ANSI/SPRI/FM 4435/ES-1 edge systems · Lesson 1 of 4

ANSI/SPRI/FM 4435/ES-1 edge systems: principles and terminology

Why the roof perimeter matters, the cover and cleat, ES-1 as a test of a whole assembly, the SPRI standards timeline, the three test methods, the IBC edge-system rule, and the fall-protection boundary at an unprotected edge.

You will be able to: Name the parts of a cleated edge system, say what ES-1 tests and what it does not, place it among the SPRI edge standards, and say where the building code asks for it.

10 min · 10 slides · 6 questions

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Slide 1 of 10

Why the perimeter

SPRI cites an FM Global study of built-up roof losses in which 59% occurred because the roof perimeter failed.

SPRI adds that edge metal needs to remain attached in high winds even if it does not secure the roof.

Coping, fascia and gravel stop are the metal that has to hold at the edge.

Sources

Perimeter Edge Metal Systems for Low-Slope Roofing (presentation 2022.4: the SPRI edge standards, test methods RE-1 to RE-3 and the IBC wording) - SPRI

Glossary

Edge system: The metal at the perimeter of a low-slope roof, such as coping, fascia or gravel stop, with its cleat and fasteners, treated as one assembly.
Cleat: The anchor strip, fastened to the roof edge, that the edge metal cover hooks onto; it has its own gauge and is its own part.
Sustained pressure: Drexel's term for the published test value of an edge system, printed in psf; the design engineer applies the factor of safety.
RE-3: The ES-1 test method that loads a coping cap on its top and face at the same time, in a ratio of 1.73 vertical to 1.00 horizontal, per SPRI's description.
Authorized fabricator: A shop that Drexel has certified under its ES-1/GT-1 certification program to fabricate Drexel's tested systems. Drexel states the terms and can confirm a shop's status.