Certified Contractors and ProductsNew products. New materials. New building codes and standards. The speed of innovation and change has never been faster. Perhaps the only thing that’s stays the same is the builder’s responsibility to ensure that construction materials are code compliant and installed correctly. The Steel Framing Industry Association (SFIA) has developed several important programs that promote consistent quality in manufacturing and installation of cold-formed steel products; including a certification program of cold-formed steel structural and nonstructural studs, a certification program for cold-formed steel connectors that is the first of its kind, and certification programs for framing and truss contractors. Continue below for general information on SFIA's certification programs or click an image below for information on a specific program. Contractor and Truss Fabricator Program
The SFIA Code Compliance Certification Programs for framing members and connectors help lower the risks in today’s construction industry by insuring that the steel framing products manufactured and sold by the SFIA membership meet the applicable building codes. Theprograms focus on the requirements set forth by current requirements of the International Building Code, as well as applicable provisions in the ASTM and AISI reference standards. The programs are centered on the use of a recognized third‐party administer, Intertek, who periodically performs unannounced visits to member plants and audits individual products. Both structural and nonstructural stud and track products are tested for their mechanical properties, coatings, dimensions, and labels. Official Certification Labels are issued for individual framing products as well as panel products to provide suppliers, contractors and building inspectors with the assurance that the products are code compliant. Likewise, the Contractor and Truss Fabricator programs identify contractors who have demonstrated a professional level of knowledge and experience with cold-formed steel framing and/or trusses. Endorsed by the AWCI
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Announcements
SFIA releases Industry-wide Environmental Products Declaration (EPD) for Cold-Formed Steel Framing
The Steel Framing Industry Association (SFIA) has released the latest tool for contractors, building owners, architects, and others who strive to deliver advanced building designs that meet the latest LEED ™ and other sustainable programs and standards. The SFIA Industry-Wide EPD, or Environmental Product Declaration, for Cold-Formed Steel (CFS) Framing is available for download
Year Over Year Shipments Show Steel Framing Rebounding from Initial COVID Lockdowns
Despite the historic disruption to the economy caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, total manufacturing volume of cold-formed steel framing products show 2021 rebounding from the low point in 2020. According to the latest Quarterly Market Data Report for Q1 2021 released by the Steel Framing Industry Association (SFIA), total steel stud shipments were down 2.7% year over year (YoY) but up 4.3% sequentially (quarter to quarter). Structural steel studs were down 3.9% YoY but up 3.3% sequentially. Nonstructural steel studs were flat YoY but up 6.3% sequentially. When compared against Q1’20, all regions except the South Central showed significant increases in Q1 '21 total volume with the West Region leading the way. The Western Region is only 4.9% below its Q2’18 all time high of 71,388 tons.
Structural products are typically used for load bearing applications, such as exterior walls, lateral force resisting systems, floors and roofs. Applications for Nonstructural products generally include framing for non-load bearing walls, soffits, and backing for architectural finishes.
The data in the SFIA Market Data Report is collected through an industry-wide survey. Data and analysis reports are available at this Link.
SFIA Contractors Achieve Certification Status
The SFIA Contractor Certification, introduced in March is off to a strong start with the first two companies awarded certification for both Nonstructural and Structural framing and 20 additional companies currently in the certification process. This new certification, which promotes best practices and continuous improvement, will be promoted to general contractors and owners looking for contractors with CFS expertise, high levels of training, and quality assurance.
A Fire Service Professional’s View
The increased use of wood framing in mid-rise buildings has been accompanied by a growing incidence of major fires that have destroyed these combustible structures both during construction
SFIA Technical Guide
Technical Guide for Cold‐Formed Steel Framing Products, provides with a comprehensive tool for designing with cold‐formed steel framing members..
Certified for Code Compliance
