Busting myths about edge system testing standards

By Metal-Era and Hickman Edge Systems. 

There are many myths about the ANSI/SPRI/FM 4435/ES-1 test standards floating around the community, and it’s time to put them to rest! 

ANSI/SPRI/FM 4435/ES-1 refers to the test standard for edge systems in low slope-roofing. Testing standards are incredibly important to ensuring that a product and project are effective and will protect a building from harsh weather and last for decades. Some false information has made its way into many circles of roofing professionals, which can be harmful. The experts at Metal-Era and Hickman Edge Systems have put together a list of their top five most common myths about ANSI/SPRI/FM 4435/ES-1 and debunked them!  

Myth 1 - ANSI/SPRI/FM 4435/ES-1 certifies a manufacturer or entire product line up 

A common misbelief, ANSI/SPRI/FM 4435/ES-1 is a not a certification endorsing a manufacturer, their shop or their entire line of products; instead, it outlines the testing standard for pressure resistance of specific edge metal system details used on low-slope roofs. This test verifies pressures of a specific profile design, dimension, material and installation. Be cautious of claims that deviate from tested designs or that are unrelated to specific details or profiles: variation to what was specifically tested or covered by the test could invalidate the result. 

Myth 2 - ANSI/SPRI/FM 4435/ES-1 eliminates the need to verify required pressures 

ANSI/SPRI/FM 4435/ES-1 is not a blanket approval ensuring compliance everywhere in the United States. Verification of the required pressures should be completed by a registered design professional or designer of record of the low slope system and encompass the codes required in the jurisdiction where the system will be installed. The test standard has made it easier for designers and installers to find compliant edge systems through actual data, testing and listings. 

Myth 3 - ANSI/SPRI/FM 4435/ES-1 is not required in all versions of the of the IBC 

Some falsely believe that ANSI/SPRI/FM 4435/ES-1 is irrelevant because of geography. While the pressures required throughout the U.S. vary by location, building occupancy and other factors, all versions of the International Building Code since 2003 have included the ANSI/SPRI/FM 4435/ES-1 test standard. Not using an ANSI/SPRI/FM 4435/ES-1 tested edge metal system when required in code can place compliance at risk in every U.S. state. 

Myth 4 - ANSI/SPRI/FM 4435/ES-1 is a factory mutual approval 

ANSI/SPRI/FM 4435/ES-1 testing does not equate to a Factory Mutual Approval listing, which is achieved in a different manner. To achieve FM Approval, a roof edge product must be tested to the standard by Factory Mutual in their lab (with annual auditing) and be listed in RoofNav if it is to be utilized for compliance with specifications requiring Factory Mutual listed roof edge systems. 

Myth 5 - ANSI/SPRI/FM 4435/ES-1 is only required on hospital and school projects 

ANSI/SPRI/FM 4435/ES-1 is required on every project, every time, everywhere. ANSI/SPRI/FM 4435/ES-1 testing ensures the roof edge system, shown to be roughly 60% of the reason roof systems fail in high wind events, can achieve a minimum tested pressure. While this does not eliminate all risk, it is a crucial step in providing designers, owners and installers the ability to verify that they have met or surpassed a minimum testing hurdle on this critical component. 

To learn more about ANSI/SPRI/FM 4435/ES-1, request an in-person or virtual session of “Cutting-Edge Code Compliance,” our continuing education seminar covering everything you need to know about the testing standard. 

Original article source: Metal-Era and Hickman Edge Systems