Get Your Project Started Right: Keys to Successful Metal Building Estimates

In the world of metal building construction, estimating is a critical component of any successful project. At MBCI, we recognize the importance of providing accurate, timely, and professional estimates with comprehensive bids so that you know your exact cost and have the information you need to win the project. Our streamlined estimating process is designed to deliver precise quotes efficiently, helping to ensure your project’s success from the start.

Clarity Is Key: Providing Complete Project Details

Providing complete and detailed information is essential to receive the most efficient estimate for your project. Here are some key elements to include:

  • Detailed architectural drawings: These are crucial for understanding the scope and specifics of your project. They provide a visual representation that helps in planning and executing the construction process accurately.
  • Specify all desired products: Whether it’s roofing, walls, soffit, or fascia, be clear about what you need. This specificity helps avoid confusion and ensures that the right materials are used.
  • Indicate different product types: Clearly mark different product types for various building sections. This helps organize the construction process and ensures that each section is constructed with the appropriate materials.
  • Multiple buildings: If your project includes multiple buildings, be sure to document this information, as it impacts overall planning and resource allocation.
  • Special requirements or deadlines: Let us know of any unique needs or time constraints up front so we can tailor our services to meet your project needs.

What Our Estimating Team Delivers

Our estimating team is committed to providing comprehensive and detailed estimates, including:

  • Detailed product cost breakdowns: We provide a breakdown of costs for each product, helping you manage your budget effectively.
  • Color-coded architectural drawings: Visualize product placement easily. Our architectural drawings can help you understand where each product will be used, making the construction process smoother.
  • Accurate square footage and linear footage calculations: Ensure precise measurements for your project. Accurate calculations are crucial for ordering the right amount of materials and avoiding waste.
  • Complete material lists: We offer everything from major components to fasteners. This comprehensive list ensures that you have everything you need for your project.
  • Quick turnaround times: Our dedicated team’s efficient process ensures you get a complete bid based on your requested bid date.

Tools for Success

To facilitate a smooth estimating process, ensure you have the following:

  • Architectural drawings: Essential for accurate planning.
  • Clear Scope of Work: Define what needs to be done.
  • Project timeline/deadlines: Keep your project on schedule.
  • Product preferences: Specify any particular brands or types.
  • Special pricing requirements: If applicable, let us know about any pricing considerations.

Why Details Matter

The more complete the information we receive upfront, the faster we can process your estimate without interruptions or delays. This attention to detail helps us maintain our commitment to quick turnaround times and ensures you receive the accurate quote you need.

Our dedicated estimating team works closely with project coordinators and sales managers to address every detail. We understand the pressure of tight deadlines, and our streamlined process is designed to help you meet those challenges head-on.

Ready to get started? Contact your Project Coordinator today with your project details. We’re here to help make your next metal building project a success.

Properly Specifying Snow Retention Systems for Metal Roofs

The recent arctic blasts that hit the northeast brought to mind many things: hot cocoa, the evils of shoveling snow, a nice fire, the longing for a warm beach and, of course, how to properly specify snow retention systems on standing seam roofs. I’m not alone here, right?

All jokes aside, when I was scratching my brain for a new blog post, the cold weather and blizzards reminded me how easy it is to specify snow retention devices improperly. It might appear rather elementary at first; you might think it is as simple as planning for snow retention around entrances and frequent walkways. If so, you, along with many others, are mistaken. Let’s review some not-so-obvious areas to consider while planning a snow retention system for a standing seam metal roof.

Gutters

If a gutter is used that has a face high than the pan of the metal roof panels, the gutter must be protected from sliding ice and snow. Gutters are designed for one purpose – to channel the water to a downspout. If it is left unprotected it cannot resist sliding ice and snow.

Pipe penetrations

As ice and snow slides down a roof and encounters a pipe penetration, the force can cause the pipe to move down slope and damage the roof jack and the roof, or shear the pipe at the roof surface.

Upper roofs draining into lower roofs

The upper roof should have a snow retention system installed to prevent ice and snow from falling onto the roof below. Without snow retention, the sliding ice and snow can cause extensive damage to the roof membrane and to equipment on the lower roof.

Panel seams perpendicular to the main roof slope

Connector roofs or dormers are typical examples of this type of roof area. The main roof slope provides a surface for ice and snow to slide toward the eave. If it then encounters a roof surface that is perpendicular to this main slope, damage to the roof panels and trim on these roof areas can occur.

Valleys in high snow load areas

Valleys allow for snow to slide down a surface that is perpendicular to the panel seams. This offers the potential to bend panel seams down or shear them from the panel.

Aside from considering these areas while planning your snow retention system, also use clamps instead of screws to attach the system to the standing seams of the roof panels. Screws not only perforate roof panels but can also pin the roof and prevent it from floating as designed. Clamps, by comparison, have been tested and can be engineered for the specific roof to which they will be attached, allowing for the snow load, roof slope, panel run length and other details. These clamps do not penetrate the roof membrane, do not hinder roof expansion and are easily installed with a screw gun.

Final Recommendations

Lastly, I recommend having a registered, professional engineer design a retention system that meets the specified snow loads for the project. Without their expertise, there are possible repercussions. If the snow retention system cannot support the snow load, it can result in an entire system failure and major roof damage. This could potentially cause snow and ice to fall and hurt bystanders.

By keeping all of these in mind, along with proper installation and maintenance, a snow retention system will help your SSR survive winter blasts and protect pedestrians, too.

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