The Steel Stud Manufacturers Association passed a comprehensive code compliance certification and quality assurance program for non-structural products at its recent Membership Meeting. The program clarifies the 2009 International Building Code intentions for standard and proprietary products. Key issues are addressed in the program including structural property requirements for non-composite design, gypsum strength and definitions of nonstandard coatings. After several reviews of the program SSMA membership approved the program by a substantial margin.

“Anyone who manufactures distributes or installs these products will benefit from the completion and implementation of this program, because it removes any confusion about the intent of the various components of the International Building Code 2009. Architects and owners can expect top performance from the products included in the SSMA program, whether standard or proprietary,” said newly appointed SSMA Chair Chip Gardner.

Program details will be posted to the SSMA Web site as they become available. Registrations for the program will begin in early 2011.

“SSMA’s structural code compliance program has led the industry since its inception, and has set the benchmark for the non-structural program,” said Don Allen, SSMA technical director. “SSMA is dedicated to delivering quality products that are safe for construction and meet or exceed the current product standards and specifications-the addition of the non-structural program is a major achievement toward that mission.”