FM Global Property Loss Prevention Data Sheets: List of Tables
FM Global Property Loss Prevention Data Sheets: List of Tables
FM Global Property Loss Prevention Data Sheets: List of Tables
Table of Contents
Page
List of Tables
Table 2.2.2.3-1. Maximum Fastener Row and Screw Spacing (On Center) .................................................. 4
Table 2.2.2.4-1. Repair Fastener Spacing for Existing Multi-ply Roof Covers Using FM Approved Min.
No. 14 (1/4 in. [6.5 mm]) Screws and Plates in Min. 22 gauge (0.0295 in., 0.75 mm)
Steel Deck ............................................................................................................................ 4
©2018 Factory Mutual Insurance Company. All rights reserved. No part of this document may be reproduced,
stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted, in whole or in part, in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical,
photocopying, recording, or otherwise, without written permission of Factory Mutual Insurance Company.
1-30 Wind-Damaged Single- And Multi-Ply Roof Systems
Page 2 FM Global Property Loss Prevention Data Sheets
1.0 SCOPE
This data sheet addresses the repair of single- and multi-ply roof systems that have minor wind damage,
usually from less-severe windstorms. These roof covers might have small tears or may have delaminated from
the insulation, or other parts of the roof assembly may have lifted from the roof deck without major damage
to the uplifted components. Damage from peeled or severely cut roof covers with cracked and wet insulation
that occur from severe wind storms and tropical cyclones require replacement. Repairs outlined in this
document do not evaluate the adequacy of the uplift resistance of the roof assembly.
1.1 Changes
January 2018. This document has been completely revised. The following changes were made:
A. Changed the title of the data sheet from Repair of Wind-Damaged Roof Systems to Repair of
Wind-Damaged Single- and Multi-Ply Roof Systems.
B. Added new recommendations for fastening damaged roofs.
C. Deleted Appendix C and moved its information to Section 3.0, Support for Recommendations.
D. Made editorial and formatting changes.
2.1 Introduction
2.1.1 Address severely wind-damaged roof areas by providing full re-roofing or re-covering in accordance
with RoofNav; Data Sheet 1-28, Design Wind Loads; and Data Sheet 1-29, Roof Deck Securement and
Above-Deck Roof Components.
2.1.2 Use FM Approved equipment, materials, and services whenever they are applicable. For a list of
products or services that are FM Approved, see RoofNav, an online resource of FM Approvals.
2.1.3 All FM Approved materials are required to have the Approval mark on the packaging or the material
itself. Materials without proper labeling are not FM Approved and should not be accepted.
2.1.4 Provide thorough supervision by the building owner’s qualified representative during all roof repairs
to ensure quality of workmanship and adherence to FM Approved standards and project specifications. For
tropical cyclone-prone regions in which the wind speed is ≥ 100 mph (45 m/s), see DS 1-52, Field Verification
of Roof Wind Uplift Resistance.
2.1.5 During permanent repairs, remove only that portion of roof covering and insulation that can be replaced
the same day. This will reduce additional wetting of the insulation and limit additional water damage.
2.1.6 Consult with the membrane manufacturer prior to making permanent repairs. A re-inspection by the
manufacturer may be needed to maintain warranty coverage.
2.1.7 Use repair methods that do not require a torch whenever possible, including using cold-applied
adhesives when repairing base flashings. If torch-applied repairs are used, adhere to the recommendations
in DS 1-33, Safeguarding Torch-Applied Roof Installations.
2.1.8 Provide a minimum of two 10 lb (4.5 kg) ABC multipurpose dry chemical portable fire extinguishers
within 20 ft (6.1 m) horizontal travel distance of the repair area and adhere to the recommendations in DS
1-0, Safeguards During Construction, Alteration, and Demolition.
2.2.2.1.1 Remove all wet, damaged, and cracked insulation, dry the deck, and repair the roof system based
on the type of roof and damage noted in this data sheet.
2.2.2.1.2 Follow manufacturer’s repair procedures and additional guidance given in the NRCA Repair Manual
for Low-Slope Membrane Roof Systems, but adhere to this data sheet for fastener spacing. Consider the
expected remaining life of the roof system.
2.2.2.2 Flashing Damage
2.2.2.2.1 Push perimeter flashing that is not severely damaged back into place and secure with screws and
rubber washers into the lower third of the flashing per Data Sheet 1-49. Do not use nails. This applies to
flashing without hook strips or cleats that may be bent outward from the face of the wall.
2.2.2.2.2 Replace flashing systems that are severely damaged with an FM Approved system selected using
RoofNav and following DS 1-49.
2.2.2.3 Ballasted Single-Ply Membranes
2.2.2.3.1 Excessive Ballast Scour: More than 50 ft2 (5 m2) with No Roof Cover Damage
2.2.2.3.1.1 Evaluate the adequacy of the size and weight of ballast in all roof areas in accordance with DS
1-29, Above-Deck Roof Components.
2.2.2.3.1.2 Where damage was caused by a tropical cyclone, consider an enhanced wind design in
accordance with DS 1-28.
2.2.2.3.1.3 Cut the membrane to reset any displaced insulation and then repair the roof membrane according
to the manufacturer’s instructions.
2.2.2.3.1.4 Where found deficient per 2.2.2.3.1.1, improve the wind uplift resistance of the roof cover by doing
one of the following:
A. Provide ballast of the recommended size and weight per DS 1-29, Above-Deck Roof Components.
Ballast should follow specifications in DS 1-29 and only be used if the load capacity of the roof is adequate
as determined by a registered civil or structural engineer. Undersized ballast can be spread in the roof
field area if it does not expose windows.
B. Replace the stone ballast in deficient perimeter or corner areas with beveled or strapped concrete
pavers per DS 1-29, Above-Deck Roof Components.
C. Remove ballast in deficient areas and fasten the membrane to the deck by following all of the steps
below (ballast can be permanently removed from fastened areas if it is not required for exterior fire
exposure. Refer to DS 1-22 when maximum foreseeable loss [MFL] walls are present):
1. Fasten the membrane to one of the following:
a. To the deck in a manner equivalent to the FM Approved mechanically fastened version of the
membrane using FM Approved fasteners and batten bars or stress plates. Make perimeter and corner
fastening enhancements per Data Sheet 1-29.
b. To structural concrete or minimum 22 ga (0.0295 in.; 0.749 mm) thick decks with FM Approved
batten bars if the generic type of membrane is not known. Use fasteners FM Approved for the particular
deck with the spacing per Table 2.2.2.3-1 when no. 15 (0.26 in., 6.6 mm) diameter screws are used.
2. Install rows of fasteners perpendicular to steel deck ribs and seal over fasteners in a manner
consistent with an FM Approved mechanically fastened membrane. For some membrane types, such
as chlorosulfonated polyethylene (Hypalon), the sealing method used for a new installation may not be
possible for a weathered membrane.
3. Install batten bars around the repair area (between the mechanically fastened and ballasted areas
and around roof drains and other roof penetrations in the mechanically fastened areas. Secure the
batten bar with screws spaced 6 in. (152 mm) on-center. Seal the battens with a cover strip.
Table 2.2.2.3-1. Maximum Fastener Row and Screw Spacing (On Center)
Maximum Screw
Maximum Spacing Between Rows of Batten Bars
Field of Roof Spacing in Batten
Field Perimeter Corner
Pressure (FOR) Bars
FOR < 45 psi 48 in. (1200 mm) on 32 in. (600 mm) on 12 in. (300 mm) on 6 in. (152 mm) on
(2.1 kPa) center center center center along each row
45 psi (2.1 kPa) ≤ 30 in. (750 mm) on 18 in. (450 mm) on 12 in. (300 mm) on 6 in. (152 mm) on
FOR ≤ 85 psi center center center center along each row
(6.8 kPa)
2.2.2.3.2 Excessive Ballast Scour: More than 50 ft2 (5 m2) with Roof Cover Damage
2.2.2.3.2.1 Repair or replace the roof cover as needed.
2.2.2.3.2.2 Secure a repaired cover in accordance with Recommendation 2.2.2.3.1.
2.2.2.3.2.3 Install new roof covers that are FM Approved and compatible with the existing insulation if the
insulation is dry and undamaged, or install a new ballasted system. Since ballasted systems are currently not
FM Approved, select a ballasted system using components that are FM Approved for use together in a
RoofNav assembly. In lieu of fasteners or adhesives to secure the above-deck components, use ballast per
DS 1-29. Also adhere to the recommendations in DS 1-28.
2.2.2.4 Non-Ballasted Roofs
2.2.2.4.1 Adhered Roof Cover Removed (Delaminated) from Insulation or Insulation Facer Removed
(Delaminated) from Insulation
2.2.2.4.1.1 Repair roofs with adhered roof covers that are not severely damaged but where the roof cover
or insulation facer has delaminated from the insulation and the existing insulation is dry, secure, and in good
undamaged condition, with one of the following options:
A. Fasten existing single-ply membranes in good condition following Recommendation 2.2.2.3.1.4 part
C (becomes a mechanically-fastened single-ply membrane).
B. Fasten existing multi-ply roof covers (BUR and modified bitumen) in good condition on minimum 22
ga (0.0295 in.; 0.749 mm) thick steel decks with fasteners and metal insulation stress plates FM Approved
for the deck. Fasteners and stress plates are secured through the top of the existing membrane into the
steel deck with a new FM Approved roof membrane installed over the new fasteners in adherence with
DS 1-29. Space fasteners according to Table 2.2.2.4-1 when no. 14 (1/4 in. [6.5 mm]) minimum screws are
used.
C. Provide a new re-roof (see Appendix A) FM Approved roof assembly from the deck up or FM Approved
re-cover roof over the existing roof components if there is no more than one roof and the existing insulation
is dry, secure, and in good, undamaged condition. Select an assembly using RoofNav and per DS 1-28
and DS 1-29.
Table 2.2.2.4-1. Repair Fastener Spacing for Existing Multi-ply Roof Covers Using FM Approved Min. No. 14 (1/4 in. [6.5
mm]) Screws and Plates in Min. 22 gauge (0.0295 in., 0.75 mm) Steel Deck1,2
Roof Design Pressure (Pd) in Needed Ultimate Pressure (Pu),
Respective Roof Area,psf (kPa) psf (kPa) Maximum Area per Fastener, ft2 (m2)
Pd ≤ 30 (1.44) Pu ≤ 60 (≤ 2.87) 5 (0.46)
30 (1.44) < Pd ≤ 35 (1.68) 60 (2.87) < Pu ≤ 70 (3.35) 4.5 (0.42)
35 (1.68) < Pd ≤ 40 (1.92) 70 (3.35) < Pu ≤ 80 (3.83) 4 (0.37)
40 (1.92) < Pd ≤ 45 (2.16) 80 (3.83) < Pu ≤ 90 (4.31) 3.5 (0.32)
45 (2.16) < Pd ≤ 50 (2.4) 90 (4.31) < Pu ≤ 100 (4.79) 3 (0.28)
50 (2.4) < Pd ≤ 65 (3.11) 100 (4.79) < Pu ≤ 130 (6.22) 2.5 (0.23)
65 (3.11) < Pd ≤ 80 (3.83) 130 (6.22) < Pu ≤ 160 (7.66) 2 (0.19)
80 (3.83) < Pd ≤ 155 (5.1) 160 (7.66) < Pu ≤ 210 (10.1) 1.5(0.14)
115 (5.1) < Pd ≤ 163 (7.8) 210 (10.1) < Pu ≤ 325 (15.6) 1 (0.09)
Pd > 163 (7.8) Pu > 325 (15.6) 0.5 (0.05)
1
Use for organic, glass fiber, or polyester felts, or modified bitumen. Do NOT use for single ply membranes.
2
Do not include existing securement for the above deck roof components.
2.2.2.4.2 Adhered Roof Cover with Adhered Insulation Uplifted from Roof Deck
2.2.2.4.2.1 Engage a registered roof consultant (RRC, as certified by RCI, Inc.) or equivalent outside the
US, to inspect and assess the condition of the above deck components if the roof cover and insulation have
been lifted from the deck.
2.2.2.4.2.2 Replace the roof cover and insulation if warranted per 2.2.2.4.2.1. Damaged insulation that was
adhered to metal decks with asphalt should be replaced with insulation mechanically fastened to the steel
deck according to the FM Approval for the assembly. When a metal deck is not present and asphalt is used,
ensure a full (100% deck coverage) mopping of asphalt to adequately secure insulation to non-nailable decks
such as structural concrete. Only use strip or spot mop base sheets within the limits of FM Approved
systems.
2.2.2.4.3 Mechanically Fastened Base Sheet or Mechanically Fastened Insulation Uplifted from Roof Deck
2.2.2.4.3.1 Provide a new FM Approved roof assembly from the deck up when mechanically fastened base
sheets or mechanically fastened insulation is uplifted from the deck. Select using RoofNav and DS 1-28,
and install in accordance with DS 1-29.
2.2.2.4.3.2 Conduct pull-out tests on fasteners used with cementitious wood fiber, gypsum, or lightweight
insulating concrete decks. Use a fastener density per Data Sheet 1-29.
2.2.2.5 Roof Deck Damage
2.2.2.5.1 Replace wind-damaged roof decks or those showing signs of rot or similar deterioration with properly
secured FM Approved roof decks selected using RoofNav and DS 1-29. If the roof deck is damaged due
to the interior environment, such as gypsum or cementitious wood fiber decks over a high-humidity occupancy,
replace the deck with a deck material tolerant of the occupancy.
2.2.2.5.2 Inspect the securement of the deck for adequacy per DS 1-28 and DS 1-29 if the above-deck
components have been removed. If additional deck securement is needed, have it applied in all areas where
necessary to reduce the potential for future damage.
4.0 REFERENCES
4.1 FM Global
Data Sheet 1-22, Maximum Foreseeable Loss
Data Sheet 1-28, Design Wind Loads
Data Sheet 1-29, Roof Deck Securement and Above-Deck Roof Components
Data Sheet 1-32, Existing PVC Roof Covers
Data Sheet 1-33, Safeguarding Torch-Applied Roof Installations
Data Sheet 1-49, Perimeter Flashing
Data Sheet 1-52, Field Verification of Roof Uplift Resistance
Data Sheet 10-3, Hot Work Management
Approval Guide, a publication of FM Approvals
4.2 Other
Asphalt Roofing Manufactures Association, the National Roofing Contractors Association, and SPRI. Repair
Manual for Low-Slope Membrane Roof Systems
FM Approved: Products and services that have satisfied the criteria for FM Approval. Refer to the Approval
Guide, an online resource of FM Approvals, for a complete listing of products and services that are FM
Approved.
Field-of-roof (FOR) pressures: Design wind uplift pressures for the field area of the roof determined using
DS 1-28 Wind Design or RoofNav. These do not include a safety factor.
Mechanically attached single-ply membrane: The single-ply roof cover is secured to the roof deck with
mechanical fasteners. The does not include single-ply membranes that are fully or partially adhered to an
insulation or cover board.
Mechanically fastened base sheet: A bituminous base sheet that is mechanically fastened to the roof deck,
with one or more layers of bituminous sheet adhered above it.
Re-cover roof constructions over existing FM Approved roof: The new components are installed over the
existing roof cover. If more than one existing roof is present, the existing components should be removed
(see “Re-roof”). Remove and replace all wet insulation materials prior to application of the new roof system,
remove existing gravel and cut out blisters. In all cases, the wind uplift resistance of the completed roof is
the lesser of the rating of the recover RoofNav assembly or that of the substrate to which the recover assembly
is secured. The addition of a new roof assembly in re-cover construction will not upgrade an existing Class
2 roof assembly to Class 1. The fire rating of the existing steel deck roof is assumed to be Class 2, requiring
automatic sprinkler protection under the roof if the original roof assembly is not FM Approved.
Re-roof: Re-roof roof construction requires stripping the existing roof system, consisting of all membranes,
insulations (see exceptions for lightweight insulating concrete [LWIC] and steel deck), fasteners, etc., down to
the bare substrate (i.e., steel deck, structural concrete, or wood deck). In all cases the existing deck must
be sound. The roof system is then installed according to the RoofNav assembly and the applicable Data Sheet.
In all cases the wind uplift resistance of the re-roofed assembly is the lesser of the rating of the re-roof
assembly or that of the substrate to which the re-roof assembly is secured. When re-roofing over gypsum,
cementitious wood fiber or LWIC, verify fastener pull-out performance with field tests per DS 1-29. Refer to DS
1-29 for pull-out tests on other substrates.
Roof cover: The exterior surface of a roof assembly.