The submittal process is where the architect's specification intent meets the contractor's planned execution. For Division 07 sheet metal work, complete and accurate submittals are critical — they lock in the profile geometry, material, coating, and installation method before fabrication begins. Incomplete submittals are among the most common causes of sheet metal RFIs, field changes, and rework. This guide explains what a complete sheet metal submittal looks like and how to review it efficiently.
The Five Types of Sheet Metal Submittals
1. Shop Drawings
Shop drawings are the core submittal for custom sheet metal. A complete shop drawing package for Division 07 62 00 includes:
- Cross-section profiles of each trim type, showing all leg dimensions, bend angles, hem type, and total developed width
- Elevation views at corners, transitions, and terminations showing how sections lap and connect
- Enlargement details at inside and outside corners, end dams, penetrations, and any non-standard conditions
- Fastener schedule showing clip or cleat type, spacing, and fastener type
- Joint details showing lap overlap dimension, sealant placement, and movement direction
- Section legend identifying material, gauge, and coating for each trim type on the drawing
Common deficiency: Contractors frequently submit only cross-section profiles without corner details or joint/lap drawings. Do not approve an incomplete package. Require corner details and joint details for all exposed coping runs before approving fabrication.
2. Material Certifications
Material certifications verify that the metal stock meets the ASTM standards referenced in the specification. Required certifications typically include:
| Material | Standard | What the Cert Confirms |
|---|---|---|
| Galvalume steel | ASTM A792 | Alloy composition, coating weight (AZ50 min), yield strength |
| Galvanized steel | ASTM A653 | Zinc coating weight (G90 min for exposed applications) |
| Aluminum sheet | ASTM B209 | Alloy (3003-H14 or 3105-H14 typical), temper, thickness tolerance |
| Stainless fasteners | ASTM A193 or A307 | Grade, tensile strength, corrosion resistance class |
3. Coating Certifications (PVDF/Kynar)
For PVDF-coated sheet metal, the coating applicator must certify compliance with AAMA 2605. This certification is separate from the material certification — it covers the coating system applied to the metal, not the metal itself. A complete PVDF certification states:
- Coating trade name (Kynar 500, Hylar 5000, or equivalent)
- PVDF resin content by weight in the pigmented coat (minimum 70%)
- Dry film thickness (minimum 0.9 mil total)
- Color name and code as submitted
- Statement of conformance with AAMA 2605
Without this certification, you cannot verify that the coating will provide the 30-year color and chalk warranty typically referenced in the specification.
4. Color Samples
Physical color samples (minimum 2×3 inch chips of actual coated metal) must be submitted before fabrication of exposed Kynar-coated trim. Review samples in natural daylight as well as under project-representative interior lighting. Require the contractor to note that digital renditions and paper chips do not substitute for actual coated metal samples.
For color-matching to an existing building material (curtainwall, window frames, or panel system), require the contractor to submit the specific color code they are matching to and confirm with the color supplier that the match is achievable within the tolerance range of coil-applied coating.
5. Installer Qualifications
When the specification requires installer qualifications, the submittal should include a letter from the sheet metal subcontractor documenting:
- Company name, license type, and jurisdiction
- Number of years in business performing architectural sheet metal work
- List of similar commercial projects (project name, owner, architect, value of sheet metal scope, and reference contact)
- Membership in SMACNA or equivalent trade organization if required
Submittal Review: What to Check
Shop Drawing Review Checklist
Profiles match specification: Compare every leg dimension to the design intent. The developed width shown should equal the sum of all legs plus hem allowances and bend deductions.
Gauge is correct: Verify that the gauge or thickness shown on the drawing matches the specification minimum, and that heavier gauges are used where developed width exceeds 24 inches.
Coating is correct: Confirm the coating type (PVDF vs. polyester) and color code match the submittal package. A different coating type is a non-conforming submittal.
Joint detail is shown: The overlap at each end joint must be a minimum of 3 inches, with sealant in the lap but not fastened through the lap.
Corner details included: Inside and outside corners should be explicitly detailed, not left to field interpretation.
Clip/cleat spacing shown: Fastener spacing must be shown on the drawing. Verify it is within the range specified (24 inches maximum for clips unless wind uplift analysis requires tighter spacing).
End dams at all terminations: Any location where a coping section terminates (at a rooftop penetration, wall step, or parapet end) must show an end dam detail.
How Trimgy Output Serves as a Shop Drawing
When a sheet metal contractor uses Trimgy to draw the coping cap or flashing profile, the output is a precision cross-section showing all leg dimensions, material designation, gauge, and coating. This is the core deliverable of a Division 07 shop drawing submittal.
The contractor exports the Trimgy cross-section, adds their title block (company name, project name, date, revision number), and submits it through the standard submittal process. The architect reviews it exactly as they would any other shop drawing — verifying that the dimensions, material, gauge, and coating match the specification.
What Trimgy adds that a handwritten shop sketch cannot: dimensional precision. The Trimgy drawing is drawn on an 8 pixels = 1/4 inch grid. Every leg dimension is real and confirmable. The developed width is calculated automatically and shown on the drawing. The architect can verify SMACNA compliance (developed width vs. minimum gauge) from the drawing without any manual calculation.
Note for architects: A Trimgy shop drawing covers the cross-section profile. The full submittal package still requires corner details and joint details for coping cap runs. Ask the contractor to supplement the Trimgy cross-section with hand-drawn or CAD corner details for a complete package.
Submittal Schedule and Lead Time Considerations
| Submittal Type | Typical Lead Time | When to Require It |
|---|---|---|
| Shop drawings | 1–3 weeks after award | Before fabrication begins; do not allow fabrication before approval |
| Material certifications | With shop drawings or at delivery | At or before material delivery to site |
| PVDF coating certs | 2–4 weeks after shop drawing approval | Before fabrication; coating must be specified to coil coater before coil is ordered |
| Color samples (standard) | 1–2 weeks after award | Before shop drawing approval — approve color before approving profiles |
| Color samples (custom match) | 4–6 weeks after award | Custom matches must be initiated early; they can delay the entire submittal schedule |
| Installer qualifications | With GC's pre-construction submittals | Before any work begins; can be submitted at the same time as shop drawings |
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Frequently Asked Questions
What shop drawings are required for Division 07 sheet metal?
Division 07 62 00 shop drawings must show cross-section profiles of each custom trim type at a scale sufficient to verify compliance with the specification. Required information includes all leg dimensions, bend angles, material designation, gauge or thickness, coating type and color, hem type at each edge, section length, and joint/lap details. Profile drawings should be supplemented by plan and elevation views for complex conditions such as parapet corners and transitions.
What material certifications are required for sheet metal submittals?
Material certifications typically required include: mill certifications for Galvalume or aluminum coil (confirming ASTM A792 or ASTM B209 compliance), coating weight certifications for Galvalume (AZ50 minimum), PVDF/Kynar coating applicator certifications (confirming AAMA 2605 compliance and minimum 70% PVDF resin content), and paint chip samples for any colored coating.
When is a fabricator's stamp required on sheet metal shop drawings?
Most Division 07 sheet metal shop drawings for custom-fabricated trim do not require an engineer's stamp — they are reviewed and approved by the architect as part of the standard submittal process. Engineer-stamped drawings are required when the submittal includes structural calculations, such as for wind uplift analysis of coping cap anchorage systems, or when a local AHJ requires them for the permit.
How long does the architect have to review sheet metal submittals?
Standard construction contract language (AIA A201) provides the architect 14 days for submittal review unless a different period is specified in the agreement. Many projects with active construction schedules operate on a 7–10 day turnaround for shop drawings. Sheet metal submittals are typically straightforward and can be reviewed quickly once complete shop drawings are submitted.
What color samples are required for Kynar-coated sheet metal?
For Kynar-coated sheet metal, architects typically require physical color chips (minimum 2x3 inch samples) of the selected coating color, submitted before fabrication begins. Samples should be actual coated steel or aluminum, not printed paper chips. Custom color matches require longer lead time (4–6 weeks) and usually require architect approval of a custom sample before fabrication begins.