SpecTip: Protect Your Perimeter with ES-1 Tested, International Building Code-Compliant Edge Metal

The perimeter edge is the first line of defense against wind damage to a roofing system. Research conducted by the Roofing Industry Committee on Weather Issues (RICOWI) and FM Global has shown that around 60% of low-slope roof failures during high wind events are a result of metal edge failures. Project specification requirements often exclude requirements such as ANSI/SPRI/FM 4435 ES-1, or this requirement is value-engineered out of the project because the roofing contractor can shop-fabricate edge metal themselves.

The ANSI/SPRI/FM 4435 ES-1 standard prescribes test methods to ensure the edge metal exceeds the design wind loads for the building and has been part of International Building Code Requirements since 2003. This version, or a newer version of International Building Code, has been adopted in all 50 states and Puerto Rico. Improper design or installation of the roof edge increases risk and liability for the contractor, building owner, and designer.

Edge metal systems shop-fabricated by a roofing contractor generally have not undergone this testing and as such, do not comply with building code requirements. They may also be excluded from the roof manufacturer’s system warranty. If excluded from the warranty, any warranty claims resulting from improper design or installation of the roof edge would not be covered, leaving the contractor, building owner, or designer liable.

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Carlisle SynTec Systems has several options to ensure compliance with International Building Code’s ANSI/SPRI/FM 4435 ES-1 requirement. These options are also included in Carlisle’s industry-leading Edge-To-Edge Total System Warranty, which warrants the edge metal with the roofing system.

Options include:

• Fully prefabricated systems including a variety of fascia, drip edge, gravel stop, and coping profiles. These options are also FM-approved and are warranted by Carlisle for up to 30 years and up to 120 mph.
• “Hybrid” systems that include a prefabricated cleat and shop-fabricated cover. Contractors receive details of the tested cover pieces they can fabricate using Carlisle’s flat sheets. Carlisle offers both a drip edge and fascia-style cleat. The drip edge cleat is available in 4 sizes and can be used to shop-fabricate a drip edge, gravel stop, or flat coping cover. The fascia cleat is available in 3 sizes and can be used to shop-fabricate a fascia or tapered coping cover. This option is warranted by Carlisle for up to 20 years and up to 90 mph.
• An ES-1 Certification Program that allows contractors to shop-fabricate Carlisle’s ES-1 tested profiles using Carlisle’s flat sheets. Contractors participate in a quality-control audit and pay an annual fee to maintain good standing in the program. This option is also warranted by Carlisle for up to 20 years and up to 90 mph.

Ensure compliance with International Building Code’s ANSI/SPRI/FM 4435 ES-1 requirement and minimize risk and liability by using any of these options and specifying the edge metal is included in the roof manufacturer’s total system warranty.

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SPECTIP In 3-Part Specifications – Part 1 “General”, include the following for the metal edge system:

• Metal edge system must be tested in accordance with ANSI/SPRI/FM 4435 ES-1, under “Informational Submittals” section.
• ANSI/SPRI/FM 4435 ES-1 test report must be included in the submittal package, under “Informational Submittals” section.
• The metal edge system must be included in the roof manufacturer’s total system warranty, under “Warranty” section.
• If FM-insured, a fully prefabricated system must be used, no exceptions.

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For more information, check out these resources:

SecurEdge™ Prefabricated Edge Metal Brochure  
Carlisle’s ES-1 Contractor Certification Program Sell Sheet  
SureTite™ Prefabricated Cleat Sell Sheet