Building With Metal

What makes a metal roof last—and what installation mistakes can shorten its life? Edward Montemayor of South Texas Metal Roofing joins Building With Metal to share lessons from years in the field. We talk about common installation mistakes, roofing in the demanding South Texas climate, finding skilled labor, producing panels in-house, and what separates great metal roofing contractors. Edward also...

How do engineers know a building system will perform when it matters most? In this episode of Building with Metal, host Kathi Miller welcomes back Bob Zabcik of Z-Tech Consulting—one of our most popular guests—to explore the science behind fire and earthquake testing. Bob takes us inside today's testing laboratories to explain how building systems are evaluated under extreme conditions and why tho...

Artificial intelligence is changing construction faster than most people realize—but it's not about replacing skilled workers. It's about giving contractors better tools to work smarter, communicate more effectively, and solve some of the industry's biggest challenges. In this episode of Building With Metal, Christian Rosas of Nexus Builders joins us to discuss how AI is already making an impact o...

In Episode 67 of The Building with Metal Podcast, presented by McElroy Metal, I dive into the evolving world of exterior colors with Bryn Wildenhauer from Sherwin-Williams. We explore the shifting trends away from traditional grays towards warmer, more chromatic hues that embrace nature's palette. Bryn shares insights on how color choices impact building aesthetics and longevity, emphasizing the i...

The construction industry is evolving, and organizations like the National Association of Women in Construction (NAWIC) are helping shape its future. In this episode of Building with Metal, we sit down with Rita to discuss NAWIC's nearly 70-year legacy of supporting construction professionals through education, leadership development, networking, and workforce advocacy. Whether you're a contractor...

Construction projects are under more pressure than ever. Skilled labor shortages, unpredictable weather, rising costs, and compressed schedules are forcing owners and contractors to rethink how buildings are delivered. In this episode, we're joined by Debbie Erives, Vice President of Sales and Marketing at RDI Enclosures, to explore how modular construction is helping manufacturers, municipalities...

Artificial intelligence is changing the way customers search for information, evaluate products, and make purchasing decisions. But what does that mean for your marketing strategy? In this episode, we're joined by Todd Hockenberry to discuss how AI is reshaping search, content creation, and digital marketing. We break down the differences between SEO, AEO, and GEO, explore how companies can become...

A metal roof can be designed correctly, manufactured correctly, and delivered correctly—but if it's not installed correctly, none of that matters. In this episode of Building with Metal, we sit down with McElroy Metal's Weather-Tightness Warranty team to discuss what separates a good metal roof installation from a great one. From contractor training and roof inspections to common installation mist...

In this episode of The Building With Metal Podcast, I speak with Mark Rangel from Spear Commercial about the critical considerations for integrating solar systems on commercial and industrial roofs. We delve into the lifespan discrepancies between solar panels and roofing materials, emphasizing the importance of aligning their longevity for cost-effective solutions. Mark shares insights on common...

In Episode 61 of The Building with Metal Podcast, I sit down with Stephen Knight, our engineering manager at McElroy Metal, to explore a common concern: How do metal roofs manage moisture and sound? We delve into the science of condensation—how it occurs when humid air contacts cooler surfaces—and discuss effective solutions such as ventilation and insulation. Stephen shares insights on the import...

Post-frame construction is no longer just for agricultural buildings. Across the country, contractors and developers are starting to use post-frame systems for commercial buildings because they can offer faster construction, lower costs, and impressive design flexibility. In this episode of Building with Metal, I sit down with Matthew Gerber of Meyer Buildings to talk about how post-frame construc...

In Episode 59 of The Building with Metal Podcast – Presented by McElroy Metal, we continue our deep dive into the world of barndominiums with Blair Neihauser from FBI Buildings. Join me as we explore common pitfalls and real costs associated with building these unique structures. We'll discuss why many DIY enthusiasts may underestimate the role of a general contractor and the importance of thought...

Barndominiums are one of the hottest trends in construction right now — but they come with a lot of misconceptions. In this episode, Kathy Miller sits down with Blair Neihouser, Vice President of Sales at FBI Buildings, to cut through the hype. Blair explains what a barndominium actually is, how it differs from a shouse, and why post frame construction is such a natural fit for this building style...

In Episode 57 of The Building with Metal Podcast, I have the pleasure of speaking with Jeff Henry, Executive Director of the Metal Construction Association. Together, we explore the evolution of metal construction and its growing role in sustainable building practices. From its humble origins in agricultural structures to its widespread application in commercial and residential projects, we discus...

In this episode of Building with Metal, McElroy Metal unpacks the science behind cool metal roofing and its real-world energy savings. Learn how reflectivity, emissivity, and advanced coatings reduce heat absorption, lower cooling costs, and support sustainable building design. Discover why “cool roofs” are making a hot impact on both performance and the planet.

In this episode of The Building with Metal Podcast, I, Jessica Hall, delve into the transformative role of digital visualization in the metal roofing industry with Philippe Hebert, co-founder and CEO of LightBeans. We explore how advanced scanning technology is revolutionizing the way architects and designers visualize materials, shifting from physical samples to high-quality 3D textures. Philippe...

In Episode 54 of The Building with Metal Podcast, presented by McElroy Metal, I sit down with Drew Baumann, Sales Manager at Blunier Builders, to uncover what sets great salespeople apart in the competitive construction market. We explore effective sales strategies, the importance of strong client relationships, and the unique offerings of Blunier Builders, including their innovative projects like...

In Episode 53 of The Building with Metal Podcast, I sit down with Charlie Smith from McElroy Metal to explore the crucial topic of increasing load capacity in existing buildings. Charlie shares his extensive knowledge on practical strategies, including engineering insights, framing techniques, and panel selection. We discuss the importance of assessing structural integrity to determine whether a r...

Ever wondered what goes on inside McElroy Metal’s testing lab? Join us with McElroy's testing specialist Hunter Langdon for an inside look at how real-world performance testing, UL 580/1897, ASTM standards, and wind-uplift evaluations drive safer, stronger roofing systems. Our in-house experts share why testing matters, how it differentiates McElroy Metal from competitors.

Building codes are constantly evolving — are you ready for what’s next? In this episode, McElroy Metal sits down with the experts from Ztech Consulting to discuss key 2025 IBC and energy code updates, how they impact metal roofing and wall assemblies, and what every builder, architect, and specifier should know to stay compliant and competitive.

In this milestone 50th episode of The Building with Metal Podcast, presented by McElroy Metal, we reflect on a remarkable 2025 and express heartfelt gratitude to our valued customers and dedicated employee owners. Join me as we hear from various team members sharing their appreciation for collaboration across departments and the strong relationships we've built with our customer base. We'll discus...

What’s shaping the future of metal roofing and wall panels? In this forward-looking episode, McElroy Metal teams up with Paul Trombitas from FMI Consulting to explore key market trends for 2026 and beyond. From construction demand and material costs to evolving design priorities and sustainability expectations, we break down what contractors, distributors, and architects can expect — and how to st...

In Episode 48 of The Building with Metal Podcast, presented by McElroy Metal, I dive deep into the science behind metal panel coatings with Michael Lewis, Research and R&D Director at Sherwin-Williams. We explore what makes paint last on metal roofs, discussing the intricate balance of ingredients, application methods, and rigorous testing that ensure durability and aesthetic appeal. Michael s...

In Episode 47 of The Building with Metal Podcast, I sit down with Spencer Graffam, President of CastleBrook Barns, to discuss the importance of turning challenges into opportunities for trust and loyalty. We delve into the story of a project for The Shea Center, where a misunderstanding led to a critical learning moment for CastleBrook. Spencer shares how they transformed a potential setback into...

In this episode of The Building With Metal Podcast, I sit down with Jon Wilusz, Chief Marketing Officer of Advanced Metal Roofing, to explore the journey of growing a successful metal roofing business. Jon shares insights from his family's third-generation company, established in 1966, and discusses the evolution from traditional roofing to a focus on metal solutions. We dive into the benefits of...