Please note: There is no federal license or certification required to work as a metal building erector.
Metal building materials don’t just need to be precisely fabricated within exacting tolerances. They also need to have exactly the right composition, coatings, treatment processes, and documentation. B2B buyers directly in the construction industry or in tangential fields need to navigate an extensive library of regulations, material standards, and industry organizations to get properly certified metal for every project.
At JAG Metals LLC, we make it easy to find the right metals for your projects based on industrial standards and project requirements. This starts with making sure each of our clients have the knowledge and resources to be confident that their orders are the right ones. Take a closer look at common certifications for parts in metal buildings, what building standards matter most, and how to make sure your suppliers meet these standards.
Common Certifications
There are dozens of different industrial bodies that set standards for different aspects of construction. For example, OSHA governs safety standards for work and work equipment in active construction zones. These are some of the most common certifications required for certified metal building materials:
- AISC Certification: The American Institute of Steel Construction (AISC) established a certification program for metal fabricators. AISC-certified fabricators can make high-quality structural steel components backed by reputable quality control practices. The AISC also certifies erectors.
- LEED Certification: The Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) organization created a certification program for incorporating more energy-efficient and sustainable practices in the construction industry. For example, metal buildings with an excellent building energy efficiency rating might be LEED-NC-certified.
- ANSI Certification: Steel fabricators and erectors might also be certified by the American Institute of Steel Construction (AISC) in quality management processes.
There are many other certifications that different metal fabricators may hold, and your organization may have specific requirements for the suppliers you’re able to work with on different types of projects. Ask prospective suppliers and fabricators about their certifications and licenses as you evaluate them for a job.
Metal Building Standards
Metal buildings need to meet dozens of different standards regarding physical safety, chemical safety, long-term structural integrity, and more. This starts with ensuring the metal materials you use meet or exceed those standards based on the weight requirements and design parameters of the structure. Some common metal building standards your team may need to adhere to include the following:
- Local building codes: Before you consider national or industrial standards, familiarize yourself with local building codes. Local codes may have higher standards or additional requirements based on regional concerns, such as earthquakes or tropical storms.
- AISC standards: The AISC can give certifications, but it also establishes standards that organizations need to adhere to. ANSI/AISC 360, or the Specification for Structural Steel Buildings, outlines several material requirements. ANSI/AISC 303 establishes the Code of Standard Practice for Steel Buildings and Bridges.
- ASTM standards: ASTM sets standards for different types of metal, including ASTM A36 for structural steel and A572 for high-strength low-alloy steel. There are different sets of standards for materials, tests, and metal forms.
Different types of structural steel goods are categorized based on their ratings and applications, so an organized supplier will be able to provide you with goods and products that adhere to the standards you must meet.
Contact JAG Metals Today
Certified metal building materials make buildings safer and help protect engineering and construction teams from liability. At JAG Metals LLC, we provide components for metal buildings. Our team can help you navigate ASTM standards, AISC standards, and more. Contact us today to tell us more about what you’re looking for and to start your order.
