Author: Alejandro Vela

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: Get 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. 

• Complete material lists: Our comprehensive offering includes everything from major components to fasteners, ensuring you have everything you need for your project.  

• 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. 

• 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. Also, don’t forget to visit our Project Services page to learn more about all the services we offer.  

There are few things in life that hold as much value as time. It’s often filled with family, meaningful experiences, progress, and everything in between. Because time feels endless, it’s easy to view preparing for something uncertain—like a hurricane—as unnecessary or premature. But as William Shakespeare once said, “Better three hours too soon than a minute too late.” When it comes to hurricane preparedness and protecting property from severe weather, this couldn’t be truer.

At MBCI, we’re committed to providing high-quality products that, when properly installed and maintained, help protect what matters most. As hurricane season begins, our team is focused on ensuring that you, your customers, and the properties they value are as safe and secure as possible.

In this blog post, you’ll find a hurricane preparedness guide tailored for contractors, featuring essential supplies and safety recommendations to help your customers get ready for severe weather. We’ve also highlighted storm-resistant materials, including Miami-Dade certified products, for those looking to invest in durable, code-compliant metal roofing solutions.

Food and Water

Let’s start with the basics. It’s important to have a sufficient stock of food and water on hand for emergencies during hurricane season. Ideally, you should advise homeowners to store a three-day supply of water and food for each individual in their household. Be sure to consider any children or nursing mothers, as they typically require more water and nutrition than the average adult.

First Aid Essentials

A comprehensive first aid kit is crucial in any emergency situation. When professional medical assistance is unavailable, having the supplies to quickly manage injuries is invaluable. It’s also wise to encourage customers to stock essential over-the-counter medications to relieve any discomfort or symptoms that could arise from injuries.  

Tools and Supplies

Often, when utilities are disrupted during emergency situations, having the appropriate tools readily available to support needs and comfort goes a long way. Utilizing a battery-operated radio will ensure you and your customers receive crucial updates and information disseminated to the public. They should also keep a few flashlights and extra batteries in case the power goes out.

Miami-Dade and FL Approved Products

Regarding the home or building itself, taking the time to choose the best materials to ensure resilience during hurricane season is vital. If your customers are seeking metal panels to replace older asphalt shingles, or simply to install on a new structure, our PBR metal roof and wall panels are ideal for a variety of construction applications. With outstanding durability and a range of finish options, these panels are Miami-Dade certified and also possess FL Product Approval. They offer straightforward installation directly over purlins or joists, providing a trustworthy and visually appealing solution for your building requirements.

For your customers in the Industrial, Commercial, and Architectural industries, a great option is the Double-Lok™ roof panel, which is a mechanically field-seamed roof system. Double-Lok™ panels require a minimum slope of ¼:12 and is UL-90 and FM rated with Miami-Dade County approvals. If your customers are looking to upgrade their roof to a standing seam, then installing our Double-Lok™ roof panel over their existing R-panel roof without the need for sub-framing is an excellent choice.

Lastly, another great choice that is both Miami-Dade certified and FL Product Approved is the SuperLok® panel. These are impressively designed, mechanically field-seamed standing seam roof systems, and offer the unique combination of a 2-inch slim rib and outstanding uplift resistance, making it a hardy choice for any customers whose building is frequently exposed to harsh weather conditions.   

Clothing Essentials and Special Items 

During emergencies, it is important to select clothing that is both robust and weather-resistant if possible. For your safety, and the customers you service, we suggest keeping at least one change of clothing, specifically chosen for comfort and durability. Choose sturdy, closed-toe footwear and ensure easy access to durable yet comfortable socks and outerwear. For infants, children and adults with special needs, always ensure additional accommodations are arranged well in advance to guarantee comfort. Create a detailed list of all medications and dosages required and the frequency with which they are taken.

Cultivating Confidence Through Hurricane Preparedness

As we move through hurricane season, it’s important to remember that storm preparedness is more than a checklist—it’s a reflection of our commitment to the people and properties we serve. Taking the time to equip your team and your customers with the right resources and emergency supplies not only protects your metal building projects but also builds trust and peace of mind that lasts long after the storm. 

At MBCI, we’re here to support contractors with expert guidance, resilient building materials, and Miami-Dade certified metal roofing solutions designed to stand up to extreme weather. If you’re in need of more information on our product suggestions, feel free to connect with our team. Together, we can strengthen every structure and safeguard the memories that are made within them.

Stay safe, stay prepared, and continue looking out for one another.  

As we transition from the cooler months and make way for spring’s vibrant energy, now is the perfect time to revitalize not just residential spaces but also the metal building you work to build or enhance. This comprehensive guide will provide you with the essential techniques to master your spring cleaning and remodel projects checklist, ensuring that your clients’ spaces are ready to embrace the sunshine and warmer days ahead.   

Start from the Top: Roof and Gutters 

Kick off your spring cleaning routine by thoroughly assessing the roofs and gutters of the buildings you manage. It’s vital to check for damaged panels, clogged gutters, and signs of wear that might have developed over the winter. Well-functioning gutters are essential for directing rainwater away from the building’s foundation, helping prevent costly water damage and expensive repairs. For optimal roof performance, consider recommending MBCI’s metal roofing options. We offer exceptional products such as our BattenLok® HS panel, known for its tall rib height that helps channel high volumes of melting snow and rain to the gutter system. 

While many focus on decluttering the interiors of buildings, it’s equally important not to overlook the roof, which is the first line of defense against the elements. Although asphalt shingles have been the go-to choice for many, studies by the Metal Roofing Association show that metal roofing panels outshine them in many ways, offering up to three times the lifespan and significantly reduced maintenance costs

»Pro Tip: For safe ground-level inspections, start by utilizing binoculars to identify potential roofing issues before retrieving your ladder.   

Check Those Tree Limbs   

Spring marks the season when trees begin to sprout again, making it a crucial moment to inspect potentially dangerous or overgrown branches that could jeopardize the integrity of the roofing. Encourage clients to trim any overhanging branches that could cause damage or scrape the roof surface. If your assessment reveals significant roofing or siding damage, we recommend using the LokSeam® panel for its ability to be installed over open framing or a solid substructure. This panel is also ideal for transitioning from roof to fascia with the use of a rib cover, all while delivering an excellent blend of function and form.  

As we embrace the rejuvenation and growth that spring signifies, we must also remember that it can bring unwelcome visitors like moss and mold – both of which can overwhelm a surface if not properly managed. These nuisances can harm your roof and siding, leading to diminished energy efficiency and driving up utility bills. If these problems are detected, consult with a professional and consider replacing them with a metal panel for simpler upkeep. Our experienced team can guide you through the process and offer suggestions that meet your needs.   

Consider the Environment  

For contractors prioritizing eco-friendliness in their projects, MBCI offers numerous environmentally conscious solutions. Our new MasterRib® panel stands out in the market, offering superior durability due to its composition of high-quality metal and optional Drip Stop technology benefits. This panel is widely used because of its versatility, making it an ideal fit for agricultural, light commercial, and residential buildings. For those interested in sustainable building practices, don’t miss our blog post on the environmental advantages of metal roofs – your one-stop resource for green building insights

For a quick and easy refresh of your metal building exteriors this spring, a thorough rinse with a garden hose at normal pressure can effectively remove winter’s grime from metal roof and wall panels. Follow this up with some touch-up paint formulated for metal panels to elevate the building’s curb appeal. If you wish to avoid repainting chipped surfaces for years, consider replacing them with metal panels, as MBCI’s offers a variety of colors to suit many design aesthetics. Our extensive selection is adaptable and compliments numerous building aesthetics. Also, remind clients to clean windows inside and out for a crystal-clear view of the blossoms that springtime will bring. You’d be surprised at the dramatic transformation that results from these seemingly minor adjustments!   

Addressing these concerns upfront can save substantial repair costs down the line. MBCI’s FW-120 is a strong contender for those who need to cover large composite wall areas, and helps keep air and water out under various pressure levels with proper design and installation. If you’re uncertain about handling these tasks independently, don’t hesitate to seek assistance from our experts, who can provide you with the guidance you need to deliver a revitalized metal building for your clients this season.  Ready to elevate your metal building remodels this spring? Let’s quickly review how to initiate your exterior cleaning process:   

1. Begin by inspecting roofs for loose panels, missing sealants, obstructed gutters, or any damage from winter.  
2. Assess for moss or fungus on both your roof and siding. If damage is significant, contact a professional to assist you with removal, and consider one of our suggested metal panels for a low-maintenance solution. 
3. Rinse your roof and wall panels for a fresh start. Follow up with proper touch-up paint for an instant upgrade. 
4. Make sure you wipe down both the inside and outside of your windows. 
5. Clear away any fallen foliage around the building. 
6. Evaluate if anything needs replacing and contact our experts for assistance with the perfect product selection.