Product Testing

IMETCO's engineering team is dedicated to making sure that IMETCO's metal systems offer the longevity, durability and performance we promise. Our systems undergo myriad testing to ensure compliance with local and international building code, and to continuously evaluate and improve the performance and efficiency of our metal systems.

Wind Uplift Resistance

An improperly designed roof can result in costly damage, not only to the structure itself, but to the reputation of its designer. For this reason, IMETCO is dedicated to providing fully tested, warranted metal building envelope systems. In addition to conducting a thorough wind uplift analysis for each individual structure, IMETCO tests the capacity of our systems in compliance with the following standards:

• American Standards Testing Material (ASTM E1592, ASTM 1680, ASTM E283)
• Factory Mutual (FM 4471)
• Underwriters Laboratories (UL 580 - Class 90)
• Florida Building Code/Dade County (TAS 203)

   

Triple Threat Protection

One of the most crucial considerations for any building design is keeping its contents dry. Since the building roof is the primary barrier to water penetration, selecting the right roofing system is critical to providing Triple Threat Protection from rainfall, wind-driven rain, and standing water.

Architects and engineers rely on national test standards to identify and evaluate acceptable building products. The American Society of Testing and Materials (ASTM) and American Aluminum Manufacturer Associates (AAMA) are widely recognized as the authority on product evaluation and testing. Additionally, specific regional applications sometimes require a higher level of performance than indicated by the national standard, such as Miami-Dade County in Florida, who responded to the region’s annual hurricane cycle by imposing its own requirements.

With regard to metal roofing systems, the cited national standards for water penetration testing can be classified into three threat categories:

• Threat 1 - Daily Weather Event (rainfall):
  ASTM E 1646 Standard Test Method for Water Penetration of Exterior Metal Roof Panels by Uniform Static Air Pressure Difference

• Threat 2 - High Wind Event (wind-driven rain):
  AAMA 501.1 Standard Test Method for Dynamic Pressure Water Infiltration, and Florida Building Code (FBC) TAS 100-95 Test Procedure for Wind and Wind Driven Rain Resistance of Discontinuous Roof Systems

• Threat 3 - Product Submersion Evaluation (standing water):
  ASTM E 2140 Standard Test Method for Water Penetration of Metal Roof Panel Systems by Static Water Pressure Head, and Florida Building Code (FBC) TAS 114 Test Procedure for Susceptibility to Leakage of Discontinuous Roof Systems
  
  

Daily Weather Event:

  In brief, the ASTM E 1646 evaluates how resistant the standing seam panel system is to daily rain events. From moderate to heavy rains with light winds are typically thought of as average daily rain events. To further determine how water-tight or resistant a roof system is to routine rains, the test specimen is subjected to established incremental increases of vacuum pressures being applied from the air chamber. If water penetrates the seams, this specimen would fail the test. If water is not detected, the specimen passes the test.

High Wind Event:

AAMA 501.1 and FBC - TAS 100-95 evaluates the resistance of the standing seam panel system to high winds combined with wind-driven rain. This test determines how a panel assembly reacts to the dynamics of high winds at a variety speeds, and whether water can be wind-driven into the actual field installation details.

The test specimen is approximately 8’ x 10’ and is assembled using the manufacturers’ standard installation details. A “high wind” event is simulated with wind gusts reaching 70 to100 miles per hour, with a uniform injection of water into the air stream. Wind speeds are incrementally increased to 100 mph, with water simulating rain fall of 8.8 gallons per hour. During the test, the specimen is continuously inspected from underneath to detect any water penetration. If water is detected, the specimen fails.

Product Submersion Evaluation

 

ASTM E 2140 and FBC - TAS 114 evaluates the resistance of the standing seam panel systems to “ponding” water. ASTM E 2140 requires a test specimen of four full-width panels with two partials, and TAS 114 requires nine full-width panels with 2 partials.

The panels are assembled over open purlins and sealed at the perimeter to create a sufficient height to achieve a 6-inch water depth above the panel pan. Once the panels are loaded, the assembly must not leak during the duration of 6 hours for ASTM E 2140, and 7 days (168 hrs) for FBC - TAS 114. If a leak is detected, the specimen fails.