SMACNA Architectural Sheet Metal Manual
The definitive industry reference for architectural sheet metal design, material selection, and installation practice.
View resource (opens in a new tab)INDUSTRY RESOURCES
The specifier's library for architectural metal.
Standards, codes, installation guides and AFS tools in one place, each linked to the calculator or detail that puts it to work.
36 RESOURCES11 VIDEOS12 CALCULATORS480 JURISDICTIONS
Start from what you're doing
Standard
ANSI/SPRI/FM 4435 ES-1
The wind design standard for roof edge metal systems.
Read the standard (opens in a new tab)Industry Standards & Manuals
6 resourcesNRCA Roofing Manual: Architectural Metal Flashing
National Roofing Contractors Association manual covering architectural metal flashing and condensation control.
View resource (opens in a new tab)ANSI/SPRI/FM 4435 ES-1 Wind Design Standard
The definitive wind uplift testing and design standard for roof edge metal systems including coping caps, gravel stops, fascia, and drip edge.
View resource (opens in a new tab)FM Approvals — Roofing Certification & RoofNav
FM Approvals tests and certifies roofing systems and components including roof edge metals.
View resource (opens in a new tab)Copper Development Association Architectural Manual
Comprehensive technical manual for architectural copper applications including roofing, flashing, gutters, and cladding.
View resource (opens in a new tab)Aluminum Association — Aluminum in Architecture
The Aluminum Association represents aluminum producers and fabricators.
View resource (opens in a new tab)AFS reference tools
7 toolsBuilding Code DirectoryWho adopted a code in each Texas county and city, with the verified source.Open Material Data SheetsCertifications, tested ratings and method sheets for submittals.Open Detail AtlasLettered flashing sections with DXF download.Open Installation SequencesDrexel ES-1 step-by-step guides, printable.Open CAD Detail GeneratorGenerate a dimensioned detail and download DXF.Open Failure AtlasCommon flashing failures and the detail that prevents each.Open Learning AcademyShort lessons with completion tracking.Open
Drexel Metals
9 ES-1 edge systems AFS fabricates under the Drexel Metals ES-1/GT-1 Certification Program.
See what AFS fabricatesPAC-CLAD
60 colors across the Color Guide 2025 and the anodized guide.
See what AFS fabricatesMcElroy Metal
18 colors in the Shades of Distinction chart.
See what AFS fabricatesASTM Material Specifications
6 resourcesASTM B370 — Copper Sheet and Strip for Building Construction
The standard specification for copper sheet used in architectural applications including flashing, roofing, and gutters.
View resource (opens in a new tab)ASTM B209 — Aluminum Sheet and Plate
Standard specification for aluminum sheet used in architectural flashing and wall panels.
View resource (opens in a new tab)ASTM A653 — Galvanized Steel Sheet (Hot-Dip)
Standard specification for hot-dip zinc-coated (galvanized) steel sheet.
View resource (opens in a new tab)ASTM A240 — Stainless Steel Sheet and Strip
Standard specification for chromium and chromium-nickel stainless steel sheet used in architectural applications.
View resource (opens in a new tab)ASTM A792 — Galvalume Steel Sheet
Standard specification for steel sheet coated with 55% aluminum-zinc alloy (Galvalume/AZ55).
View resource (opens in a new tab)AAMA 2605 — Voluntary Specification for Fluoropolymer Coatings
AAMA 2605 is the highest-performance standard for factory-applied organic coatings on aluminum.
View resource (opens in a new tab)Building Codes & Regulations
5 resourcesInternational Building Code (IBC) — Flashing Requirements
The IBC is the model building code adopted by most US jurisdictions for commercial construction.
View resource (opens in a new tab)International Residential Code (IRC) — Flashing Requirements
The IRC governs one- and two-family dwellings.
View resource (opens in a new tab)ASCE 7 — Minimum Design Loads for Buildings
The structural engineering standard that establishes wind load requirements used to design coping caps, gravel stops, and other roof edge metals for wind uplift resistance.
View resource (opens in a new tab)Texas Department of Insurance — Windstorm Requirements
TDI windstorm inspection and compliance requirements for the Texas Gulf Coast and designated catastrophe areas.
View resource (opens in a new tab)Roofing Contractors Association of Texas (RCAT) — Licensing
Texas does not license roofing contractors at the state level (there is no TDLR roofing license).
View resource (opens in a new tab)Professional Organizations
6 resourcesSMACNA — Sheet Metal and Air Conditioning Contractors National Association
The primary trade association for union sheet metal contractors.
View resource (opens in a new tab)NRCA — National Roofing Contractors Association
The national trade association for roofing contractors.
View resource (opens in a new tab)SPRI — Single Ply Roofing Industry
Trade association representing manufacturers of membrane roofing products and components.
View resource (opens in a new tab)Metal Construction Association (MCA)
Trade association for the metal construction industry including metal roofing, wall panels, and architectural sheet metal.
View resource (opens in a new tab)American Institute of Architects (AIA)
The national professional organization for licensed architects.
View resource (opens in a new tab)Construction Specifications Institute (CSI)
CSI maintains MasterFormat, the standard filing system for construction specifications and cost data.
View resource (opens in a new tab)Specification & Product Resources
6 resourcesARCAT — Division 07 Product Library
Free online library of manufacturer CAD drawings, BIM files, specifications, and product data for Division 07 products including sheet metal flashing, coping, gravel stops, and edge metals.
View resource (opens in a new tab)SpecLink — Division 07 Specification Sections
BSD SpecLink is a master guide specification system used by architects to create project specifications.
View resource (opens in a new tab)Copper.org — Architectural Flashing Details
The Copper Development Association's free online architectural design handbook includes detailed drawings and specifications for copper flashing applications including coping caps, gravel stops, reglets, counter flashing, gutters, and standing seam roofing.
View resource (opens in a new tab)Steel Roofing Institute
Technical resources and product information for steel roofing and wall panel systems.
View resource (opens in a new tab)CSI MasterFormat Division 07 — Thermal and Moisture Protection
The CSI MasterFormat numbering system organizes all construction specifications by division.
View resource (opens in a new tab)07 62 00 — Sheet Metal Flashing and Trim Specification Guide
The specific CSI MasterFormat section covering custom-fabricated architectural sheet metal flashing including base flashing, counter flashing, cap flashing, step flashing, valley flashing, coping caps, gravel stops, drip edge, reglets, Z-bars, expansion joint covers, gutters, downspouts, conductor heads, scuppers, and specialty profiles.
View resource (opens in a new tab)Texas-Specific Resources
3 resourcesCity of Austin — Building Technical Codes
Austin's official building technical codes page covering IBC/IRC local amendments, energy code requirements, roofing and flashing requirements, and permit information for construction in the City of Austin.
View resource (opens in a new tab)Texas State Library — Building Codes
Texas state-level building code adoption information and local jurisdiction amendments.
View resource (opens in a new tab)OSHA — Sheet Metal Workers Safety
OSHA SIC 3444 covers Sheet Metal Work manufacturing safety standards.
View resource (opens in a new tab)Free Installation Manuals
4 resourcesStanding Seam Metal Roof Installation Guide
Comprehensive 38-page installation guide covering standing seam panel layout, valley flashing, hip and ridge details, cleat installation, Z-closure flashing, and trim installation.
View resource (opens in a new tab)Copper in Architecture — Design Handbook (Free Online)
The Copper Development Association's complete free online architectural design handbook.
View resource (opens in a new tab)WBDG — Division 07 60 00 Flashing and Sheet Metal Specification
Free government publication from the Whole Building Design Guide (WBDG) — a complete Division 07 60 00 specification covering copper, aluminum, galvanized, and stainless flashing and trim.
View resource (opens in a new tab)Modern Application of Sheet Copper in Building Construction (Public Domain)
Historic public domain handbook covering copper roofing, flashing, gutters, and downspouts — freely available through the Internet Archive.
View resource (opens in a new tab)Video library
11 videosSnap Lock Standing Seam Metal Roof — Full Installation Breakdown
Complete 20-minute deep dive into 24-gauge black steel snap lock installation including tools, skylights, and pro tips. Published June 2025.
DIY Standing Seam Metal Porch Roof — Step by Step
Residential standing seam metal roofing installation from start to finish. Published November 2024.
How to Install a Standing Seam Metal Roof from Start to Finish
Comprehensive standing seam installation using weathertight warranty details.
How to Install Standing Seam Metal Roofing Like a Pro
Expert crew training covering layout, clips, seaming, and trim details.
How to Install Copper Flashing — Chimney Flashing with Patina Finish
Step-by-step copper chimney flashing installation. Published November 2025.
How to Solder Copper Cap Flashing
Fine Homebuilding tutorial on shaping and soldering copper cap flashing at windows.
How to Bend Copper Chimney Flashing on a Sheet Metal Brake
Fine Homebuilding tutorial on fabricating complex copper flashing pieces on a press brake.
How to Install Coping Caps With and Without Cleats
Tech Tuesday tutorial covering coping cap installation methods, cleat attachment, and weatherproofing. Published October 2023.
The Correct Way to Install Drip Edge and Underlayment
Covers proper drip edge sequencing with underlayment to prevent leaks. Published November 2025.
How to Install Drip Edge and Step Flashing
This Old House tutorial covering drip edge and step flashing installation techniques.
How to Install Eave Trim and Drip Edge on a Metal Roof
Step-by-step eave trim and drip edge installation for metal roofing systems.
Videos are published by their respective creators. AFS is not affiliated with video producers. All installation work should comply with applicable codes and SMACNA standards.