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.

Amplifying Lasers with Air

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The ability to produce lasers powerful enough to cut through metals is one of the most impressive applications of light technology in the current century. It increases the accuracy of metal fabrication to within millimeters of the required specifications. This accuracy helps create parts that fit better with each other, ensuring greater durability and performance.

Laser Inaccuracies

The only thing wrong about current laser technology is that people have little idea of how it actually works. Most observers think that a laser either already has the power necessary to cut through metal coming out of its source, or that it’s amplified by a combination of lenses to reach such power.

The first assumption is completely wrong, as there is no way to channel the laser in the direction the cutter wants without slicing the entire workspace in half. The second assumption is half-right, but stumbles at the method of amplification. There is a lens at the end of the laser to concentrate the power towards a specific point, but this is more for the sake of accuracy than power.

Powerful Gasses

Lasers are not nearly as powerful enough to cut metal on their own; lenses only concentrate the power they already have, but don’t add anything to their original power. Surprisingly, lasers get their amplified power from carbon dioxide, along with some other gases.

The CO2 laser uses a gaseous mixture of carbon dioxide, nitrogen, and helium. Some lasers, however, include xenon and/or hydrogen into their mixture. When a laser passes through the chamber containing these gases, the electrons excite the molecules.

Molecule and Photon Bumping

First, the nitrogen starts vibrating, these molecules the transfer the energy to the CO2 when the two bump into each other. The helium then takes away the heat these molecules generate through their excitement, leaving only the amplified photons to exit the chamber. A lens at the end of the chamber concentrates the excited photons to a single point, giving machinists a powerful and accurate cutting tool.

The benefits of using laser technology can only mean good news for any industry. If your company thinks it can make good use of laser cutting services, contact us today. Our teams can give you all the information regarding how laser cut parts can better serve you and your business.

Reinventing Beauty: Exterior Accessories to Amplify Home Design

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When it comes to home designs most of us tend to look at the big things  from the color of the roof to the surrounding landscape. Sometimes it’s not only the big things that matter; the small things count as well.

Before you decide on major makeovers, you might want to add some of these simple things and see how they amplify your home designs.

Steel Siding to Rock Your Exterior

No other exterior accessory can play such a big a role in your home design as steel siding. With a smooth, untarnished finish, it gives a new definition to modern architectural designs. Dent, insect, moisture, and fire resistant, steel siding can offer ample protection for your home from some of the most common problems. When properly maintained, it can last for as long as 50 years with minimal touch-ups every 20 years or so.

Soffit and Fascia to Protect Your Eaves

If you’re looking for a classic touch to your exterior, upgrading your soffit and fascia can be a great option. These offer additional protection to your eaves, ensuring birds, insect, or rainwater won’t enter the small space between your roof and gutter. Soffit and fascia add more than just a visual accent to your exteriors; they often play a critical role in ventilating your attic and should be kept clear at all times to prevent ventilation difficulties and roof damage.

Covers to Accentuate Your Bay Windows

A little bit of creativity goes a long way when dressing up your bay windows, and covers offer the perfect accent. Bay window steel covers highlight the natural charm of your exteriors and provide a unique personality to your home design. With their smooth finish and matching colors, these accents can revive the old-world beauty of your bay windows.

Who says you need extravagant renovations to make your home stand out? Sometimes, even the smallest details can leave a memorable impression and provide the biggest impact on your home’s aesthetics.

For more information about exterior accessories, contact Cypress Metals. We have the expertise and technology to provide outstanding exterior products for your home.

The X-Factor: Cupolas

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Know More About Cupolas

We do more than just provide roofing solutions. At Cypress Metals, we go out of our way to find things that’ll make houses pop. In an earlier post, we talked about the charm of crown moldings. This time, we’ll talk about the allure of cupolas.

The Cupola

A cupola is a small, often dome-like structure on top of a building. In old structures, it serves as a lookout post or a place to let in light and air. It may not sound like much by reading the description, but it looks impressive once it’s up on the roof. It’s a small addition that makes a big difference.

Cupolas often appear on top of churches as belfries and belvederes; the association immediately sparks interest and makes the roof a focal point in the street – maybe even the neighborhood. Generating interest and standing out are two of the most important things a house can do, apart fro providing safety and shelter. This is because the value of a home depends on demand, and people will only want a house if it’s interesting.

The Architecture Trinity

Few things in architecture generate function, style, and interest all at the same time. This is because people already know about most of the things that are functional and stylish, so they aren’t very interesting. It’s not every day that homeowners find a slightly obscure roofing implement they can apply to their homes. That way, the house becomes unique, and can even become a small landmark.

If you want this kind of positive attention directed at your home, don’t wait another second and call us now. When it comes to superior metal fabrication services, Cypress Metals is the name you can trust. Our teams know all there is to know about roofing and roofing implements.Feel free to ask us anything, and we’ll answer with a smile.

Crown Moldings: The Secret to a Charming Home

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Your home’s architectural features dictate its overall feel and appeal. From the material used on your roof to the types of plants on your lawn, all these things sum up your property’s beauty. But there is one thing that gives it a unique charm: crown moldings.

A Boost in Visual Presence

Crown moldings add an air of vigor and refinement in your property. These additions that go around your fascia possess a unique visual impact no other addition can match. It complements the roof style of your property and ties the overall look together. This is the impact of a crown molding: a boost in visual presence through that upscale feel it provides.

The glamorizing effect leads to better curb appeal – and, by extension, higher property value. When you look at moldings this way, you cannot deny the value of this architectural feature.

Key Considerations for Crown Moldings

When deciding on a crown molding, you have to consider three important factors: dimension, design, and material.

The first one is all about the height, width, and length of your roof and your home. You have to take into account the height of the ceiling and the width the roof encompasses when deciding on a design.

Speaking of design, you have to ensure that the design you are choosing fits your home’s theme appropriately. This means thinking about the form and pattern on the moldings.

Lastly, decide on the material that fits your home and your personality. You might want to consider going for steel or copper, as these two materials look neutral on any color palette and render a unique, dramatic charm.

Let Cypress Metals help you add a vibe of class and energy in your home with the right crown moldings. As one of Utah’s finest metal fabrication companies, we will work with you to design your home’s bespoke crown moldings, chimney caps, range hoods, and everything else made from fabricated metal. Contact us today to know more about the services we provide.