This month we are going to look at two other parameters that often are interrelated: geometric complexity and installation and how they affect pricing.
Geometric Complexity
- Flat panels are more economical than
multi-faceted panels. - Curved panels are more expensive than
flat panels. - Curved and flat panels (layup panels) are the
most expensive.
Installation
- Startup costs can be significant for small projects.
- Projects that have long continuous runs of panels are less expensive than projects having panels that stop and start often.
- Location of work area has a significant impact-high areas are more expensive than lower areas.
- Local labor rates have a significant impact: Cobb County, Georgia-Davis Bacon Rate and Fringes-Ironworker-$33.90 Cook County, Illinois-Davis Bacon Rate and Fringes-Ironworker-$70.84
It is not surprising that parameters like complex shapes, hard-to-get-to work areas and panels that stop and start are often more expensive. What designers have found is that these parameters are expensive for almost any product.
What they have found is that MCM panels solve these conditions more economically than almost any other material, because of their unique properties. Complex shapes are more easily formed than other materials, like foam panels, welded aluminum plate panels, stone, etc. And because they weigh considerably less than stone, concrete, stucco, etc., they can be installed for far less in hard-to-access areas, like fascia/soffit intersections at the top of buildings.
Ted S. Miller is the president of The Miller Clapperton Partnership Inc., Austell, Ga. For more information, visit www.millerclapperton.com.