The Metal Edge Podcast by Western States Metal Roofing

For more information visit WesternStatesMetalRoofing.com

The steel market is facing unprecedented pressure in Q3 2025—expanded tariffs are driving significant cost increases while winter weather approaches, creating a critical window for strategic procurement decisions. With new trade policies substantially increasing duties on imported materials and seasonal delivery challenges just months away, contractors and architects must act swiftly to secure materials and lock in favorable pricing. The combination of policy disruptions and weather-driven supply constraints makes this quarter pivotal for project planning and cost management.

Key Developments
Expanded Section 232 Tariffs

• Rate Doubled: Steel and aluminum tariffs increased from 25% to 50%, creating immediate cost pressures for imported materials in metal panel manufacturing
• Massive Scope Expansion: Over 407 additional steel derivative products added to tariff coverage as of August 19, 2025, affecting specialized materials and components beyond basic steel
• August 18, 2025 CBP Implementation: US Customs & Border Protection began enforcing tariffs on additional steel derivative products, with duties calculated specifically on steel content value rather than total product value
• UK Preferential Rate: United Kingdom maintains reduced 25% tariff rates, while all other countries face 50% duties, creating sourcing advantages for UK-origin materials
• Domestic Steel Exemption: Products made from steel exclusively melted and poured in the United States remain tariff-free, incentivizing domestic supply chain development

Discover the latest trends in metal roofing and siding in this exciting podcast episode! Join us as we dive into popular profiles and color trends shaping the industry, featuring expert insights from Mercedes Harris, Architectural Representative at Western States Metal Roofing. With years of experience collaborating with architectural firms across the U.S., Mercedes shares her expertise on innovative designs like wood-look metal, board and batten siding, and standing seam panels used as metal siding. Stay ahead of the curve with the hottest styles and solutions for modern architecture. Tune in now to explore the future of metal roofing and siding!

For more information visit WesternStatesMetalRoofing.com

In this episode we cover the differences between UL compliant and UL certified metal roofing and siding panels. When you have a roll former that's UL certified that does not mean that you have a UL certified panel. We breakdown everything UL related in this podcast.

If you already have not purchased your metal roofing or siding panels, give us a chance to bid your job. Save 15% to 50% with our manufacturer direct pricing and great customer service. Inexpensive delivery anywhere within the United States or Canada.

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What is UL testing for metal roofing and siding?
It's a way to ensure that your metal roofing and siding panels will meet the required specifications on a job

UL compliance vs UL certification
Most rollformers are UL compliant, but that does not mean that it's UL certified. In order to have a UL certified panel you have to have the UL test your specific panels at your facility. They will verify that you are manufacturing the metal panels correctly. They will test the panels to verify the required dimensions, metal thickness, and quality assurances.

Does a UL job need special markings?
UL labels need to be applied to the metal panels. The labels cannot be applied after delivery.

What are the different type of UL reports?
UL 580 Wind Uplift Resistance
UL 790 Fire Resistance Test
UL 2218 Impact Resistance Test

Does a metal roof qualify for an insurance discount?
The state of Texas requires insurance discounts for roofs that have class 4 impact resistance. A metal roof would qualify for an insurance discount within Texas. In other states it's up to the discretion of the insurance company.

How do you get a fire rated system?
The metal panels need to be sent to a lab for fire rating testing. The data is than set to the ICC and they will give you a list of requirements to obtain a class A fire rating. Just having a metal roof does not give you a fire resistant roof. It's the entire system from the substrate, underlayment, metal, etc. that work together to make things fire resistant.

What are the permit requirements for a metal roof?
Most cities will require an ESR or ICC number. If you don't have an ESR number you may not be able to get a permit.

We sit down with Jennifer Jones from Ohana Dwellings, an ADU expert, to explain how to build an Accessory Dwelling Unit. We cover local building codes, permitting, foundations, plumbing, and designing an ADU. 

There's a wide range of variance from jurisdiction to jurisdiction when you decide to build an ADU. The first step is to determine what's allowable to build. You need to know you local building codes and requirements.

Pre-approved ADU plans are a great way to expedite the ADU permitting process. There are several types of ADU permits and you need to take the zoning ordinances, lot sizes, density limits, and size limits of the ADU, owner occupancy. There are many things to consider when building an ADU

What is the process of getting permits to build an ADU?
The first step is to have a pre-application meeting with the planning department. Next, you will submit your ADU package which consists of the plans, architectural drawings, site plans, and assessments. Finally, there will be a design review process.

Foundations for ADU's
Most Accessory dwelling units will have a concrete slab foundation

Plumbing for an ADU is different than a primary residence. Sometimes you will share your water and sewer connections. You may also have usage limits. 

With Barndominiums continuing to rise in popularity, we answer all of your basic barndominium questions including the cost of barndominiums, the pros and cons, how to get started building a barndominium, financing, and much more. Join us with special guest Stacee Lynn, thebarndominiumcompany.com, and we will talk Barndominiums.

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Losing a home in a fire is devastating, but it’s not the end of the story—it’s the beginning of a powerful comeback. In this video, John shares his journey after losing his home to the Woolsey fire. It's a story of loss, resilience, and rebuilding a fire-resistant home that's designed to survive the next fire. From the heartbreak of watching everything turn to ashes to the hope of creating something even better, this is a story of perseverance and renewal.

Join us as we take you through the lessons learned, fire-resistant building techniques, and the emotional and physical process of starting over. If you've faced loss, know that you’re not alone—and together, we can rise again.