By: Jane Martinsons, Metal Construction Association
Wondering about a possible defect in the Metal Composite Material (MCM) panels you’re installing, such as a deflection or bow, a surface imperfection, or a problem with the finish or color? While these instances may be rare, a new white paper by the Metal Construction Association (MCA), available at no charge, can help you determine whether a MCM panel or system is not meeting current code and industry standards.
It’s vital that installers, architects and designers know acceptance criteria for painted metal surfaces. However, “questions concerning visual appearance often arise during the architectural walk-through on a project,” says Andy Williams, MCA’s director of codes and standards. “This white paper highlights many real-life situations so that architects and designers can understand what to expect. More knowledge at the beginning of a project prevents problems from developing later in the process.”
MCA brings together a diverse industry for the purpose of expanding the use of metal in construction through marketing, research, and technology and education. Please join us at MCA’s 2014 Annual Meeting on January 26–28, 2014, at the Sandpearl Resort in Clearwater Beach, FL. For more information on the conference and the 3-page white paper, Visual Acceptance Parameters for Metal Composite Material (MCM) Panels and Panel Systems, visit www.metalconstruction.org.
Glad these white sheets exist as a safeguard against manufacturer and supplier carelessness. At the end of the day though, metal components that aren’t up to engineering specs should never be sent out! Manufacturers and distributors need to be inspecting their products before they ship out.