Factory Mutual (FM) Global’s requirements aren’t suggestions, they’re conditions of insurability. For architects, facilities managers, and risk consultants designing or renovating facilities with FM Global coverage, the roof assembly needs to appear in RoofNav. That listing is the evidence.
Kalwall offers one of the few translucent roof systems that has completed the full battery of FM 4471 testing, combustibility, wind uplift, hail resistance, and foot traffic and achieved Class 1 Panel Roof status. Without secondary membranes. Without supplemental protection. The assembly as specified meets the standard.
Explosion venting for facilities where pressure relief is critical
FM Class 1 Panel Roof certification addresses four categories of risk: internal and external fire performance, wind uplift resistance, hail impact resistance, and structural integrity under load and foot traffic. Each category represents a real operational exposure and FM-certified assemblies are tested against all of them, not selected elements.
For owners, FM certification translates to lower insurance premiums and confidence in business continuity. A facility that has been through an FM-covered weather event or fire incident is better positioned to resume operations when the envelope has been proven in advance.
Combustibility testing covers both ignition from within and flame exposure from outside the building.
Assemblies are tested to resist the pressures generated in high-wind events and storm exposure.
Structural integrity of the panel under hail impact, a critical criterion in storm-exposed regions.
Required for any roof assembly that may be accessed for maintenance or equipment service.
The assumption that FM approval applies only to industrial warehouses and manufacturing facilities is out of date. FM requirements are increasingly applied to high-value commercial and institutional assets, pharmaceutical facilities, data centers, distribution centers, and any facility where the contents or operations justify a more rigorous insurance standard. If the project has FM Global coverage, the roof assembly needs to meet the standard regardless of building type.
Working on a facility that requires explosion venting or pressure relief? Kalwall can help evaluate application fit, release pressure criteria, vent quantities, and FM-driven requirements early in design. Connect with your local representative to review the project and access the right technical resources.
+ 2¾” Skyroof and skylight systems
+ Specific fire-resistance face sheet combinations required
+ Specific grid core options required
+ Strict adherence to FM-approved installation details and fastener spacing
+ Perimeter flashing per FM specifications required for listing to remain valid
+ Listing verifiable in RoofNav, FM Global’s web-based approval tool
FM-certified assemblies have defined span requirements, curb requirements, and configuration constraints that need to be addressed at structural design. Decisions about panel size, grid options, and perimeter conditions that are made late in design or left to the contractor can compromise FM compliance and invalidate the listing. Kalwall should be engaged at the design phase, not the submittal phase.
Documentation needed to evaluate FM compliance, the FM Global data sheet for the facility, or the required wind uplift pressure for the roof zone. Your local Kalwall representative can interpret these requirements and confirm the compliant path to specification.
Working on a facility with FM Global roof requirements? Kalwall can help evaluate application fit, span and curb requirements, wind uplift criteria, and the face sheet and grid configurations that keep the assembly listed. Connect with your local representative to review the project and access the right technical resources.
