CSI Warranties

CSI Warranties

The project will be covered by CSI’s standard 20-Year Finish Warranty.


A separate CSI Weathertightness Warranty may be purchased if required by the Owner, Architect, or General Contractor.

If a CSI Weathertightness Warranty is purchased, CSI will provide additional oversight throughout the installation process. CSI and/or CSI-designated consultants will visit the project at various stages to review the installation for general conformance with the approved shop drawings, details, and warranty requirements.


Issuance of the CSI Weathertightness Warranty will be contingent upon compliance with CSI’s approved shop drawings, installation requirements, waterproofing requirements, inspection procedures, and documentation requirements.


Installer Warranty Bond

When a CSI Weathertightness Warranty is purchased for the project, the approved installer shall furnish an AIA A313 Warranty Bond, issued by an acceptable licensed surety, covering the installer’s warranty and corrective-work obligations associated with the CSI architectural metal system.


The Warranty Bond shall remain separate from, but operate in conjunction with, the CSI Weathertightness Warranty.


The installer’s obligations shall include workmanship associated with installation of the CSI metal panel system and all installer-performed transitions, flashings, terminations, penetrations, closures, attachments, and other components incorporated into the warranted assembly.


The bond amount and duration shall be established in the project-specific warranty agreement and contract documents.


Site Observation

During installation, CSI and/or CSI’s designated consultants may make periodic site visits to review the work for general conformance with the approved CSI details and warranty requirements.


These observations do not relieve the installer, waterproofing contractor, General Contractor, or other responsible trades of their contractual responsibility for the quality and performance of their work.


Mandatory Photographic Documentation

The installer shall photographically document concealed work before it is covered by CSI metal panels or other finish materials.


Documentation shall include, at minimum:

  • Waterproofing conditions beneath the metal system
  • Transition flashings
  • Roof-to-wall transitions
  • Perimeter and edge conditions
  • Penetrations
  • Curbs
  • Drains and gutters, where applicable
  • Terminations
  • Membrane laps and tie-ins
  • Window, door, masonry, stucco, roofing, and other adjacent-system interfaces
  • Fastening and attachment conditions, where required
  • Any field modification to an approved CSI detail


Photographs shall clearly identify the location and condition being documented and shall be maintained as part of the permanent project warranty record.


CSI may require additional photographs or inspection of a particular condition before authorization is given to conceal the work.

Leak Investigation


If water intrusion is reported during the warranty period, CSI may review the project documentation, photographs, shop drawings, field reports, and installation records to assist in determining the likely source of the condition.


Where necessary, portions of the CSI metal panel system may be selectively removed to investigate concealed waterproofing, flashing, substrate, attachment, or transition conditions.


The photographic record is intended to allow the investigation to focus on the most probable location of the problem and minimize unnecessary removal of completed metal work.


Responsibility for Corrective Work

If an investigation determines that a failure resulted from defective or nonconforming workmanship by the installer, responsibility for corrective work shall remain with the installer in accordance with its contract and warranty obligations, with those obligations supported by the AIA A313 Warranty Bond.

If the failure is attributable to another trade, substrate, waterproofing system, penetration, adjacent construction, alteration, or other condition outside the CSI system, responsibility shall remain with the party responsible for that work.


The CSI Weathertightness Warranty, the installer’s contractual warranty, the installer’s AIA A313 Warranty Bond, and required insurance coverage are intended to provide coordinated but separate layers of protection. Nothing in the CSI warranty relieves the installer, waterproofing contractor, General Contractor, or other trades of responsibility for their respective work.


A Coordinated Warranty Approach

CSI’s warranty program is designed around one fundamental principle: proper system performance begins with proper design, coordination, installation, and documentation.


For projects utilizing the CSI Weathertightness Warranty, CSI works with the project team throughout the shop drawing and installation process to help ensure that critical transitions, penetrations, perimeter conditions, waterproofing interfaces, and adjacent construction are properly addressed before they are concealed.


For project-specific warranty requirements, eligibility, bond requirements, pricing, or additional information, contact CSI Architectural Metal.



 Installation Requirements – CSI Light Gauge Panel Systems

CSI Light Gauge Panel Systems must be installed by qualified sheet metal workers with proven experience in architectural sheet metal work to ensure a successful installation. These panel systems are highly integrated and detail-sensitive, requiring traditional craftsmanship and the “old-school” tricks of the trade that come only with experience.

Installers must be capable of reading and interpreting architectural drawings, verifying field dimensions, inspecting the substrate for compliance, and maintaining clear communication with the project team throughout all stages of installation.


Tools, Training, and Safety

CSI recommends that all installers undergo product-specific training to become familiar with system components, fabrication details, and approved attachment methods. Proper use of precision layout tools, hand brakes, seamers, and cutting equipment is essential for maintaining accuracy and panel integrity.

All work must comply with OSHA safety standards and CSI’s installation guidelines, including the use of appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) such as gloves, safety glasses, and fall-protection gear when working at heights. Installers should also follow best practices for material handling to prevent surface damage and preserve factory finishes.


Field Coordination and Quality Assurance

Prior to installation, a project-specific mock-up is recommended to confirm design intent, attachment methods, joint alignment, and overall aesthetics. This allows for early identification of adjustments needed to achieve optimal performance and visual consistency.


Throughout installation, the contractor should ensure close coordination with other trades—especially waterproofing, framing, and glazing—to maintain system integrity at transitions, penetrations, and terminations.


Upon completion, all work should undergo a final inspection verifying proper panel alignment, fastening, seam engagement, and compliance with approved shop drawings. Any deviations must be corrected prior to project turnover.


Maintenance and Service Life

CSI Light Gauge Panel Systems are designed for long-term durability and minimal maintenance when properly installed. Routine inspections are recommended at least twice per year and after any severe weather events to check for loose fasteners, sealant degradation, or panel movement.


Cleaning should be performed with mild, non-abrasive detergents and soft brushes to preserve the integrity of factory-applied finishes. Harsh chemicals, high-pressure washing, or metallic scrubbing pads should be avoided, as these can damage protective coatings.


With proper maintenance and environmental consideration, CSI Light Gauge Panel Systems can achieve a service life of 50+ years, maintaining both structural performance and aesthetic appeal throughout their lifespan.



3. Installation Requirements – CSI Heavy Gauge Panel Systems

CSI Heavy Gauge Panel Systems can be installed by experienced construction professionals who can read and interpret architectural plans and installation instructions. Although these systems are delivered prefabricated and installation-ready, proper handling and alignment are essential to ensure a successful and watertight installation.


A project-specific mock-up is strongly recommended to familiarize qualified installers with the panel system, detailing, and sequencing prior to full installation. This process helps identify field conditions, coordination needs, and best practices before work begins.


All waterproofing and sheet metal flashing beneath the panel system must be performed by qualified roofers or sheet metal workers with experience in architectural metal applications to guarantee system performance and weather resistance.


Tools, Safety, and Quality Assurance


Installation of CSI Heavy Gauge Panel Systems requires the use of standard construction and precision alignment tools, including laser levels, torque-controlled fasteners, and lifting equipment designed for handling plate materials. Careful planning of lifting points and bracing is necessary to prevent deformation of panels during installation.


Installers must follow all OSHA safety requirements and CSI’s installation protocols, including the use of personal protective equipment (PPE) such as gloves, helmets, safety glasses, and fall protection when working at heights or handling large-format panels.


To ensure consistency, all work should be subject to continuous quality control, verifying attachment methods, joint spacing, and alignment against approved shop drawings. Any field modifications must be reviewed and approved by CSI or the project’s design authority.


Maintenance and Service Life

CSI Heavy Gauge Panel Systems are engineered for long-term structural performance and minimal maintenance. Periodic inspections—recommended twice annually and after major weather events—should include checking attachment integrity, sealant joints, and adjacent flashings for wear or displacement.


Cleaning should be performed using mild, non-abrasive cleaners and soft cloths to preserve finish integrity. Avoid high-pressure washing or chemical solvents that could compromise protective coatings or anodized surfaces.


When properly maintained and installed per CSI guidelines, Heavy Gauge Panel Systems provide an expected service life exceeding 75 years, maintaining both aesthetic precision and structural resilience even under demanding environmental conditions.



4. CSI ARCHITECTURAL METAL LLC – WATERPROOFING AND TEST COMPLIANCE SUMMARY



Responsibility & Warranty

CSI Architectural Metal LLC is not responsible for waterproofing unless a formal CSI 20-Year Weather-Tightness Warranty is issued. This warranty is provided only when CSI’s tested waterproof assemblies are used in accordance with the specifications validated by Intertek Building & Construction.



Tested and Approved Waterproof Assemblies

CSI recommends the Platinum HT-B Weather Barrier as the standard high-performance membrane for roof, wall, soffit, fascia, and custom assemblies. When field adhesion is reduced due to temperature or moisture, the Perm-A-Barrier water-based primer must be applied prior to installation.



Low-Slope Applications (< 2:12 Pitch)

For roof slopes below 2:12, CSI requires two layers of fully adhered high-temperature peel-and-stick underlayment installed over Perm-A-Barrier primer. Flashings must be sandwiched into the membrane at all perimeters and penetrations. This underlayment assembly serves as the primary waterproofing system, while the metal panels function as an architectural rainscreen and UV barrier.



Underlayment Assembly Details

• System Type: High-Temperature Ice & Water Shield Assembly • Membrane: Two layers of self-adhered underlayment applied over Perm-A-Barrier primer • Integration: Flashings embedded between underlayment layers create a continuous waterproof envelope • Limitation: Metal roof coverings must still comply with slope requirements. Underlayment redundancy cannot substitute for slope-compliant panel design. • Reference: CSI has a 20-year track record of successful custom installations using GRACE ULTRA membranes and Perm-A-Barrier primer, warranted by Grace Construction Products in conjunction with CSI.



Protection Against UV Degeneration

To prevent UV degradation of waterproofing membranes in assemblies with perforated or open-joint systems—such as CSI Applied Heavy Plate (CSI-AHP) Soffit Panel Systems and CSI-AHP Wall Systems—CSI requires the installation of a Dörken DELTA®-FASSADE S UV Barrier Layer directly over the waterproofing membrane. This protective layer shields the primary barrier from prolonged UV exposure while maintaining drainage and ventilation continuity behind the panels.



Recognized Use in Rainscreen Conditions

CSI Architectural Metal LLC recognizes use of its roof panels at low slopes (1:12 and below) where they act as rainscreen and UV barrier only, provided the above double-layer underlayment assembly is followed exactly. In these installations, CSI panels are approved for architectural use with full aesthetic and structural integrity, while waterproofing remains the responsibility of the underlayment system.



Validated Performance

According to Intertek Test Report No. Q6264.02-450-18 R0, dated 08/14/2024, CSI’s 1/8" Aluminum 1100 Roof Panel assembly (with Platinum HT-B Weather Barrier) successfully passed the TAS 100-23 Wind Driven Rain Resistance Test, meeting the requirements of Florida Building Code 8th Edition (2023), Section 1523.6.5.



Test Highlights

• Test Agency: Intertek Building & Construction – West Palm Beach, FL • Test Method: TAS 100-23 (Wind and Wind-Driven Rain Resistance) • Panel Type: 1/8" Aluminum 1100 Roof Panel, 2:12 slope • Underlayment Used: Platinum HT-B Weather Barrier (single layer, 3" overlap) • Observed Results: - 35 mph – No leakage - 70 mph – No leakage - 90 mph – No leakage - 110 mph – No leakage • Conclusion: The assembly met or exceeded FBC TAS 100 performance criteria.



Warranty Integration

CSI Architectural Metal LLC will issue a Weather-Tightness Warranty only in conjunction with the waterproofing manufacturer’s warranty when the above assemblies, membranes, primers, and UV protection layers are installed according to tested and approved procedures. Report Reference: Intertek Q6264.02-450-18 R0 | Date: 09/15/2024 | © CSI Architectural Metal LL