SMACNA Technical Manuals

Construction Standards

Accepted Industry Practices for Sheet Metal Lagging
Providing numerous examples of sheet metal lagging applications, this publication assists the designer, contractor and plant engineer in understanding and solving the complexities involved in the design, fabrication and installation of sheet metal lagging systems. It presents accepted industrial practices for the application of sheet metal lagging to industrial duct, pipe, tanks, boilers, furnaces and other accessories. Also illustrates the requirements of the most commonly encountered insulated surfaces, such as boiler walls, flues, ducts, precipitators, air heaters, economizers, tanks and fans.
128 pages. 1st Ed., 2002.

Architectural Sheet Metal Inspection Guide
An invaluable inspection resource for owners of standing seam, batten seam, or Bermuda-type roofs. Presents practical troubleshooting and corrective tips for typical problems of roof panels, gutters, downspouts, fascia, copings, flashing, ridges and hips, valleys, expansion joints, penetrations, fasteners and soldering. Also provides relevant information regarding construction of these architectural elements, the purpose of each, as well as what to look for during periodic inspections. Sealants, moisture transfer methods and air leakage are also covered. Emphasizes the importance of regular and appropriately timed inspections because a small problem discovered early can be fixed at a low cost, preventing minor damage from becoming a substantial problem until the cost of repair and remediation becomes excessive. Contractors will find this book a valuable resource to provide owners or facility managers along with the standard building completion documents.
52 pages. 1st Ed., 2004

Architectural Sheet Metal Manual
Update your library. This completely revised publication contains the most comprehensive set of recommended practices available for proper design and installation of custom-fabricated architectural sheet metal including roof drainage system design for scuppers, gutters and downspouts. Features more details in the historical restoration section on skylights, cornices and spires; new moisture and maintenance guide with underlayments; mechanical fasteners and soldering guidance; and enhanced metals selection data. Offers new construction techniques and alternative methods of design and installation reflecting climatic conditions and rainfall rates. An upfront, fast “look-up” key speeds information retrieval. Also covers flashing, metal roofs, copings, gravel-stop fascia. Includes wind uplift pressure test reports confirming superior performance of custom-fabricated metal roofing. Applies to commercial, industrial and residential buildings.
Individual CADD Drawing files are available. SMACNA Members must be logged in to download files. Non-Members click here to purchase.
542 pages. 7th Ed. 2012.

Architectural Sheet Metal Manual - CADD Drawing
CADD drawings of the illustrations in SMACNA’s 7th edition of the Architectural Sheet Metal Manual are available for download and use in CAD programs. These drawings illustrate the best practices in custom architectural sheet metal work. Purchase individual files in DWG format ($20 each for Non-Members) or get all 188 figures on a CD-ROM. Architects and designers are encouraged to use this invaluable resource to assure that their specifications reflect professionally vetted design details. SMACNA Members click here for free drawings.

Standard Practice In Sheet Metal Work
More than a history book! This handsome publication contains a collection of 1929 system design data and graphic illustrations, including pattern layouts representing the best-known practices in the industry that have been proven over a period of years. With today’s emphasis on restoration, refurbishing, rebuilding and retrofitting, architects will find this publication more than of just historical interest. Architectural sections include elaborate cornices, skylights, domes, spires, spun balusters, gargoyles, marquise, storefronts, metal buildings and metal roofs. A majority of drawings are to scale. Another section is on heating and ventilating systems including gravity furnaces. Blowpipe sections cover design, layout, construction and equipment. (Not available on CD-ROM.) 768 pages. Reprint of 1929 Ed.

Fire, Smoke and Radiation Damper Installation Guide For HVAC Systems
An application and installation study guide for architects, engineers, code officials, manufacturers and contractors outlining their respective responsibilities mandated by the model codes. Covers fire dampers, breakaway connections, combination fire and smoke dampers, framing of structural openings, contract plan marking, installation instructions and special applications. Also contains information on active and passive smoke control systems and smoke detectors, plus soft metrics. Includes the most recent code changes by the IMC (International Mechanical Code), SBBCI (Southern Building Code Congress International), BOCA (Building Officials and Code Administrators, International), and the UMC (Uniform Mechanical Code).
142 pages. 5th Ed., 2002.

Guide for Free-Standing Steel Stack Construction
Contractors, designers, and engineers will find this guide a very valuable resource, as tables containing hundreds of stacks are detailed and ready to go.
This new publication updates the 1996 Guide for Steel Stack Construction, second edition, incorporating text and tables. New to the 2011 publication are design considerations for free standing stacks under resonant vibration, established limits on stacks fitted with testing platforms, larger stack selection diameters, and consideration of custom designed anchoring systems instead of a standardized schedule. Includes tables for selection of free standing stacks from 20 feet to 120 feet high, and diameters to 120 inches, companion flange, stiffener sizes and stacks with access ladders and platforms.
96pages. 3rd Ed., 2011.

Guidelines for Roof Mounted Outdoor Air-Conditioner Installations
Contains guidelines for the installation of roof-mounted outdoor air-conditioner equipment as developed by SMACNA and the Air-Conditioning & Refrigeration Institute (ARI). To be used as a supplement to the unit manufacturer’s specific installation instructions. This booklet of waterproofing illustrations and reminders covers curb and roof penetrations and sealings, as well as the interface between the roof and the location at which the unit, piping, electrical wiring or sheet metal ductwork pass through the roof. This guideline supersedes ARI Guideline B-1986. (Not available on CD-ROM.) 28 pages. 2nd Ed., 1998.

Guyed Steel Stacks-Welded Lockseam Construction
The first edition of the Guyed Steel Stack manual is devoted exclusively to vertical, uniform diameter guyed stacks with welded longseam or spiral lockseam fabrication for at-grade or penetrated roof installations. This guide was developed to provide all pertinent information for guyed stack construction through the use of selection tables listing specific combination of stack diameter, stack height and maximum wind velocity. 66 pages. 1st Ed., 2011.

HVAC Duct Systems Inspection Guide
Contains guidelines for inspection of commercial HVAC duct systems for compliance with SMACNA/ANSI HVAC Duct Construction Standards, Metal and Flexible, (3rd edition) and Fibrous Glass Duct Construction Standards (7th edition). It reviews materials and reinforcement of duct systems, as well as assembly and supports of ducts. The Fire, Smoke and Radiation Damper Guide (5th edition) also summarizes installation details. Checklists are included for ductwork and fire dampers. Valuable as a study guide for the HVAC Duct Construction Standards manual and for learning inspection procedures in general. Includes soft metrics.  3rd Ed., 2006.

Building Standards

Building Systems Analysis And Retrofit Manual
The second edition of the Building Systems Analysis and Retrofit manual provides methods to assess the major energy using elements of an existing building—electrical (lighting and motors) and HVAC. It provides a process that begins with a walk-through audit. Methods discussed include using building systems automation, envelope improvements, and demand control strategies including thermal energy storage. Contractors interested in new opportunities will find market entry guidance and ideas to assist them in the development of new business strategies that target the renovation of existing buildings. Existing buildings are often located near public transportation and development typically occurs on a building’s existing footprint. These two “green” drivers may combine with basic economic factors to produce a compelling incentive for many prospective building owners to choose renovation of an existing building over the construction of new facilities.
144 pages. 2nd Ed., 2011.
 
Energy Systems Analysis And Management
Presents an updated level of technical information necessary for energy conservation and retrofits of today’s commercial facilities. Provides building owners, facility managers, contractors, and system designers with the tools needed to evaluate an existing facility for energy savings potential. Items of special interest include performance contracting, CFC refrigeration regulation, and new automation system open protocols. Other topics covered include HVAC heat recovery, energy auditing, operation and maintenance, and indoor air quality.
200 pages. 1st Ed., 1997.
 
Indoor Air Quality — A Systems Approach
This manual provides for a system-type approach to identifying and solving indoor air quality (IAQ) concerns, while introducing the fundamentals of IAQ. The manual also updates the technical aspects of IAQ with regard to typical contaminants found in today’s facilities.
    Other topics covered are testing and identification and source mitigation. Time-saving IAQ
tracking forms can be modified to meet specific contractor needs. 170 pages. 3rd Ed., 1998.
 
IAQ Guidelines for Occupied Buildings Under Construction
The SMACNA IAQ Guidelines for Occupied Buildings Under Construction, 2nd edition ANSI/SMACNA 008–2008, is intended as an authoritative source for providing project management guidance in maintaining satisfactory indoor air quality (IAQ) of occupied buildings undergoing renovation or construction. The Guideline covers how to manage the source of air pollutants, control measures, quality control and documentation, communication with occupants. It includes example projects, tables, references, resources, and checklists. Methods to identify and remediate lead, asbestos, or other materials that are classified as hazardous materials are not intended to be within the scope of this standard. The new edition includes a more extensive set of informative appendices than the previous edition that provide more references, resources, planning and inspection checklists, model specifications, HVAC equipment early start up guidance, and the DUCT CLEANLINESS FOR NEW CONSTRUCTION — all within a single document for user convenience. 131 pages. 2nd Ed., 2007.
 
HVAC Sound And Vibration Manual
Contractors charged with resolving complaints related to sound and vibration will find the first edition of SMACNA’s “HVAC Sound and Vibration Manual” an in-depth HVAC-specific guide in the art of sound and vibration measurement and mitigation. This comprehensive book covers mechanical vibration, acoustical design of mechanical systems, sound generation and attenuations associated with ducts and fittings, mechanical equipment sound and vibration specifications and inspections, plus sound and vibration instrumentation and measurements.
222 pages. 1st Ed., 2005.
 
HVAC Systems — Testing, Adjusting and Balancing
Presents the basic fundamentals,methods, and procedures, including the necessarytables and charts, to adequately balance a complete HVACsystem. A tutorial on air and hydronic systems as well as equipment performance and operation, this comprehensive text covers motor operation, fan curves, pump curves and fluid flow losses in ducts, fittings, pipes and air terminals. In addition, variable frequency drives, direct digital control systems, lab hood exhaust balancing and the latest balancing equipment and procedures are presented.
407 pages. 3rd Ed., 2002.
 
HVAC Systems — Applications
Focuses primarily on the advancement of HVAC systems technology, with increased emphasis on energy efficiency and the emergence of green and sustainable building. Provides guidance for HVAC system selection, operation, and design. Covers the fundamentals of space condition requirements and explains how the various types of air, hydronic and refrigeration HVAC system designs can be applied to buildings. Individual chapters detail system information for controls, multizone, dual duct, terminal reheat, variable air volume, induction and special applications such as dedicated outside air and thermal energy storage. 442 pages. 2nd Ed., 2010.
 
HVAC Systems Commissioning Manual
Commissioning is the process of ensuring the HVAC system meets the owner’s operational requirements. The process works effectively for projects both large and small, simple as well as complex. It applies to the commercial, industrial and institutional markets. It is a practical how-to guide for contractors, owners and engineers interested in learning about commissioning for new buildings and recommissioning for existing buildings. Separate chapters are devoted to the different levels of commissioning, including basic, comprehensive and critical system commissioning.

A thorough explanation of recommissioning leads one through the preliminary investigation, survey and documentation phase, the design and installation of system modifications, and the actual recommissioning test. The appendix contains a sample HVAC Systems Commissioning Specification, complete from the planning to the final execution stage. Additionally the topics functional performance testing, operator training, MSDS forms and equipment data sheets and O&M manuals are covered. It also includes sample reports and timesaving pre-start and start-up checklists. Use of these tested and proven sample forms and specification will save hours of valuable time.
180 pages. 1st Ed., 1994.
 
TAB Procedural Guide
This guide is intended for trained TAB technicians to assure that the appropriate procedures are employed in an effective manner. Includes general as well as specific guidance for both air-and water-side HVAC system adjusting and balancing. Variable air volume, multi-zone, dual duct and exhaust air systems are examples of the systems specifically covered and time-saving forms are included for precise record keeping during the conduct of a TAB project. Assists TAB technicians with preplanning and establishing teams so that energy use is minimized whether the work is done in new or existing buildings.
116 pages. 1st Ed. 2003.
 
Sheet Metal Welding Guide
This publication and the wealth of information it contains are intended to assist contractors, estimators and shop supervisors in profitably managing the welding activity in a sheet metal shop. Updated coverage of welding processes; flux-cored wire guidelines; and the latest equipment. The safety chapter covers such items as health effects, hazard controls and safety procedures. Other chapters include guidelines for developing welding procedures, controlling weld quality, estimating, hiring and training welders and welder certification 120 pages. 3rd Ed., 2007.
 
Kitchen Ventilation Systems And Food Service Equipment Fabrication Installation Guidelines
A basic reference guide to industry-accepted practices for fabrication and installation of commercial kitchen ventilation systems and custom-built food preparation equipment. Assists the designer, contractor and code officials in understanding the complexities of designing, installing, constructing and balancing both the exhaust and make-up air systems required in commercial kitchen ventilation. The food service equipment section offers practical guidelines for designing, fabricating, evaluating and installing a wide range of custom-built food service equipment. Includes tables, shelves and wall lining details as well as minimum dimension and metal thickness standards for constructing light, medium and heavy-duty kitchen equipment that should provide owners with years of trouble-free usage. Developed in accordance with ANSI/NSF-2-1996. Also included is an appendix that provides application details for the seismic bracing of food service equipment. 199 pages. 1st Ed., 2001.
 
Residential Sheet Metal Guidelines
The first edition of SMACNA’s Residential Sheet Metal Guidelines offers contractors, designers, builders and homeowners a source of expert information on the proper fabrication and installation of exterior sheet metal in residential buildings. Covering topics that include roof drainage systems, decks, chimneys, windows, doors and ledges, the new manual presents details and explanations based on and designed for low-rise residential buildings, up to three stories, that are used as single-family and multi-family dwellings. The guide also highlights details commonly used in residential sheet metal work throughout the industry. In addition to generic detail drawings, design data and the appendixes will help users adapt the drawings to local climate and project conditions. Carefully examining the information along with the local climate conditions will enable users to select the proper details for practically any residential architectural sheet metal application.
130 pages. 1st Ed., 2001.
 
Seismic Restraint Manual: Guidelines for Mechanical Systems
The Seismic Restraint Manual: Guidelines for Mechanical Systems, 3rd edition 2008, ANSI/SMACNA 001-2008, is an updated set of guidelines that shows designers and contractors how to determine the correct restraints for sheet metal ducts, piping and conduit, so that they are more likely to remain attached to the building during an earthquake. The manual shows how very low- and very high-risk areas of the country can be accommodated. The new edition includes a more extensive list of bracing options and has been revised to comply with current building codes all within a single document for user convenience.  202 pages. 3rd Ed., 2008.

Design Guides

Ducted Electric Heat Guide For Air Handling Systems
 A comprehensive application and installation guide of ducted electric heaters and important factors relating to application, selection, location, installation and control.
42 pages. 2nd Ed., 1994.
 
Duct System Calculator
This calculator, complete with detailed instructions, enables HVAC system designers to design an average duct system without additional references. The only calculator in the industry to include the 0.0003 roughness factor duct friction loss data for designing straight, round or rectangular sheet metal ducts. Also available in metric.
Circular slide rule. 1988.
 
HVAC Systems — Duct Design
The fourth edition of HVAC Systems Duct Design presents the basic methods and procedures required to design HVAC air distribution systems. This manual provides the HVAC system designer detailed information on duct design and U.S. and metric units are provided in all examples, calculations, and tables. In addition to the basic engineering guidelines for the sizing of HVAC ductwork systems, the manual also provides related information on materials, methods of construction, economics of duct systems, duct system layout, pressure losses, fan selection, duct leakage, acoustic considerations, and Testing, Adjusting and Balancing (TAB).
348 pages. 4th Ed., 2006.

Duct Standards

Accepted Industry Practice For Industrial Duct Construction
This guide is a compilation of accepted industry practices and construction techniques having received wide acceptance for the fabrication and installation of industrial duct systems. Covers round (long-seam and spiral) duct from 4 in. to 60 in. in diameter, reinforced or unreinforced, for operation from 4 in. to 20 in. wg positive or negative pressure, and from ambient to 650ºF for carbon or stainless steel, 400ºF for galvanized steel, and 120ºF for aluminum. Also rectangular duct fabricated from panels from a few inches up to 5 ft wide, all welded, Pittsburgh, grooved seam pipe lock or standing seam joined duct, for operation from 4 to 20 in. wg positive or negative pressure, and for the same materials and temperature limits as round duct. Also includes chapters on industrial applications, material properties, hangers and supports, fittings, vents, doors, discharge ducts (small stacks) and surface preparation of metals. 210 pages.  2nd Ed., 2008
 
Fibrous Glass Duct Construction Standards
Provides the performance characteristics for fibrous glass board as determined by the North American Insulation Manufacturers’ Association (NAIMA) and Underwriters Laboratories (UL) as well as specifications for closures and illustrations of how to construct the full range of fittings. Also covers details for connections to equipment and air terminals, hanger schedules, reinforcement requirements, fabrication of rectangular duct and fittings, closures of seams and joints, channel and tie rod reinforcements, plus hangers and supports. For 2” wg or less. Metric units have been provided in a more convenient format, as well as an updated inspection checklist.
88 pages. 7th Ed., 2003.
 
HVAC Air Duct Leakage Test Manual
This American National Standard, ANSI/SMACNA 016-2012, covers revised leakage criteria and builds on the proven methods for testing ductwork for air leaks from the first edition. Contains updates to the expected leakage rates for ductwork constructed to the SMACNA HVAC Duct Construction Standards—Metal & Flexible, duct leakage test procedures, recommendations on use of leakage testing, types of test apparatus and test setup and sample leakage analysis. Includes a new educational chapter for designers and specifiers, to aid in the specification and implementation of duct leakage and testing methods.
122 pages. 2nd Ed., 2012.
 
HVAC Duct Construction Standards — Metal and Flexible
The third edition of the HVAC Duct Construction Standards – Metal and Flexible is intended primarily for commercial and institutional duct construction. This American National Standard (ANSI/SMACNA 006-2006) contains tables and details for constructing ductwork for ½" to 10" wg positive and negative pressures. This edition improves upon the second edition with expanded pressure class tables, separate tables for TDC/TDF construction and expanded tables for round duct construction including 6" wg positive and negative pressure and sizes up to 96". New in this edition is an engineering and design chapter to provide additional information to design professionals, double-wall construction details, new casing construction details and additional accessory items. The standard is applicable for construction using uncoated steel, galvanized and stainless steels and a limited range of aluminum ducts. This standard has been adopted in the ICC International Mechanical Code. Includes soft metrics. 390 pages. 3rd Edition, 2005.
 
Rectangular Industrial Duct Construction Standards
The second edition of the Rectangular Industrial Duct Construction Standards (2004) expands the scope of the 1980 version, updating original text to incorporate a revised theory of design, new materials and more “user friendly” tables. Included are new tables for stainless steels and aluminum, plus expanded chapters on materials, welding practices, and a guide specification. It covers the simple, low or moderate temperature and pressure (or vacuum) indoor systems as well as the more complex outdoor systems that operate at moderate to high temperature and pressure (or vacuum), and are subject to higher and more complex external loading. 448 pages, 2nd Ed., 2004
 
Residential Comfort System Installation Standards Manual
This publication incorporates complete and comprehensive installation standards for conventional heating and cooling systems. The manual incorporates the current technology available for contractors and designers to provide a state-of-the-art system. Sections include load calculations, duct design, duct construction, insulation, vents, air terminals, control applications, system specifications and other updated industry equipment and methods for residential systems. Also covered are forced air heating, heat pumps, automatic control thermostats, flues and sound and vibration. Includes soft metrics.
150 pages. 7th Ed., 1998.
 
Round Industrial Duct Construction Standards
This edition expands the scope of the 1977 version, updating original text to incorporate a revised theory of design, new materials and more “user friendly” tables. Offers a standardized, engineered basis for design and construction of industrial ducts of Classes 1 to 5. Includes a spiral duct chapter for Classes 1 and 2, covers design pressures ranging from 30” wg negative to 50” wg positive, plus carbon and galvanized steel tables. Changes to the manual include expanded tables for stainless steel and aluminum, expanded tables for duct sizes up to 96 inches in diameter, introduction of a new Duct Class 5 for systems handling corrosives, and spiral lockseam pipe. As alternatives to table use, the publication has a manual calculation procedure using equations and fully developed examples, and offers optional calculation software. Includes soft metrics.
648 pages. 2nd Ed., 1999.
 
Round Industrial Duct Construction Standards (RIDCS) Software Version 2.0
The Microsoft Windows-based RIDCS design software package for calculation of construction details eases many of the complicated calculations required in the selection of duct gage and reinforcement alternatives for industrial ducts. The program helps designers of air pollution control and industrial ventilation systems in selecting reinforcement alternatives in all areas of industrial duct manufacturing. The version 2.0 upgrade includes a spiral duct selection feature and an extensive calculation report. The duct sizing tool offers a 144-inch maximum duct diameter. Includes a hard copy of the Round Industrial Duct Construction Standards. Published 2002.
 
Thermoplastic Duct (PVC) Construction Manual
Contains the latest and most useful information from manufacturers, fabricators, and corrosion specialists on the use and application of thermoplastic materials. This fully illustrated manual provides full construction details and standards for PVC ducts of 2”, 4”, 6” and 10” wg positive and negative. It gives guidance in understanding these synthetic materials, as well as assistance in determining their strengths, corrosion resistance and advantages over other materials. A model specification enables one to easily prepare custom project documents for installation of PVC air handling systems. Also covered are polypropylene and polyethylene, CPVC, LDPE, HDPE, UHMW, ABS, acrylics, and PVDF. Includes soft metrics.
146 pages. 2nd Ed., 1995.
 
Thermoset FRP Duct Construction Manual
SMACNA contractors researched the current and future potential use of fiberglass reinforced plastic (FRP) duct as well as its physical properties, to provide contractors, architects, engineers, managers, and plant owners with this authoritative resource that can be relied upon for the proper selection, manufacture, and installation of FRP duct systems. Covers design procedures for the manufacture and installation of round duct systems ranging from 4 to 72 inches in diameter, and rectangular duct systems ranging from 12 to 96 inches in width and depth, operating at a static pressure within a range from -30 to +30 in. wg and within a temperature range from ambient to 180° F. Includes soft metrics.
208 pages. 1st Ed., 1997.