3 Big Things: Industry Updates Designed To Benefit You

Eli Howard, SMACNA’s Executive Director of Technical Services, joined us as the featured speaker during our regular Membership Meeting on September 9. His presentation highlighted key industry updates designed to benefit SMACNA members, including recent testing programs for architectural sheet metal and duct construction, upcoming revisions and translations for standards, AI usage in industry applications and more.

We followed up with Howard after the meeting to zero in on three major issues members should keep an eye on.

Architectural Sheet Metal Testing

SMACNA is currently conducting architectural gutter testing on copper, aluminum, stainless steel and galvanized systems to ensure compliance with the International Building Code’s ANSI/SPRI GT-1 requirements. Covering both commercial and residential applications, this testing is a critical step to confirm that SMACNA standards align with national building code requirements. For contractors, this means added confidence that the methods and materials they rely on are not only industry best practices but also code-compliant — helping deliver safe, durable and reliable installations to clients.

Technical Resources Bulletin

SMACNA is preparing to issue a new Technical Resources Bulletin (TRB) to clarify the revised detail of the T25a and T25b corner pieces with fasteners. The update will specify that a carriage bolt — along with screws, lags or equivalent fasteners — is an acceptable option. This clarification comes in response to questions from code inspectors and is expected to be released this fall. This bulletin will provide SMACNA members with clear guidance and flexibility in fastening methods, making compliance easier and installations more straightforward in the field.

Laser Welding Guide

SMACNA is also developing a Laser Welding Best Practices Guide. By standardizing setup and application, the guide will help contractors adopt this versatile and efficient technology on their own shop floors and deliver cleaner welds, less distortion and greater precision across all projects. For customers, it means high-quality products delivered faster and with more reliability. This guide will focus solely on practical application, with a separate safety resource in the works for later publication.