Introduction

When commercial roofing quality matters, your choice of contractor matters even more. At Etheridge Roofing, our in‑house metal fabrication shop is ES‑1 certified — a critical designation in the industry. This means the roofing manufacturer recognizes our craftsmanship and includes our fabricated edge metal in the total system warranty. That is exactly what ES‑1 certification means, why edge fabrication matters, and how our shop elevates your commercial flat roof’s reliability and longevity.

 

What Is ES‑1 Certification—and Why It Matters

 

ES‑1 is the national wind design standard for edge systems on low‑slope roofing. its adoption into the International Building Code (IBC) in 2003, every U.S. state requires compliance. It defines specific pull‑off tests—RE‑1, RE‑2 and RE‑3—for metal fascias and copings to ensure performance under calculated wind loads.

 

Industry research shows that up to 80% of flat‑roof failures during high‑wind events are due to edge detail failures—the coping and fascia areas. Inadequate fabrication or installation often causes roof blow‑offs.

 

Not only is ES‑1 a code requirement, but shop‑fabricated systems not certified are rarely covered by roofing system warranties. If an uncertified edge contributes to roof failure, insurance claims or manufacturer coverage may be denied.

 

Why Etheridge Roofing’s In‑House ES‑1 Shop Matters

1. Manufacturer Warranty Inclusion
Our in‑house ES‑1 certified shop ensures that every piece of edge metal we fabricate is fully included in the roof system warranty. You’re not sourcing metal from a third party or risking exclusion from coverage.

 

2. Speed and Schedule Control
Owning the fabrication process in-house means rapid production and turnaround. Outsourced metal could delay projects by weeks. We stay on schedule—even under tight timelines—because we control every step.

 

3. Trained Fabricators, Certified Quality
We train our technicians using manufacturer‑provided engineering instruction. They understand why metal must meet precise wind‑uplift calculations, attachment spacing, and specific bending tolerances required by ES‑1.

 

4. Independence and Consistency
Since each fabricator must produce exactly what was tested to earn the certification, using our own shop ensures consistency with the certified design. ES‑1 requires periodic audits and test verification—things only in-house certified fabricators can guarantee.

 

Understanding ESG Edge Failures—and How We Prevent Them

Edge failures typically occur at perimeter details like coping caps or two-piece compression metal. These are the weak link when wind lifts and damages the roof system. to FM Global and industry studies, most flat roof blow‑offs trace back to edge failures—not membrane failures.

 

Because of this, the industry—and insurers—now insist on ES‑1 certified edge metal. Our shop fabricates coping, fascia, drip edge, gravel stop, and other components to meet design wind pressures specific to your building. That includes using the right cleats, fastener layout, and metal gauge required for the building’s height, location, and exposure category.

 

How Etheridge Roofing Educates and Serves You

Clear Documentation
We provide documentation that proves your fabricated pieces meet ES‑1 testing and wind resistance requirements.

 

Roof-Tailored Fabrication
We design each edge metal with your building in mind—from local wind maps, exposure category (B, C, or D), to roof height—ensuring edge systems resist uplift per ANSI/SPRI ES‑1 standards.

 

Peace of Mind in Safety and Codes
Using an ES‑1 certified fabricator like Etheridge Roofing means your project aligns with IBC's code requirements and meets insurer or architectural specifications. No surprises. No voided warranties.

Benefits to Commercial Property Owners and Managers

 

• Faster project completion because metal fabrication and modifications happen in‑house.
• Enhanced roof edge reliability, reducing risk of damage in severe wind events.
• Warranty protection that covers both membrane and fabricated metal.
• Better documentation and traceability for facility managers and building inspectors.
• Lower lifetime cost, since edge failures are often the most costly to fix.

 

The Etheridge Roofing Difference
Etheridge Roofing is one of the few firms with a fully certified ES‑1 shop integrated into their service offering. This means from inspection and quoting to fabrication and installation, we control quality and schedule every step of the way.

 

We’re not just another roofing contractor—we’re educators, partners, and industry leaders in commercial flat roofing. Our team understands the engineering behind metal edge fabrication. We don’t just follow instructions; we know why precautions matter—and so should you.

 

Summary Table: Why Our In‑House ES‑1 Shop Matters

Feature	Why It Matters to You
ES‑1 Certified In‑House Shop	Metal components are factory‑backed and covered by warranty
Speed & Schedule Control	Rapid fabrication keeps your project on track
Trained & Audited Staff	Consistent fabrication to manufacturer standards/td>
Engineered Edge Metal Design	Meets wind‑load requirements specific to your building
Full Documentation & Traceability	Simplifies code compliance and claim peace of mind

Final Note

Choosing a contractor with in‑house ES‑1 certification transforms how your commercial flat roof performs—and how it’s protected. It can be the difference between a low‑cost maintenance schedule and a catastrophic edge failure in a high‑wind event.

 

At Etheridge Roofing, we combine technical rigor with educational clarity. We empower property managers and business owners with the knowledge to make informed decisions about their roofs. Choosing us means choosing safe, code‑compliant, long‑lasting roofing solutions backed by genuine warranty protection.

 

To explore how ownership of edge fabrication and ES‑1 certification can safeguard your next roofing project, head over to Etheridge Roofing’s website or contact us directly. We'll be glad to explain more, review your roof specification, or provide a custom quotation tailored to your property.