Claddings, covers, canopies and other architectural metals: Selecting the right supplier

Common in modern high-rise commercial office buildings, architectural metal is an important, but often overlooked element in other buildings. Mid and low-rise commercial buildings, residential apartment houses, institutional and landmark structures all may use architectural metals on the exterior facade and sometimes for interior applications. While custom metal work in new construction exudes vibrancy and modernism, with existing buildings architectural metal can breathe similar new life into an aging vintage façade. Architectural metal is sheet metal that is cut and bent (and at times welded or mechanically fastened) into custom shapes and applied to the exterior or interior of a building. It provides protection and aesthetic appeal to building elements and to the joints and connections between such elements. It usually does not play a structural role in the building's architecture. Architectural metal ranges from simple finishing trim around a window or door to beautiful grand entrance claddings to ornate wall panels and coverings that constitute sculpture in and of themselves. Fabricated architectural sheet metal can be used to provide exterior and interior trim pieces, perforated panels, wall panels, soffits, facades, moldings, column covers, canopies, entranceway frames and other claddings and covers. Architectural metal may also consist of extruded or rolled tubes or bars which are utilized in items such as railings or grills. When top firms integrate architectural metals with elegant glass and aluminum fenestration systems, they are able to bring out the best in all materials to the delight of owners, architects and the public. A wide variety of durable and decorative metals can be "worked" by skilled craftsmen and sophisticated modern fabrication machinery. At Gamco Corporation, we work with virtually all sheet, tube and bar metals including aluminum, brass and copper, but the majority of our work is with the high-end strong, durable materials, bronze and stainless steel. When a building owner, property manager, architect or general contractor requires custom architectural metal for a renovation or new construction project, selecting the right supplier is critical. Especially when custom designing an integrated special metal and glass fenestration system, only the best manufacturers will do. In the New York metropolitan area, the number of fabricators of both custom architectural metal and fenestration systems is relatively limited. While many firms in this business are simply metal working shops or glazing fabricators, a prospective customer benefits the most by utilizing a firm that not only offers top quality custom work with both glass and metal systems, but also understands architectural needs and building construction. For projects involving both metal and glass systems you want a firm that has the internal capabilities to excel with both types of products. In-house design and installation consulting in both architectural metals and fenestration systems must complement the company's fabrication capabilities. Seek a firm with a solid portfolio of work, experienced craftsmen on staff, and critical fabrication machinery in-house. Also a top manufacturer will ensure that its metal fabrication efforts integrate completely with the form, function and fit of the adjoining building elements and materials. Finally, you should seek a manufacturer that stands behind its work, with a reputation for excellence and seeing a custom project through to completion and beyond. As a leading fenestration and architectural metal manufacturing firm, Gamco Corp. specializes in new construction and renovation of landmark structures, institutional and public buildings, commercial properties, and multifamily residential buildings. We commonly supply custom fabricated metal in addition to our special fenestration products. Gamco Corp. has over 25 years of experience with fabricating both architectural metal work and glass systems such as storefront glazing, commercial skylights, curtain walls, and entranceways. Our custom design capabilities and attention to quality make this resourceful firm a top choice in the New York area. Davidson Chen is a sales manager with Gamco Corp., Flushing, N.Y.