Metal Construction News, November 2018

INDUSTRY NEWS Boral launches website Irvine Calif based Boral Roofing LLC launched a new website www boralroof com featuring four core product lines clay concrete steel and composite as well as roofing components This website is the culmination of an effort to consolidate all key Boral Roofing systems under one intuitive easy to use online platform designed specifically for our valued customers across the USA and Canada said Ann Iten director of marketing at Boral Roofing Now contractors builders architects remodelers and homeowners alike are able to explore all Boral Roofing options colors and profiles in one place with greater ease With simple navigation as its cornerstone the website includes a number of features encompassing a comprehensive product selector that allows visitors to explore all material options as well as a range of available colors and profiles an inspiration page featuring a selection of photography showcasing real world applications of all product types across varied architectural styles and structures There is a resources page which includes product literature technical information and architect specific resources a blog featuring roofing thought leadership and current news items and a Where to Buy search tool connecting users directly with the contact information for retailers in their regions MBMA releases case studies The Metal Building Manufacturers Association MBMA released two case study reports Roofing and Solar looks at standing seam metal roofs and solar arrays for a variety of building applications Vehicle Sales and Service presents a variety of types of vehicle dealerships and service centers and explores the benefits of using metal building solutions These two reports are available at www mbma com These studies offer some great real world examples that will help businesses and builders make better decisions noted Tony Bouquot MBMAs general manager Metal roofing has long been an optimal roofing solution and it is even more so when you combine it with solar panels Metal buildings are also very popular with dealerships and service centers of all kinds and our report explains why The Roofing and Solar case study introduces the reader to the benefits of metal roofs including their long lifespan attractiveness and cost effectiveness among others The report looks at a number of buildings with metal roofs highlighting the benefits for each Vehicle Sales and Service highlights the many benefits of metal buildings for a variety of types of dealership and service centers including automobile motorcycle agricultural equipment aviation and recreational vehicle facilities Rockfon updates website Chicago based Rockfon redesigned its website www rockfon com providing visitors with responsive design and streamlined navigation to improve their experience and quality across desktop and mobile devices The websites expanded and improved content can be customized to each visitors interests as they return and engage with the site The new web platform was developed by Rockfons parent company the Hedehusene Denmark based ROCKWOOL Group and localized for the North American market John Medio president of Rockfon said We recognize the importance of providing our customers with the information they need quickly and efficiently which is why Rockfon as part of the ROCKWOOL Group has invested in this ambitious digital strategy The website features product benefits application areas about us and resources and learning Construction costs increase in September Construction costs increased for the 23rd straight month in September according to IHS Markit and the Procurement Executives Group PEG The current headline IHS Markit PEG Engineering and Construction Cost Index registered 621 32 points higher than August indicating prices rose at a faster pace in September compared to August Both materials equipment and labor sub indexes showed price increases Price increases for materials and equipment were stronger in nine of the 12 subcomponents in September the index posted a gain of 22 points rising to 629 The indexes were lower in two of the 12 categories compared to last month 11 out of 12 categories remained above the neutral threshold of 50 The biggest gain was in electrical equipment The biggest loss was in the index for copper based wire and cable for which the index dropped below 50 after almost two years of recording increasing prices Copper is being pummeled by the broadening trade war between the U S and China and the threat of weaker Chinese growth said John Mothersole director pricing and purchasing at IHS Markit Inventory however has been falling since April and regional warehouse premiums have been rising globally both signs that fundamentally the market is tightening The potential clash between fundamentals and sentiment could make the fourth quarter particularly interesting Current subcontractor labor prices increased at a faster pace this month with the index rising 55 points to 603 marking the 14th straight month of increasing prices Labor costs continued to increase in all regions of Canada and the U S The majority of survey respondents signaled current subcontractor labor pricing was unchanged from August though more respondents experienced higher prices The six month headline expectations for construction costs index reflected expectations of increasing prices for the 25th consecutive month After falling 127 points in August the index increased 144 points to 798 in September reaching the highest level recorded since the six month expectations index began in 2012 The materials equipment index increased 113 points to 789 Expectations for future price increases were widespread with all material indexes moving above 70 Price expectations for sub contractor labor increased 216 points reversing the 134 point drop in August Labor costs are expected to rise in all regions of the U S and Canada In the survey comments respondents indicated a tight labor market for all skilled trade workers They also noted activity ramping up in mining and infrastructure www metalconstruct ionnews com 10 METAL CONSTRUCTION NEWS November 2018