Industry leaders will unveil cutting-edge fabrication methods and sustainability solutions at this year's Metalcon tradeshow, as the metal construction sector continues to expand rapidly across commercial and residential markets. Here are the highlights: 

Metal Without Limitations

1:30 p.m., Wednesday, Oct. 22
Steve Clisset of Dragon Armor Shingles in Hotchkiss, Colo., will present Sacred Geometry and Metal Roofing: A Match Made in Heaven, focusing on a recently completed signature project. All of Clisset’s projects are unique because the metal roofing shingles for every project are fabricated for that project and that project alone. 

“We want architects and engineers to realize that they have the go-ahead do design anything they want to,” said Clisset, who has more than 50 years of metal experience. “We want them to design it and then we’ll make our stuff fit the design. For too long, there have been limitations in the industry. This creates a new design freedom.”

Dragon Armor Shingles has developed a method to fabricate metal to fit any design. Clisset says he is currently using battery-powered shears but has plans to soon be fabricating shingles with a CNC machine. 

“We can adjust the size of any shingle by as little as 1/16th of an inch and we can make those changes vertically or horizontally,” he said. “These shingles fit exactly edge to edge and because they are smaller, they are affected a lot less by expansion and contraction or oil canning.”

Dragon Armor offers lifetime warranties on its installations. Clisset, who cut his teeth in the Denver area fixing poorly installed and leaking metal roofing, believes if a metal roof is properly installed, it won’t leak. “Metal roofs that leak were installed by someone who doesn’t know how to install it properly or doesn’t care, or both.”

To his credit, Clisset authored the Colorado Roofing Association’s education curriculum and has served as the sole instructor for five years. Dragon Armor was recently chosen to restore Fort Yellowstone. 

Pathways to Net-Zero
1:15 p.m., Wednesday, Oct. 22

Amanda Turner, CEM, LEED AP, O+M, BD+C, ID+C, GPCP, a sustainability specialist for Cornerstone Building Products, is presenting Steel Solutions for Sustainable Building Design: Pathways to Net-Zero. Turner will deliver a strong message about the benefits of building with metal and its effectiveness in helping projects achieve sustainability goals.

“Steel is more than just a durable building material; it is also a powerful tool for assisting with achieving net-zero goals,” she said. “When we combine steel’s inherent attributes like recyclability and strength with smart design strategies such as high-performance envelopes, renewable energy integration and circular economy practices, metal buildings become a cornerstone of sustainable, future-ready construction.

The learning objectives of the session include applying strategies using insulated metal panels, cool roof technologies and advanced coatings, as well as understanding recent advancements in steel manufacturing, including low-carbon production methods and recycled content to reduce embodied carbon.

Low-Slope Detailing
1 to 5 p.m., Tuesday, Oct. 21

Alex Prothmann, a fully licensed 308A sheet metal trainer, will present the Low-Slope Detailing Workshop in a hands-on format to expose attendees to basic-level low-slope details and transform their perspective on sheet metal possibilities and how it applies to a roof.

“Low-slope detailing needs to be able to retain water effectively enough for slow-draining water to make its way down the roof avoiding pitfalls such as capillary action,” Prothmann said. “Water on steep-slope is pulled on by gravity enough to cascade water effectively down the roof at a rate that makes it possible for steep-slope details.

“I want everyone to realize that there are more possibilities with metal roofing than they originally thought. It’s important to focus on proper detailing because water doesn’t flow fast enough for effective water shed.”

How to Grow your Metal Roofing Business
10:15 a.m. Wednesday, Oct. 22

The Metal Roofing Alliance is sponsoring a session on Growing Your Metal Roofing Business. Three business owners will discuss what they have learned in this growing industry. As demand continues to rise, how can metal roofing contractors position themselves to be a part of that growth? 

“When you start your own business, there are a lot of questions and you may feel lost,” said Gabriela Sarabia, CEO and founder of S&S Construction Services in Denver. “I want to target the resources out there that are available to get you started.”

The objectives of this session are to implement proven sales strategies to grow a client base and develop a plan to anticipate your company’s growth over the next year.

“Metal isn’t for just anyone,” says Richard Pruden, VP of Pruden Roofing in Stockton, Calif. “It’s for those who want to take their craft to the next level. It can be extremely rewarding and profitable if it’s handled with pride from the contractor. It has the potential to set you apart from standard contractors that don’t want to take the time and learn how to grow.”

For information, visit www.metalcon.com.