How About Metal?

For years we have been saying that metal roofing is the most reliable roofing system available.
Metal is not just something we sell, it is something we believe in 100%. Now, we can claim one thing time and time again, however it takes on a different tone when it is actually put to the test.

Metal Roofing pass the test?

Truth of the matter is there are many tests performed on metal roofing systems in order to get them approved. We know they are strong, but just how strong? You can now judge for yourself. Through an unfortunate disaster, nature has put metal roofing through the ultimate test, and we can firmly say: “it passed”. Irma, the last hurricane to strike South Florida, left a trail of devastation behind. The Florida Keys experienced the furry of a storm that destroyed many properties people had worked years to buy and maintain. But among all the talk of destruction and loss, we do hear some expressions of relief from many residents whose homes had metal roofs installed.

Metal roofs out performed other popular roofing systems. “Metal roofs are the bomb,” said Monroe County Assistant Administrator Christine Hurley…Barrel tiles are the next strongest type of roof and shingles are last.” This is according to WLRN’s The Sunshine Economy, by Tom Hudson, on September 25, 2017.

A new year usually means new goals and resolutions. If you are planning on getting a new roof in 2018, make sure you consider the best option for you and your family. If you have a residential or commercial property, you work hard for it, and you surely want the best. Call Metal Master Shop today for a quote. We also have a dedicated exporting team ready to help you with any export orders. CALL METAL MASTER SHOP NOW 3O5.261.9290.

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Why You Need a Metal Roofing Supplier Who’s on the Case 24/7. In today’s competitive business environment it’s critical that you position your company in the best possible scenario for success.  One of the most important things that you can do is to align yourself with professionals who won’t let you down. Whether you’re in the market for a new metal roofing supplier, contractor, or sub-contractors, you want to make sure that their values and goals are in line with yours. Trust someone who proves that they’re willing to work for you and your clients 24/7.

Let’s take a look at things you should consider when choosing a metal roofing supplier:

Focused on providing comprehensive solutions.  Whether you are an architect, a contractor, or a building owner, you want and need a supplier who can help create business opportunities. Look for a someone who will provide comprehensive solutions for you. Successfully completing a project is a team effort that starts well before the job begins and doesn’t end until the customer is satisfied with the end result.

Goes beyond supplier to work as a partner.  When it comes to a metal roofing supplier, you want more than just a company that sells metal.  You need a valuable partner who will assist you in completing projects, and getting new ones as well.

Experienced enough to provide project consulting services and offers comprehensive spec review.

Look for a partner who can provide valuable assistance during the pre-bid and post-bid phase with bid submittal, engineering and shop drawing expertise.

Remains in compliance with building codes.  You need a supplier who understands the unique challenges of metal roofing. All products and panels must be in full compliance with the Miami-Dade County Building Code, and be specifically designed to withstand the wide variations in weather conditions experienced here in South Florida.

Stays up to date.  Ideally you need a supplier who can deliver up-to-date product testing and outstanding weather-tightness warranties. Of course, rely on one who offers exceptional product quality and service.

 Provides installation training support.  If possible, always seek metal suppliers who offer a full array of continuing education courses and installation training to support you. Whether you are an architect who specifies in metal roofing projects, a contractor, or an installer; product education is very important.

 Provides export services.  You want a supplier who can ship you everything you need for a professionally installed metal roofing system.  If you have work overseas, you will appreciate someone with the experience and professionalism it takes to execute exporting tasks.

 Can fulfill custom orders.  Sometimes you may have a specific need that requires a custom order. You must rely on a supplier that can build whatever piece you need to fulfill your job.

The bottom line? You need to partner with a metal roof supplier who will be there for you when and where you need them.  You can always count on us!

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It’s Not Too Late to Expand Your Business in 2017!

Thinking Business Expansion? Now’s the time! According to a Small Business Economic Trends Report recently issued by the National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB), the significant surge in small business optimism that began in November of last year was still going strong in March of this year. Small business owners are remaining enthusiastic about the future of the economy and the direction of consumer confidence. They are encouraged by signs that this optimism is translating into economic activity such as capital investment and job creation.

2017 is turning out to be a good year for business owners, specifically contractors. According to a survey released by the Associated General Contractors of America, over 70 percent of construction firms plan to expand their payrolls this year. This is due to the fact that contractors expect private and public sector demand to increase in all market segments.

NFIB’s Small Business Survey also reports that small business optimism has soared to its highest level since 2004.

What does this mean for you and your business?

It means that now is a great time to consider expanding your business in preparation for this economic upswing.  Stay competitive by brainstorming the different ways you can expand!

Following are some tips:

Stay Informed: Consider attending industry specific trade shows/expos to stay current on innovation and trends. Subscribe and read key industry publications. Network through National Roofing Contractors Association, the local chamber of commerce, or other similar associations. This will give you ideas and build relationships.

Crew:  One of the major problems impacting the industry is finding skilled workers. Invest in hiring and training more employees in preparation for larger and more frequent projects throughout the year. You don’t want to lose a project because you didn’t have the required manpower or skill set.

Tools/Equipment:  Replace anything old and outdated with up-to-date quality equipment so you can stay on top of best practices and allow your business to run more smoothly. You wouldn’t want your equipment to break down onsite, or delay a job because you don’t have the most efficient tools.

Update Your Online Presence:  How does your website look? The company website and marketing is too often last on the list of priorities.  If it looks outdated or is hard to navigate, think about outsourcing to a professional website designer to give your business a modern and professional look. A cohesive brand identity is key to a successful online presence. Many times your site is the first impression customers will see, so invest in it to make it stand out.

Don’t Let Lack of Funds Hold You Back:  Many of our clients in the construction industry expressed that having extra cash allowed them to cover upfront costs and take on extra jobs. Being able to cover payroll and start projects when there is no down payment, or there is an unexpected payment delay, can help you benefit from profitable opportunities.

Set yourself up for success! Now is the time and we are always here to help!

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Safety Begins Before the Metal Roof or Gutter Installation Does

Let’s talk seriously about your safety procedures. Standing seam metal roofs are an increasingly popular roof option for residential construction because of their durability and energy efficiency.  As with roof work, using any type of materials, construction employees working at heights of 6 feet or more must be protected from slip and fall hazards.

You must continuously emphasize slip and fall safety to your workers. You must also provide fall prevention training to the workers before allowing them to work above 6 feet.

Over the last few years, metal roofing and gutter contractors have been focusing on job site safety. And rightfully so!  As insurance premiums rise, it is important that your installation crews follow the proper safety precautions. It is also critical that your crews be trained and retrained on a regular basis regarding these safety procedures.  Failure to do so could cost your company a great deal of money or worse.

These safety procedures are not just limited to the installation process. They may also include the use of required safety equipment or the proper protective clothing.

This is not a new issue! Job site safety has been an important part of the home improvement and building construction industry for quite some time.

But safety does not just begin and end on the job site. 

It is equally as important that your crews arrive to and from the job site safely as well.  Their vehicles should be properly maintained, and all traffic laws should be followed to the letter. This means that crews should not be distracted while driving to and from the jobs. So there should be NO phone calls, texting, eating, drinking or filling out paperwork while on the way to or from the job site.

Many companies are opting to install video cameras on their vehicles. They record both the driver’s activities, as well as a view out the back and the of the vehicle. This is a great way to insure that your drivers are not distracted. Also, the exterior views may come in handy in the unfortunate event of an accident, which may prove your employee was not at fault.

The footage can be seen in real time on your computer or phone so you can monitor the crews’ activities 24/7.

There are also other types of tracking devices to consider that can help you govern the driving speed, and insure the use of blinkers and proper breaking and turns. These methods can help you make sure your crew arrives safely to and from jobs.

Accidents are more common than you think and can cost you a fortune in insurance premiums and legal fees.

Sure, job site safety is very important, but you also want to keep your employees safe while traveling back and forth.

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Being the top metal roof provider in Miami means being a one-stop shop for the area’s contractors. We’re able to provide the products and services a builder in south Florida needs, because we, in turn, can rely on top-notch suppliers to get us the quality product and tools needed to get the job done.

When the experts at Metal Master Shop talk roofing, the conversation inevitably turns to Petersen Aluminum. They’ve spent more than 50-years in the metal roofing market making innovations, developing new products, and being focused on the future of the industry.

Why Do We Love Petersen Aluminum?

They make us look good. When our customers have a deadline, we know we have what they need, when they need it, so they stay on schedule. Need a specific color or a unique tool to make a project work? Miami’s metal roofers come to us because they know we can help them out, hook them up, and have them back on the job site in record time.

We’re able to do this because great suppliers like Petersen are so reliable and consistent. Their reliability not only makes us look good, but allows us to focus on our customers in a personal way that wouldn’t otherwise be possible if we had to be worried about where our next shipment was going to come from.

Petersen Aluminum has done well for more than 50 years now, by paying attention to detail and responding to consumer needs. They have shown their commitment to their products through their own quality control program, always striving for higher standards.

“As a result of this ongoing program, the product that goes out the door is as good or better than anything available in the commercial market, and field issues with our product have become practically nonexistent,” Mike Petersen (CEO) says.

Their focus on the future provides a steady stream of relevant, new products with reliable warranties (warranties are useless if the manufacturer is no longer around). Their strong national sales base and regional production facilities means a good cost economy and a large inventory that can reach us (and you) quickly.  

It’s a Team Effort

At Metal Master Shop, we only work with suppliers who care about metal roofing as much as we do. Our primary concern is that our Miami roofers be able to come in with any type of project needs, requests, or custom orders and we can say, “no problem.”

Petersen Aluminum Corporation has come a long way from their humble beginnings. They’ve been an incredible help to our shop due to their quality and dependability, and together, we’ve been able to help contractors in the Miami-Dade area with projects that we can all be proud of.
~J.C.

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Corrosion in Coil Nails

You have probably heard about the corrosion issues with 1-1/4-inch coil nails. This very informative article “Fastener Corrosion Update” from Florida Roofing magazine will give you all the details and offer a wider perspective in the matter.

Learn about the research project and the updates taking place. Know about the Cylic Corrosion Tester, a machine specifically purchased for roofing fastener corrosion at the University of Florida. The research took approximately two years, and it has shed a lot of light on the way roofers look at these roofing accessories. Corrosion of a nail is an issue that can damage many aspects of a perfectly good roof. While that may not represent a huge impact in some places where humidity and precipitation are not a big deal, here in Florida, corrosion in the nails will quickly become a big problem.

We feel it is important to keep you in the loop of what is happening in your industry. Being a roofer, especially in South Florida, means that you must be on top of your game with all the latest information. You are held liable for abiding to the toughest building code in the nation. Taking that into consideration, it is imperative that you keep up to date. Metal Master Shop is here to help you along the way.

Please refer to pages 10-11 in the digital version of the publication we have linked for you in this post. Click on the “Click to read” button and use the left and right arrows to move from one page to another.

We appreciate you turning to Metal Master Shop as a resource for industry information. To be in contact with us on a more frequent basis feel free to add us on to your social media platforms.You can look us up on Facebook as Metal Master Shop and Instagram @metalmastershop.

http://http://issuu.com/roofingflorida/docs/frm-201602_cc04d60ced6c7b?e=24170563/34507453

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As a metal supply company in Miami, we work with roofers every day. We know many of your favorite jobs come from luxury homeowners. Just like everyone else, affluent customers are interested in increasing their home’s value and getting a positive return on investment– especially on their roof.

They don’t just want a new roof. They want top-of-the-line upgrades. They’re not expert roofers, though, so that’s where you come in.

As a roofer, you can become more profitable and keep your customers happy by making good roofing suggestions that provide aesthetic upgrades, an increased quality of life, and a positive ROI for their homes.

There’s much more to luxury roofing upgrades than materials, however. Quality roofing materials and proper installation are your bread and butter, but sometimes homeowners want you to dig a little deeper.

Here are a few suggestions.

Copper Accents

Among the most successful roofers we work with, copper accents are a popular upgrade choice. Their customers like the sophisticated look of copper, but they also appreciate its practicality and functional value.

Affluent homeowners are drawn to copper rain gutter accents, downspouts, rain chains, roof accents, weathervanes, and chimney tops.

As they often do, This Old House says it best:

“The well-known green patina that copper develops actually protects it from corrosion, making it a good choice for roofs, gutters, and anywhere a material is exposed to the elements. And it’s virtually maintenance free, making it perfect for cupolas, weathervanes, and other hard-to-reach locations.”

If you install copper accents properly, they can last a lifetime– a hundred years, easily. It’s especially popular for older homeowners because it requires almost no upkeep or maintenance.

Really, any luxury homeowner will appreciate a good investment that doesn’t require additional time to maintain. Once you install copper accents, they keep looking good all on their own.

Metal Roofing

When you think of luxury roofing, you probably think of two materials: tile and metal. Tile is a popular choice in the Miami area, but metal is ideal for a number of reasons. It’s environmentally friendly, it’s perfect for South Florida’s climate, and requires minimal maintenance. It also weighs less than tile, meaning more homes are ready for metal roofing installation without extra structural work.

Tile color can easily fade over time, as well. It is a popular choice, and you will encounter luxury homeowners who are dead set on tile, which is their prerogative. Tile is decidedly less eco-friendly than metal, which matters more and more to today’s luxury homeowners.

Metal roofing is a real upgrade, though, because of its longevity and durability. It’s perfect for our climate, and upkeep is minimal. It can also easily save the homeowner money on heating and cooling costs, and can be made from recycled material– and recycled when it’s uninstalled.

Most importantly, metal roofing increases a home’s value. Especially in the South Florida luxury home market, it will provide positive ROI for homeowners. And those homeowners provide your most profitable jobs.

Solar Panels, Etc.

While we’re on the subject of profitable jobs and eco-friendliness, we need to discuss solar panels. For Florida luxury homeowners, solar isn’t a hard sell like it is in less sunny states. But your favorite customers didn’t become affluent by wasting money– they still want to know about the ROI.

As of this year, one in 100 houses has solar panels installed. According to Time, that’s more than 46 times the amount of solar homes had a decade ago. Most solar setups will save homeowners between $100-200 per month, which is likely most of their electric bill.

So, what’s the ROI? Most homeowners should recoup their investment in under 10 years, and it might be closer to five years with larger, luxury homes in South Florida.

If you’re working with a homeowner who’s interested in solar, you can direct them to this solar ROI calculator.

It’s worth noting that a major solar tax credit, worth 30% of installation cost, is set to expire this year. You can create a sense of urgency if someone is on the fence about solar.

One more suggestion: A properly-installed attic fan, coupled with smart insulation, can also help reduce energy costs and prevent weather damage and mold. We like this guide from Energy Star, and it’s a good resource for interested homeowners.

Chances are, luxury homeowners are your favorite customers. As a metal supply company in Miami, we want you to make the most of working with these homeowners so you can increase your profitability.

Just like every homeowner, they’re looking for a positive return on investment on their home. As a roofer, you can make these simple suggestions that will result in a better job for you and a more valuable home for them. It’s a win/win scenario.

~J.C.

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As metal suppliers in Miami, we know Miami-Dade County has some stringent requirements on roofing products. We know which materials are approved for use in the area, and which materials are not.

If you want to work as a roofing contractor in Miami, knowing the county’s requirements is a must. It’s your job to ensure every product you provide to homeowners is Miami-Dade approved. Some contractors are less concerned with those rules– but they’re likely not the contractors who further their craft with education, training, and online research.

If you’re here on our blog, we assume you care about doing things the right way. You care about your customer, the homeowner, and you care about your home.

The truth is, providing great roofing services in Miami-Dade requires a little extra work and effort. If you’re a good contractor here, you can expect a great and rewarding career. If you’re not dedicated, you can easily slip up and violate the County’s guidelines.

Doing Your Homework: It Takes Time

Ask any roofing contractor and they’ll tell you– time is precious. It’s in short supply and big demand. By necessity, though, the roofing world is full of small details. The willingness to address those details, be they homeowner questions or county building regulations, is the difference between a great contractor who does things right the first time, and a mediocre contractor who barely gets by on doing “just enough.”

The great contractor and the mediocre contractor will both tell you they wish they had more time.

So, how do you spend your time? As a roofer in Miami, you probably spend a fair amount of time assessing products and materials. Taking the time to ensure all your products are Miami-Dade approved isn’t a quick process. For ethical contractors like you, though, it’s essential.

Putting in the research for an accurate estimate, answering all of a homeowner’s questions, managing overhead, training employees, checking on each job, managing your team, driving from job site to job site– these things all add up.

But somehow, you have to find the time to ensure every product you install is Miami-Dade approved. There’s just no getting around it. Following the County’s guidelines makes for happy homeowners and a happy community. And it means you’re an ethical contractor.

So, where does the time come from?

A Worry-Free Partnership

There’s no product or service in the world that will grant you a 25 hour day. You just can’t pull time out of thin air. You can only learn to work faster, sacrifice time away from work, or cut corners.

Fortunately, there’s another way. Instead of worrying about Miami-Dade approval, and using your valuable time to make sure every product is approved, why not just work with Metal Master Shop instead? We’ve been metal suppliers in Miami for years, so we know the ropes.

Our team knows which products are and are not approved for installation in Miami-Dade. That’s something we have to specialize in, and it’s something we gladly keep up with.

As another plus, all the products we carry are Miami-Dade approved. That means you, the roofing contractor, can rest assured your products will pass approval. There’s no homework, no guesswork, and no extra time taken out of your already-busy life.

Here are two of the products we carry that are popular with roofers and their customers:

• Drexel – Drexel provides materials in many different colors and styles. Galvalume and aluminum are both popular in the Miami-Dade area, and we carry mechanical seam panels, snap lock panels, and more.
• Berridge – Berridge’s galvalume zee lock panels are extremely popular with roofing contractors. Homeowners love their elegant look and functionality, as well as their color variety. Many standout luxury homes in Miami-Dade use Berridge products, but they’re good for most any homeowner looking to upgrade their biggest investment– their home.

Instead of worrying and spending time making sure all of your products are Miami-Dade approved, why not let us handle it? We offer a variety of products and do custom work, so you can ensure you can provide your customers with their dream roof.

As an ethical contractor, you can’t just ignore the rules. You can spend the extra time vetting your roofing materials, or you can save time and energy by working with Metal Master Shop. The choice is yours.

~J.C.

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Think you can’t get galvalume roofing panels in the Dominican Republic? Think again.

Metal Master Shop is proud to offer affordable export services for our friends in the Mexican, the Caribbean, and Latin American regions. We aren’t afraid of a little bit of water; we can help you provide your residents with the best roofing available without breaking your budget.

Our shop can ship out our beautiful metal roof panels in copper, aluminum, galvalume, and even rheinzink. Better yet, we send you everything you need for a professional installation (except for the roofer, because that’s you, but our expert support team can help you with technical details if needed.)

It’s like if IKEA started making Bentley’s, and your customer’s dream car arrived nearly ready, just needing your expertise to put those last few bolts in. Your roofing materials will come complete with clips, screws, and even the underlayment.

It’s Easy to get Started

It’s a short, 3-step process to quickly and easily have top-rated roofing materials shipped directly to you. We’ve been there, and we’ve done our share of building throughout the Gulf and the Caribbean, so you know Metal Master Shop knows what you need. We know the process, the markets, and the materials.

The simplest way to get going is to call us at (305) 712-6432. Not only will you have access to an experienced roofing team, but technical support, as well. Our architectural support team is on standby to help you with drawings, take-off, and precision measuring to help you get exactly what you need, right when you need it.

You can use your newfound time to work on another project, read a book, or catch up on Lo imperdonable. Don’t get too comfortable, though, for it won’t be long before we get back to you with a quote for materials and shipping. Then it’s time to get to work!

Your order is shipped promptly, once payment is received. Your materials are carefully inspected during this process, to ensure Metal Master quality and order accuracy. Our team cares about our metal, so we pack your exported order safely enough that Poseidon himself couldn’t damage it.

Bermuda to Bahama, Come on Pretty Mama

“But J.C., I live in the Netherlands. Can you ship there?” Don’t be silly; you can bet your hot bitterballen balls we can. In fact, we can ship just about anywhere.

In today’s interconnected world, don’t let little things like distance or lines on a map keep you from getting the materials you need to do the job right.

~J.C.

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I love companies that come up with simple and elegant solutions. In the roofing industry, one of the biggest decisions our client’s customers make is what material to use for their roof. This question has had all the same fundamentals of debate since the roof was invented.

How permeable is it? Is it energy efficient, or does it insulate well? Is the material strong but heavy, or light but weak? Even more importantly, what does it look like, and how much will cost? These are all important questions.

When it comes to modern roofing, there have been some clear divides. Structurally speaking, metal is the way to go. It can be strong AND relatively light, energy efficient, and has unparalleled durability. But…it might not have the look homeowners are going for, and aesthetics are an important part of design. That was only a problem until Gerard USA came along.

Great-Looking Roof

As far as aesthetics go, tile roofing is a very popular choice. It can come in a variety of styles and colors, and give a definitive, qualitative look to a building. Tiles can be heavy, too, they can break (roofers have to be careful, and wind can blow them off) and they can be expensive. This is where Gerard comes to the rescue with a simple and elegant solution: tiles made from steel.

Gerard carefully crafts their metal tiles to have the look, dimension, and even weathering of traditional tiles, but with the strength, lightness, and security of steel. Their steel tiles are coated with stone, giving the appearance and texture of other products, with the toughness of body armor. Yes Gerard…You have my complete attention.

We all know how much Metal Master Shop loves steel. As a material, there are very few things that can beat it. It is strong, yet light. It has elemental protection against fire, wind, and hail, and it’s durable and energy efficient.

Peace of Mind

In South Florida, roofs tend to not last as long as they should. Between climate and the occasional hurricane, traditional roofing materials can take quite a beating. Why not go with a Gerard Steel Stone-coated roof? It will last longer than you will, and there are no rot, fungus, or mildew problems to be had. Consider this testimonial from a real customer:

Dennis had his Gerard stone-coated metal roof installed eight years ago on his home in the Laguna Keys development in Gulf Shore. Since then, his home has withstood three hurricanes: Dennis, Ivan (whose winds reached speeds of 134 mph) and now Katrina. Forced to evacuate his home, not knowing what, if anything, he would be returning to, Ellis was relieved to find his home still standing and in good condition. “I did a lot better than most of my neighbors and I credit the Gerard Roof for that. Most houses in the neighborhood suffered severe damage to both their interiors and exteriors. There were some other homes with Gerard Roofs in the area, and to my knowledge, they held up well.” According to Ron Anderson of Gerard Roofing Technologies, “Gerard has received several calls from Katrina victims whose homes are still standing thanks to their roofs.” Ellis initially chose his roof for its “looks and safety,” not fully realizing the extent to which he would benefit.

Dennis Ellis, Gulf Shore, AL

Gerard USA has turned out a fantastic product that any roofer (and customer) can be proud of.

~J.C.

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