Learning how to properly seal building penetrations will help prevent the permeation of air, gas, noise, dust, fire, smoke, or liquid from one location through a barrier into another. "Although representing less than 1 percent of the structure, sealants' correct application is critical to the water and airtightness of the building. Since metal substrates expand and contract with changes in temperature, sealants (they consist of polymers that allow flexibility) aid metal panel joints that experience dynamic movement." Mark Robins, Senior Editor, Metal Construction News.
Each year, Metal Architecture asks leaders of the metal construction industry to give their observations on the upcoming year. Metal Architecture and their group of leaders state “there is some disagreement over the role of energy efficiency and its long-term impact on our industry, and we're all aware of how the political environment is having a corrosive effect on business.” Overall, the group agrees that the market is growing and looking strong, but the growth is at a slow pace.
An increase in demand for institutional projects has been the leading factor for the rise. Institutional projects can consist of Education, Childcare, Healthcare, Life Science and Government/Civil projects. Overall, new architectural projects as a whole have escalated throughout the months.