In October 2020, Factory Mutual (FM) published a revised scope for FM Global Property Loss Prevention Data Sheet 1- 52, Field Verification of Roof Wind Uplift Resistance. The scope was changed to replace the statement of allowed use in cases “where inferior construction is suspected (or known to be present) or where a partial blow-off has occurred.” The substituted statement reads: “This field test has no applicability to the evaluation of whether roof assemblies have experienced wind uplift damage subsequent to a storm event.” This revised scope eliminates use of the uplift test on existing roofing after a known or suspected storm event. The IIBEC codes and standards committee (CSC) and the technical advisory committee (TAC) are examining the best approach to assist IIBEC members with this change. For more information, please contact IIBEC Senior Director of Technical Services Emily Lorenz at elorenz@iibec.org.
