Why Product Certifications Matter for Metal Roof Attachment Manufacturers

When it comes to metal roof attachments, safety and reliability are paramount. Homeowners, contractors and Authorities Having Jurisdiction (AHJ) all want to know one thing: Can they trust the product to perform? That’s why metal roof attachment manufacturers should prioritize earning certifications and approvals from third-party testing labs and certification agencies.

These certifications demonstrate that a product meets high standards. They also indicate the product is safe to use, durable enough to last and compliant with building codes. This blog will explain why certifications matter and break down the most important ones in the metal roofing industry. 

What Are Product Certifications?

Product certifications are issued by trusted organizations that rigorously test how well products perform under stress, particularly regarding wind resistance, water leaks, fire safety and more. If a product passes, it earns a certification or approval, signaling that it has been tested and verified for use. 

Obtaining these certifications and approvals fosters trust among manufacturers, offers peace of mind to installers and homeowners, and assists AHJs in ensuring code compliance on every project.

Key Certifications for Metal Roof Attachments

• FM Approvals
  • FM Approvals tests the resilience of roofing products against fire, wind, hail and more. Recognized globally as a leading authority in building materials testing, FM-approved products can withstand challenging conditions, often implying they have undergone testing that surpasses code requirements. This approval is applicable for FM-insured and other commercial/industrial buildings when specified, e.g. large warehouses, schools and hospitals.
• ASTM E2140
  • ASTM E2140 is a standard test for determining water leakage through metal roof panel system sideseams, endlaps and roof plane penetrations. Water leaks can present significant issues on roofs. Although this test method was originally intended to assess the watertightness of a metal roof joint, it is also appropriate to verify watertightness on products that penetrate the roofing membrane. Metal roof attachments that pass this rigorous testing have demonstrated their ability to prevent water intrusion, even when fully submerged for extended periods.

High-quality brackets undergo stringent ASTM watertightness testing.

• ICC-ES
  • The International Code Council Evaluation Service (ICC-ES) provides third-party technical evaluations for building products not specifically addressed in building codes. For manufacturers, an ICC-ES Evaluation Report (ESR) helps demonstrate that a product complies with the intent of the code, even if it is non-traditional or innovative. ESRs instill confidence in code officials, EPCs, installers and homeowners by offering verified performance data and worldwide credibility.

• Florida Product Approvals
  • Florida enforces some of the most rigorous roofing standards in the nation, particularly in High Velocity Hurricane Zones (HVHZ). To earn Florida Product Approvals, a product must pass demanding wind uplift and water intrusion tests. It sets a high bar for performance and reliability. Therefore, when a metal roof attachment is approved for use in Florida, you can be confident it is built to withstand just about anything, anywhere.

FPA HVHZ standing seam clamps securely hold solar modules in place in high-wind regions.

• UL 2703
  • UL 2703 is the safety standard for photovoltaic (PV) mounting systems, focusing on the structural integrity, electrical bonding and grounding of the system, starting from the racking system and extending throughout the array. While it ensures that PV modules and racking are safely interconnected and grounded, UL 2703 does not evaluate the system's attachment to the roof structure. For solar projects on metal roofs, pairing UL 2703-certified mounting systems with properly engineered attachments that have been independently evaluated for structural performance is crucial. UL 2703 certification is significant because it proves the mechanical holding strength of the module to the racking system, manages electrical risks and addresses fire performance requirements.

• IAPMO
  • The International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials (IAPMO) is a third-party organization that provides product testing, certification and evaluation services for a wide range of building materials and systems. Through its Uniform Evaluation Service (UES), IAPMO issues technical reports verifying that products meet code requirements. The UES created EC 029, a criterion used to evaluate attachments for metal roofs. The original EC 029-2018 specifically focused on snow retention systems, ensuring they were tested for structural performance under sliding snow loads. The updated EC 029-2025 expands the scope to include solar PV mounting systems and other rooftop accessories. It establishes standardized methods for evaluating their holding strength, durability and suitability on various metal roof types. Products evaluated to EC 029-2025 through Evaluation Reports provide design professionals and code officials with added confidence in performance and code compliance.

Snow guards with IAPMO evaluation demonstrate exceptional structural performance and reliability.

• DIBt Approval
  • The Deutsches Institut für Bautechnik (DIBt) is Germany’s central authority for construction product approvals and technical assessments. It operates under the German federal government and is key to certifying building products across Germany and the broader European market. For manufacturers of metal roof attachments, DIBt approval demonstrates compliance with stringent European safety, structural and performance standards. It’s not just a regulatory requirement—it’s a mark of engineering credibility that carries significant weight in the global construction industry.

• ISO 9001:2015
  • The International Organization for Standardization (ISO) sets globally recognized standards to ensure quality, safety and efficiency across a wide range of industries. ISO 9001:2015 is the standard for quality management systems (QMS) that provides a framework that manufacturing plants can follow to ensure compliance. It confirms that an organization has implemented consistent, process-driven practices to improve customer satisfaction, reduce errors and continuously enhance performance. While it doesn’t guarantee a flawless product every time, it does indicate that the company is committed to quality, accountability and continuous improvement.

S-5! Texas manufacturing facility with ISO 9001:2015 certification.

Why These Certifications Matter

Selecting a metal roof attachment manufacturer with these certifications ensures you use products that adhere to the highest international standards for safety, performance and code compliance. This provides the following benefits: 

• Proof of quality — Certifications demonstrate a product has passed rigorous inspection and third-party testing. 
• Code compliance — Many building codes require specific certifications for use. 
• Faster approvals — AHJs trust certified products, which can expedite project timelines when approvals are necessary. 
• Customer trust — Architects, installers and homeowners feel more confident relying on engineered products that have undergone and passed rigorous testing. 
• Global access — Several international regions share certification requirements, allowing manufacturers to sell in more markets. 
• Reliability — Certified products held to strict, third-party standards are most likely designed and engineered to last the life of the roof. As part of the certification process, manufacturers undergo regular audits to ensure that the products they ship meet the exact specifications and standards as those tested initially, thereby helping to ensure long-term reliability in the field.

Ideas To Hold Onto

Always look for third-party certifications when choosing metal roof attachments for a new build or upgrade. They’re not just labels – they’re your proof that the product is engineered to be strong, safe and built to last. Whether it’s withstanding hurricane-force winds, eliminating the risk of leaks, securing solar panels or complying with building codes, certified metal roof attachments help ensure that every project stands the test of time.