Research, testing and product development · Lesson 2 of 4

Research testing and product development: the edge-metal test standard

What ANSI/SPRI/FM 4435/ES-1-2022 governs, which of RE-1, RE-2 and RE-3 applies, how specimens are loaded and recorded, how edges fail, and what Drexel publishes from its tests.

You will be able to: Pick the ES-1 test that fits an edge detail, describe how a specimen is built and loaded, name what counts as failure, and read a published rating as one manufacturer figure for one tested configuration.

11 min · 12 slides · 7 questions

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Slide 1 of 12

What ES-1 governs

ES-1 applies to low-slope roofs, defined as slopes of 9.5 degrees (2:12) or less.

Its commentary says it was developed for built-up, single-ply and modified bitumen roofing systems.

ES-1's commentary puts gutters beyond its scope and points to ANSI/SPRI GT-1 for testing them.

Sources

ANSI/SPRI/FM 4435/ES-1 2022, Test Standard for Edge Systems Used with Low Slope Roofing Systems (approved November 21, 2022) - SPRI

Videos for this lesson

What this video shows: A 59-second clip from a testing company's channel, labelled as RE-3 methodology for a coping, quoting SPRI's opinion that ES-1 testing should be performed on systems as manufactured by a given fabricator. Checked against the video's description only.

Video: ANSI/SPRI ES-1 Coping Pull Off - RE-3 Test by National ES Testing Service Tunney, on YouTube. Chosen from the video's published description.

Glossary

Cleat: In ES-1, a continuous metal strip, or angled piece, used to secure metal components. A clip, by contrast, is a non-continuous metal component used to secure two or more components together.
Dependently terminated: ES-1's name for a roof edge system that holds the membrane because the roof is ballasted, ribbon or spot adhered, or fastened more than 12 in. from the edge. It needs the RE-2 test and, unless a peel stop (a mechanical termination) sits within 12 in. of the roof edge, the RE-1 test as well.
Independently terminated: ES-1's name for a roof edge system on a roof whose cover is adhered, or mechanically attached 12 in. or less from the edge. It needs the RE-2 test or the RE-3 test.
Resistance (R): In ES-1, the maximum passing load in pounds per square foot, found by dividing the force in pounds by the area of the face: the face height in feet times the sample length in feet.
Sustained pressure: The figure Drexel Metals publishes for each edge system size and cover, in psf and printed negative for outward pressure. Drexel's sheets say the Design Engineer must apply the Factor of Safety.