Architectural Sheet Metal Manual

About This Book

The Architectural Sheet Metal Manual is an industry-standard reference published by the Sheet Metal and Air Conditioning Contractors' National Association (SMACNA). It offers comprehensive guidelines, design data, and standardized installation details for custom-fabricated architectural sheet metal applications across residential, commercial, industrial, and historical buildings.

Key Topics Covered

  • Roof Drainage Design: Sizing tables, formulas, and installation criteria for gutters, downspouts, scuppers, and conductor heads.
  • Roofing and Flashing Details: Standardized construction drawings for standing seam, batten seam, and flat seam roofs, along with copings and gravel-stop fascia.
  • Moisture and Thermal Protection: Guidance on underlayments, mechanical fasteners, joint sealants, expansion joints, and soldering techniques.
  • Historical Restoration: Specialized instruction and detailed drawings for replicating or renovating cornices, spires, domes, and skylights.
  • Wind Uplift Ratings: Test results and performance data confirming the ability of custom-fabricated metal assemblies to withstand wind forces.

Who Uses It?

  • Architects and Engineers: To specify sheet metal details that are weather-tight, code-compliant, and technically accurate.
  • Contractors and Fabricators: To ensure precise shop fabrication and proper field installation practices.
  • Building Inspectors and Preservationists: To evaluate historical replication work and assess the condition of existing assemblies.

Practice Tests Using This Book

This book is required or recommended for 1 licensing exam. We've written 50 practice questions directly from this material, each one citing the chapter and section it comes from.