How architectural sheet metal is changing the way buildings are designed

By Adam Cabrera. 

Sheet metal's use in construction has evolved beyond its utility as a durable, moisture resistant material and introduces new design possibilities in roofing. 

In a recent episode of the Roofing Road Trips® podcast, host Heidi J. Ellsworth sat down with Steve Gosk and Ken McLaughlin from MetalForming LLC to have a conversation about architectural sheet metal, its diverse applications and use in sleek modern construction. 

Architectural sheet metal, more than a simple construction material, stands out as an aesthetic enhancer for buildings. Ken points out the diverse applications of sheet metal, each contributing uniquely to a building's appearance. "Different textures and controls from standing seam to flush wall to fish scale,” Ken said. “All of it's done to give you a different appearance, which I think is a great opportunity." 

Architectural sheet metal can also play a crucial role in thermal and moisture protection. “With any application that we do in thermal and moisture protection, whether below grade waterproofing, wall applications, roof applications... they usually have a transition piece that's done in metal,” Ken shared, pointing out how the technical uses of the material never compromise over its aesthetics. “I think that gives us an opportunity to add a little bit of a design flare to a building.” 

Sheet metal also stands out when it comes to longevity. “That's the big claim to fame for these guys,” Ken said. “It's high recyclable content but the cut coatings that we're using are designed to last 35 to 40 years.” All this to say that the material offers contractors the ability to customize their product to meet the customer's needs both in terms of design and function.  

Steve Gosk emphasized the fusion of traditional roofing materials with architectural sheet metal and marveled over the impressive precision machinery used for achieving more intricate designs. "Some of our lines like Schroder, which traditionally has done the high precision industrial fabrication, those machines have a lot of capability for this same space along with the traditional machines... so I really see a melding where the more sophisticated production technologies required to do the more ornate and more detailed steel that's being used on these buildings,” Steve said. 

Read the transcript or Listen to the podcast to learn more about what the experts at MetalForming have to say about architectural sheet metal and building design.