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Frequently Asked Questions
about the
Metal Construction Association
Roofing Certification Program
Why was the certification program created?
The MCA has established minimum performance standards for residential/steep slope metal roofing. However, members of MCA identified the need to create a method of identifying which products met the standards for base metals and finish coatings applied to steep slope roofing products. Tremendous efforts have been put forth to promote the benefits of metal roofing to the consumer. The certification program will ensure that base metals and exterior coatings meeting identified quality levels are selected for steep slope applications. The short-term goal is to provide homeowners and building owners with benchmarks of quality that they can use in selecting a metal roof. The long-term goal is ensuring consumer confidence in and satisfaction with the products being produced by our industry.
How will the program benefit me as a roofing product manufacturer?
As a manufacturer, you will be able to differentiate levels of quality of products that you produce and create a credible basis for product comparisons. Product certification will protect the future of our industry and put your products in a good light when being presented to homeowners and building owners.
I furnish coil to the mobile roll-forming community; how does the program affect me?
You will have the ability to identify that your products/coil meet the required quality levels of base metal and coatings. The actual roofing product manufacturer (your customer) will be able to label those products that meet the certification guidelines if you include him or her as part of your application. Only those manufacturers listed on your application are eligible to use the certification logo and labels. Each mobile roll-former should be listed as one product, and you may charge the mobile roll-former the $100 per-product fee. You are responsible for collecting the mobile roll-former's quality control plan and attaching it to your application, and for providing the Metal Construction Association certification logo and label with rules for use from the MOU to the mobile roll-former.
I am a regional manufacturer (mobile roll-former); how can I become involved in the program?
You can enter the program under your coil supplier's license if you meet the quality assurance guidelines of the program. The coil processor may charge you a nominal fee. You may also join directly as a manufacturer yourself.
Do I have to be a member of the Metal Construction Association to join the program?
No, you need not be a member of MCA to participate in the certification program. Non-member participants pay slightly higher fees to reflect the project development funding provided by MCA.
How will the consumer become aware of the certification program?
MCA is partnering with the Metal Roof Alliance in promoting the certification program to homeowners. As MRA has already established a successful consumer marketing program, their inclusion of the certification program in their promotional efforts helps us reach consumers. MCA will promote the certification program to the commercial roofing market where steep slope metal roofing may be chosen.
What are the costs associated with this program?
You will find a detailed explanation of the fee structure within the Memorandum of Understanding between your company and MCA.
As a manufacturer, what do I need to do with regards to my present production methods?
A quality control procedure needs to be in place to ensure that your materials meet or exceed the requirements of the program. Third-party verification of your quality control procedures is required. Additionally, your coatings supplier will need to have obtained approval of the paint system you are using.
How do I establish the required quality control procedures to comply with the program?
You can consult with an independent laboratory that is accredited as complying with ISO/IEC Standard 17020 to assist with establishing the necessary procedures to ensure compliance with the program. A quality control manual template has been developed by the Metal Construction Association Certification Committee and is available upon request to MCA or electronically at
www.metalconstruction.org.
Where can I find an accreditation agency that can confirm that our quality manual meets the ISO/IEC 17020 Standard?
The US organization for accrediting ISO/IEC 17020 is International Accreditation Services, IAS. A full list of agencies that can confirm that your quality manual meets the ISO/IEC 17020 standard is available at
www.IASonline.org.
Does the program affect any product approvals as they exist with current recognized building codes?
Presently the program will not affect any product approvals that you may already have. In most cases, meeting the requirements of the Metal Construction Association certification program will result in products that meet or exceed the weatherization requirements of model building codes. This will only aid in establishing this program as the benchmark for quality metal roof products.
Can a paint manufacturer utilize accelerated weathering test results for certification program compliance?
Only south Florida real-time weathering data are acceptable as identified in The MCA Guide Specification for Residential Metal Roofing.
It appears that the program is self-certifying; does this make it really meaningful?
Actual exposure data of specific exposure panels over a wide color range must be identified on the paint system application. Panels must be available for inspection. An audit process program administrator is part of the program.
Does the program apply to all colors supplied in a specific paint system?
The paint supplier is certifying that all products labeled "certified" will meet the performance requirements stated in the application color ranges.
Does the program apply only to products with painted finishes?
In its initial form, the program applies only to pre-painted and natural (unpainted) metal roofing systems. MCA is currently working to develop standards which will allow the inclusion of aggregate (granular) coatings as well.
How will my company be able to use the certification logo and labels?
The certification label, such as "Metal Construction Association Certified Painted Premium," can be used on the actual roofing product. Alternatively, a product identification such as a stock control number that allows one to track the identification of the panel, can be marked on each roofing panel produced. The packaging will include both the certification logo and specific label. You may use the "Metal Construction Association Certified" logo on your letterhead, and you should use both the logo and label in marketing literature. There are complete label and logo use requirements within the manufacturer's memorandum of understanding. Using the logo and labels will promote your products and the certification program itself, and will document to consumers and contractors that the roofing product meets the certification criteria.
After your application is approved, you will be sent the logo electronically for your company's use in accordance with to the requirements in the memorandum of understanding.
How will the audit program be administered?
To assure the credibility of the certification process, MCA will audit randomly-selected participating companies. The audit will be conducted by the Metal Construction Association Certification Review Board Coordinator or his designé. All companies should expect to be audited at some point during their certification. You will receive approximately four weeks' notice of an audit and asked to schedule a date when appropriate personnel will be present.
What happens if audit deficiencies are found during an audit?
We anticipate minor deficiencies will be resolved by submission of documentation or proof of completion of corrective action. Should a repeat visit be needed, the cost of the repeat visit and expenses will be the responsibility of the audited company.
How will confidentiality be preserved during the audit program?
The specific results of the audit program will be kept confidentially by MCA and those personnel involved in the audit process. The overall audit decision (passed, pending, or failed) will be reported to the Metal Construction Association Certification Committee and in aggregate in MCA publications. Any companies that do not pass the audit will have the participating status revoked.
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