Faqs

 

Codes, Standards and Approvals

• Does UltraSTEEL™ meet the requirements of the National Building Code?
  • UltraSTEEL™ meets all the requirements of the National Building Code.
•  Does UltraSTEEL™ have a Florida Product Approval number?
  • A Florida Product Approval number is not issued for any interior framing product including traditional interior framing.  The FPA Charter for product approval is very specific and can only review and approve items that affect the exterior shell against hurricane loads.
• Does UltraSTEEL™ have NYCMEA approval?
  • Yes, UltraSTEEL™ has been approved by the NYC Department of Buildings (Material and Equipment Acceptance).  The NYCMEA number is MEA 300-05-M.
•  Why doesn’t UltraSTEEL™ meet ASTM C-645?
  • The performance of products produced with the UltraSTEEL™ technologies are so superior that it performs equally with industry standard ASTM and SSMA limiting height charts. The reduction in material thickness from 0.0179" to 0.015" for 25-gauge equivalent studs is less than the minimum decimal required to generically comply with ASTM C-645.  However, this is not an issue since ASTM C-645 anticipated developing technology such as UltraSTEEL™ and clearly provides an alternative mechanism for compliance in section 5.0, which reads: 
    • 5.0 Dimensions and Permissible Variations
      5.1 Studs and rigid furring channels shall have a configuration and steel thickness such that the system in which they are used will carry the design transverse loads without exceeding either the allowable stress of the steel or the allowable design deflection. Main beams and cross furring of grid suspension systems shall be limited to a deflection of L/240. The manufacturer shall supply sufficient data for calculating design performance.
  • ClarkWestern fully complies with Section 5.0 by verification provided through full scale testing at Progressive Engineering and validation of the tests performed by CTL Group. ClarkWestern UltraSTEEL™ is in compliance with the requirements of ASTM C-645.
• Why does ASTM specify a minimum decimal and what about the tables in ASTM C-645?
  • Until the development of UltraSTEEL™ manufacturers used the same types of steel and processes for roll forming of steel.  Based on that, it was simple for ASTM to set minimum decimals and properties in their tables in order to meet performance standards as set forth in C-754.  ASTM C-645 allows for advancements in steel technology and roll forming by setting forth criteria in order to have “permissible variations” in Section 5 of the specification. 
• Why should a customer use something thinner than ASTM recommends? 
  • UltraSTEEL™ is certified by third parties to meet or exceed all of these requirements.  You get a safer, better performing product that meets ASTM requirements utilizing proven technology.  UltraSTEEL™ has been around for 10 plus years and is being used in Europe, and the Middle East.
• What ASTM does the product meet?
  • The product meets ASTM C-754 and C-645.  These are the only ASTM standards set for drywall framing materials. UltraSTEEL™ has been tested to a variety of ASTM test standards such as E72 (structural), E90 (sound) and E119 (fire). 
• Why should UltraSTEEL™ be specified when everyone else runs a standard product?  
  • Because UltraSTEEL™ is superior to the industry standard product.  In addition to getting equal performance per ASTM C-754, you get improved fire and sound ratings, a safer stud with less sharp edges, and higher productivity with better screw attachment.
• What if the customer has material already in place and the architect asks for a letter stating the product meets ASTM C-645?
  • Supply the architect with the “Product Submittal Data” package.  If additional information is still needed, contact your local sales representative for assistance.  We will contact all needed parties to make sure everyone is comfortable with the performance of UltraSTEEL™.  
• Since UltraSTEEL™ doesn’t meet ASTM C-645; will you write me a letter taking responsibility for the performance of the product?
  • UltraSTEEL™ does meet ASTM C645; so yes, we will write a letter.
• How do I use UltraSTEEL™ on a job that doesn’t specify it?
  • ClarkWestern will be updating our website to include a product submittal data package to submit UltraSTEEL ™ as an equal beginning in June 2006.
• What language should an architect include in their specifications to ensure UltraSTEEL™ is properly specified?
  • ClarkWestern will be including a CSI substitution language form on our website beginning in June 2006.
• Why does the product need to be specified if the product conforms to all of the prescribed codes? 
  • Depending on how your specification is written, it may not be necessary to rewrite for UltraSTEEL™.   However, if you rewrite with the suggested language from our website, www.clarkwestern.com, you will assure that all contractors and subcontractors are able to make use of this superior innovative product without any project delays in processing substitution forms.
• Are there physical properties available for these products?
  • Yes, the properties are conservatively calculated on the base metal thickness.
• What can I get, in writing, which will guarantee the performance of these members? 
  • Our printed literature clearly outlines the properties and performance compared to the traditional products.  ClarkWestern, as one of the largest manufacturers of light gauge steel framing in the world, always stands behind our products.  If you require more information contact us.  All third party test data is available to verify the printed literature.
• What pending legislation or code body review may affect the future sale of this product?
  • We are not aware of any legislation or code activity that would negatively affect ClarkWestern UltraSTEEL™.