MCA conducts many technical studies and research projects in partnership with member and industry partners. These studies include bulletins, white papers, manuals and reports that ensure that metal is at the forefront of innovation, and proactive with codes and standards.
This document is an overview of the sealant types commonly used in metal building including general guidelines application. The intent is to highlight standardized testing used to compare the performance of various sealant products so the end user can make an informed decision on the correct product for a specific application. Finally, the benefits, features, and limitations of each sealant is presented to provide as a quick reference for roofing professionals, procurement departments, consultants and building owners.
This test method evaluates the wind load resistance of flashings to be installed at the roof perimeter and roof plan transitions of metal roof systems by testing the flashing and its attachment to the supporting structure using line loads.
When the architect thinks about snow, the first issue that comes to mind is loading on the roof, however the design work does not stop there. Retention of snow that has piled up on that metal roof is a real safety concern and steps must be taken to make sure that the hundreds of pounds of material does not come down from that roof all at once posing a safety risk to both property and people. Even at that, the designer’s work is not done since the connection of these devices can relate to a number of holes in the roof deck that must now be protected against leaking.
Metal roof materials are common in the building code and are regulated for structural and fire performance in Chapter 15 of the International Building Code (IBC). The service life of metal roofing is typically extremely long however there are instances where changes in roof mounted equipment or roof damage may result in the need for roof repairs.
Metal roofs have long been considered a product of choice for snow areas because of their superior response and tolerance to many of the characteristics of these environments. This technical bulletin will provide the designer with the information required to make a prudent and informed decision through awareness of some general design parameters and snowmelt phenomena.
This Technical Bulletin will educate the industry concerning good installation techniques that should be followed when installing lightning protection systems involving metal construction. Another goal is to dispel myths about metal construction attracting lightning.
This report documents and summarizes the work conducted to determine with reasonable certainty the roof service life that can be expected of a “like-in-kind”, low-slope 55% Al-Zn alloy-coated steel Standing Seam Roof (SSR) system when installed today in a like environment using best practices. It incorporates the results of multiple field inspections, independent laboratory analyses of metallic corrosion of roof panels, components and sealants, and includes assessment of all integral ancillary components that impact the end of roof service life.
When a metal roof is employed on a project, it seems to heighten people’s awareness of lightning and some question whether or not the use of metallic roofing increases the risk of lightning strike. Metal roofing does not in any way increase this risk.
Most standing seam panel installations require the use of specific fastening techniques to allow for thermal expansion and contraction while also safeguarding against attachment fatigue. This document focuses on clip-attached style standing seam roof systems, and addresses specific details and concerns for proper selection and use of the connection that anchors the roof panel to the roof panel support element.
This document describes best practices for the selection and installation of curbs used specifically on low slope (less than 2:12), coated-steel or aluminum roof systems. Steep slope or architectural roofing is not addressed in this document. Different design considerations for curbs are required for steep slope roofing and for materials other than coated steel or aluminum.
This must-read article from Florida Roofing Magazine will enlighten on the benefits of Roof Coatings.
From MBMA, A MCA Partner Association
This white paper, written by Brian Gardiner of BMG Enterprises, LLC, compares two commonly used methods of retrofitting exiting metal roofs, single-ply systems and metal panels, and illustrates important design considerations that apply. The design consideration include the existing support structure, secondary framing deflection, the existing metal roof properties, drainage, roof fastening, drag load, and fire rating. The paper also contains a brief review of the building code requirement.
This manual addresses the installation of metal roofing material and related accessories and includes information pertaining to both new construction reroofing and retrofit projects.
Download Chapters Individually:
Chapter 2 - Metal Roofing: A Family of Products / History of Metal Roofing
Chapter 3 - Introduction to Metal Roofing Materials
Chapter 5 - Panel Attributes/Profiles
Chapter 6 - Roof Deck Substructures
Chapter 8 - Common Panel Accessories
Chapter 11 - Delivery, Receipt, Storage & Handling of Materials
Chapter 12 - Tools & Field Operations
Chapter 16 - Panel Installation
Chapter 18 - Codes/Standards & Specifications
Chapter 19 - Installer Checklists
This Technical Bulletin is intended to serve as a guide for the application of spray polyurethane foam insulation (SPF) used in metal panel assemblies. Single skin metal walls and roofs are durable and sustainable components of a building envelope system, however the cladding offers no inherent insulation value to the building. To improve the energy efficiency of buildings, insulation, air barriers and vapor retarders are commonly used.
This Technical Bulletin provides guidance when working with different metals used in roofing installations. Most metals used for construction projects are chosen for their strength, corrosion resistance and longevity. However, some metals do not perform well when placed in contact with specific other metals or exposed to certain chemical compounds. Users should be aware of compatibility issues and situations that may affect the performance of the installed roof.
The purpose of this guide is to familiarize personnel with the general knowledge, basic operation, safety, and maintenance procedures followed by standard troubleshooting suggestions for standard roof seaming processes. This is a general guide to be used in conjunction with the material installation guide and the project's erection drawings.
This seven-part series written by Rob Haddock, president of the Metal Roof Advisory Group, Ltd., offers essential, detailed information on metal roofing including the history and material types, appropriate coatings and paint systems, induced finishes, profiles and profiling equipment, metal panel attachment, and the mounting of rooftop equipment.
Download Chapter 1 PDF: History and Materials >
Download Chapter 2 PDF: Metallic Coatings for Carbon Steel >
Download Chapter 3 PDF: Paint Finishes for Metal >
Download Chapter 4 PDF: Induced Finishes for Metal >
Download Chapter 5 PDF: Profiles and Profiling Equipment >
General procedures for identifying a modular panel metal roof, accessing or ventilating a stone-coated metal roof, and ventilating attic fires.
Static and dynamic analyses of metal roof systems using Finite Element Method indicate that Finite Element Analysis is an appropriate tool for the product development of metal roof structures.
One key consideration for the installation of roofing materials is resistance to wind uplift and excessive wind loading in general. We have all seen the pictures of “flying” roof elements on the news which not only leads to roofing failure, but the flying debris is well known to break windows which allows the outside elements into the interior of that structure and has been known to cause injury and even death to people being struck by debris. While this concern is typically associated to coastal areas, the impact of high winds is a major concern in areas that are not considered “coastal” in both the commercial and residential roofing domains.
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One would think that the separation between combustible material and noncombustible material would be simple, however it is far more complicated than it would appear when referencing the International Building Code (IBC). Typically, ASTM E136 is recognized as a pass/fail test for material combustibility, but the IBC has an exception where a product is recognized as noncombustible even though it doesn’t pass ASTM E136.
The truth is that there are any number of combinations for installation and fabrication tolerances for preformed metal used in roofing and wall construction. The basic rule of thumb is: “Everything should look straight when viewed from a distance of 25'. Particular products or applications might require more stringent tolerances to assure performance.”
This document will discuss procedures that have been used by a number of MCA members for many years. This information is primarily derived from the Preformed Metal Wall Specification Guidelines that was developed in the 1990’s to address a series of topics important to the preformed metal wall industry.
While the building and fire codes are primarily concerned with structural and fire performance of single-skin architectural metal wall panels, there are often other performance indicators used within the construction industry to define an acceptable application. Single-skin architectural metal wall panels are most often defined as those metal sheets and coils that are natural metals (copper, zinc, etc.), stainless steel, or coated-metals that have a surface layer added (painted, dipped, plated, etc.) to a metal substrate. Visual appearance is often defined in architectural specifications that are based on code requirements, architectural requirements, and appearance goals that are beyond the scope of the code. This document states the unified position of the Metal Construction Association and its members with regards to visual acceptance parameters.
This white paper is published to clarify to the architectural and design community the key principles and background information employed in Drained / Back Ventilated or Pressure Equalized Rain Screen wall systems. It is also available as a resource to the General Contractor, Code Official or Owner communities to explain how the design properties of these two systems accomplish water infiltration management and prevention.
This MCA manual provides the supporting theory, load tables, relevant problems, and illustrations regarding connection details for roof or wall diaphragm assemblies. The scope of the work includes a variety of material connections: elevated side flat fastening, top flat fastening, bottom flat fastening, fastening to wood, aluminum and steel as well as structural members and fastening of exposed cladding. This manual provides an extremely valuable design tool to professionals in the metal construction industry.
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One would think that the separation between combustible material and noncombustible material would be simple, however it is far more complicated than it would appear when referencing the International Building Code (IBC). Typically, ASTM E136 is recognized as a pass/fail test for material combustibility, but the IBC has an exception where a product is recognized as noncombustible even though it doesn’t pass ASTM E136.
Metal Composite Material (MCM) has been a key element in exterior wall cladding construction since the early 1980’s, yet many of the common industry terms are not well known across the design and code enforcement community. Many of these “common” terms identify important responsibilities in the use of MCM systems. A proper understanding will provide the reader with important information that could save time and cost related to the purchase, fabrication, and installation of MCM cladding systems. Download PDF >
Simple question, right? Well, maybe not so simple. According to Wikipedia, the definition of a composite material is a “material that is made from several different substances.” No focus on the type of materials; the bond between materials; or the performance of the product. Download PDF >
First and most obvious—in an MCM, the skins are made of metal. What started off as an aluminum skin business blossomed into a variety of metal surfaces—stainless steel, zinc, copper, and even titanium just to name a few. Variations in metal, metal thickness, and finish are now common. The real question is: what does the designer need to watch out for? Download PDF >
First and most obvious—in an MCM, the skins are made of metal. What started off as an aluminum skin business blossomed into a variety of metal surfaces—stainless steel, zinc, copper, and even titanium just to name a few. Variations in metal, metal thickness, and finish are now common. The real question is: what does the designer need to watch out for? Download PDF >
The new 4mm MCA MCM Master Specification specifically defines performance criteria for the MCM panels, the installation systems, and the system fabricators in a single document while defining performance criteria for the MCM systems based on the latest IBC and AAMA performance standards. The Specification also provides specific installation criteria giving direction to the installer and assurances to the designer regarding the quality of the installation.
Dozens of products that lay claim to being MCM or Composite Materials, that is why it is important to understand the labeling program in place (as required by code) to ensure the product being supplied to the field uses the process, components, and quality requirements required. Download PDF >
This white paper will highlight many of the real and perceived benefits to using one thickness over another, 6mm MCM versus 4mm MCM, looking through the eyes of the manufacturer, designer, and fabricator. Download PDF >
Metal composite material manufacturers typically provide two types of core products: standard and fire retardant. The Metal Construction Association’s MCM Fabricator Council has developed this paper to clarify the allowable uses for standard and fire retardant MCM in accordance with the 2006-2018 editions of the International Building Code.
Metal Composite Material (MCM) has been used as a means of exterior cladding in North American construction for more than 40 years. In order for this flat sheet material to be used, it must first be fabricated into an assembly that is installable on the structure. These different assemblies are known as installation “systems”. In this Technical Bulletin, we will define the basic installation “systems” that were first developed, and continue to be used today. We will also discuss some of the more sophisticated designs that are currently popular and meet the performance requirements of building technology practiced today. When finished with this paper, the reader should have a basic understanding of the different system types and the performance characteristics that make each type of system unique.
Metal Composite Material (MCM) suppliers, fabricators, and installers must provide assurances that both the MCM and MCM assemblies will meet the requirements defined in the applicable building code. Typically, these requirements are defined in the code through reference to established testing in the areas of structural, fire, energy, and environmental (air and water penetration) performance. The primary question is how can a designer be assured that the MCM supplied to the project meet these performance requirements?
Metal Composite Material (MCM) cladding systems are an attractive and popular way for architects to present their latest masterpiece. Clean, colorful and tough enough to protect everything inside, from everything outside, MCM is the “cladding of choice” for many of the world’s most beautiful buildings. It is not surprising then, that it takes a team of specialists to produce a high quality finished product.
With increased demands in energy conservation, designers are often looking for ways to include additional insulation on the exterior side of the wall assembly, behind the cladding, to meet the requirements of the code. Installation of this “continuous insulation” generally occurs in the free air cavity between the weather barrier and the exterior cladding material.
Recent global fire events have heightened the awareness regarding the use of metal composite material (MCM). Safeguards in place in North America help to ensure these types of fire incidents do not take place. By adhering to the performance criteria defined in the International Building Code (IBC) in the United States, the National Building Code (NBC), and the Provincial Building Codes in Canada and working with the experienced MCM Manufacturers and Certified Fabricators, MCM can be used safely and effectively on a variety of construction types.
Though building and fire codes primarily address structural and fire performance of MCM cladding materials, other performance indicators often are used in the construction industry to define an acceptable application. This document defines the unified position of the Metal Construction Association (MCA) and its members with regards to visual acceptance parameters.
The use of metal composite material (MCM) as an exterior cladding on high rise buildings is common throughout the world. There are many positive aspects of MCM, however recently, a number of dramatic fires reported around the globe have heightened concern regarding the use of MCM for exterior applications. The intent of this white paper is to provide information about MCM and MCM systems and the controlling factors in North America to ensure these types of fire incidents do not take place.
Environmental Product Declarations provide LCA-based information and details about the products’ environmental aspects and assist purchasers and users in making informed comparisons between products. This industry Metal Composite Material Panels EPD contains valuable information about product definition, building physics, the basic material and its origin, product manufacture and processing, in-use conditions, life cycle assessment results, and testing results and verifications.
IMP panels are required to be tested in accordance with NFPA 285 and specific IMPs have been tested and meet the conditions of acceptance of NFPA 285. Since every variation of a wall system cannot be tested,if the “basic” IMP panel system meets NFPA 285, minor variations in items can be allowed without retesting or an analysis.
5-Part Video Series
Whether you are new to the industry or a veteran IMP installer, sharpening your knowledge in IMP installation best practices will lead to advantages in everything from material selection, installation and the bottom line. Watch now >
The basis for passive fire protection in fire safety regulation, particularly in US codes, is that all products used in construction must comply with some appropriate fire test suitable for the application. This recognizes that the key means to ensure fire safety is to assess the way in which a product performs in a fire situation rather than to use requirements based on composition, particularly composition of product components (such as non-combustibility). US codes also tend to require that the fire tests incorporate every one of the components of composite products, with the same layout as the product to be used in the field, instead of testing individual components only.
Though building and fire codes primarily address structural and fire performance of Insulated Metal Panel (IMP) cladding materials, other performance indicators are often used in the construction industry to define an “acceptable” application. The primary indicator discussed herein is the visual appearance of the cladding system. Visual appearance is generally based on architectural requirements and there are no specific criteria within the code that quantify an “acceptable” installation.
Since the 1960s, contractors and designers of commercial, industrial and refrigerated buildings have relied on Insulated Metal Panels (IMP) for their aesthetics, excellent thermal efficiency, ease of installation and overall structural integrity. IMPs in their most general form are rigid insulation sandwiched between two facings of coated metal...
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Insulated Metal Panels (IMPs) perform very well at resisting transversely applied loading. This type of loading is applied normal to the face of the panel and includes wind loading, as well as live/dead/snow loading – for roof panels. Being separated by an insulating core, IMPs also resist thermal loading that can be induced when the face and liner sheet are at different temperatures.
Insulated metal panels (IMPs) are one of only a few types of building products that can provide an entire building enclosure in one prefabricated product. However, despite their use for several decades in North America, there remains confusion about how IMPs manage rain water penetration, control air leakage, and act as continuous insulation.
Environmental Product Declarations provide LCA-based information and details about the products’ environmental aspects and assist purchasers and users in making informed comparisons between products. This industry Insulated Metal Panel EPD contains valuable information about product definition, building physics, the basic material and its origin, product manufacture and processing, in-use conditions, life cycle assessment results, and testing results and verifications.
Investigate the new comprehensive metal roofing retrofit manual for the latest code compliant and market ready materials, methods and practices to successfully re-roof buildings using state of the art metal roofing and light-gauge steel framing systems.
From MBMA, A MCA Partner Association
This white paper, written by Brian Gardiner of BMG Enterprises, LLC, compares two commonly used methods of retrofitting exiting metal roofs, single-ply systems and metal panels, and illustrates important design considerations that apply. The design consideration include the existing support structure, secondary framing deflection, the existing metal roof properties, drainage, roof fastening, drag load, and fire rating. The paper also contains a brief review of the building code requirement.
The purpose of this white paper is to introduce the various applications for retrofitting roofs with new metal roofing and light-gauge steel framing systems.
An Illustrated Method to Stimulate the Economy, Achieve Energy Savings and Sustain the Environment While Modernizing Public School Facilities in the United States.
Metal roof and wall panels are made with the highest recycled content from the most recyclable materials on earth, making them a great choice not only for today, but also for future generations to use.
The Life Cycle Assessment report calculates the average environmental impact of the processes and the building envelope products manufactured by MCA member companies. The report is ideal for architects, designers, MCA member companies and the buildings and construction community at large to use for environmental benchmarking and decision-making.
Profiled metal roof or wall panels rely upon mechanical fasteners to secure the components to a structure. It is very important to select the correct type of fastener for metal construction in order to ensure a strong and weather-tight attachment. This Technical Bulletin serves as a guide for the selection of exposed fasteners used with metal roof and wall panels.
The use of copper-containing preservative-treated lumber in direct contact with certain metal products could lead to accelerated corrosion and affect the long-term integrity and performance of a metal roof or wall system. The most effective way to avoid corrosion is to ensure that the treated lumber used is either manufactured using the newer metal-free preservatives, micronized copper treatment or that there is a separation between the metal roof or wall panel and the preservative treated wood with some type of barrier material.
This technical bulletin is intended to be a guide to proper fastening of metal panels to wood or metal frame buildings. The selection of the proper tools for the fastening of metal roofing panels is critical for ease of installation, proper watertight sealing of the building, and the integrity of the connection.
Many uncontrollable factors contribute to oil-canning and no panel manufacturer, fabricator, or installer can assure the total prevention of oil canning on any given project. With careful attention to the production, material selection, panel design, and installation practice, the tendency for oil canning can be minimized.
The purpose of this manual is to familiarize personnel with the general knowledge, basic operation, safety, and maintenance procedures followed by standard trouble shooting suggestions for standard portable roll-forming processes. It is merely a general guideline. If questions arise about your specific portable roll-forming equipment and solutions cannot be found in this manual, contact the Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) of your roll former.
The information provided is intended to serve as a guide for the application of field applied air-dry paint systems used in small areas where the factory applied paint systems may be scratched or marred during the construction phase of a project. MCA does not condone or endorse the use of field applied air-dry paint systems and ultimate acceptance of such field work is at the discretion of others. Air-dry (touch-up) paint systems are essential tools to be utilized when completing building construction.
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When ordering a coating (finish) for the building panels, you would think that the biggest choice would be color. Not true. There are many differences between panel coatings. Characteristics like color and gloss are easily spotted. Others like film thickness, adhesion, and resistance to change are more difficult to identify. It can take a coatings expert to know all of the in’s and out’s of coating performance. Fortunately, there are a number of very good publications available to the public that discuss performance and what to expect from several of the popular levels of panel finish.
