Article reprinted from Western Roofing magazine Sept/Oct 2007.

Making A Profit with ANSI/SPRI ES-1

New Standards Enable Roofing Contractors to Focus on Core Competency Allowing Increased Protection

by Dave Rizzo, freelance technical writer, Power PR

Death, taxes, and more building codes. Such certainties ensure that a contractor's life is filled with challenges. But while the 2003 incorporation of the ANI/SPRI ES-1 standards into the International Building Code adds to the list of looming requirements, it also opens a door of opportunity for enterprising roofing contractors to focus on what they do best while simultaneously relieving general contractors of one less liability.

Credit this positive turn of events to pre-manufactured edge metal roofing systems that have assumed the mantle of culpability by certifying all tests to ensure compliance with the new ANSI/SPRI ES-1 standards. At the same time, the rapid availability of these systems means roofing contractors can step out of the sheet metal shop and onto a stepladder where they can concentrate on their bread-and-butter expertise. Top off this list of positive outcomes with the fact that pre-manufactured edge metal flashings have already been proven to speed the roofing process, improve structural integrity, and yield a better appearing building, and it seems that increased profits can actually be squeezed from a new code, after all.

Coming Soon

While only a handful of states have adopted Section 1504.5 of the IBC 2006 edition, which states: “Low-slope membrane roof systems metal securement, except gutters, shall be designed and installed for wind loads in accordance with Chapter 16 and be tested for resistance with ANSI/SPRI ES-1,” contractors throughout the rest of the country can only take small consolation as the new code is slowly spreading throughout the nation.

Look no further than the insurance industry as a major source behind this push, as Factory Mutual, a major commercial property insurer, has determined that approximately 60% of construction litigation stems from damage caused by wind and water that gains entry via the edge of a roof.

Unable to completely dodge immunity, general contractors sometimes end up holding the bag if the roofing contractor leaves the state or declares bankruptcy, so they have a major stake in ensuring sub-contractor compliance to the new codes.

"Do-it-Yourself”

Up until now, approximately 80% of the metal edge securement work in the U.S. has been performed by roofing contractors themselves in their own sheet metal shops. In some cases, the roofer farms it out to a local sheet metal shop that doesn't necessarily specialize in flashings. However, the encroaching standards are rapidly up-ending this status quo.

In order to comply with the new code, all edge metal flashings (with the exception of gutters) now need to demonstrate that they can stay in place when subjected to wind loads according to ANSI/SPRI ES-1, and the Wind Design Standard for Edge Systems Used with Low Slope Roofing Systems. For example, one test (RE-1) evaluates the perimeter attachment in conjunction with the roofing membrane to ensure that it meets a minimum holding power of 100 lbs./ft.

While many reputable roofing contractors have long utilized edge metal flashings that meet this requirement, few can bear the cost of setting up a testing laboratory to conduct ongoing edge metal tests to certify that their products actually pass the ANSI/SPRI ES-1 standards. Yet, without certification, the contractor lacks a solid defense.

Pre-manufactured Metal Systems

Equipped with state-of-the-art machinery and modern testing equipment, established suppliers of pre-manufactured edge metal roofing systems have already carved out a niche of acting as a primary source of metal securement products for many contractors. An understandable state of affairs considering that the primary players in this industry boast manufacturing plants that house machinery such as 95-ton hydraulic press brakes with computer backgauging, 16 gauge CNC-controlled 20' long folders, 10' and 20' press brakes, and 12' hydraulic shears with 10 gauge capacities. Few roofing contractors can afford to equip, man, and maintain such factories.

Even before the new ANSI/SPRI ES-1 standard, many roofing contractors, because of the time savings and increased productivity preferred the use of pre-manufactured edge metal systems. Two-piece, snap-on fascia systems for single-ply, built-up, and modified roof membrane applications allow for fast and simple installation, enabling installers to quickly and easily dry-in the roofing environment. Snap-on coping systems eliminate exposed fasteners, allow for thermal expansion and contraction of the metal, while also greatly reducing installation costs. Because of their free-floating design, snap-on copings also allow for inherent construction variables such as wall thicknesses and inconsistent wood members. Prefabricated mitered corners, transitions, endcaps, and scupper boxes also speed the roofing process. Just-in-time deliveries match production schedules.

The more modern of these systems have also curried favor among contractors, and even architects, by virtue of yielding a more aesthetically pleasing result. Manufacturers that specialize in edge metal roofing systems provide much greater consistency and uniformity than most any sheet metal shop, roofer-owned or independent, can provide. Oftentimes, CNC controlled machinery is employed to insure consistency, making it easier to duplicate roofing orders to exacting standards. In some cases, fully welded radius coping that utilizes CAD, water jet and laser cutting technology is available to help meet rigid design parameters.

A greater range of materials also becomes available, which include steel, stainless steal, aluminum, copper; as well as a wide array of colors offered for the finished product, as many as 5,000 variations in some cases.

Ensuring Proper Compliance

While the advantages of using pre-manufactured edge metal systems have already made it a choice for roofing contractors who want to substantially grow their business, there is no denying that the coming code changes will require almost all roofing contractors to adapt to them or risk going out of business. Qualified pre-manufactured edge metal companies can provide documentation that their metal edge systems are designed, tested, and certified in accordance with the ANSI/SPRI ES-1 guidelines, while also providing the long standing FM I-90 approval.

Time is of the Essence

While the economic advantages of utilizing pre-manufactured edge metal systems have already proved convincing for many proactive roofing and general contractors, eventually all individuals and businesses involved with the roofing process will have to comply with the new ANSI/SPRI ES-1 standard as additional states adopt it. •••