gap between metal fabrication installation

Bridging the Gap Between Metal Fabrication and Installation

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If you so choose, virtually any metal fabrication project can be split into two general stages: The production and completion of the metal fabrication, and the field installation of custom fabricated materials or equipment. You can’t complete a successful project without both, and the two have several obvious areas of connection.

At Cypress Metals, we’re proud to serve as full-service metal fabrication experts in several areas, including siding, chimney caps, cupolas, custom fascia and numerous other related projects. What are some of the key factors that need to be present in a metal fabrication arrangement to ensure the gap is bridged between production and installation? Let’s go over a few vital areas our team will assist you with.

Communication Areas

Communication is hugely important throughout the metal fabrication process, from initial consultation all the way through installation. Just a single area that’s miscommunicated or confirmed incorrectly can change the entire project, from altering the due date to throwing off several other important processes.

For this reason, we provide a high level of communication and updates throughout our process. We’ll keep you updated on daily progress, plus quickly implement any reasonable adjustments that need to be made so you don’t have to deal with major delays or cost increases. We also pre-assemble and fit all projects before they leave our doors, marking every piece to ensure installation is as simple as can be.

Compliance Standards

Both manufacturers and customers alike know how important it is to comply with all regulations, from OSHA requirements to other government rules and safety reports. This is a big part of the reason why it’s so valuable to work with full-service fabricators like ours – we already have relationships with strong, reputable third-party contractors who can assist with objective compliance evaluations and limit any risks found in this area. We’ll provide all the proper documentation required for any compliance areas no matter the scope of the project.

Quality Control

Quality control is another area that begins at consultation and does not end until installation has been completed properly. One major tenet of our quality control is transparency – we keep documentation of every area of our process, from materials purchased to labor hours worked and much more. We’re happy to provide shipping photos or other similar documentation for the actual transportation process, as well.

Distance to Installation Site

Finally, one area that can sometimes be glossed over when it comes to the gap between production and installation: The proximity between the production site and the delivery site. On-site deliveries can generally be made across multiple states or even regions, but know that each state can have its own set of permit and licensing requirements. For this reason, those within reasonable proximity will have the fewest issues with delivery and installation.

For more on ensuring you properly bridge the gap between metal fabrication and installation, or to learn about any of our custom metal design or laser cutting services, speak to the staff at Cypress Metals today.

 

How Metal Fabrication Helps Increase Steel ROI

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For those in any industrial field, the last couple years have provided some stress points when it comes to metals like steel and aluminum. While steel costs have stabilized a bit in 2019, large tariffs on imported steel and aluminum in 2017 and 2018 meant that manufacturers had to take more care to improve their return on investment when dealing with these metals, steel in particular.

At Cypress Metals, our sheet metal fabrication and other custom metal design services will help you assess every detail of the process and bring back a strong ROI for all steel-related projects. Let’s go over a few ROI-related areas many manufacturers are focused on, plus how our processes help streamline things for you in these areas.

Descaling Issues

In areas where you have to store steel for long periods of time, one of the issues that sometimes comes up is the formation of oxide scale on steel surfaces, sometimes minor but occasionally significant levels as well. These oxides can damage the qualities of steel, opening it up to risks of corrosion or weakness that manufacturers can’t afford.

Luckily, full-service metal fabricators are qualified to assist with this sort of thing. This is done in a process called descaling, which involves pickling applications and heat combined, then scrubbing that helps remove the sludge areas. Finally, descaling involves rinsing and finishing the steel in nitric-hydrofluoric acid.

Galvanization

In many situations, we’ll even help you ward off these oxidization issues before they ever form in the first place. This is through one of a few processes, the most common of which is hot-dip galvanization – a process that creates a zinc layer around the entire steel surface, making it resistant to corrosion at every point, even edges and crevices.

Hot-dip galvanization is often a huge benefit in terms of steel-related ROI. It can increase steel value in several ways:

  • Allowing for outdoor construction due to resistance to corrosion or weather.
  • Preparing for utility uses like electrical transmission towers or similar areas.
  • Protecting stairs, ladders and other industrial areas from wear and damage over time.
  • Preventing embrittlement due to age, including the kind that can crack steel over a long enough period of exposure.
  • Limiting damage due to friction on various working components.

Welding Measures

In addition to dealing with oxidization, welding is a vital part of steel ROI. The right welding techniques must be applied before hot-dip galvanization to avoid cracking of the zinc or other negative reactions if this process isn’t don in the right order. Welding QC areas that will help add ROI to your steel include:

  • Ensuring matching thickness for the zinc coating from hot-dip galvanization, so long as the welding is done before the galvanizing process.
  • Post-galvanization techniques that will remove zing from welds and weld zones while protecting the surface area from corrosion.
  • “Push” welding techniques are preferred over “pull” techniques, allowing for a flatter bead and better penetration qualities.

For more on how metal fabrication services will help raise your steel project ROI, or to learn about any of our metal fab or laser cutting services, speak to the staff at Cypress Metals today.

experienced full-service metal fabricators

Issues Avoided by Experienced, Full-Service Metal Fabricators

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Modern technology continues to benefit several major industries in significant ways, and the metal fabrication world is no exception. Recent advances like 3D printing, laser tube technology and various automation tools are changing the way fabrication processes are carried out in many areas, improving efficiency in several.

At Cypress Metals, we’re here to remind you that behind all the high-level tech that goes into sheet metal fabrication and other metal fabrication methods is a high degree of human expertise. No matter what level of technology becomes infused into our industry, you need experienced quality fabricators who understand the fundamentals and how to apply the technology in proper ways. In today’s blog, we’ll look at several of the vital steps our full-service metal fabrication professionals help you complete properly, plus the problems our services help prevent before they ever crop up.

Vital Steps to Metal Fabrication

To be sure your design concepts and visions for the project translate into the proper components without any issue, a process for metal fabrication must be followed. Even a small mistake in one area here can lead to a failed inspection or a need to restart the entire project, and those with expertise in the industry are trained on how to spot the signs of these issues.

Here’s a broad look at the steps included in a custom metal fabrication project:

  • Original concept design
  • Specific fabrication design
  • Product design
  • Engineering and prototyping
  • Fabrication

Issues Prevented by Full-Service Fabrication

Now, the steps we just laid out above are very general. Each of those areas includes several additional steps, and a metal fabrication project will involve areas like forming, cutting, assembling, finishing and installing the finished work. During these various parts of the process, a number of logistical issues may pop up – here’s how a full-service team that works together for your project helps avoid several of them:

  • Pollution: Ensuring projects are completed in green, efficient ways requires pros who know the right materials, finishing requirements and welding standards. Without this, your project may not meet code during inspections.
  • OSHA concerns: The OSHA is an incredibly strict regulatory body, one that can ding you for issues as small as ladders, safety cages, rails or landings. Every single metal component must be fabricated properly.
  • Bulk storage: Custom-fabricated metal accessories are vital for the bulk storage industry.
  • Cost-efficiency: Maybe the top single benefit of hiring an experienced, full-service metal fabrication company is the ability to streamline your material handling. We’ll oversee each individual measurement required for your project, plus help move specialized materials through the process without any damage or waste that might show up in other less organized arrangements.

For more on the issues a full-service metal fabrication team can hep prevent, or to learn about any of our metal roofs or fabrication services, speak to the staff at Cypress Metals today.

fabricated metal roofs save money

Ways Fabricated Metal Roofs Save You Money

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At Cypress Metals, we’re extremely proud of our high-quality metal roofing materials. Produced using only experienced fabrication experts and welders, we can create custom metal roofing options that fit your every need, including several important processes you may require before installation.

Why should you be considering a metal roof for your home or business? There are actually several reasons, and each of them at least touches on one overarching theme: Financial benefits. That’s right, not only can a metal roof provide the absolute best protection and efficiency for your structure, it can save you money in the process. Here are some reasons why this is the case.

Energy Efficiency

This is an area we’ve detailed before in this space, so we won’t go too far into the weeds, but the basics are these: Metal roofs have an enormous impact on energy savings due to their light weight, durability, reflection capabilities and their recyclability. With more and more states passing laws regarding energy-efficient roofing materials, and these guidelines around the country getting stricter every year, these benefits are huge.

They also impact your wallet in a big way. A metal roof can often lower your heating and electric costs by up to 20 percent compared to other roofing materials, a massive savings in many cases. These roofs are easy to vent and insulate as needed, including installation over previously insulated attics.

Durability and Maintenance

Another big way metal roofs save you money? Through their extremely limited maintenance or repair needs. You won’t find a more durable roofing product than our fabricated metal, and this means that instead of more common roofing damage and resulting repairs, you’ll get a roof that stands the test of time and holds up to the elements throughout the year.

Not only does this save you money you might have spent in the past, it can go a long way toward increasing home value if you ever choose to sell. One big factor in home sales is “curb appeal,” which refers to the visual first impressions a buyer gets when they come for a tour – a pristine metal roof with zero imperfections gives off a much better look than another material that’s missing shingles or is otherwise damaged.

Style, Color and Home Value

Down similar lines, modern metal roofing materials have the versatility to match any style. They can be made to mimic other materials like tile or shingles, and can now be made in virtually any color scheme you desire. If keeping your home looking great so the curb appeal stays high is a priority for you, metal roofing offers all the options you need.

For more on how metal roofs impact you positively from a financial perspective, or to learn about any of our metal fabrication services, speak to the staff at Cypress Metals today.

common metal fabrication myths

Dispelling Common Metal Fabrication Myths, Part 2

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In part one of this two-part blog, we went over some of the primary myths out there related to custom metal fabrication. This is a complex and detailed field, and unfortunately a few such misconceptions have come up over time based on a lack of knowledge from some parties.

At Cypress Metals, we’re here to help with all your fabrication needs, from sheet metal fabrication services to metal siding and roofing, range hoods and much more. Today, we’ll go over some of the most common myths related to contractors, costs and third-party inspections for these kinds of fabrication services.

Myth #4: The Lowest Cost Means the Best Deal

Like many other industrial processes, the world of metal fabrication involves various bids from different contractors, which are given after they’re provided with basic details about the work required. We absolutely recommend that you shop around for multiple bids – we know our services and pricing will stack up excellently against the competition.

When engaging in this process, it’s very important to note that you’re not simply looking for the lowest price and saying yes immediately. Not all fabrication contractors are of the same quality, or even offer the same services – some have many hidden costs involved in their processes, including poor quality control, limited communication or issues with hiring subcontractors. You’re looking for full-service companies that are transparent about their offerings and interested in learning more about your business.

Myth #5: Product Inspections Aren’t a Big Deal

Another major area you should be prioritizing in your search for a fabrication contractor is quality control and inspections. These experts are part of any good fabrication staff, and can work with third-party inspectors to make sure all products meet code and are completely safe. This includes welding protocols and standards in both the US and Canada (they differ between the two countries).

In addition, there should be documentation presented for everything in this realm. Photographs and/or paperwork can be sent to you for approval before shipping of any products.

Myth #6: There’s No Third-Party Verification

Down similar lines, a common misconception in this world is that fabrication is the Wild West – companies police themselves and have no legitimate oversight. Simply put, this couldn’t be further from the truth.

Rather, there are numerous government regulations and safety reports required, including OSHA regulations and other compliance requests. How your fabrication professionals manage and handle these various requirements goes a long way toward the eventual success of your project. Choose professionals who understand how to navigate all the details here, including knowledge on important industry standards and comfort with third-party inspectors.

For more on dispelling the myths surrounding metal fabrication, or to learn about any of our laser cutting or other services, speak to the pros at Cypress Metals today.

dispelling metal fabrication myths

Dispelling Common Metal Fabrication Myths

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At Cypress Metals, we’re your go-to experts for all areas of custom metal fabrication. From sheet metal fabricating services to precision metal cutting and much more, there’s no project or related industry we can’t assist with.

Unfortunately, our time in this industry has also revealed a number of common, popular myths that have invaded the world of metal fabrication. These myths not only hurt businesses like ours, but more importantly may cause significant issues for customers who don’t have the right information about what we do and how we can help. In this two-part blog, we’ll go over some of these misconceptions and set the record straight.

Myth #1: Who Needs an Engineer?

Perhaps the most common metal fabrication myth out there is the one stating that if you already have a design in place for your project, you don’t need fabrication from an engineer. But this misses the entire point here – an engineer during the design phase is vital for making sure the right pieces are present to translate your designs into actual parts.

Think about custom steel, for instance, which has a designated “design” stage and a designated “fabrication” stage. But then consider how many different steps come between these: Product design, engineering and prototyping all have to be done before you can get into the actual fabrication itself. Engineers and fabricators are essential to have on hand during these phases, even if you have your design already in mind.

Myth #2: Galvanization is Too Pricey

There’s actually a pretty good reason for this myth being out there: In the past, it used to be true. The galvanizing process, which involves coating every part of a given piece of metal to save major maintenance concerns, used to be by far the least affordable part of the fabrication process.

But today, the advent and improvement of hot-dip galvanization has made this a thing of the past. Galvanizing is now just as affordable as other components of fabrication, and even more so in some cases. It’s important to check for things like embrittlement, friction and zinc coating qualities here in advance – once again, this hammers home the importance of working with a specific fabrication expert, who can check for all these potential issues.

Myth #3: All Fabricators Are the Same

If you’re canvassing your options for fabrication (something we absolutely recommend), know that just because a company has a cool-looking logo and a good PowerPoint presentation showing their services doesn’t mean they can back this up. As about things like touring the facility and seeing previous work – not all fabricators are the same, and hiring an inexperienced one could lead to cut corners and lowered quality. Make sure any fabricator you consider has the proper space, tools and equipment to get your job done right, plus a history that shows this kind of work.

For more on myths surrounding metal fabrication, or to learn about any of our metal fabrication or chimney cap services, speak to the pros at Cypress Metals today.

metal roofs energy efficiency

How Metal Roofs Help With Energy Efficiency

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In today’s day and age, energy efficiency is an important buzzword across numerous industries. This is with good reason, too – our ability to use technology to continuously improve our sustainable practices is important for maintaining the environment.

At Cypress Metals, we’re here to help when it comes to making your home more energy efficient. Our metal roofing solutions offer several fantastic energy benefits, whether we’re talking about the roof itself or the siding, cupolas, window covers or several other areas. Let’s look at how your roof plays a role in your home’s energy use, plus how metal roofing can help you maximize your savings here.

Roofs and Energy Standards

Your home’s roof has a huge impact on your energy use. It helps define your heating, air and electric concerns throughout the home, plus plays a role in how much sunlight and resulting heat makes its way into the home. For this reason, energy is an area you absolutely must consider when thinking about a new roof.

Not only is this the smart approach to take, it’s becoming mandated by law in many areas. The state of California, for instance, has already passed a law stating that starting in 2020, all new construction homes must include some form of solar power collection installed. Many other states and localities are looking at similar laws, too.

Energy Savings from Metal Roofing

Metal roofs can reduce your home electric and heating costs by as much as 20 percent in some cases compared to other roof types. Here are some ways this is possible:

  • Recyclability: Most metal roofs are very high in recyclable content, upwards of 90 percent in most cases.

  • Weight: Metal roofing is light compared to other types, allowing it to be shipped faster and reduce related energy costs.

  • Durability: Other roofing types may not last as long as metal roofs, and this means you need replacements more often. This, in turn, requires more energy to manufacture, ship and install your new roof.

  • Reflection: Many metal roofs come with reflective pigments, which move radiant heat away from the home as needed.

  • Venting: It’s very easy to vent metal roofs, which helps you move heat or cold away from the attic space to reduce the load on your HVAC system.

  • Airspace: If you install shingle metal roofs, these often come with integrated airspace between the metal itself and the roof deck. This space stops heat transfer from the roof to the structure, much like a double-pane window would.

  • Over-top installation: Metal roofs are great for installing over insulated roof decks or attic spaces, as they do not undergo and degrading process from the loss of heat passage.

Harnessing Energy

Metal roofs aren’t only great for those looking to conserve energy – they’re great for those looking to harness and generate their own. Metal is a fantastic base for solar panel installation; in some cases, this takes nothing more than basic fasteners to accomplish. Metal is also a perfect substitute for “thin film” within solar collection.

For more on how metal roofs help you save energy, or to learn about any of our metal fabrication services, speak to the pros at Cypress Metals today.

The Importance of Airing Out the Attic

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If a room is uninhabitable but it’s a room that you never use, does it matter? If that room is your attic, the answer is yes, but the attic is also one of the most commonly neglected parts of a home. Houses are like a small ecosystem, and each room affects all the others, so it’s important that you pay attention to every room, including the top and bottom (attic and basement).

A properly ventilated room is important for the health and safety of your family, which is why many people work to ensure they have great ventilation in the rooms that are inhabited on a regular basis. But homeowners often forget to apply the same rules to rooms that they only enter a few times a month—or only once every few years. Ventilation isn’t just for the benefit of the people within the home; it also ensures the prolonged health of the entire room. In the case of the attic, ventilation helps protect the integrity of the roof above, and the rooms below.

The Air Trap

When an attic remains unventilated it becomes an air trap. The “stuffy” feeling people experience is the trapped air that’s gotten so thick and filled with humidity that it’s may have even begun to pressurize the room – similar to the cabins of airplanes and submarines.

Comfort isn’t the only worry regarding unventilated attics, though. Trapped air can condense into moisture, which will lead to very serious home conditions like mold and weakened roof support structures. Conditions get even more extreme when seasons change, since shifting temperatures can put added stresses on the home and increase wear and tear.

Ventilation is the Answer

The best way to counter these potential problems is to install a simple ventilation system that’s easy to operate and doesn’t break the bank. Fortunately, the gable vent meets all of those needs. These slatted window vents have been installed in homes for centuries, and have worked to keep attics at comfortable and safe levels of humidity and air pressure. They provide the necessary air circulation any room needs, without having to alter the structure of the home in any significant way.

If you have a stuffy attic and want to know more about how to get the proper circulation in that room, contact us today. We have many options for the different needs and specifications of the modern home. We’ll talk and work with you on the best solution that improves both the style and function of the house.

Keeping Your Chimney Protected from Soot, Lightning, and Moisture

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Though your chimney seems solid and strong, factors like weather, age and use will take a toll on even the most well-made chimneys. It is very important that you maintain it on a regular basis and have it checked by a professional to repair any issue quickly.

Soot

The interior of the chimney is often a bigger concern than the exposed side, particularly if the insulation becomes saturated with soot and stops working. Chimneys are supposed to help retain heat on cold nights but with too much soot, there is a risk that they will not keep cold air out and prevent smoke buildup in the home.

Do not wait for soot to narrow the airways. Hire a professional chimney sweep regularly to remove it, as well as any creosote buildup, which is a by-product of incomplete combustion. In very high temperature exceeding 3,000 degrees, it can burst into flames and endanger your property.

Lightning

Many masonry chimneys are grounded to protect against lightning strikes, meaning it can conduct lightning without significant danger to your home. Metal chimneys are also very good conductors of electricity and may carry electric current without damaging the surrounding structure. They will still need grounding, though, so it’s important to talk to a chimney expert and make sure your home is safe.

Moisture

Water from rain and snow can weather and decay many types of chimneys. Masonry chimneys are water absorbent and may expand during cold season, contracting as the weather becomes dry again. When the cement starts to show off erosion, pockmarks, cracks and moss, frozen water can penetrate through these openings and put your home and your roof at risk. Be sure to have an experienced chimney repairman come and fix any potential signs of erosion before it poses a danger to your home.

Metal chimneys or stovepipe may be less prone to water damages, but will always be a threat because of the potential for corrosion. You can prevent rust through paint or other steel coating and regular maintenance and upkeep.

Another way to keep moisture out is by sealing the chimney’s exposed side with a one-way moisture barrier. It also helps to install a metal chimney cap to keep birds and rain from entering through chimney hole.

The chimney is important in many ways and protecting it is crucial. For the safety of your property, have your chimney inspected and get the protection it needs. Contact us for professional chimney cleaning and maintenance. We will be there whenever you need our assistance.

What a Metal Roof Could for Your Home

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If you are in the market for a new roof, choosing metal roofing over other options can provide significant benefits for your home. Unlike shingles and tiles, metal calls for relatively low maintenance but can still stand up to significant weather without falling apart.

Metal roofs are known to endure several different types of the most severe weather, including snow, rain, hail and sun. With the right type of coating you won’t need to worry about the color fading over time, and you can have a beautiful roof to protect your home for 50 to 70 years, or perhaps even more.

Even the installation is easy. The new metal roofing can be installed on top of your existing roof, it lightweight and won’t cause problems to your roof support system, which can save you some significant money during the installation phase.

While these are all great benefits of metal roofing, there are even more benefits for homeowners who choose this material. Here are some of the reasons to switch to metal roofing:

1. Energy Efficient

A proper metal roof system will help lower your bills. During the summer, it can reflect solar heat that helps cut cooling costs. During the winter season, it won’t retain snow but instead shed it off the top.

2. Overall Functionality

Most metal roof varieties only weigh 50 to 150 pounds. This is the main reason it can be installed over the top of an old roof. There’s no need for additional structural support as the material’s so light.

3. The Environmentally Sound Choice

Metals are one of the most recyclable materials on the planet. If you decide to get a new one, you can even recycle it when you’re finished so there won’t be any waste at the end of the roof’s useful life.

4. Roof Metals for All

The variety of metal roofing available caters to customers with different preference in price and style. You can choose between zinc, aluminum, copper and galvanized steel. Whichever you choose, you can count on its unmatched longevity.

5. Aesthetically Pleasing

The benefit of making your house more aesthetically pleasing is a good reason to choose metal roofs. With styles that range from the typical metal roof to designs that mimic other materials you can often find exactly what you want.

For more information about metal roofing, contact Cypress Metals today. Our support staff is ready and willing to answer all your questions.