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Over the last decade, the building products industry has experienced significant changes in how fire performance, code compliance, and product approvals are evaluated.
Construction methods have evolved. Exterior wall systems have become more complex. Code requirements have expanded. And the expectations placed on manufacturers, engineers, testing laboratories, and code officials continue to increase.
At Priest & Associates Consulting (PAC), many of our team members have spent decades working directly in fire testing laboratories, standards development, product evaluations, and compliance consulting. That testing background provides a unique perspective on how the industry has changed and where it continues to move.
More Complex Wall Assemblies
Modern wall systems are far more integrated than they were ten years ago.
Today’s exterior assemblies often include combinations of:
- Combustible and noncombustible components
- Multiple insulation layers
- Water-resistive barriers (WRBs)
- Air barriers
- Rainscreen systems
- Cladding attachments
- Specialty façade materials
As these assemblies have evolved, so has the need to evaluate how components interact as a complete system, not simply as individual products.
This shift has significantly increased the importance of full-scale system testing and engineering analysis, particularly for exterior wall assemblies.
Increased Focus on Fire Performance
Over the past decade, the industry has seen growing attention placed on façade fire performance and vertical flame spread.
Standards such as NFPA 285 have become increasingly important in evaluating exterior wall systems containing combustible components. At the same time, code officials, architects, and manufacturers have placed greater emphasis on understanding how materials perform as part of an integrated assembly.
Today, those discussions have expanded into broader conversations around system performance, product compatibility, and long-term compliance strategies.
Testing Alone Is No Longer Enough
One of the biggest changes in the industry is the growing need for integrated compliance solutions.
Ten years ago, many projects focused primarily on obtaining individual fire test reports. Today, manufacturers often need to coordinate:
- Testing programs
- Engineering evaluations
- Code reports
- Certification requirements
- AHJ approvals
- Product documentation
As products evolve faster and construction schedules tighten, companies increasingly need engineering support that helps connect testing data, code requirements, and practical field applications into a clear compliance path.
Faster Product Development Cycles
Manufacturers today are developing and modifying products at a much faster pace than in previous decades.
New materials, evolving sustainability goals, changing architectural trends, and market competition have accelerated product development timelines across the industry.
As a result, manufacturers are often working to:
- Expand applications
- Update legacy testing
- Evaluate alternative assemblies
- Integrate new materials into existing systems
This has increased the importance of strategic testing programs and engineering evaluations that help maximize the value of existing data while supporting future approvals.
Increased Coordination Across the Industry
Another major shift has been the increased coordination required between manufacturers, engineers, testing laboratories, certification agencies, architects, and Authorities Having Jurisdiction (AHJs).
Code compliance today often involves much more than passing a single test standard. Successful approvals frequently require:
- Clear documentation
- Technical justification
- Coordination between multiple parties
- Interpretation of evolving code language
- Alignment between testing and real-world construction conditions
As the industry continues to evolve, communication and technical clarity have become just as important as the testing itself.
Looking Forward
While the tools, systems, and code pathways continue to evolve, the core objective remains the same: improving building safety through sound engineering, reliable testing, and practical compliance solutions.
At PAC, our background in fire testing laboratories, standards development, engineering evaluations, and code compliance continues to shape how we support manufacturers, engineers, and project teams navigating increasingly complex requirements.
The industry will continue to change, and we look forward to continuing the conversation.
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