1 Scope
NOTE This standard covers factory-engineered, catalog manufactured roof specialty assemblies used at the perimeter and termination of low-slope roofs, including manufactured coping cap systems, gravel stops and fasciae, counterflashing reglet systems, roof expansion-joint covers, and scuppers and overflow assemblies. (1.1)
NOTE The defining characteristic of work under this standard is that the assembly is a tested, listed, proprietary product — supplied with a manufacturer wind-uplift classification, installation instructions, and a product warranty — rather than a custom item formed from flat stock to SMACNA geometry details. (1.2)
NOTE The single clearest organizational signal for which standard governs is the work's place in the project manual: roof specialties (manufactured catalog assemblies) are organizationally distinct from sheet metal flashing and trim (custom formed work), and a given roof edge is specified under one standard or the other, never both. (1.3)
NOTE Manufactured systems are the predominant choice on commercial work today because the ES-1 test documentation and finish warranties are supplied with the product, simplifying both code compliance and closeout. (1.4)
1.5 All manufactured roof specialties at low-slope roof edges shall comply with ANSI/SPRI/FM 4435/ES-1 and shall carry a tested classification to or above the project design wind pressure.
1.6 Each assembly shall be supplied as a complete system from a single manufacturer, including caps, cleats or receivers, factory corners, end dams, splice or closure plates, and fasteners.
1.8 The spec writer shall not apply both standards to the same roof edge.
2 Referenced Standards
2.1 Equipment, materials, and installation shall comply with the latest adopted edition of each of the following unless a specific edition is cited.
2.2 Where referenced standards conflict, the more stringent requirement shall govern unless the Engineer of Record directs otherwise in writing.
| Standard |
Title |
| ANSI/SPRI/FM 4435/ES-1 |
Test Standard for Edge Systems Used with Low Slope Roofing Systems |
| FM Global Approval Standard 4435 |
Approval Standard for Edge Systems Used with Low Slope Roofing Systems |
| IBC Section 1504.5 |
Roof Edge Metal Wind Resistance |
| ASTM A653/A653M |
Steel Sheet, Zinc-Coated (Galvanized) or Zinc-Iron Alloy-Coated (Galvannealed) by the Hot-Dip Process |
| ASTM A792/A792M |
Steel Sheet, 55% Aluminum-Zinc Alloy-Coated (Galvalume) by the Hot-Dip Process |
| ASTM B209/B209M |
Aluminum and Aluminum-Alloy Sheet and Plate |
| ASTM B370 |
Copper Sheet and Strip for Building Construction |
| ASTM C920 |
Elastomeric Joint Sealants |
| AAMA 2605 |
Superior Performing Organic Coatings on Aluminum Extrusions and Panels (70% PVDF) |
| AAMA 2604 |
High Performance Organic Coatings on Aluminum Extrusions and Panels (50% PVDF) |
| AAMA 2603 |
Pigmented Organic Coatings on Aluminum Extrusions and Panels (commercial polyester) |
| AAMA 611 |
Anodized Architectural Aluminum |
| SMACNA Architectural Sheet Metal Manual |
Architectural Sheet Metal Manual |
| ASCE 7 |
Minimum Design Loads and Associated Criteria for Buildings and Other Structures |
3 Submittals
3.1 Action Submittals
3.1.1 The Contractor shall submit the following action submittals for review before fabrication:
- Product data for each manufactured roof specialty, including the manufacturer's published ES-1 classification, profile, substrate, gauge, and finish system.
- Shop drawings showing profiles, dimensions, parapet bearing, cleat type and spacing, expansion-joint locations, and factory corner and end-dam details, drawn to the field-measured as-built conditions.
- Samples of each exposed finish and color on the specified substrate and gauge.
- Finish color selection samples covering the manufacturer's full standard and premium color ranges.
☑ Product data with ES-1 classification
☑ Shop drawings to field-measured conditions
☑ Finish and color samples on actual substrate
☑ Color selection range samples
3.2.1 The Contractor shall submit the following informational submittals:
- ES-1 test report or current listing certificate from an accredited laboratory, showing the tested classification and allowable design pressure for the submitted profile, substrate, and gauge.
- Manufacturer's printed installation instructions, including cleat fastening pattern and sealant requirements.
- Evidence of FM Global approval where the project is FM-insured.
- Sample warranty documents for both the finish and the assembly.
☑ ES-1 test report or listing certificate
☑ Manufacturer installation instructions
☐ FM Global approval evidence
☑ Sample finish and assembly warranties
3.3 Closeout Submittals
3.3.1 The Contractor shall submit the following closeout submittals before final acceptance:
- Executed finish warranty in the Owner's name for the specified term.
- Executed assembly or watertightness warranty where offered by the manufacturer.
- Record shop drawings reflecting as-installed conditions.
- Maintenance data describing inspection intervals, sealant maintenance, and cleaning of the finish.
☑ Executed finish warranty
☐ Executed assembly warranty
☑ Record shop drawings
☑ Maintenance data
4 Quality Assurance
NOTE Manufactured roof specialties shall be the products of a manufacturer regularly engaged in producing ES-1 tested edge systems with installations of similar scope in service for at least five years. (4.1)
4.2 The installer shall be experienced in the installation of the specified manufactured edge system and shall follow the manufacturer's printed instructions.
4.3 The Contractor shall verify all profile dimensions against the field-measured as-built parapet, fascia, and wall conditions before fabrication; manufactured copings are supplied in discrete width increments and design-drawing dimensions are frequently superseded by as-built construction.
NOTE Field measurement after the parapet masonry or framing is complete is mandatory, because shop drawings prepared from design dimensions routinely require revision once the wall is built. (4.4)
4.5 Substituting a lighter gauge, a different substrate, or an alternate profile voids the manufacturer's ES-1 classification even where the profile appears identical; any substitution shall be re-verified against a tested classification at or above the design wind pressure.
4.6 A pre-installation conference shall be held with the roofing membrane installer to coordinate the sequence of base flashing termination and coping cleat installation.
5 Wind Resistance and ES-1 Classification
NOTE IBC Section 1504.5 requires roof edge metal on low-slope roofs to be tested and labeled to ANSI/SPRI/FM 4435/ES-1 at the design wind pressure; ES-1 is a test method with several classifications, so naming the standard alone does not define the requirement. (5.1)
5.2 The specification shall state the actual design wind pressure in pounds per square foot, derived from ASCE 7 Components and Cladding provisions for the roof edge zone, so that a product with an adequate tested classification can be selected.
5.3 Specifying "ES-1 compliant" without stating the design wind pressure is the single most common roof-edge error; the design pressure governs which tested classification is acceptable.
5.4 "ES-1 compliant" without a stated design wind pressure shall not be used as the specification requirement.
NOTE The ES-1 design classification expresses what the assembly resists: RE-1 covers horizontal force on gravel stops and fasciae, RE-2 covers combined horizontal pullover and vertical uplift on copings, and RE-3 covers combined loading on edge metal with a significant vertical face. (5.5)
5.6 All manufactured copings shall carry an RE-2 classification because a coping is loaded in both horizontal pullover and vertical uplift.
5.7 Manufactured gravel stops and fasciae shall carry at minimum an RE-1 classification, or RE-2 where the vertical face is significant.
○ RE-1 (gravel stop / fascia, horizontal force)
● RE-2 (coping, horizontal pullover and vertical uplift)
○ RE-3 (edge metal with vertical face, combined loading)
Per drawings — structural / wind design criteria
5.8 On FM Global insured projects the edge system shall additionally hold a current FM Global Approval to Standard 4435 at or above the design pressure.
○ Required (FM-insured project)
● Not required
6 Materials and Substrates
NOTE Substrate selection balances first cost, corrosion exposure, and target service life: prefinished steel is the lowest-cost durable option, aluminum is the commercial default for its corrosion resistance and finish range, and copper is reserved for historic, institutional, and high-end work where natural patina is desired. (6.1)
6.2 Aluminum coping and fascia components shall conform to ASTM B209/B209M, alloy 3003, 3105, or 5005, in the specified thickness.
6.3 Prefinished steel components shall conform to ASTM A653/A653M (galvanized, G-90 coating class) or ASTM A792/A792M (55% aluminum-zinc alloy coated), in the specified gauge.
6.4 Copper components shall conform to ASTM B370, cold-rolled temper, in the specified weight.
NOTE The cap material gauge shall be selected for the parapet width and wind exposure; the 80% case is 0.050 in aluminum or 24 ga prefinished steel, with heavier material on wide parapets or in high-wind zones. (6.5)
● Aluminum, 70% PVDF (AAMA 2605)
○ Aluminum, 50% PVDF (AAMA 2604)
○ Aluminum, Class I anodize (AAMA 611)
○ Prefinished Galvalume steel, 70% PVDF
○ Prefinished galvanized steel (G-90), 70% PVDF
○ Copper, mill finish (natural patina)
○ 0.032
○ 0.040
● 0.050
○ 0.063
7 Finish and Coating System
NOTE The exterior coating system is the primary driver of color retention and warranty period; 70% PVDF fluoropolymer is the de-facto requirement for exposed commercial coping caps, with lower-cost coatings acceptable only where a shorter finish life is accepted. (7.1)
7.2 Exposed factory finishes on aluminum and steel caps shall be a 70% PVDF fluoropolymer meeting AAMA 2605 unless a lower-performance coating is specified.
7.3 A 50% PVDF coating meeting AAMA 2604 may be specified where a 35-year finish life is not required.
7.4 A commercial polyester coating meeting AAMA 2603 may be specified only on light-industrial or secondary work where a short finish life is acceptable.
7.5 Anodized aluminum, where specified, shall be Class I architectural anodize per AAMA 611 with a minimum coating thickness of 0.7 mil, and is preferred on high-end and coastal projects.
7.6 Copper shall be furnished mill finish and allowed to weather to natural patina.
7.7 Lacquered or pre-patinated copper shall be furnished only where specified.
● 35 (70% PVDF, AAMA 2605)
○ 20 (50% PVDF, AAMA 2604)
○ 10 (commercial polyester, AAMA 2603)
8 Coping Cap Systems
8.1 Attachment Method
NOTE Coping attachment is the defining choice for a coping system: a continuous concealed cleat with a snap-lock cap conceals all fasteners and is the commercial standard, while a face-fastened cap is lower-cost and code-compliant but exposes fasteners and is generally limited to simple industrial work. (8.1.1)
8.1.2 Many face-fastened profiles do not hold an RE-2 classification at higher wind pressures.
8.1.3 The attachment method shall be verified against the tested classification rather than assumed interchangeable.
8.1.4 Coping caps shall be installed over a continuous concealed cleat with a snap-lock or hooked engagement unless a face-fastened system is specified.
8.1.5 A continuous cleat shall be fabricated from minimum 16 ga G-90 galvanized steel and secured to the substrate at the spacing required by the tested classification.
8.1.6 Cleat fasteners shall be spaced at a maximum of 12 in on center, reduced to 6 in on center where required by FM Global or by the tested classification in high-wind zones.
● Continuous concealed cleat, snap-lock cap (one-piece)
○ Two-piece pressure-equalized (extruded receiver, snap-on cap)
○ Face-fastened cap (exposed fasteners)
● 12 (standard)
○ 6 (high-wind / FM)
8.2 Profile and Geometry
8.2.1 The coping profile shall match the actual as-built parapet width, with the inside leg, outside face height, and slope-to-drain direction coordinated to the field conditions.
NOTE Mismatching the coping profile to the actual parapet width is a frequent source of rework, because manufactured copings are produced in discrete width increments; the profile shall be selected against the field-measured parapet, not the design dimension. (8.2.2)
8.2.3 Coping caps shall be sloped to drain toward the roof side of the parapet unless the design directs otherwise.
8.2.4 The inside leg shall extend below the membrane base flashing termination or termination bar by at least 1 in.
8.2.5 Each side of the cap shall bear at least 2-1/2 in on the parapet to engage the cleat and resist pullover.
Per drawings — wall sections / parapet detail
● Slope to roof side
○ Slope to exterior face
○ Center crown (slope both ways)
8.3 Joints, Splices, and Corners
NOTE Adjacent coping sections accommodate thermal movement through an open slip joint, not a rigid butt joint, because a rigidly joined run will buckle or open the sealant as the metal expands. (8.3.1)
8.3.2 Coping shall be installed in lengths not exceeding 10 ft between expansion joints, per SMACNA Architectural Sheet Metal Manual guidance.
8.3.3 Each expansion joint shall be an open slip joint with a nominal 3/16 in gap backed by a closed-cell backer rod and sealant.
8.3.4 Coping expansion joints shall not be rigidly butt-joined.
8.3.5 Joint sealant shall be an ASTM C920 Type S, Grade NS, Class 25 or 50 polyurethane or silicone, color-matched to the cap finish.
8.3.6 Sealant shall be applied to allow full joint movement and shall not bridge the joint rigidly.
8.3.7 Inside and outside corners shall be factory-fabricated mitered units; field-mitered corners shall not be used unless an engineered, tested field-miter detail is provided.
NOTE Field-mitered corners are a common source of leaks and do not satisfy most ES-1 tested assemblies, which is why factory corners are required by default. (8.3.8)
8.3.9 End dams shall be provided as a required accessory at all coping terminations, at penetrations, and at changes in direction.
8.3.10 Omitting end dams at terminations allows wind-driven water to enter the parapet cavity.
8.3.11 Open coping ends shall never be left without an end dam.
● Factory-fabricated mitered corners
○ Engineered tested field-miter detail
○ Polyurethane (ASTM C920 Class 25)
○ Polyurethane (ASTM C920 Class 50)
● Silicone (ASTM C920 Class 50)
9 Gravel Stops and Fasciae
NOTE A gravel stop retains aggregate ballast at an unparapeted roof edge with a raised lip, while a fascia is a flat closure trim; the choice is driven by the roofing system and the desired edge appearance. (9.1)
9.2 Gravel stop and fascia components shall be furnished in the specified substrate and finish to match the coping system on the same building.
9.3 Gravel stops and fasciae shall carry the ES-1 classification specified for the roof edge, with a minimum vertical face height as scheduled.
9.4 Gravel stops shall include a raised interior lip sized to retain the specified ballast depth.
9.5 The horizontal roof flange shall be set into the membrane or stripped in per the membrane manufacturer's edge detail, coordinated with Membrane Roofing. ○ Gravel stop (raised lip, ballast retention)
● Fascia (flat closure trim)
● Continuous concealed cleat
○ Face-fastened
10 Counterflashing Reglet Systems
NOTE The reglet type shall be selected to match the actual wall construction, because a cast-in reglet cannot be installed in existing masonry and a surface-mounted reglet on an uneven face leaks; failing to match the reglet type to the substrate is a recurring source of leaks. (10.1)
10.2 The reglet type shall be confirmed against the as-built wall before ordering.
10.3 Surface-mounted (face) reglets shall be formed aluminum or galvanized steel, mechanically fastened and sealed to the wall, and used where the wall is existing or where embedment is not feasible.
10.4 Cast-in reglets shall be plastic or galvanized steel channel set into concrete formwork before the pour, and used only on new cast-in-place concrete.
10.5 Slotted reglets shall be mechanically inserted into a raked masonry mortar joint and used where a clean mortar-joint reception is available.
10.6 Counterflashing shall be a removable, spring-locked or wedge-locked insert that engages the reglet and laps the membrane base flashing by at least 4 in.
● Surface-mounted (face reglet)
○ Cast-in (concrete embedment)
○ Slotted (masonry mortar joint)
● Aluminum
○ Galvanized steel (G-90)
○ Stainless steel
○ Copper
11 Roof Expansion-Joint Covers
NOTE A manufactured roof expansion-joint cover spans a building movement joint with a bellows or slide cover over a compressible filler, accommodating differential movement while maintaining watertightness. (11.1)
11.2 The expansion-joint cover shall be selected to accommodate the design joint movement and shall maintain watertightness through the full range of movement.
11.3 The cover shall be furnished with factory-fabricated corners, tees, and end terminations matched to the joint geometry.
11.4 The cover flange shall be integrated with the membrane base flashing per the membrane manufacturer's detail, coordinated with Membrane Roofing. ● Metal bellows cover
○ Metal slide cover over compressible filler
○ Elastomeric flexible cover
12 Scuppers and Overflow Assemblies
NOTE A manufactured scupper is a factory-formed through-wall drainage outlet with an integral flange for membrane integration, used for primary or overflow drainage at the parapet. (12.1)
12.2 Through-wall scuppers shall be furnished with an integral roof-side flange sized for stripping into the membrane per the membrane manufacturer's detail.
12.3 Overflow scuppers shall be set with the invert above the primary drainage level by the height required by the plumbing code, with location and invert elevation coordinated on the drawings.
12.4 Scupper material and finish shall match the adjacent coping or fascia on the same elevation.
● Aluminum
○ Copper
○ Galvanized steel (G-90)
○ Stainless steel
● Primary drainage
○ Overflow (secondary)
○ Combined primary and overflow
Per drawings — roof plan / scupper schedule
13 Substrate, Blocking, and Galvanic Isolation
NOTE Manufactured coping cleats require a solid substrate to carry the fastener loads; roofing insulation, gypsum sheathing, or a vapor retarder alone cannot anchor the cleat, so a continuous wood nailer or structural blocking is mandatory. (13.1)
13.2 A continuous wood nailer of minimum nominal 2x (1.5 in actual) thickness shall be provided at the parapet and roof edge, fastened per the structural engineer's requirements.
13.3 Coping and edge-metal fasteners shall engage the wood nailer or structural substrate, not the insulation or vapor retarder.
NOTE Nailer size and fastening shall be coordinated with the rough carpentry and structural framing scopes; undersized or omitted blocking is a common cause of edge-metal failure. (13.4)
13.5 Dissimilar-metal contact shall be isolated to prevent galvanic corrosion; aluminum in contact with copper or copper fasteners, or steel in contact with copper, shall be separated by EPDM tape, a neoprene pad, or bituminous coating.
13.6 Fasteners shall be of a material compatible with the cap substrate.
13.7 Stainless steel fasteners shall be specified where corrosion exposure warrants.
● Nominal 2x (1.5 in)
○ Built-up 3x (2.5 in)
○ Match insulation thickness (multi-ply)
● EPDM separator tape
○ Neoprene pad
○ Bituminous coating
○ Not required (compatible metals)
14 Installation
14.1 Installation shall comply with the manufacturer's printed instructions and with the SMACNA Architectural Sheet Metal Manual for cleat sizing and expansion-joint workmanship not addressed by the manufacturer.
NOTE The membrane base flashing turn-up shall be completed and terminated before the coping cleat is set, so that the coping does not trap the membrane installer or force rework. (14.2)
14.3 The Contractor shall not set the coping cleat until the membrane base flashing at that location is installed and terminated.
14.4 The continuous cleat shall be fastened to the wood nailer or structural substrate at the spacing required by the tested classification, with no fastener engaging only insulation or sheathing.
14.5 Caps shall be engaged fully onto the cleat along the entire length, with snap-lock or hooked edges seated.
14.6 Open slip joints, splice plates, end dams, and factory corners shall be installed per the manufacturer's details, with sealant applied to permit movement.
14.7 Surface-mounted reglets shall be set into a bead of sealant and the reglet groove caulked after the counterflashing is inserted.
14.8 Finished work shall be free of oil-canning beyond the manufacturer's tolerance, fastener strikethrough, and tool marks on exposed faces.
15 Delivery, Storage, and Handling
15.1 Components shall be delivered in protective packaging with strippable film or interleaving on prefinished faces, and the film shall be removed promptly after installation to prevent baking onto the finish.
15.2 Components shall be stored off the ground under cover, sloped to drain, and protected from standing water that can cause water staining on prefinished and copper surfaces.
15.3 Long lengths shall be handled to prevent bending, kinking, and finish abrasion, and shall be lifted rather than dragged.
16 Warranty
NOTE The finish warranty term is a selectable parameter. (16.1)
16.2 The finish warranty term shall be stated explicitly in the specification rather than left to the manufacturer's default.
16.3 The manufacturer shall warrant the exposed finish against film integrity loss, cracking, checking, and excessive color change for the specified term.
16.4 Where offered, the manufacturer shall provide an assembly or watertightness warranty for the edge system for the specified term.
16.5 The installer shall warrant the installation against defects in workmanship for a minimum of two years from substantial completion.
○ 2
● 5
○ 10
○ 20
○ Not offered by manufacturer
17 Spare Parts
NOTE Spare material lets the Owner repair localized impact damage without a full-run reorder and without a visible color mismatch from a later finish batch. (17.1)
17.2 The Contractor shall deliver spare coping caps, end dams, and splice plates of each profile and color in the quantity specified.
17.3 Spare components shall be from the same production run and color batch as the installed work and shall be labeled by profile, substrate, and color.