The Metal Construction Association
(MCA), through its numerous councils and committees that represent the various segments of the metal construction industry, is leading the way in advancements in metal construction through technical and research projects. Following are some of the highlights from projects that are underway so you can be aware of the many goings-on in the metal construction industry.
New Metal Composite Specifications Published
MCA’s MCM Council recently published two new specifications: one for 4-mm MCM systems and one for 6-mm/8-mm MCM systems. Both documents are available for download at no cost on the MCA website at www.metalconstruction.org.
The new MCA MCM specifications guides specifically define performance criteria for MCM panels, installation systems, and system fabricators in a single document that the design community can use to develop project specifications. The specifications define performance criteria for the MCM systems based on the latest International Building Code (IBC) requirements and performance standards developed by the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) and American Architectural Manufacturers Association (AAMA). The specifications also provide specific installation criteria giving direction to the installer and assurances to the designer regarding the quality of the installation.
MCA Advocates for Industry with Potential NFPA 285 Changes
The National Fire Protection Association’s (NFPA) NFPA 285 standard provides a standardized test procedure for evaluating the combustibility of non-load bearing wall assemblies. Recent proposed changes and refinements to the standard have been cause for concern for the industry. MCA and the member companies have provided perspective and guidance on the proposed changes to allow existing compliant assemblies to continue to be allowed and to protect the interests of the metal construction industry for future testing. A new proposal for potential modifications to NFPA 285 is expected in mid-2016.
New Technical Documents for Metal Construction Accessories Under Way
MCA’s newly formed Accessories Council has been busy working on new technical bulletins. One will explore dissimilar metal corrosion and another will address curbs on metal roofing. The council met at the MCA Winter Meeting to discuss progress, and both technical bulletins are expected to be completed later this year.
The Roofing Council is creating a specification guide document for commercial through-fastened metal roofing systems. The new specification should also be completed in 2016. The MCM Council is also working on new technical bulletins in the areas of code interpretation when using MCM and foam plastic insulation and descriptions on MCM installation system types.
MCA Explores Effects of Spray Foam on Metal Panels
MCA has been collaborating with the Spray Polyurethane Foam Alliance (SPFA) on a project to understand the impacts of spray foam insulation on metal roof and wall assemblies. Spray foam insulation has been evaluated for its impact on distortion and heat buildup. Spray foam was also evaluated on full-size wall and roof assemblies in Texas. Results of that work are being used for the basis of a technical bulletin guide for contractors who use spray foam insulation with metal construction. The final technical bulletin is scheduled to be issued in 2016.
Multi-Year Wind Uplift Project Nears Completion
MCA is in its last phase of a three-year research project with the University of Florida on the impact of air permeability of metal roof products on wind uplift testing. The current testing method used for evaluating wind uplift resistance of discontinuous metal roof products does not take into account the pressure equalization that can occur on these types of roof materials in high wind events. MCA contracted with the University of Florida to develop a new test method that is more realistic, and one that can be applied by most testing laboratories. An industry advisory panel is guiding the progress, and MCA participation is allowing the research team to understand the failure modes that can occur in high wind events. With the new test method being developed, MCA plans to introduce the new protocol through an ANSI consensus process and to propose changing the building codes to accept the new test for discontinuous metal roofing wind uplift evaluation.
New Test Standard Being Developed for Edge Metal Details on Metal Roofing
In 2015 MCA started a project to develop a new test standard for performance of edge metal details used on metal roofing. A draft of a new test method was developed and reviewed by testing laboratories for their input. The task group has worked with three test laboratories to test a variety of edge metal details. The results and feedback from that testing will help fine-tune the proposed new test method. Additional testing is planned for 2016, and the test method draft will also be introduced to an ANSI subcommittee for validation of the method. The ultimate goal is to propose a change to the building codes that would recognize this new test method for edge metal details used on metal roofing.
MCA Works to Quantify Sustainability of Metal Construction Materials
MCA recently developed Environmental Product Declarations for metal cladding, insulated metal panels and metal composite materials. Work has been underway to compare the sustainability factors of these products to competitive products. MCA expects to complete this project in 2016, and publish the results of this work that will position metal construction products advantageously in the marketplace. This is a great example of MCA providing transparency in our sustainability efforts related to metal roof and wall products, as well as their manufacturing processes.
Metal Roof and Photovoltaic Industries Collaborate on Fire Ratings
In 2016 MCA is part of a coalition collaborating with the photovoltaic (PV) industry and testing organizations to develop an exemption to testing of PV module and metal roofing systems for Class A fire ratings. This will be part of a larger effort to change the way the IBC and IRC building codes view rooftop PV systems integrated into non-combustible roofing systems.
MCA Collaborates on Cool Wall Research
MCA is participating in a new cool wall research project being led by Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, California Energy Commission and several California universities. Metal wall panel surfaces will be part of the test matrix to scientifically evaluate the durability and performance of wall surfaces in lowering cooling/heating energy of buildings. MCA is represented on the project’s Industry Advisory Panel for this three-year project.
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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 AP O+M 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.
