Stud Code Compliance Certification Program

To ensure the integrity of the certification, the program is administered by a recognizedindependent third party, Intertek, who periodically performs unannounced visits the member plants and audits individual products. Both structural and nonstructural stud and track products are tested for their mechanical properties, coatings, dimensions, and labels. Panels are also labeled under the program.

The SFIA program is unlike other certification programs because it has oversight from a group of industry peers composed of manufacturers and non-manufacturers and includes contractors and suppliers/distributors. This, and the high standard of quality assurance provided by the program, make it the only code compliance certification program to be endorsed by the Association of Wall and Ceiling Industries.

A complete list of companies and manufacturing facilities that produce SFIA-certified cold-formed steel stud and track is found on the Intertek web site.

Stud Code Compliance Certification Program
For Cold-Formed Steel Structural and Non-Structural Framing Members

Best Practices Guide for the SFIA Stud Manufacturing Compliance Program
As a partner with SFIA in the administration of the SFIA Code Compliance Certification Program, Intertek has worked with many manufacturers to address various issues of noncompliance with the Program Requirements. This document details the best practices and recommendations that have been the most successful. Implementation of these best practices is not mandatory, but highly encouraged in order to minimize the issues of noncompliance.

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Announcements

SFIA releases Industry-wide Environmental Products Declaration (EPD) for Cold-Formed Steel Framing

The Steel Framing Industry Association (SFIA) has released the latest tool for contractors, building owners, architects, and others who strive to deliver advanced building designs that meet the latest LEED ™ and other sustainable programs and standards. The SFIA Industry-Wide EPD, or Environmental Product Declaration, for Cold-Formed Steel (CFS) Framing is available for download

Year Over Year Shipments Show Steel Framing Rebounding from Initial COVID Lockdowns

Despite the historic disruption to the economy caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, total manufacturing volume of cold-formed steel framing products show 2021 rebounding from the low point in 2020. According to the latest Quarterly Market Data Report for Q1 2021 released by the Steel Framing Industry Association (SFIA), total steel stud shipments were down 2.7% year over year (YoY) but up 4.3% sequentially (quarter to quarter). Structural steel studs were down 3.9% YoY but up 3.3% sequentially. Nonstructural steel studs were flat YoY but up 6.3% sequentially. When compared against Q1’20, all regions except the South Central showed significant increases in Q1 '21 total volume with the West Region leading the way. The Western Region is only 4.9% below its Q2’18 all time high of 71,388 tons.

Structural products are typically used for load bearing applications, such as exterior walls, lateral force resisting systems, floors and roofs. Applications for Nonstructural products generally include framing for non-load bearing walls, soffits, and backing for architectural finishes.

The data in the SFIA Market Data Report is collected through an industry-wide survey. Data and analysis reports are available at this Link.

SFIA Contractors Achieve Certification Status

The SFIA Contractor Certification, introduced in March is off to a strong start with the first two companies awarded certification for both Nonstructural and Structural framing and 20 additional companies currently in the certification process. This new certification, which promotes best practices and continuous improvement, will be promoted to general contractors and owners looking for contractors with CFS expertise, high levels of training, and quality assurance.

A Fire Service Professional’s View
The increased use of wood framing in mid-rise buildings has been accompanied by a growing incidence of major fires that have destroyed these combustible structures both during construction

SFIA Technical Guide

Technical Guide for Cold‐Formed Steel Framing Products, provides with a comprehensive tool for designing with cold‐formed steel framing members..