roof & Wall Products sponsored by Petersen Aluminum

REDUCE ELECTRICITY CONSUMPTION: FREE WHITE PAPER

Since Petersen Aluminum’s introduction of the PAC Solar Series last year, there have been countless inquiries about Solar Photovoltaics (PV), the latest solar technology combining metal roofing and solar energy. Recognizing the efforts of their customers to understand the new technology, Petersen Aluminum commissioned Scott Kriner, an industry expert, to research and prepare a white paper presenting cost comparisons of Solar PV Technologies, the science behind the concept, synergy with Metal Roofing, incentives and much more. Photovoltaic materials produce electricity with no moving parts, and without consuming any fossil fuels. It presents particularly attractive features to building owners who are looking to reduce electricity consumption. Photovoltaics are one of the clean renewable energy sources that the world is developing with great interest.

Visit www.pacgreeninfo.com/pacsolarseries.html to download the new white paper or visit us at GREENBUILD, Booth 4619.

Metal Roof Systems

For estimating purposes, metal roofing systems can be divided into two groups: pre-formed and formed metal. Pre-formed metal roofs, available in long lengths of varying widths and shapes, are constructed from aluminum, steel, or composite materials, such as fiberglass. Aluminum roofs can be left natural or pre-painted. Steel roofs are usually galvanized or painted. Most manufacturers require the product to be factory-painted in order to warranty its finish. Pre-formed metal roofing is installed on sloped roofs according to the manufacturer’s recommendations for minimum pitch. Lapped ends may be sealed with a pre-formed sealant to match the deck configuration. Pre-formed roofing is a cost-effective, durable alternative to other types of roofing for large buildings with shallow pitch or flat roof surfaces.

Formed metal roofing, typically selected for aesthetic reasons, is installed on sloped roofs that have been covered with a base material, such as plywood or concrete. Typical base materials include copper, lead, and zinc alloy. Flat sheets are joined by tool-formed batten-seam, flat-seam, and standing-seam joints. Formed metal roofing is typically more expensive—both material and installation—than pre-formed roofing.

Tips for Taking off Quantities

Takeoff of metal roofing is done by the square foot, and can be listed by the individual piece. Specific components are as follows:

Pre-formed sealant materials: by the linear foot. Determine quantities by calculating the square foot of roof surface to be covered with the manufacturer’s recommended allowances for side and end laps.
Formed metal roofing: by the square foot and converted to the square (each 100 square feet).
Trim pieces (battens for the seams and finish end pieces): by the linear foot or individual piece.

Formed metal roofing is most often used in custom applications and one-of-a-kind designs. It requires field measurement and shop drawings for fabrications. (Be sure to include these costs in the estimate.)

Takeoff for both types of metal roofing should be separated according to type of material, manufacturer, finish, and particular application. Check the specifications for sheet material, weight, and other characteristics, including color and special coatings on the exposed face of the metal, to help ensure accurate pricing. Include any hoisting and staging requirements.

Excerpted from Builder’s Essentials: Estimating Building Costs for the Residential & Light Commercial Contractor by Wayne J. DelPico, published by RSMeans.

Cost Data

Every issue of The Means Report will feature cost information on a wide variety of construction materials. This week we are focusing on Metal Roof & Wall Products. We will focus on different products or cities each week.

Prices for shop-fabricated structural steel that is primed and delivered to the job site increased nearly 17% over the 4 Quarters of 2008. As mini-mills have dropped their prices for hot-rolled structural shapes in Q4 of 2008 and Q1 - Q3 of 2009, fabricators have been forced to lower their prices during 2009 to remain competitive.