QAI Code Evaluation Report Service (CER)

ENSURE YOUR BUILDING PRODUCTS MEET U.S. AND CANADIAN CODE REQUIREMENTS

A Code Evaluation Report describes the applications in which a building product is considered compliant with applicable building codes.

QAI provides testing, inspection, and certification services in one place, allowing most evaluations to be completed in-house.

A building official, architect or engineer can read a CER and understand the applications in which a building product is approved for use.

A CER is commonly used to demonstrate compliance of products that do not have a clear set of compliance criteria outlined in the code.

How the Code Evaluation Report Service Works

A Code Evaluation Report (CER) is a formal report issued by QAI that demonstrates a building product’s compliance with applicable sections of the building code, whether your target market is the U.S., Canada, or both. CER’s are particularly useful for products that do not have clearly defined standards or criteria in the code, such as underlayment, weather barriers, sheathing, or insulation systems. The CER outlines the  intended applications, limitations, and the results of relevant testing and inspection procedures.

QAI’s evaluation process begins with a thorough review of the product’s specifications, installation methods, and any existing test data. If additional testing is required, QAI performs it in-house through its accredited construction testing laboratories, which specializes in many different product categories to support fire, physical and mechanical. This ensures consistency and efficiency throughout the evaluation process.

Testing, Technical Review, and Report Development

Once testing and technical review are complete, QAI prepares the CER, which includes detailed findings and where applicable an engineer’s seal to support engineering certification needs.. Reports are designed to be clear and in a well-structured format intended for use by building officials, architects, and engineers, helping them determine whether the product is suitable for use in a specific project. This is especially important for performance driven products such as roofing systems, cladding assemblies, and insulation materials.

In addition to the Code Evaluation Reports, QAI offers compliance testing services, building code certification,  and third-party certification and  inspection to support building product certification for both U.S and Canada manufacturers. Existing reports issued by other agencies may also be transferred to QAI for updates or revisions, streamlining their compliance efforts under one trusted provider.

Benefits of QAl’s Code Evaluation Report Service:

By working with QAI, manufacturers gain access to a certified testing agency with deep expertise in building material testing, code compliance testing, and product certification services. The result is a  more efficient path to market with the confidence that your product meets all necessary code requirements.

• Receive a clear, engineer-reviewed Code Evaluation Report
• Demonstrate compliance with U.S. and Canadian building code requirements through one coordinated process
• Consolidate testing, inspection, and certification with one trusted provider
• Accelerate time to market with efficient in-house testing and reporting
• Gain credibility with building officials, architects, and engineers
• Access expert support for complex or innovative building products, including updates to existing report

What types of products/materials often have a CER?

In general, anything to do with the exterior envelope of the building is within QAI’s wheelhouse. A few examples include:

• Insulation products
• Roofing systems
• Underlayment materials
• Weather barriers
• Building wraps
• Exterior cladding systems
• Sheathing panels
• Structural and insulating panels
• Waterproofing systems
• Fire-resistant building materials
• Finishes

Codes and Jurisdictions Supported

We can certify to codes and jurisdiction recognition including but not limited to:

• National Building Code of Canada
• International Building Code (IBC)
• International Residential Code (IRC)
• California Building Code (CBC)
• California Residential Code (CRC)
• International Wildland-Urban Interface Code (IWUIC)
• Florida building code
• Miami Dade
• California State Fire marshal

Insulating Concrete Forms

Roof Coverings

Building Wraps and Underlays

Exterior Cladding