Metal Roof Edges Part 1 – What is the ES-1 Standard?
The topic of metal roof edges is one of high importance when it comes to the performance of a low-slope roof. The edge of a low-slope roof is the likely failure of the system in an extreme weather event with high winds. Factory Mutual, a leading building insurance company, attributes 80% or more of all roof failures directly to failure of the roof edge.
For years, the shop-fabricated versus pre-manufactured metal roof edgings debate continued until the adoption of the ANSI/SPRI ES-1 Standard into the International Building Code (IBC). ES-1 is the "Wind Design Standard for Edge Systems Used with Low-Slope Roofing Systems" and is comprised of three pull-off tests, two for fascia and one for coping. They are based on the American Society of Civil Engineers' document ASCE-7 Minimum Design Loads for Buildings and Other Structures.
Test Method RE-1 (Fascia) - measures how well the edge secures the perimeter on ballasted and mechanically attached membranes. This is a static test with a 100-pound load every foot. The membrane is pulled at a 45-degree angle to the roof deck to simulate a billowing membrane. The termination must withstand a minimum force of 100 pounds per foot. Failure is defined as any event that allows the membrane to come free of the edge termination or the termination to come free.
Test Method RE-2 (Fascia) - is a pull-off test for the metal edge flashing. It tests for wind load on the face dimension of the flashing system. This test determines maximum load at failure. Failure is the loss of securement of any component of the roof edge system.
Test Method RE-3 (Coping) - tests the strength of the metal coping cap to assure it meets or exceeds calculated design wind pressure. It tests wind load on both the top and back leg dimensions. Simultaneously tests the vertical and horizontal wind gust load coefficient. Failure is the loss of securement of any component of the roof edge system.
The main reason for the development of ES-1 was to improve the longevity and safety of low-slope commercial roofs and to protect the building owner’s investment by reducing the risk of edge failure, and consequentially roof failure. Basically, ES-1 provides formulas for calculating the wind load on edges of low-slope roofs and prescribes methodology for testing and evaluating the ability of edge systems to withstand those loads; as a result, this ensures wind resistance and long-term performance.
Specify an ANSI/SPRI ES-1 compliant pre-manufactured roof edge, or make sure your shop-fabricated roof edges are produced by an ANSI/SPRI ES-1 compliant shop.
For more information on ANSI/SPRI ES-1, visit the standards page on SPRI's website: https://www.spri.org/standards/
Contact Craig Tyler at Craig.Tyler@CarlisleCCM.com with further questions.
Stay tuned for Part 2 – Why Specify Pre-Manufactured Roof Edges?
For years, the shop-fabricated versus pre-manufactured metal roof edgings debate continued until the adoption of the ANSI/SPRI ES-1 Standard into the International Building Code (IBC). ES-1 is the "Wind Design Standard for Edge Systems Used with Low-Slope Roofing Systems" and is comprised of three pull-off tests, two for fascia and one for coping. They are based on the American Society of Civil Engineers' document ASCE-7 Minimum Design Loads for Buildings and Other Structures.
Test Method RE-1 (Fascia) - measures how well the edge secures the perimeter on ballasted and mechanically attached membranes. This is a static test with a 100-pound load every foot. The membrane is pulled at a 45-degree angle to the roof deck to simulate a billowing membrane. The termination must withstand a minimum force of 100 pounds per foot. Failure is defined as any event that allows the membrane to come free of the edge termination or the termination to come free.
Test Method RE-2 (Fascia) - is a pull-off test for the metal edge flashing. It tests for wind load on the face dimension of the flashing system. This test determines maximum load at failure. Failure is the loss of securement of any component of the roof edge system.
Test Method RE-3 (Coping) - tests the strength of the metal coping cap to assure it meets or exceeds calculated design wind pressure. It tests wind load on both the top and back leg dimensions. Simultaneously tests the vertical and horizontal wind gust load coefficient. Failure is the loss of securement of any component of the roof edge system.
The main reason for the development of ES-1 was to improve the longevity and safety of low-slope commercial roofs and to protect the building owner’s investment by reducing the risk of edge failure, and consequentially roof failure. Basically, ES-1 provides formulas for calculating the wind load on edges of low-slope roofs and prescribes methodology for testing and evaluating the ability of edge systems to withstand those loads; as a result, this ensures wind resistance and long-term performance.
Specify an ANSI/SPRI ES-1 compliant pre-manufactured roof edge, or make sure your shop-fabricated roof edges are produced by an ANSI/SPRI ES-1 compliant shop.
For more information on ANSI/SPRI ES-1, visit the standards page on SPRI's website: https://www.spri.org/standards/
Contact Craig Tyler at Craig.Tyler@CarlisleCCM.com with further questions.
Stay tuned for Part 2 – Why Specify Pre-Manufactured Roof Edges?
Up Next
May 15, 2020
SpecTips - Minimizing Thermal Loss by Reducing Excessive Plates and Fasteners in Commercial Roofing Systems
Reducing Penetrations Through Metal Roof Decks
May 06, 2020
White EPDM History and Innovation
Since the introduction of white EPDM roofs in 1987, numerous enhancements have been made to the membrane and system components.
May 05, 2020
SpecTips - EPDM Rubber Roofing: Time-Tested and Proven Hail Resistance
EPDM roofing membranes have a great track record of resisting hail damage and keeping water out of buildings.