Direct Answer
ES-1 compliance is required for many commercial low-slope roof edge systems, but it is not a universal requirement for every roof in every location. Whether it is mandatory depends on the building code adopted by the jurisdiction, the applicable code edition, the roof system, the type of edge component, and any local amendments or project-specific requirements.
In Florida, Section 1504.5 of the 2023 Florida Building Code, Building, addresses metal edge securement on low-slope built-up, modified bitumen, and single-ply roofing systems. It requires applicable metal edge systems, except gutters and counterflashing under that provision, to be designed for wind loads and tested using the ANSI/SPRI ES-1 test methods RE-1, RE-2, and RE-3, or RAS 111 as applicable.
The Florida Roofing, Sheet Metal and Air Conditioning Contractors Association’s explanation of the 2023 Florida Building Code discusses these requirements. The National Roofing Contractors Association (NRCA) also explains that ES-1 applies to perimeter edge-metal flashing systems, including metal fascia and coping systems, rather than ordinary gutters.
For a commercial roofing project, the safest approach is to verify the applicable code and approved assembly with the local building department and design professional before selecting or installing roof edge metal.
Who This Applies To
- Commercial property owners and asset managers
- Commercial roofing contractors
- General contractors and developers
- Architects and structural engineers
- Facility and property managers
- Condominium associations overseeing applicable low-slope roofing projects
- Building owners planning roof replacement or new construction
Not for: This article is not a substitute for project-specific code review, engineering, product approval, or permit requirements. ES-1 applicability must be determined for the actual building, roof edge assembly, and governing jurisdiction.
1. What Is ANSI/SPRI ES-1?
ANSI/SPRI ES-1 is a test standard used to evaluate the wind resistance of metal edge systems associated with low-slope roofing.
These components can include:
- Metal fascia
- Roof edge flashing
- Gravel stops
- Metal coping systems
- Other applicable perimeter edge-metal assemblies
These components help protect the roof perimeter and, depending on the assembly, may also secure the roof membrane. Their performance matters because wind forces can act strongly on roof edges and corners.
The NRCA’s ES-1 testing guidance explains the difference between ES-1 for edge-metal systems and the separate GT-1 standard used for certain external metal gutters.
2. Is ES-1 Mandatory Everywhere?
No. ES-1 is not automatically mandatory for every roof, building, or jurisdiction. However, it becomes a code requirement when the applicable adopted building code or project specification requires it for the relevant roof edge system.
Requirements may differ because of:
- The state, county, or municipality where the building is located
- The building code edition adopted for the project
- Local amendments
- The roof slope and roof covering
- The type and function of the edge-metal assembly
- Applicable wind-design requirements
- High-Velocity Hurricane Zone requirements, where relevant
- Approved product or system documentation
- Project specifications and contractual requirements
A contractor should not assume that a system accepted for one building or jurisdiction will automatically be accepted for another.
3. What Does the Florida Building Code Require?
Under Section 1504.5 of the 2023 Florida Building Code, Building, applicable metal edge systems installed on low-slope built-up, modified bitumen, and single-ply roofing systems must be designed and installed for wind loads and tested using the prescribed ES-1 methods or RAS 111, as applicable.
The provision specifically addresses the applicable edge-metal systems and excludes gutters and counterflashing from that particular requirement. Other provisions or requirements may apply to those components.
For code verification, consult the following resources:
- 2023 Florida Building Code, Building — official code text hosted by ICC
- Florida Building Commission — Florida Building Code resources and editions
- Florida Roofing Association — explanation of the 2023 code’s roofing provisions
Code-edition note: As of October 2026, confirm which edition and supplements govern the specific permit. Florida’s official code-resource page lists the 2026 Ninth Edition materials as well as resources for the 2023 Eighth Edition. Do not assume that a code edition listed as a resource has already become applicable to every project; verify the effective date and local enforcement position.
4. Does ES-1 Apply to Every Roofing Material?
ES-1 is concerned with applicable perimeter edge-metal systems, not simply the membrane material covering the roof.
| Roof or Component | ES-1 Consideration |
|---|---|
| TPO low-slope roof | Applicable perimeter edge-metal systems may require ES-1 testing. |
| PVC low-slope roof | Applicable perimeter edge-metal systems may require ES-1 testing. |
| EPDM low-slope roof | Applicable perimeter edge-metal systems may require ES-1 testing. |
| Modified bitumen roof | Applicable perimeter edge-metal systems may require ES-1 testing. |
| Built-up roofing | Applicable perimeter edge-metal systems may require ES-1 testing. |
| External metal gutters | ES-1 does not specifically govern ordinary gutters; separate requirements, including GT-1 where adopted, may apply. |
| Steep-slope or standing-seam metal roofing | Do not assume ES-1 applies in the same way as low-slope membrane edge systems; verify the applicable code and assembly requirements. |
The roof membrane alone does not determine whether ES-1 applies. The applicable code language and the role of the edge component must be considered.
5. Why Does ES-1 Matter for Wind Resistance?
Roof edges are exposed to wind forces that can cause improperly designed or attached metal components to loosen or separate from the building.
If an edge system fails, potential consequences include:
- Loss of perimeter protection
- Damage to roof membrane terminations
- Wind-driven water intrusion
- Progressive roof-system damage
- Detached metal components becoming dangerous projectiles
- Damage to nearby walls, windows, or other building components
The Florida Roofing Association’s discussion of the building code explains why edge-system testing matters: loss of edge components during high winds can permit water infiltration and damage other parts of the building.
Reference: Florida Roofing Association — 2023 Florida Building Code roofing requirements.
6. What Are the ES-1 Test Methods?
The ES-1 test methods referenced in the Florida provision evaluate different aspects of edge-system wind resistance.
- RE-1: Evaluates resistance to wind-related loads on the edge system.
- RE-2: Evaluates resistance of the fascia or coping cleat attachment.
- RE-3: Evaluates resistance of the edge-system assembly to the applicable wind loads.
The complete testing and acceptance requirements depend on the applicable edition of the standard and the approved assembly. Contractors should use the manufacturer’s tested configuration and supporting documentation rather than relying on the appearance or gauge of the metal alone.
For an industry overview, see the NRCA’s shop-fabricated edge-metal testing guidance.
7. Does Florida’s High-Velocity Hurricane Zone Change the Requirements?
It can. Florida’s High-Velocity Hurricane Zone (HVHZ) has additional roofing-related requirements. Depending on the location, roof system, and applicable code provisions, RAS 111 or other HVHZ requirements may be relevant.
Do not assume that a detail approved for use outside the HVHZ will automatically be acceptable within it.
Before specifying edge metal, confirm:
- Whether the property is within the HVHZ
- The applicable building code edition
- The required wind design pressures
- The approved edge-system assembly
- Required product approvals and installation details
- Any applicable RAS requirements
Use the Florida Building Commission’s code resources and confirm the project-specific interpretation with the authority having jurisdiction.
8. Does an ES-1-Tested Product Automatically Make the Installation Compliant?
No. Selecting an ES-1-tested product is only part of the process. The installed assembly must also comply with the applicable design, approval, and installation requirements.
Confirm that:
- The product documentation matches the specified assembly.
- The substrate and supporting construction are appropriate.
- Fastener type and spacing match the approved details.
- Cleats, joints, and attachments are installed as specified.
- The assembly is suitable for the project’s design wind pressures.
- Installation follows the applicable product approval and manufacturer instructions.
- Required inspection and permit documentation are completed.
Substituting fasteners, changing attachment spacing, or modifying the tested assembly can undermine the basis for compliance. The design professional and contractor should verify that the installed configuration matches the approved documentation.
9. What Should Commercial Owners Ask Their Roofing Contractor?
Before approving a roof replacement or new-construction roofing proposal, ask the contractor:
- Does the applicable code require ES-1 testing for this roof edge system?
- Which code edition governs the permit?
- Is the property within Florida’s HVHZ?
- What tested edge-metal assembly is proposed?
- Can you provide supporting testing, certification, or product documentation?
- Does the proposed assembly match the specified wind loads?
- Will the installation follow the tested details?
- Are product approvals and permit documents required?
- Who will verify the installation before project closeout?
Get the answers in writing and retain the documentation with the roof’s permanent records.
10. What Documentation Should Be Retained?
Maintain a roof project file containing:
- Applicable code references
- Project specifications
- Wind-load design information
- Edge-metal product data
- ES-1 test or certification documentation, where applicable
- Product approvals and installation details
- Submittals and approved substitutions
- Installation photographs
- Inspection records
- Permit and closeout documentation
This information can help demonstrate what system was specified and installed and support future maintenance, inspections, repairs, and roof replacement planning.
11. What If a Contractor Says ES-1 Is Not Required?
Ask the contractor to identify the code provision, exception, or project-specific basis for that conclusion.
Then verify the interpretation with the architect, engineer, or local building department. Avoid relying solely on a verbal assurance or on the fact that a similar system was used on another property.
If the project specification requires ES-1 documentation even where a particular code provision may not, the contractual requirement may still apply.
Bottom Line
ES-1 compliance is not mandatory for every roof everywhere, but it is required for many applicable low-slope commercial roof edge systems under adopted building codes. In Florida, Section 1504.5 of the 2023 Florida Building Code addresses specified metal edge systems on low-slope built-up, modified bitumen, and single-ply roofs and references ES-1 test methods or RAS 111, as applicable.
Commercial property owners should verify the governing code edition, roof configuration, location, and approved assembly before construction. An ES-1-tested product alone does not guarantee compliance: the complete system must be appropriate for the design conditions and installed according to its approved details.
Related Questions
- Does ES-1 Apply to All Types of Roofing Systems?
- What Should a General Contractor Look for in a Commercial Roofing Subcontractor Bid in Florida?
- Which Florida High-Wind Roofing Details Does an RRO Watch Most Closely?
Sources
- 2023 Florida Building Code, Building — ICC Digital Codes
- Florida Building Commission — Building Code Resources
- Florida Roofing Association — New 2023 Florida Building Code
- National Roofing Contractors Association — Testing of Shop-Fabricated Edge Metal
Last reviewed: October 2026
Related Resources
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ShieldLine Roofing can help commercial property owners evaluate roof edge conditions, coordinate compliant roofing assemblies, and document installation requirements for commercial roofing projects in Florida.
Disclaimer: This information is provided for general educational purposes and is not legal, engineering, or building-code advice. Requirements depend on the applicable code edition, jurisdiction, building characteristics, and approved project documents. Confirm requirements with the authority having jurisdiction and the project’s qualified design professionals.
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