Patrick Ford, technical director of the Steel Framing Industry Association (SFIA), has been involved in the cold‑formed steel (CFS) framing industry for over 40 years. At AWCI’s Build25 Expo in Charlotte, North Carolina, Ford spoke with Mahsa Mahdavian of Scottsdale Construction Systems about SFIA’s expanded role in CFS standards development and its certification program, which ensures the quality of steel framing products.
SFIA Leads Standards Development
Following the American Iron and Steel Institute’s decision to withdraw from supporting CFS standards development, responsibility for updating and maintaining the standards shifted to other steel industry organizations, including SFIA. Ford, recently appointed chair of the newly formed SFIA Standards Committee, emphasized the significance of this transition.
“SFIA is all about framing, having the association also manage the standards is a positive development,” said Ford.
He noted that SFIA’s accreditation as an ANSI Standards Development Organization positions it to oversee the next generation of CFS guidelines with a focus on practical framing expertise.
SFIA’s Certification Program
SFIA’s certification program verifies that SFIA manufacturer and contractor members meet all requirements for cold-formed steel set by building codes and standards
“It’s a rigorous process designed to instill trust and peace of mind on every job site,” said Ford.
The certification program, administered in partnership with Intertek, requires:
- Pre-Approved Quality Manuals – Manufacturers and contractors adhere to detailed, code-focused guidelines
- Unannounced Biannual Inspections – Inspectors verify the dimensional measurements and review traceability to ensure compliance
- Random Product Testing – Product testing’s verify the products meet or exceed thickness, coating, yield, tensile and elongation
SFIA certification programs assure architects, owners, building officials and contractors that specified cold-formed steel (CFS) framing components, assemblies and installations meet recognized codes and standards.
Besides SFIA’s Ford, Mahdavian also interviewed Shane Ewing, principal at Martin/Martin and Andrew Newland, principal at ADTEK Engineers to get their insights on the current state and future of CFS construction.
Read the full Scottsdale Construction Systems article.
About Scottsdale Construction Systems
Scottsdale Construction Systems is a global company focused on research and development and the innovative development of light gauge steel technology for the house building and construction industries.
Scottsdale Construction Systems has been providing world leading solutions for the manufacture of steel frames and trusses for both the residential and commercial construction markets since its inception in 1995.
We are based in Australia and have North American operations and a rich history in the United States and North America. We have an established network here in North America and also in almost 100 countries worldwide.
For more information, visit scottsdalesteelframes.com.
Additional Articles:
- Scottsdale’s Mahsa Mahdavian and SFIA’s Don Allen Discuss Steel Framing Innovations
- Scottsdale Posts Guide for Engineering Cold-Formed Steel Framed Homes
- Scottsdale Posts Comprehensive Guide to Steel Framing for Modern Construction