Within IBC, the requirements of the Building Act for roofs and roof structures can be found in Chapter 15, Roof Assemblies and Roof Structures. Section 1501.1, Scope, states: “The provisions of this Chapter shall govern the design, materials, construction and quality of roofing assemblies and roof frames.” The wind resistance of roofing systems is included in Chapter 1504, Performance Requirements, and Chapter 1504.1, Wind Resistance of Roofs, requires that roofs be designed for wind loads in accordance with Chapter 16, Structural Design. The construction of a building with FM Approved products is therefore advantageous for the builder, the owner, the insurance company. In fact, these products are tested for structural safety, fire behavior and wind loads. Fm 4470 also includes requirements for a manufacturer`s internal quality control program, which includes an audit program, on-site inspections during installation, and additional responsibilities of the manufacturer when product design or components are revised. Generally speaking, “meet FM requirements” or “meet FM requirements” in a specification could be interpreted to mean that for non-FM insured buildings, the wind design process, deck protection and roofing system installation must follow ALL specific FM processes and recommendations used for FM insured buildings. As an architect or planner working on a building that is not insured by FM, is the vague specification language really intended to include the entire “FM process” in wind design and roof system installation? Probably not. It is more likely that the vague wording of the specification referring to the FM is intended to indicate that the assembly must comply with local building codes for wind construction. ANSI/FM 60079-29-1, Issue 2 – Potentially explosive atmospheres – Part 29-1: Gas detectors – Performance requirements for combustible gas detectors Model building regulations, such as the IPC 2018, when adopted by a local jurisdiction, become the legal requirements for construction. The OCA specifically states: “Codes I, including this International Building Code, are used in a variety of ways in both the public and private sectors. Most industry experts are familiar with I-Codes as the basis for laws and regulations in municipalities in the United States and other countries.
“A more succinct way to put it is this: the local building code is the law. FM Global certifies a wide range of products as part of its regulatory program. Certification is available for entire products or systems, or may be limited to a single feature. Most products are used in construction and FM approval ensures the safety and proper functioning of the items. However, some are characterised by particularly strict criteria and for pursuing increasingly important issues of safety and construction prevention. FM, Factory Mutual, is one of them: an international certification focused on safety. FM Approvals is part of Factory Mutual Global, one of the largest insurance companies in the United States, dedicated exclusively to commercial and industrial real estate worldwide. From this group, the FM Approvals division focuses on research and testing, which also aims to meet high standards of prevention and safety in the product field. Wind construction of roof systems can be confusing from a technical point of view. Wind design can also be confusing, as the International Building Code (IBC) has specific requirements, but the same goes for Factory Mutual (FM).
If FM is specified, do IBC requirements have to be met? What is the wind design strategy for FM and non-FM insured buildings? This blog covers the following: FM Global will review your application and prepare a letter of offer. The letter contains the requirements of the review, such as the scope of work and the samples required. The document also includes the schedule, associated costs, and other information that the manufacturer must provide. Nothing in the model code sections referenced in this document or in other related model code sections in the IBC contains a provision that permits the use of a wind design method other than ASCE 7. In other words, the use of EM`s RoofNav for the wind construction of rooftop systems does not replace compliance with building codes that require the use of ASCE 7. Of course, planners should always check the specific requirements of the local building code to determine if the use of RoofNav FMs is allowed for compliance. New York Engineers advises manufacturers who wish to apply for the fm Global Certification program. We help you understand the testing requirements and standards and support you in the certification process. Your products are more likely to be approved by FM Global if you have experienced and professional advisors by your side. We enable you to achieve trust and credibility by facilitating the FM certification process and helping your products pass the strict FM Global testing standards. In roofing specifications, architects have been referring to Factory Mutual (FM) for many decades, especially when it comes to wind design of commercial roofing systems.
“Meet FM requirements”, “Deploy a 1-90 roof system” or simply “Meet FM requirements” are phrases inserted into the specifications. Do these phrases replace the need to follow the wind design requirements of the International Building Code (IPC)? (Spoiler alert: the answer is a resounding “NO”.) FM insured buildings must meet IBC and FM requirements The quality level of the FM certificate is one of the highest that can be achieved and for manufacturers of elements for building construction, the production of the best products is a priority, also in terms of safety. Projects that opt for FM-tested product quality are also spreading in Europe, often on a large scale. This certification is in line with existing and current certifications on building land and makes the approach to safe, efficient and sustainable construction even more solid and structured. The statement “Meet FM requirements” or “Meet FM requirements” does not supersede IBC requirements as adopted by the local building code and which must be legally met by the Architect of Record with respect to the wind design of rooftop systems. (For more information on the code`s requirements for wind design, click here.) The IBC also offers 3 test methods to determine the wind lifting capacity of roofing systems – UL 580, UL 1897 and FM 4474. It is important to recognize that FM 4474 is a test method used by manufacturers to determine wind lifting capacity, and FM 4470 is a comprehensive standard that covers many aspects of roof system performance. The specification and exclusive use of FM`s wind design process instead of complying with wind design requirements in IBC as adopted by local building codes means that the minimum legal requirements for wind design may not have been technically met. For example, one of the requirements for purchasing an insurance policy with FM Global is that the materials and installation systems used for a building to be insured be fm approved. As one of the largest property insurance companies in the world, FM Global wants to ensure that everything it insures is of the highest quality to reduce the risk of loss. FM approved markings are one of the highest quality markings and guarantee the technical integrity, the performance of a product and therefore a lower risk of loss of value and performance of the building.
This label is awarded by one of the largest insurance companies in the world: FM Global. Like roof assemblies, wall assemblies are also tested for performance and strength. FM Global tests the flammability of roofing materials and how well they can prevent the spread of fire. Wall assemblies are also tested for natural hazards by exposing them to strong wind forces and hailstorms. Some assemblies are also subjected to other tests, such as space tests and corner tests, to ensure their effectiveness in disaster prevention. In addition, section 1504.3.1 is the guideline that manufacturers may test roofing systems to determine wind buoyancy capability. Quality is also checked later in the testing phase by an audit system based on the evaluation of the manufacturer`s quality system and regular audits of system components to ensure maximum reliability of products and components over time. UL 580, Standard for Buoyancy Strength Tests of Roof Assemblies Commercial vessels must conform to the IBC as adopted and modified by the local jurisdiction. For wind construction, the VIC requires that a roofing system be designed in accordance with ASCE 7, Minimum Design Loads for Buildings and Other Structures.
(More on details later.) We have helped countless manufacturers achieve FM Global certification with ease and simplicity. It is imperative that you know immediately if something is wrong. FM Global tests the effectiveness of fire detection and signalling equipment. The products undergo a series of tests in various application-specific laboratories with state-of-the-art equipment and experienced staff. It is important to realize that FM 4470 is not listed as a wind transport capacity test method in the 2018 IBC, which means that the IBC does not require a roof system to be FM approved! The FM certification program follows 5 steps. Here`s a quick overview: We`ll work with you to identify the necessary items and submit a complete application form for quick authorization. To dive a little deeper into IBC 2018, Section 1504.3 is the guideline for designers to design roofs that are resistant to wind pressure. Reduce the risk of property damage due to fire, weather, and/or equipment failure by relying on FM Global`s Property Loss Prevention Data Sheets. These standard guidelines deepen your understanding of loss prevention engineering while contributing to the overall resilience of your business.