Tag: energy efficiency

Press Release – Fortify Building Solutions™ Slimline® Metal Roofing Panel Selected As a Good Housekeeping 2026 Home Reno Award Winner

Posted on by Alejandro Vela

CARY, NC | September 23, 2026 – Cornerstone Building Brands, a leading manufacturer of exterior building products in North America, today announced that its Fortify Building Solutions™ business’ Slimline® concealed fastener metal roofing panel has been named among Good Housekeeping’s 2026 Home Reno Awards winners for combining durable performance and energy efficiency with a modern, low-profile design that complements contemporary and traditional homes.  

Each year, engineers and product analysts at the Good Housekeeping Institute, together with a team of home improvement professionals, spend months rigorously evaluating the best products and services for home remodeling and maintenance. As part of the evaluation process, analysts send products into the homes of consumer testers to see how they perform in real-world conditions, while Good Housekeeping design pros weigh in on style and aesthetics. To determine the winners, judges focus on key attributes including quality, value, efficiency, sustainability and overall design appeal. 

Lasting Performance and Curb Appeal for Residential Roofing 

Metal roofing is becoming an increasingly popular choice as homeowners look for lasting value, less upkeep and enhanced curb appeal. According to the Metal Roofing Alliance, metal roofing offers several advantages that can make it a sound long-term investment for homeowners, including: 

  • Longer service life: With proper design and installation, metal roofing can last two to three times as long as asphalt shingles, helping reduce the expense and disruption of future replacements. 
  • Potential insurance savings: In some areas, especially those prone to severe weather, homeowners with qualifying metal roofs may be eligible for insurance premium discounts, depending on their insurer and policy. 

 Slimline pairs those practical, long-term benefits with design flexibility that helps deliver lasting curb appeal. Its concealed fasteners and 1-inch ribs create a clean, low-profile roofline, while a range of colors helps homeowners coordinate their metal roof panels with their home’s siding and trim or make the roof a distinct architectural feature. 

 “A new roof is a major investment, and homeowners deserve confidence in the products they choose,” said Matt Ackley, CEO of Fortify Building Solutions. “Earning this recognition through Good Housekeeping’s expert evaluation and testing gives homeowners added assurance in Slimline panels and contractors a meaningful endorsement to share with their customers.” 

 Building on the longevity and performance benefits associated with metal roofing, the concealed fastener design of Slimline panels helps reduce wear on the fasteners over time by reducing the number of attachment points that are exposed to the elements. When properly designed and installed, the panels can withstand high winds and snow loads, and also carry a UL Class A fire rating, adding protection for homes in areas vulnerable to wildfire. Depending on the finish selected, warranty coverage includes a 45-year paint or 40-year Galvalume® finish limited warranty. 

 Slimline metal panels are available with Cool Roof paint coatings that help reflect solar heat and release absorbed heat, reducing heat transfer into the home. This keeps the building cooler and lowers the demand on air conditioning equipment. Fortify’s Signature® 200 and 300 paint colors are rated through the Cool Roof Rating Council’s CRRC-1 program for solar reflectance and thermal emittance, giving professionals performance data to consider alongside color selection. 

 For contractors, Slimline combines snap-lock seams for efficient installation with multiple gauge options in a range of coatings and colors, giving them flexibility to align material specifications with homeowners’ design preferences. Expert guidance and product samples are available to help professionals compare materials and finishes with their customers.  

 “This award underscores the performance and design versatility metal roofing can bring to residential construction,” added Ackley. “Slimline panels give homeowners a clean, refined look backed by the strength of metal, and we’re proud to see the product recognized by Good Housekeeping.” 

 Slimline panels are available nationwide through Fortify Building Solutions’ go-to-market brands: Mueller™, Ceco® Building Systems, Metallic® Building Systems, Star Building Systems®, Robertson Building Systems, MBCI®, Metal Sales by MBCI®, Metal Sales, American Building Components® and Union Corrugating®. 

For more information about Fortify Building Solutions, visit FortifyBuildingSolutions.com. 

About Fortify Building Solutions 

Fortify Building Solutions is a leading provider of metal building systems, metal roof & wall systems and steel building components serving North America. Through a portfolio of trusted brands, including Mueller, Ceco Building Systems, Star Building Systems, Metallic Building Systems, Robertson Building Systems, MBCI, Metal Sales by MBCI, Metal Sales, American Building Components, and Union Corrugating, the business serves customers across commercial, industrial, agricultural, architectural and residential markets.  

With approximately 5,000 employees across a network of more than 100 manufacturing, distribution and retail sites, Fortify Building Solutions combines deep industry expertise and extensive manufacturing capabilities with a customer-focused approach to delivering quality products, dependable service and innovative solutions that help customers build with confidence. Fortify Building Solutions is part of Cornerstone Building Brands, Inc. Learn more at FortifyBuildingSolutions.com. 

About Cornerstone Building Brands
Cornerstone Building Brands is a leading manufacturer of exterior building products for residential and low-rise non-residential buildings in North America. Headquartered in Cary, N.C., we serve residential and commercial customers across the new construction and Repair & Remodel (R&R) markets. Our market-leading portfolio of products spans vinyl windows, vinyl siding, metal roofing, metal wall systems and metal accessories. Cornerstone Building Brands’ broad, multi-channel distribution platform and expansive national footprint includes approximately 19,400 team members at manufacturing, distribution and office locations throughout North America. Corporate stewardship is embedded in our culture and guides our commitment to responsible growth, environmental care and community impact. For more information, visit us at cornerstonebuildingbrands.com. 

Media Contact: 

media@fortifybuildingsolutions.com

MBCI Expands Architectural Offerings with 12 New Profiles

Posted on by Alejandro Vela
Introducing New Design Flexibility 

MBCI is expanding its architectural panel portfolio with the addition of 12 new wall panel profiles. These panels bring expanded design flexibility, proven performance and a range of aesthetics, from bold modern ribs to classic board-and-batten styles. 

Empire Series Panels 

The Empire Series features concealed fastening wall panels that can be mixed and matched across profiles for custom façade designs. 

  • EM1-1653 & EM1-1212: Shallow rib profiles with clean, modern lines. 
  • EM15-1266, EM15-1222, EM15-126, EM15-1293: Deeper ribs for dramatic shadowing and architectural depth. 

Board & Batten Series 

Designed to emulate traditional board-and-batten aesthetics: 

  • BB75-1111: Narrower coverage with classic proportions. 
  • BBD75-1212: Wider coverage for efficient installation. 

T10 Series Panels 

The T10 Series features exposed fasteners and box ribs suited for walls, soffits and fascia: 

  • T10-A, T10-B, T10-C, T10-D: Multiple coverage widths supporting efficient, industrial-inspired designs. 

Why Add These Panels to Your Next Metal Buildings Project? 

  • Diverse architectural design options 
  • Proven MBCI manufacturing quality 
  • Compatibility with modern commercial and industrial buildings 

 

FAQs 

Q: How can I order these panels? 

These panels can be purchased through your sales representative. They are not available for online ordering yet. 

Q: Can Empire Series panels be mixed on the same wall? 

Yes, common joinery allows Empire Series profiles to be combined for custom designs. 

Q: Are concealed fasteners available on all panels? 

Empire Series and Board & Batten panels use concealed fastening, while the T10 Series uses exposed fasteners. 

Q: What applications are supported? 

All panels are designed primarily for wall applications, with select T10 profiles also suitable for soffit and fascia. 

Q: Can these panels be used for roofing? 

These panels are not recommended for roofing applications. 

Q: Are installation instructions available? 

Installation instructions with recommended trims are in the Resource Center of our website.  

How Insulated Metal Panels Improve Energy Efficiency in Commercial Buildings

Posted on by Lauren Noel
At a Glance: Why IMPs Improve Energy Efficiency

Insulated Metal Panels (IMPs) improve energy efficiency by providing continuous insulation, reducing thermal bridging and lowering HVAC demand. As a single, integrated building envelope system, IMPs help commercial buildings maintain consistent interior temperatures while helping reduce long-term energy use and operating costs.

What Are Insulated Metal Panels (IMPs)?

Insulated Metal Panels (IMPs) are single-component wall or roof systems that combine exterior and interior metal skins with a continuous insulated core.

Unlike traditional wall assemblies, where insulation, vapor barriers and interior liners are installed in multiple steps, IMPs are installed once and function as a complete building envelope system with proper design and adherence to the manufacturer’s installation guidelines.

This integrated design improves thermal performance by limiting air leakage, reducing gaps between component layers, and maintaining insulation continuity across the entire structure.

MBCI partners with All Weather Insulated Panels (AWIP), Kingspan and Metl-Span for insulated metal panels that offer advantages in sustainable building design for building owners, designers and contractors.

Our MBCI customer service representatives are here to help you choose the ideal IMP panel option  to meet your project needs.

Contact Us

 

Why Are Insulated Metal Panels More Energy Efficient?

Energy efficiency is one of the primary drivers behind the growing adoption of IMPs in commercial construction.

Kelly J. Danker, a Project Solutions Coordinator who works closely with insulated metal panel systems across a wide range of commercial construction projects, shared insight on how evolving energy codes have influenced IMP adoption.

“As energy codes evolved, it became clear that traditional blanket insulation systems created thermal breaks that allowed heat loss and condensation, which are issues insulated metal panels are designed to eliminate,” Danker says.

IMPs address these issues by delivering continuous insulation, which significantly reduces thermal bridging and energy loss.

Megan Feltrup, Vendor Relations Manager who regularly collaborates with customers and project teams on insulated metal panel solutions, provided perspective on sustainability goals, long-term performance and lifecycle value.

“More customers are prioritizing sustainability goals, and insulated metal panels help reduce heat loss, lower HVAC demand and contribute to reducing the building’s  carbon footprint over its lifespan.”

Key Takeaway: IMPs help improve energy efficiency by eliminating common failure points found in multi-layer wall assemblies.

 

How do IMPs Compare to Traditional Wall Assemblies?

When evaluating IMPs versus conventional wall systems, three performance areas stand out.

1. Thermal Performance

Traditional wall assemblies rely on multiple materials installed at different times. This increases the risk of gaps, misalignment or inconsistent insulation coverage.

IMPs provide uniform thermal performance across the entire building envelope with proper design and installation. This consistency helps maintain stable interior temperatures and improves overall energy efficiency.

Takeaway: Continuous insulation delivers more predictable energy performance.

 

2. Installation Time and Labor Efficiency

IMPs are installed in a single step, eliminating the need to return later to add insulation or interior liners.

Danker emphasized that once contractors become familiar with proper handling and installation techniques, labor efficiency can improve significantly.

While specialized equipment and training are required, installation time is often reduced compared to traditional insulation assemblies.[View Installation training offerings through our vendor partners]

Takeaway: Faster installation supports both schedule efficiency and cost control. 

 

3. Long-Term Cost Efficiency

IMPs typically have a higher upfront cost than conventional wall systems.

However, both Feltrup and Danker noted that energy savings, reduced labor and lower maintenance requirements typically offset the initial investment over the building’s lifespan.

Takeaway: IMPs should be evaluated based on lifecycle cost, not initial price alone.

 

Durability, Longevity, and Maintenance Benefits

IMPs are designed for long-term performance in commercial environments.

  • Many IMP finishes carry warranties of up to 40 years
  • Properly installed systems can last 50-60 years
  • Concealed fasteners reduce maintenance risks associated with exposed fastener failure

Because IMPs are installed once and sealed as a complete system, they typically require less ongoing maintenance than traditional wall assemblies.

Takeaway: Durability and reduced maintenance contribute directly to long-term value and sustainability.

How IMPs Support Sustainability and Building Certifications

IMPs can support broader sustainability initiatives and energy-efficiency programs.

Feltrup explained that IMPs may contribute toward:

  • LEED®
  • ENERGY STAR®
  • Other energy-efficiency and sustainability benchmarks

Because of their thermal efficiency and long service life, IMPs can help reduce greenhouse gas emissions over time, supporting both regulatory requirements and corporate sustainability goals.

Takeaway: IMPs support sustainability by reducing energy use and extending building lifespan

Key Design Considerations Before Specifying Insulated Metal Panels

IMP performance depends on the following important considerations during early design phases:

  • Selecting the correct panel type based on project requirements
  • Confirming approved substitutions during the specification process
  • Ensuring installers complete manufacturer-specific training

Certification through a specialized IMP installer training program is typically required to qualify for standard weathertightness warranties. While this may not seem like an immediate benefit, obtaining the certification can significantly enhance your credibility and ensure compliance with industry standards.

Takeaway: Early coordination and proper installation are critical to achieving energy performance goals.

Addressing the Biggest Misconception About Insulated Metal Panels: Cost

One of the most common misconceptions surrounding IMPs is cost.

While initial pricing can cause sticker shock, IMPs should be evaluated as a long-term investment, not a single line item.

When factoring in:

  • Energy savings
  • Faster installation
  • Reduced maintenance
  • Extended building lifespan

IMPs typically pay for themselves over time, particularly in larger commercial applications.

Takeaway: Higher upfront costs are frequently offset by long-term operational savings.

Frequently Asked Questions About Insulated Metal Panels

  1. What makes insulated metal panels more energy efficient than traditional insulation?

IMPs provide continuous insulation, which reduces thermal bridging and minimizes heat loss compared to multi-layer wall assemblies.

  1. Do insulated metal panels reduce HVAC system demand?

Yes. By improving thermal performance and reducing heat transfer, IMPs can lower heating and cooling demand.

  1. Are insulated metal panels more expensive than traditional wall systems?

IMPs often have higher upfront costs, but expected energy savings, reduced labor, and lower maintenance can offset the initial investment over time.

  1. How long do insulated metal panels last?

Properly installed IMP systems can last 50-60 years, with many finishes warrantied for up to 40 years.

  1. Do insulated metal panels support sustainability certifications?

IMPs may contribute toward programs such as LEED® and ENERGY STAR® certifications by improving energy efficiency and reducing long-term environmental impact.

 

As energy codes continue to evolve and sustainability expectations rise, IMPs offer a proven path to better building performance. By combining continuous insulation, long-term durability and installation efficiency into a single system, IMPs help commercial projects meet today’s energy demands while planning for the future.

Explore available insulated metal panel options to find the right solution for your project’s performance, design, and efficiency goals.

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When Should You Repair Or Replace Your Roof?

Posted on by Randy Tweedt

Metal Roof System Retrofit Benefits

Posted on by Jason Allen

Looking Ahead: 2022 Trends at a Glance

Posted on by MBCI

Why Upgrade a Roof to Metal Panels?

Posted on by MBCI

Metal Panel Roof Restoration & Installation

Posted on by Randy Tweedt

Are Metal Panels An Ideal Low-Slope Roofing Material?

Posted on by MBCI

Many large, commercial, low-rise buildings often don’t benefit from steeply-sloped roofs the way residences and small commercial buildings might. This is because a steep roof slope would add unwanted height and unnecessary construction cost. Buildings like warehouses, retail stores, etc. are more appropriately built with low-slope roofing, commonly known as “flat roofs”. The National Roofing Contractors Association (NRCA) defines low-slope roofs as those with “a slope at or less than 3:12″. Anything steeper qualifies as a “high-slope roof”. With this in mind, let’s look at some key points to consider when designing and constructing a low-slope roof.

MBCI Low-Slope Roofing

 Low-Slope Roofing Materials

When it comes to selecting low-slope roofing products, there are generally three fundamental choices:

  • Asphalt/ Bituminuous Products: The traditional commercial roofing norm for many years, the use of asphalt/bituminous products has dwindled as newer, more appealing options have emerged.
  • Flexible Membrane Roofing: This roofing material can be made from a variety of types of plastic/polymer-based materials (commonly known as EPDM, TPO, PVC, etc.). Rolls of the chosen membrane are laid out on the roof structure and secured in place either with mechanical fasteners (screws with large washers) or with a continuous layer of adhesive.
  • Metal Roofing: Sometimes overlooked, metal roofing is suitable for different roof slopes. Many metal roofs that use standing-seam systems are rated for use with a pitch as low as ½:12.

When considering which type of roofing material to use for a building project, there are a number of significant differences that illustrate why metal roofing is often the ideal choice.

Engineered For Superior Performance

Standing-seam metal roofing is made specifically for use on low-slope roofs as it meets a number of performance requirements:

  • Water resistance: Precipitation doesn’t penetrate through metal or through the standing seams where the metal panels join together. This is why they can tolerate such low slopes, allowing the water to drain away slowly and predictably without leakage.
  • Rigidity: The rigid nature of metal means that there is less opportunity for ponding (standing water). This is not always the case with asphalt/bituminous or membrane roofing systems.
  • Drainage: Metal roofs carry water to the building’s edge toward gutters and downspouts that carry it away from the building. Other roofing systems rely on drainage piped inside the building. This takes up space and has the potential to leak water inside the building and cause damage.
  • Wind Resistance: Standardized uplift testing shows that metal roofing performs as well or better in extreme weather than mechanically-fastened or fully-adhered membrane systems.
  • Durability: The most cited advantage of metal roofing is its long-term strength and durability. Engineered design and use of high-quality coatings ensures a longer lifespan—50 years or more. In contrast, other roofing types typically feature lifespan ratings of 20 or 30 years.
  • Puncture Resistance: Low-slope metal roofing is more puncture-resistant than asphalt/bituminous or membrane roofing. This makes it better able to tolerate foot traffic, hail and other puncture-inducing hazards.
  • Construction/ Installation Ease: Metal roofing panels are custom-made to suit specific building sizes and end uses. This customization typically means it takes less time to place and install metal roofing in the field. Further, metal panels can tolerate a wide range of temperatures and weather conditions and still install and perform as intended. Low-slope roofs are also safer to walk on with less risk of slips, falls and other hazards.

Cost-Effectiveness

Using metal roofing on low-slope roofing systems can be cost effective in a number of ways:

  • Fewer labor hours as a result of the ease of installation saves money during construction.
  • Competitive material costs, particularly if the metal roofing is part of a total metal building package from a single manufacturer.
  • Minimal maintenance requirements and aversion to rusting, mold growth and decay that save the building owner money over time.

This all adds up to a very favorable life-cycle cost.

The performance, cost-effectiveness and life-cycle benefits of metal roofing panels make them a viable option for low-slope roofing systems. Manufacturers like MBCI can help you select the right metal roofing products and provide information and resources to help ensure proper installation.

View examples of low-slope metal roofing projects and contact your local MBCI representative to start your project today.

Understanding LEED for Green Metal Buildings

Posted on by MBCI

Designing and constructing sustainable buildings has become a mainstream expectation of most building owners. Whether for reduced energy costs, higher returns on investment, or as an organizational philosophy, “green” building solutions are in demand. Perhaps the best known and most often cited program to achieve these goals is the US Green Building Council’s (USGBC’s) LEED® rating system. While some may think that green buildings are more complicated and costly to build, that is not actually the case. This is especially true when metal building materials are used. In fact, metal buildings are an ideal and economical way to pursue sustainability goals and LEED certification. How? We break it down as follows:

LEED

The LEED® Program

The LEED program has been in use since 1998 and is now used worldwide. It is a voluntary, point-based rating system that allows for independent review and certification at different levels. These levels include Certified (40-49 points), Silver (50-59 points), Gold (60-79 points), or Platinum (80 or more points). Since it allows for choices in which points are pursued, innovation and flexibility are entirely possible as long as specific performance criteria are met. It also encourages collaborative and integrative design, construction and operation of the building.

Points are organized into six basic categories, many of which can be addressed through metal building design and construction, as summarized below.

  • Location and Transportation: Metal buildings can be manufactured and delivered to virtually any location. That means they can support LEED criteria for being located near neighborhoods with diverse uses, available mass transit, bicycle trails, or other sustainable amenities. Metal building parking areas can also be designed to promote sustainable practices for green vehicles and reduced pavement. This all contributes toward obtaining LEED eligibility.
  • Sustainable Sites: Adding a building to any site will certainly impact the natural environment already there. Delivering portions of a pre-engineered metal building package in a sequence to arrive as needed means that the staging area on-site can be minimized—reducing site impacts. Additionally, using a “cool metal roof” has been shown to reduce “heat island” effects on the surrounding site and also qualify for LEED.
  • Water Efficiency: Any design that reduces or eliminates the need for irrigation of plantings and other outdoor water uses is preferred. Incorporating metal roofing with gutters and downspouts, as is commonly done on metal buildings, allows opportunities to capture rainwater for irrigation or other uses. It also helps control water run-off from the roof and assists with good storm water control.
  • Energy and Atmosphere: Metal buildings can truly shine in this category. Creating a well-insulated and air-sealed building enclosure is the most important and cost-effective step in creating an energy conserving building. A variety of insulation methods for metal building roof and wall systems are used to achieve this. Typically, metal building construction uses one or more layers of fiberglass insulation and liners combined with sealant and air barriers. Alternatively, insulated metal panels (IMPs) provide all of these layers in a single manufactured sandwich panel with impressive performance. Windows, skylights and translucent roof panels can provide natural daylight, allowing electric lighting to be dimmed or turned off. For buildings seeking to generate their own electricity,  standing-seam metal roofing provides an ideal opportunity for the simplified installation of solar photovoltaic (PV) systems. Metal roofs generally provide a sustainable service life in excess of 40 years. This means they can outlast the PV array, thus avoiding costly roof replacements during most PV array lifespans.
  • Materials and Resources: Life Cycle Assessments (LCAs) are recognized by LEED as the most effective means to holistically assess the impacts that materials and processes have on the environment and on people. Fortunately, the Metal Building Manufacturer’s Association (MBMA) has collaborated with the Athena Sustainable Materials Institute and UL Environment to develop an industry-wide life cycle assessment report. There is also an Athena Impact Estimator that can help with providing LEED documentation. Metal buildings support exceptional environmental performance through the significant use of recycled steel and the reduced need for energy intensive concrete due to lighter weight buildings.
  • Indoor Environmental Quality: Most people spend much more time indoors than outside, which impacts human health. Therefore, LEED promotes or requires using materials that don’t contain or emit harmful substances. It also promotes design options for natural daylight, exterior views and acoustical control to promote psychological and emotional well-being. Metal buildings are routinely designed to readily incorporate components that help achieve these indoor qualities.

In addition, some LEED points are available for demonstrating innovation and addressing priorities within a geographic region.

Considering the qualities listed above, metal buildings clearly provide a prime opportunity to pursue LEED certification at any level. To find out more about the LEED rating system, visit https://new.usgbc.org/leed. To find out more about successfully designing and constructing metal buildings pursuing LEED certification, contact your local MBCI representative.

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