Manufacturers Benefit from New ICC-ES Initiatives

Manufacturers have expressed resounding support for recently introduced ICC Evaluation Service (ICC-ES) initiatives and programs launched as part of a commitment to respond to our customers’ needs to swiftly get their products into the marketplace. ICC-ES has improved its processes to expedite the issuance of evaluation reports and has implemented a new customer relations management system to be able to provide more personal and tailored support to customers.

“Our business relationship with ICC-ES has lasted many years,” said USP Structural Connectors, Engineering Operations Manager, Steve Brekke, P.E. “Our latest update to a number of our ICC-ES Evaluation Reports involved not only a re-evaluation to the newer I-Codes but also a re-organization to segregate connectors of similar style, installation and function into one report. What at first appeared quite challenging went very smoothly thanks to the quick review and timely responses from the ICC-ES staff.”

“I am committed to providing our clients with the most expeditious and customer-friendly service in the industry,” said ICC-ES President, Shahin Moinian. “As evidenced by the positive response from manufacturers to these new initiatives, October has been one of ICC-ES’ best months ever in providing the type of service our clients’ expect. Manufacturers recognize that ICC-ES—as part of the International Code Council (ICC), the association that develops and publishes the I-Codes used by most U.S. communities and many global markets—has unique qualifications and expertise in the evaluation of products to determine if they are in compliance with the code.”

Highlights of the new programs include:

• An expedited service to directly meet the growing market entry needs of applicants and clients;
• A “SIPs Lite” evaluation process for structural insulated panels to the requirements of the International Residential Code;
• An expansion of the photovoltaic (PV) rack and mount evaluation program; and
• A new working partnership with APA-The Engineered Wood Association to offer joint reports for engineered wood products.

Another recent accomplishment includes the city of Los Angeles Department of Building Safety’s acceptance of ICC-ES Evaluation Reports for many product categories without requiring the city’s own Research Reports.

“ICC-ES has decades of experience in product evaluation with an in-house technical staff of engineers and architects with unparalleled expertise in the International Codes,” added Moinian. “That further underscores our ability to provide the highest level of technical accuracy in our evaluation and listing programs.”

According to Section 1703 of the International Building Code, approved agencies are independent, well equipped and thoroughly staffed. Building officials require that an approved agency employ educated personnel who are experienced in conducting and supervising product evaluations. ICC-ES meets those qualifications and is dedicated to exceeding customers’ expectations.

To find out more about ICC-ES new programs, contact Michael Temesvary at 1-800-423-6587 ext. 3877 or mtemesvary@icc-es.org.

About ICC-ES

A nonprofit, limited liability company, ICC-ES is the United States’ leading evaluation service for innovative building materials, components and systems. ICC-ES Evaluation Reports (ESRs) and PMG Listings provide evidence that products and systems meet requirements of codes and technical standards. ICC-ES also issues environmental reports verifying that products meet specific sustainability targets defined by today’s codes, standards, green rating systems and ICC-ES environmental criteria. ICC-ES is a subsidiary of the International Code Council® (ICC®). For more information, please visit www.icc-es.org.