But I think there’s one more sustainable feature of metal that deserves attention, and that’s the contribution made by the roofing contractor in delivering sustainable metal roofing to the market. Although many factory-produced panels are available, many metal roofs installed on commercial buildings throughout North America feature field-formed panels made under the supervision of a local roofing contractor. And from my job site observations, today’s roofing contractors deliver real value in achieving sustainability — both in the roofs they construct and the industry they support.

If you think about the logistical problems associated with setting up a brand new metal roofing “factory” at every job site, your head may start to swim. Before beginning a metal roofing project, you need to prepare extensive shop drawings to assure all the necessary materials and components can be identified and ordered. Flashing and trim needs to be produced in the metal shop, the metal coils and other components must be ordered, and all of this material must be delivered to the site in pristine condition. At the job site, an expensive and delicate roll forming machine must be set up and maintained to operate flawlessly. And as you form the roof panels, you have to be sure that the panel finishes are not damaged and any sheet irregularities are minimized.

But the really difficult part comes after you’ve successfully manufactured and assembled the necessary components. Next, you need highly-skilled roofing applicators to install these materials in a secure, safe and sustainable manner. That’s where the metal roofing contractor adds a unique dimension to roof sustainability.

High-performance metal roofing systems that will last for many decades can only be installed by a field crew that embodies the best of human capabilities for hard work, experience and a passion for excellence — qualities that we usually sum up with one word: craftsmanship. And that craftsmanship is the unique, sustainable dimension that today’s metal roofing offers. Yes, it’s great that we have so many outstanding metal roofing materials today to meet environmental goals, but it’s especially gratifying to see that we can add old-fashioned craftsmanship to those materials — and in doing that make both the built environment and our industry better for it.

So, a special thanks this month to the metal roofing contractors who demonstrate great sustainability and outstanding skill on a daily basis. Thank you on behalf of an industry that has benefited greatly from your dedication.