Roof Covering Impact Certification Program
|
|
- Third-party certification program sponsored by Architectural Testing which
provides manufacturers with the opportunity to certify that their roof
covering materials meet the requirements of FM 4473 and/or UL 2218.
- Laboratory test methods use spherical-shaped ice (FM 4473) and steel
(UL 2218) as an impact medium to replicate various impact energies of
free falling hailstones on new roofing materials.
- These test methods provide manufacturers and consumers with performance
benchmarks relative to impact resistance.
- Products are evaluated for damage and ranked using an impact classification
ranging on a scale from 1 to 4. Impact Classification 4 is currently the
best possible rating.
- Some insurance companies offer premium credits for policy holders who install
roofing materials manufactured by certification program licensees that meet
certain impact classifications as designated in FM 4473 and UL 2218.
|
Value
Impact performance of roof covering materials is an important consideration for insurance
companies and building owners. As one of the most vulnerable components of any building,
roof covering materials can often be subjected to extensive damage by hailstones, resulting
in claims for repair or replacement.
When choosing a roof covering material, it is wise to consider damage prevention and reduction
by choosing products rated for impact resistance. Licensees in the Roof Covering Impact
Certification Program manufacture products that have been tested and certified as having achieved
Class I through IV ratings for impact resistance. Architectural Testing provides independent
verification of the manufacturer’s certification.
This Certification provides several important benefits:
-
Assurance to the user that products bearing the program label are faithful reproductions of the
samples that were independently tested and rated.
-
Assurance that the test parameters were consistent for all products bearing the program label,
thus providing a direct apples-to-apples comparison of performance.
-
Assurance to the user that participating manufacturers maintain a quality control program which
is monitored by Architectural Testing for compliance with the Program Guidelines and that
Architectural Testing conducts unannounced plant audits and performance tests on randomly selected
products on an ongoing basis.
Architectural Testing validates the participating manufacturer's representations through:
- Initial review and approval of the manufacturer's Quality Control Program.
- Evaluation of test reports and data for compliance with minimum requirements.
- Ongoing manufacturing facility audits to determine continued compliance with Program Guidelines.
- Periodic random product selection and independent testing.
Participating Manufacturers:
Roof Covering Impact Certification Logo: The Stamp of Approval
Manufacturers who satisfy the requirements of the Roof Covering Impact Certification
Program are licensed to apply certification program labels to qualifying products.
In addition, a web-based certified products list is maintained for reference by specifiers,
code and building officials, architects, insurance companies, potential buyers and others.
Participating manufacturers are also permitted to use a facsimile of the program label in sales
and marketing literature as approved by Architectural Testing.
By applying the certification program label, the manufacturer is certifying that the product
bearing the label meets the requirements of the certification program and the information
listed is accurate for that product. Architectural Testing permits continued licensing of
the participating manufacturer based upon demonstration by the manufacturer that certification
is true as indicated by unannounced audits and product testing.
Back to Top
Learn more about how the Architectural Testing Difference
can help you or Contact Us today.