September 13, 2019
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
McLean, VA— The Copper Development Association (CDA) recently released a study to simplify the specification process of copper wall cladding systems for architects, building owners and contractors. The study conducted by Intertek provides quantifiable performance and technical data for common copper wall cladding systems, thereby eliminating the need for end users to conduct individual, costly and time intensive tests to comply with the mandatory building code requirements.
CDA tested several common systems in a variety of conditions according to ASTM/AAMA testing protocols, successfully obtaining ratings on air infiltration (ASTM E283), water infiltration (ASTM E331), wind resistance (ASTM E330), and dynamic wind (AAMA 501.1).
“To our knowledge, copper is the only wall cladding material that has undergone standardized testing in compliance with American Society of Testing and Materials (ASTM)/American Architectural Manufacturer’s Association (AAMA),” said Stephen Knapp, CDA’s director of strip, sheet and plate council. “These results make it easier for architects, building owners and contractors to specify an “off-the-shelf” tested and rated system.”
Formed copper panel systems have long proven durable and effective when applied to building exteriors, and design and construction teams continue to use them as a preferred material for roofing and increasingly wall cladding. The current round of testing focused on commonly used styles of standing-seam and flat-seam copper systems: horizontal and diagonal flat-lock panels, horizontal single-lock standing-seam panels, and vertical and horizontal double-lock standing-seam panels.
To view complete tests and results, visit www.copper.org/applications/architecture/arch_dhb/specifications/tests/wall_cladding.
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