Sustainable solutions with metal retrofit systems

By Jesse Sanchez. 

Explore the power of metal roofing retrofits to drive sustainable, cost-effective building upgrades. 

As sustainability and energy efficiency become essential pillars in modern construction, metal roofing continues to prove its worth, particularly in the retrofit of existing buildings. The upcoming METALCON 2024 will spotlight two key presentations that discuss the innovative use of metal roofing for sustainable, cost-effective building upgrades. These sessions will offer attendees an exploration into the benefits, structural considerations and real-world applications of metal roofing in retrofit scenarios, presented by industry veterans. 

Metal mastery demo – Retrofit systems with metal roofing 

Speakers: DJ Highnote and Charlie Smith 

In this presentation, experts DJ Highnote of Roof Hugger and Charlie Smith of McElroy Metal will explore how metal roofing can be effectively used to retrofit various types of existing roofs, driving both sustainability and performance enhancements. 

Key topics covered: 

• Structural considerations for retrofitting roofs. 
• Retrofitting over through-fastened panels with standing seam systems to facilitate the installation of photovoltaic (PV) systems. 
• Differences between retrofitting over asphalt shingles versus metal roofs. 

DJ Highnote, executive vice president of Roof Hugger, brings a lifetime of experience in the metal construction industry. With hands-on involvement in erecting pre-engineered buildings and now spearheading product development and innovation at Roof Hugger, DJ’s insights are grounded in decades of practical experience. He has contributed to multiple patents related to metal retrofit systems, making him a recognized leader in the industry. Attendees will benefit from his deep understanding of the structural aspects of retrofitting roofs to support modern technologies like solar panels. 

Charlie Smith, of McElroy Metals, known for his work in expanding the use of metal roofing in unconventional applications, will provide technical guidance on metal-over-metal and metal-over-shingle retrofitting systems. His expertise will help attendees grasp the nuances between these two methods, highlighting the advantages and challenges of each. With multiple patents in the field and a reputation for pushing the boundaries of metal roofing systems, Charlie’s insights will empower professionals to make informed decisions that optimize both sustainability and cost-effectiveness. 

Using metal roofing to provide climate and budget-conscious solutions 

Speakers: Chuck Howard and Dale Nelson 

This second presentation will examine the broader environmental and economic impacts of metal roofing in building retrofits. Led by Chuck Howard, president of Metal Roof Consultants and Dale Nelson, president of Roof Hugger, this session will focus on how metal roofing solutions outperform other materials in terms of lifecycle costs, resource demand and overall sustainability. 

Key topics covered: 

• How different roofing materials perform under varying climate conditions. 
• The capabilities and advantages of structural metal roofing systems. 
• Retrofitting over existing sloped metal roofs or converting flat roofs to sloped systems for better resilience. 
• The environmental impact and lifecycle benefits of metal roofing systems over traditional alternatives. 

Chuck Howard, a seasoned professional with over 40 years in the metal roofing industry, will guide attendees through the climate effects on roofing materials and how metal roofing can provide long-term environmental and economic benefits. With extensive experience in commercial metal roofing, including design and installation, Chuck's insights will be invaluable for professionals looking to implement climate-conscious solutions in their projects. 

Dale Nelson, a pioneer in retrofit framing systems, will complement this session by sharing his expertise on retrofitting existing buildings with metal roofs. His leadership at Roof Hugger has positioned the company as a national authority on retrofit systems and attendees will learn how to integrate these solutions to achieve superior energy efficiency and durability. 

Why attend these sessions at METALCON 2024? 

Both presentations offer a comprehensive look at how metal roofing systems can enhance building sustainability and energy efficiency. Attendees will leave with actionable insights into the latest industry standards, techniques and real-world applications from experts who have helped shape the field of metal roofing retrofits. 

If you're ready to leverage metal roofing to achieve both sustainability and performance goals, these sessions at METALCON 2024 are a must-attend. Register today to ensure your place at these transformative learning opportunities!