FPL Residential Roof Replacement Program

With the Metal Roofing Industry changing constantly, the programs naturally go through changes as well.

As of Sept. 15, 2015, the Florida Public Service Commission approved changes to some of our energy efficiency programs. These programs are paid for by all FPL customers as part of their electric rates. The changes that are to come will allow FPL to carry on offering cost-effective programs to help participating customers save energy while keeping rates low for everyone.

FPL recently announced that Effective October 1, 2015, the Residential Roof Replacement program has been discontinued. All jobs related to this program must be installed by September 30, 2015, and the current rebate form must be received by FPL by November 29, 2015, in order to receive the rebate payment. No payments will be processed after November 29th.

Find out if these changes affect you and your home!

Give B&B Wholesale Metals a call for more information.

For more information, please visit FPL Website for the full article.
https://www.fpl.com/landing/residential-program-changes.html

For more information on the changes to the programs near you, contact a FPL Program Specialist.
https://www.fpl.com/partner/contractor/contacts.html?cid=aliasprogramcontacts

Everything you need to know about Kynar

For more than four decades, Kynar 500 finishes have helped protect many commercial and residential buildings. Kynar is a special grade of PVDF resin that is used to coat aluminum, galvanized steel and aluminized steel.
Metal, in order to retain color, has to be coated with a finish of some type. This not only keeps up its appearance but also resists pitting, chalking, chipping and premature aging. These systems generally start with a primer coat, followed by a topcoat.
If the coating is made of 70 percent Kynar resin, it can use the Kynar 500 trade name. This ensures that the product you’re receiving is of the highest quality possible. The finishes normally come with a 30-year fade warranty up to five Delta E units — which is the smallest recognizable color shift that can be seen by the naked eye.
Because of this high fade resistance and its unique metallic finish colors, Kynar is a popular choice these days with many business owners. Still, it’s not exactly the most economical route to take; Kynar is more expensive than many other coatings.
All coatings, whether they come in liquid or powder form, contain a resin that defends against weathering. Kynar 500-based coating is called polyvinylidene flouride, but you can also find coating resins made of acrylic, polyester, silicone polyester and urethane.
If you’re interested in more information about Kynar paint systems, B&B Metals is here to help! Contact us today with any questions you may have.


http://www.bbmetals.net/knowledge-base/articles

Improper materials and the damage they cause

Improper materials and the damage they cause
The installation of a new metal roof can be a great investment to your home or business — but you should be aware of what materials to use throughout the process. If you’re not sure about the types that are compatible, you could end up with corrosion.
Galvanic corrosion can occur when steel and aluminum are in contact with each other. The least “noble” of the two metals — usually aluminum — will end up corroding. This is the anode surface. The other metal becomes the cathode and will be protected against corrosion. In addition, it’s not a good idea to have a large cathode surface in contact with a smaller anode surface.
You should also avoid using zinc screws in aluminum. Over time, the screws will cause corrosion in the metal. Why does this happen? The contacting metals create a bimetallic couple due to their different affinities for electrons. This leads to a current that flows between the two metals.
Then there is the issue of pressure-treated lumber in conjunction with metal roofing. The chemicals inside the lumber can be very corrosive when they come in contact with the metal. Although the coating on the back side of the metal will protect it somewhat, it won’t last forever. For this reason, it’s a good idea to use non-treated lumber or to include an underlayment between the lathe and the metal. In addition, be sure to ventilate the air chamber as well as the attic.
If you’d like to know more about the dangers of combining improper roofing materials, B&B Metals is here to answer any questions you may have. Contact us today!

 

 

 

 

 

How to properly cut metal panels

As we all know, metal roofing can be one of the most durable systems available, lasting for decades. But you may not be aware of how crucial it is to properly cut the panels. This is a key part of high-quality metal roof installation.
Why is this such a big deal? If the galvanized zinc coating is damaged or scratched at all, the area will be prone to rusting. To prevent this, certain techniques must be used to cut them. The following steps are important to the process:

• Before cutting the metal, place it on a perfectly flat work surface, with the underside facing up. Measure out the length that you’ll need to cut it, using a tape measure. Mark that spot with a permanent marker, place the combination square onto the mark where it needs to be cut and drag the combination square and permanent marker along the cut line.
• Now it’s time to begin cutting. Remember that any blemishes on the surface of the metal will be vulnerable to rust, and this will cause the roof to be weaker than normal. To cut, use a power shear, nibblers or tin snips. Align the cutting blades with the cutting line that has been marked on the underside — but make sure it’s perfectly aligned. Even if it’s off by a tiny bit, it could cause a lot of damage to the panel.
• The power shear or other type of cutting tool should be used slowly. This sounds simpler than it actually is, but with patience and a steady hand, you’ll get the hang of it.

Some people choose to use a saw when cutting metal panels. If you do so, you need to make sure there are no burrs left on the ends of the panels, because these rough edges will rust. Also, the filings that fly off the blade during the cutting process are hot, and they will therefore stick to the surface of the panels. These filings must be removed or you will end up with rust and pitting on the surface.
At right is a picture of a metal panel that was improperly cut and wasn’t brushed off correctly. Notice the rust issues that have resulted.
If you’d like to know more about how to precisely cut your metal panels, contact our team of friendly professionals today. We’re always here to help you!
for additional information please visit us at:
http://www.bbmetals.net/knowledge-base/articles/how-to-properly-cut-metal-panels

What to look for in a contractor.

Has the time come for a new roof on your home or business?  

You may assume that all contractors are created equal, but that’s simply not the case. 

Below are things to keep in mind as you go through the re-roofing process:

• Beware of fly-by-night operations. After a storm, contractors will suddenly appear out of the blue to offer their services. The problem is that once the work is done, they vanish. So if any problems with the work should arise, there’s little chance for a remedy.

• Pay for the work when it’s done, not beforehand. It’s fine to submit a deposit, but never pay for the full project until it’s completed to your satisfaction.

• Don’t sign anything until you’re ready to hire the company. Also, be sure to get a copy of anything and everything you do sign.

• A reputable contractor will provide you with a written description of all of the work that will be done, the quality of materials, the start and completion dates, and the estimated cost of the job.

• Does the contractor have references to share with you? If so, this is a good sign. But follow through by contacting all of them — especially the ones that had similar work done to yours.

• Make sure the contract includes the name, physical address and phone number of the company.
•  The contractor shouldn’t ask for cash; look for one that prefers a check or credit card.

• The contractor should be able to show you his or her license from the state in which you’re located. Also, make sure the license is up to date.

• Go with the company that has worker’s compensation for all of its employees. If you hire a company that doesn’t have this insurance, it could cost you dearly should something go wrong on your property.

To see the complete list, please visit our website: http://www.bbmetals.net/knowledge-base/articles/what-to-look-for-in-a-contractor

Roofing Permits and What You Need To Know.

Any contractor who has been in business for awhile knows the importance of the roofing-permit process. This is the way municipalities across the country enforce their building codes, which are created with safety in mind.

Most of the time, it will fall upon you as the contractor to obtain the permits (making you the contractor of record on the project), but occasionally the homeowner or business owner will take on the responsibility themselves.



Either way, the permit process is vitally important — in fact, it’s against the law not to obtain one. If you go through with a job without a proper permit, you will be fined at the very least. You may also have to tear down your work entirely.


A roofing permit will be a matter of public record, so future building owners will be able to check to make sure the process was carried out the way it was intended.

To find out what the first step is, please visit our website at
 http://www.bbmetals.net/knowledge-base/articles/roofing-permits-what-you-need-to-know

How a Metal Roof is Recycled.

As you may know, a metal roof typically has a minimum of 25 percent recycled content. This means that it can be labeled as “green” and be included in the list of products that are recycled.
When a building is renovated or demolished, a metal roof is 100 percent recyclable in those cases. Whereas some roofing materials end up in a landfill — it’s estimated that 11 million tons of asphalt shingles are in landfills — metal can be reused in its entirety. 
But how does the recycling process work? The following information comes from the group Conserve Energy Future:

• The metals are first sorted in terms of the base of their properties. The quality of the metal goes a long way when it comes to recycling it, so this is an important step in the process.
• The metal is then squeezed and compacted so that they don’t take up as much space on the conveyor belts.
• It’s now time to shred the metal. The material is broken down into small sheets or pieces so they can be processed with ease. The smaller-sized pieces can be melted and will use less energy to do so. Steel is normally changed into steel blocks, while aluminum is changed into sheets.
• The scrap metal is then melted in a large furnace. (Each type of metal will be placed in a separate furnace.) This process does require energy, but not as much as it would take to make it from raw material.
• The metals are then purified in different methods, with the help of electrolysis. The blocks are transported to different mills so that they can be remade into new products.

If you’d like to know more about how a metal roof is recycled in Central Florida, B&B Metals has the answers. Contact us today!

OSHA Inspection Rules

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) was established in 1970 and was charged, by the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970 to “assure safe and healthful working conditions for working men and women by setting and enforcing standards and by providing training, outreach, education and assistance.” OSHA achieves its goals by providing and implementing workplace guidelines intended to prevent injury to employees while completing their assigned job duties. The roofing industry is no different from any other, and employers are subject to OSHA regulations.
Several OSHA requirements for all employers include:

• providing a workplace that is safe and free of hazards
• provide safety training in a language and vocabulary that all employees can understand
• display appropriate OSHA signage in the workplace
• providing personal protective equipment to employees at no cost to employees
• maintain records of work-related injuries and illnesses
• no employer may discriminate or retaliate against employees for exercising their rights under the Act

OSHA provides specific recommendations for roofing contractors who regularly face dangers associated with falling off of a roof. A few of these measures include:

• identifying any potential fall protection needs before beginning a roofing project
• survey the roof for preexisting anchorage points (if none exist, install necessary precautions)
• skylights should be buffered by a guard rail, or a protective cover may be utilized, but this cover must be able to support twice the weight that it is asked to bear
• proper footwear is essential and is considered personal protective equipment
• employees should remain vigilant for air hoses and other cords used for power tools
• workers on roofs should be attached to a Personal Fall Arrest System (PFAS),
• other fall preventive measures include rope grabs and horizontal lifelines

These fall protection methods may not be appropriate for all roofing job sites and employers are responsible for meeting OSHA inspection rules by providing a safe working environment. Consult the OSHA website or contact an OSHA inspector to learn more about OSHA inspection rules.

Roofing Permits: What you need to know!

Any contractor who has been in business for awhile knows the importance of the roofing-permit process. This is the way municipalities across the country enforce their building codes, which are created with safety in mind.
Most of the time, it will fall upon you as the contractor to obtain the permits (making you the contractor of record on the project), but occasionally the homeowner or business owner will take on the responsibility themselves.
Either way, the permit process is vitally important — in fact, it’s against the law not to obtain one. If you go through with a job without a proper permit, you will be fined at the very least. You may also have to tear down your work entirely.
A roofing permit will be a matter of public record, so future building owners will be able to check to make sure the process was carried out the way it was intended.
What’s the first step? Submitting your construction plans and your permit application to the municipality requiring it. The government will then review the plans and will get back to you, but it may take weeks. Once you have the actual permit, you’ll have six months to get started on the roofing project. Fees will vary, depending on how much work you’ll be doing to a roof.
And don’t forget the inspections; for a major project, it may be required to have numerous inspections along the way — and it’s up to the contractor to schedule these.
If you’d like to know more about roofing permits in Northern Florida and the general area, contact us today for answers!

Why Metal Vs. Shingles?

Are you contemplating upgrading your roofing system to metal? Then consider all the benefits that metal roofing offers when compared to traditional asphalt shingles. Metal roofing in Florida and across the nation is a wonderful choice for any home or business.
The following are all reasons to choose metal vs. shingles:

• Variety in Styles: Traditional shingle roofing has only a small variety of styles to choose from. Metal roofing however comes in a vast array of colors and types. You can implement metal roofing that mimics the look of wood shake, slate, clay tiles and more! Traditional metal roofing styles are also highly sought after because of the wide array of color choices available. You can find a metal roofing product to fit any design need.
• Longevity: While your neighbors continually have to re-roof and replace shingles, your metal roof will keep on lasting. Metal roofs require very little maintenance and when coated or painted they are able to hold up for years without any major repair needs.
• Energy Efficiency: A lot of home and business owners are turning to metal roofs simply because of the incredible energy savings they can provide. Metal roofs naturally reflect the sun’s rays, decreasing your need for cooling during hot summer months. Many new metal roofs also employ reflective pigment technology which makes them even more energy efficient.
• Environmentally Friendly: Metal roofs are generally made from 30-60% recycled materials! They also prevent waste. Shingles are responsible for a large amount of waste in landfills every year because they must be torn off and replaced frequently. Metal roofs, however, last for many years and keep waste out of our landfills.
• Withstand Weathering: Metal roofing is capable of withstanding weathering far better than shingles. Metal can hold up against high winds, heavy rains and even hail.

Want to learn more about why you should choose metal vs. shingles? Please don’t hesitate to contact our team for more information. We are a high quality, metal roofing distributor in Florida serving the entire nation.

Cleaning a Metal Roof.

Cleaning Metal Roofing

Metal roofing is known for its low maintenance needs, but even metal eventually needs some TLC. One of the small tasks you can perform in order to ensure your metal roofing (or siding) lasts for many years and keeps a pristine look is a simple cleaning of the metal. We have gathered some metal roof cleaning tips from a few of the manufacturers we supply products from (Fabral and Union Corrugating Company).

By employing these simple tips and ideas for cleaning metal roofing in Florida or across the states, you can enjoy the beauty of a like-new metal roof for years to come.

Pre-Painted Metal

If you have a metal material that has been pre-painted or coated, then you can safely clean the metal using a simple solution of cleaner and water. Cleaners recommended for use on pre-painted metal include:

• Solutions of biodegradable household ammonia
• Simple Green (or other non-toxic biodegradable cleaners)
• Mild detergent solution
• Spic-N-Span laundry detergent
• “Glass Wax” (for tougher stains and dirt build up)

When it comes to choosing a cleaner for your metal roofing the two main things to keep in mind are to use product that contain less than .05% phosphate and to never blend cleansers or detergents with bleach without proper knowledge.

When it comes time to clean the metal, mix your product with water. The strength of the solution will depend upon the amount of dirt built up on your metal roofing. If you are using amonia, mix one cup with five gallons of water. If you have tough stains, you can use a very mild dish soap like Ivory along with bleach. In this case mix one gallon of bleach with five gallons of water and add one cup of dish soap. This is effective for mildew and fungal growth.

Next clean your panels using a wet cloth, sponge or soft bristled brush. Never use something too harsh that will scour your paneling. This can damage your coating / paint. Be sure that as you clean the panels you rinse them off thoroughly with clean water. Solution that is left on can leave a film, or if you are using a bleach solution could lead to damage.

You can also use a very low pressure spray washer on your metal roofing to aid in removal of dirt and debris. But be sure it is not high enough pressure to damage your metal’s coating.

These simple steps can help ensure your metal roofing lasts for many years to come and continues to have the same curb appeal as it did when you first purchased the materials. Feel free to contact us if you have any questions regarding metal roof cleaning in Florida or your local area.

Proof that a metal roof can be bold and artistic.

 

Metal roofs, as we know, can in some cases take on the look of other common roofing materials. But have you ever associated the word “undulate” with metal? A daring architectural firm in Vancouver, B.C. took that approach and is now reaping the rewards for their work.

The VanDusen Botanical Gardens Visitor Centre was awarded the 2013 Chairman’s Award from the Metal Construction Association (MCA), thanks in part to its use of 12,000 square feet of Alucobond natural panels on the roof, which is designed to resemble five orchid leaves. Surrounding the panels is a vegetation-filled rooftop made up of Douglas fir beams and plywood, according to the MCA.

At one of the first meetings about the project, the architects at Perkins+Will were told to make the building “outrageous.”

“They wanted a building that really drew people in,” design principle Jim Huffman told the MCA. “It looks irrational and illogical, but if you understand how it was designed and the technology behind it, it’s actually quite clever.”

Designing the panel system

 

How was this all put together? The metal installer Keith Panel Systems Co., LTD (KPS), out of Vancouver, created an interlocking system of prefabricated panels that would display positive and negative curves. The panels, says Huffman, proved to be easy and quick to install — but that doesn’t mean the project went entirely as expected.

“What you start with and what you think you’re going to do on a crazy building like this, and what you end up with, is a growth curve,” says Doug Dalzell, the founder of KPS. “This is art. This is not a solid product; it’s a shape and a form. And what you do is, you let the shape and form take over a little bit. If you try to do what we pulled off here from a flat sheet of metal, be it aluminum or stainless or whatever, it would probably kink on you.”

But in this case, the curved panels worked tremendously in the builders’ favor.

“It’s got a tremendous memory,” Dalzell adds. “It’s just alive. The more complicated the job, the more this product will work for you.”

Dalzell told the MCA that his firm decided to take on the daring project as a challenge. But it was a very enjoyable one: “When things like this come along, it’s a lot of fun, let me tell you.”

If this story has you intrigued and you’d like to learn more about the bold use of metal for roofs in Florida, contact us to talk!

The many varieties of metal roofing.

Contrary to what some people believe, metal roofing doesn’t just come in one form. There are many different types, and all have their special qualities. Among the varieties:

• Aluminum: According to the Metal Construction Association (MCA), more than 3 billion pounds of aluminum is used for construction each year in the United States.The majority of that goes toward roofing and wall systems. And it’s diverse; building owners can choose from a variety of colors and coatings. Not only will the colors last, but the roof’s coating will help it remain almost maintenance-free for years.
• Steel: Always a popular choice for roofing, steel is very strong, versatile and durable, and it’s also a good economic choice. Steel can be found on top of all sorts of buildings, from libraries to schools to shopping centers. The American Iron and Steel Institute reveals that in the past several years, steel roof construction has been used in nearly half of all of the low-rise commercial buildings in the country.
• Terne: Many people have never heard of this word; terne is a product that’s made by coating metals such as stainless steel with a specially formulated alloy, which goes a long way toward preventing corrosion. In its inception, terne’s alloy contained about 80 percent lead and 20 percent tin. But as it became clear in the 20th century that lead was harmful to our health, the alloy was changed to a combination of zinc and tin.

If you’d like to know more about the many different types of metal roofing in Florida, we’re here to talk about all of your options. Contact us today!

More metal types

Below are two more popular metal roofing choices:

• Copper: Did you know that a copper roof can last for centuries in some cases? The oldest copper roof in the country is found in Philadelphia, atop the historic Christ Church (pictured). It was installed on the church in 1742. Copper roofs are known for not only being long-lasting, but they’re also low-maintenance.
• Zinc: Zinc, which is a natural material, retains the same look for its entire life, because it never fades and resists corrosion. In addition, it can conform to all sorts of design styles, so it’s a popular choice among architects. It also boasts a 100 percent clear water runoff.

If you’re interested in discussing the variety of metal roofing in Florida, contact B&B Metals today. Our customer service is unmatched in the industry, so put us to work for you.

Why a 'Cool' metal roof is a hot trend.

Sometimes when we think about metal on a hot day, we assume it will be hot or warm to the touch. But that’s not the case with a modern metal roof. Due to advances in the production of the material, metal now uses reflective pigment technology to shed the harmful UV rays from the sun.

According to the nonprofit Metal Roofing Alliance, this reflective pigment comes in a variety of colors, finishes and textures. These “cool” roofs can be unpainted, pre-painted or coated with granules. The result? Substantial energy savings for you.

Did you know that the average household in America spends about $2,200 a year on energy bills? Nearly half of that cost goes to heating and cooling, according to the Energy Star program and the Metal Roofing Alliance. But metal can come to the rescue in helping keep those costs down, because it reduces both heating and cooling expenditures.

If you’re interested in learning more about why cool metal roofs are a trend in Florida,contact B&B Metals for answers!

Metal matters in energy savings

 

A major trend in commercial roofing is to make the roof white, which better reflects the sun’s radiation and saves utility costs. But if you’re working with a residential project, a white roof isn’t always practical or attractive.

Luckily, “a metal roof doesn’t have to be white to be highly reflective,” says Bill Hippard, president of the Metal Roofing Alliance. “Rather than hearing complaints from neighbors, many homeowners looking to reduce year-round energy costs are choosing darker colored, yet highly reflective, metal roofs.”

These cool metal roofs look just like a traditional covering, but the difference you’ll see is in energy savings. According to the Metal Roofing Alliance, even utility companies are on board with cool roofs, because they reduce peak energy demand in the summer. This translates into fewer power outages.

More and more homeowners are seeing the light and choosing a cool metal roof. New statistics show that the number of houses with metal roofs has more than tripled over the past 10 years. Metal roofing has gone from 3 percent of the market to 10 percent.

Learn How To Prevent Workplace Falls

As you may know, fatalities caused by falls are a leading cause of death for construction workers. In 2012, according to the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), such falls accounted for 279 of the 806 construction-related deaths recorded that year.

OSHA is working to help curb those numbers, as these deaths were preventable. Their campaign, called the National Fall Prevention Stand Down,” will take place from May 4-15 this year. OSHA is encouraging companies to take time out at some point during the campaign to discuss safety. Topics might include equipment inspections, rescue plans, or specific job hazards.

Last year, the Safety Stand Down was a huge success, with more than 1 million workers across the country taking part. This year, the goal is to reach more than 3 million people. If that happens, OSHA adds on its website, “we will have touched almost 4 out of 10 construction workers in the country.” Anyone who wants to prevent falls in the workplace can participate.

 

Based on comments from some of the participants last year, the talks do have an important impact on workers. Among the reviews that were posted:

“In April of 2013, we ourselves experienced a great loss to our community, when we lost one of our own to a fall at our plant. This being so close to the anniversary has great impact. Safety training, cultural change and fall protection in all areas has reached a whole new level.”

“Our training consisted of a blend of hands-on, storytelling and safety information related to ladders and PFAs, in both English and Spanish to communicate in an effective manner to all employees. As the result of the Stand-Down training, our employees are better trained to be aware of fall hazards in the construction industry.”

“We asked the crew to tell stories from their work experience about falls they had witnessed. This was a sobering talk for many of the younger workers who may not have witnessed the consequences of not tying off.”

DIY Metal Fencing

DIY Metal Fencing

Tired of the same old wooden fencing? Tired of all the maintenance that comes with it?

It is time for a metal fence!
Not only would your maintenance drop significantly, but you’ll have a fence that will last for years.

First you’ll want to measure your fencing area.
Once you gather your measurements, contact B&B Wholesale Metals and order the pieces of metal.

When you have all the panels, you can design your fence however you’d like.

This easy DIY Metal Fencing can be completed with just a few simple steps.

DIY Metal Headboard

 DIY Metal Headboard

Materials Needed
1 (desired size) Piece of Sheet Metal
Drill
Malco Metal Cutting Turbo Shears

First- You will want to decide the size of the headboard.

Once you have the measurements- you’ll want to order the piece of sheet metal from B&B Wholesale Metals.
B&B has a wide range of color to choose from, they also have different thickness of the metal.

Now that you have your piece of Sheet Metal- you will attached your Malco Metal Cutting Turbo Shears to your Drill.

Your creativity takes over here!
Personally- I would stencil my design onto the Metal before cutting the metal.

And you’re done.

Now you have a personalized headboard!