Metal Component Efforts in 2017
by Jonathan McGaha | January 3, 2017 12:00 am
Sustainability is one key area where the Metal Construction Association (MCA) continues to work. Continued development of Environmental Product Declarations (EPD) is a key area of interest for the design community. MCA is in the initial stages of the process to update and broaden the scope of these declarations for Insulated Metal Panels (IMP), Metal Composite Materials (MCM) and prepainted roll-formed cladding. MCA Members have found these declarations show a great advantage in the use of metal as a key component for both roof and wall assemblies.
Several incidents outside of North America have highlighted the concerns about fire performance of wall and roof assemblies. MCA has been very active with National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) and ASTM International in modifying and updating the fire standards defined by the building code. Probably the most important proposed change is to the NFPA 285 test standard, which regulates the use of combustible cladding assemblies on high-rise construction. MCA has provided valuable input on this change to the standard that will go through the final balloting process in mid-2017.
MCA has also been involved with a number of other construction associations in the recent adoption of ASCE7-16 to the building code. This document will modify the wind load exposure and design pressure, primarily for roof assemblies. Changes due to this adoption will impact both the choice of materials and the design of the support structure to meet the new demand.
On the test development side, MCA continues to work on a new standard for perimeter edge metal used for metal roofing. This project, done in cooperation with Metal Building Manufacturers Association (MBMA), is entering Phase 2 which will involve additional testing required to validate the draft test method. MCA is also working with the University of Florida to create a new test standard for discontinuous metal roofing systems and research work is scheduled into the second half of 2017. Finally, MCA is working on the use of photovoltaic assemblies on noncombustible metal roof assemblies. With the increased demand in solar energy, it is important that the integrity of the metal roof assemblies remains as these units become more prevalent.
MCA is also working with the Roofing Industry Committee on Weather Issues (RICOWI) and the Insurance Institute for Business and Home Safety (IBHS) on a “best practice” document for residential metal roofing. This is part of a larger project that will include numerous types of roofing materials beyond just metal. The purpose of this document is to educate insurance adjusters on the best practice for roofing materials.
Finally, both a roof installation and a preformed metal wall panel selection guide are in development, and we hope to make those available via the website in 2017. MCA created a number of technical papers in 2016 and we are planning on adding to that library, addressing issues brought to us by the membership.
While it does not appear that 2017 will be a year of great change in the building codes, MCA will be spending a great deal of time providing information and clarification to the members to aid them in construction activity. The results of MCA’s research efforts will lead to clarification and change in 2017 and beyond.
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Scott Kriner is the president of Green Metal Consulting Inc., Macungie, Pa., and a principal in RSK Avanti Partners LLC, Richardson, Texas. He is a LEED Accredited Professional (Operations and Maintenance) and wrote a book titled “Wait and See.” He also serves the Metal Construction Association as technical director.
Andy Williams is the director of codes and standards for the Metal Construction Association. He is a professional engineer who began his career in the wall cladding industry in 1982. For more information about MCA, go to www.metalconstruction.org and www.themetalinitiative.com.
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