UL Solutions rejoins AIA: Frequently asked questions from architects
As UL Solutions rejoins the American Institute of Architects (AIA), we are reconnecting with the architecture community to share information on design, construction, and life safety topics.
Architects are working with independently certified building products while adapting to developments in modular construction and mass timber design. The following questions examine these subjects and the roles of testing and certification supporting product selection and code compliance.
Third-party certification of building materials
- What does third-party certification mean for architects?
Third-party certification involves an independent organization evaluating a product against established requirements. Certification can provide information beyond a manufacturer’s claims by documenting the requirements against which the product was evaluated.
- How can certification simplify the specification process?
Certification information can support product selection, code discussions and communication with owners, contractors and code authorities. Architects should review the certification information to determine whether a product's intended use, ratings and limitations align with the project requirements.
- Why do building owners and code officials value independently certified products?
Independent certification indicates that a qualified third party has evaluated a product against specified requirements. The resulting certification information can help project teams and code officials review the product’s intended use, ratings and limitations.
- How can architects distinguish between product claims and independently evaluated performance?
Third-party testing and certification can help provide documentation showing that a product has been evaluated against specified requirements. Architects should consult the applicable certification information rather than relying on a certification mark alone.
The growing use of modular construction
- Why is modular construction attracting so much attention in the building industry?
Modular construction uses off-site fabrication and assembly, which can offer opportunities for greater efficiency, improved quality control and accelerated project schedules.
- Does modular construction change how architects approach safety and compliance?
No. Whether components are manufactured on site or off site, the completed building remains subject to applicable structural, fire, life safety and other code requirements. Architects should account for those requirements throughout design and specification.
- What roles do testing and certification play in modular construction?
Testing and certification of products, assemblies and systems can help provide documentation for use during design, code review and project approval. The applicable certification information should be reviewed to confirm the evaluated applications, ratings, conditions and limitations.
Mass timber and cross-laminated timber fire safety
- What fire protection considerations should architects address when designing with cross-laminated timber (CLT)?
Penetrations and joints in CLT assemblies require firestop systems appropriate for the specific construction and application. Architects should review the applicable certification information to identify systems evaluated for the assembly materials, configurations, penetrants and required fire-resistance ratings.
- What role can third-party certification play in the selection of firestop systems in mass timber projects?
Architects, contractors, owners and code officials often value independently certified systems because they provide a consistent, documented approach to demonstrating performance against specified requirements. This information can support system selection, project-specific engineering judgments and the approval process.
- How is the growth of mass timber influencing product evaluation and testing?
As the use of CLT construction expands, manufacturers and testing and certification organizations are developing additional certification pathways and evaluated firestop systems to support fire and life-safety requirements associated with mass timber construction. Project teams should verify that the selected system has been evaluated for the specific CLT assembly and installations conditions.
