Why metal cladding testing starts long before installation

By The Coffee Shops®. 

Product performance testing helps ensure metal systems are designed for the conditions they will face. 

On an episode of MetalCast™, hosted by Megan Ellsworth, Jason Shumate, senior manager of project services, technical and warranty services at Carlisle Architectural Metals, explained why performance testing plays such a critical role in metal roof and wall systems. 

For Jason and his team, testing is not simply about meeting minimum requirements. It begins early in the project lifecycle, helping contractors and customers determine whether a system is appropriate for a specific application and whether it can meet performance expectations once installed. 

When discussing metal cladding, Jason emphasized that exposure to the elements drives much of the testing process. “The most important thing is that it's the exterior cladding,” he explained. “What we sell is exposed to all the elements of the weather.” 

Those exposures vary by region and project type. While some tests satisfy code requirements, others help determine the controlling factor behind a system's design. According to Jason, wind-related testing is often one of the most significant considerations. “A lot of people get confused between wind testing,” he said. “Wind speed is something that generates based on the geometry of the building wind uplift pressures. And what we test for on that wind uplift testing is the pressure.” 

Beyond wind performance, manufacturers evaluate systems for hail, air infiltration, water infiltration, wind-driven rain and impact resistance. The goal is to understand how a complete assembly performs under real-world conditions. 

Jason said testing also supports long-term warranty obligations and helps manufacturers manage risk. Carlisle Architectural Metals evaluates projects carefully to ensure products are used appropriately and installed correctly. “We try to do all of our homework on the front end, make sure that nobody gets in trouble or uses a misapplication, wrong product in the wrong spot or puts it on the wrong way,” he noted. 

Ultimately, thorough testing provides confidence for manufacturers, contractors and building owners alike while helping ensure systems perform as intended over time. 

Listen to the full podcast or Watch the recording to learn more about metal cladding performance testing.