Get matched with top metal fabricators and restorers in Osceola, AR

Metal casting involves creating a prototype and a mold into which metal is poured and allowed to cool and set up. Pieces are cast in molds, making the reproduction of many identical pieces more efficient for larger quantities. Metal fabrication involves creating pieces and welding them together into a larger project, involving more skilled manual labor than metal casting. Fabrication can be more cost-effective in smaller runs but can become less efficient for producing mass quantities of identical pieces.

Steel windows are durable and last a long time, but not in all weather conditions. If you live near the ocean, these windows might not be the best choice, as the saltwater breeze can corrode the metal. Steel windows are also more expensive than other types of windows. However, with that high price point comes a sleek, distinctive design that many homeowners find appealing, especially for modern decor. You can also restore steel windows to get a longer lifespan from them, so they can last longer than vinyl, aluminum, and even wood.

Also called metal pressing, metal stamping involves placing a metal sheet into a stamping press to create a desired shape using custom tooling. Ideal for mass production, stamping creates coining, embossing, and flanging effects when shaping metal. Meanwhile, sheet metal fabrication is a more cost-effective option ideal for one-off or low-volume projects because it doesn't require custom tooling.

The average roof requires about 17 metal sheets, but that varies according to house size and roof style. Each roofing sheet takes about five minutes to measure and cut, though this depends on your level of experience. If your roof has a steep slope, gables, and skylights, for example, it may require extra sheets to account for waste. Roofs with a steep slope over 3:12 typically require more sheets because the pitch adds extra inches. How much exactly you will need depends on the height versus the width of the roof. If you are unsure of the calculations, check with a local roofing professional.